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diff --git a/old/7265-h.htm.2019-06-10 b/old/7265-h.htm.2019-06-10 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8535040 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/7265-h.htm.2019-06-10 @@ -0,0 +1,38818 @@ +<?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> + The History of Pendennis, by William Makepeace Thackeray + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The History of Pendennis, by William Makepeace Thackeray + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The History of Pendennis + +Author: William Makepeace Thackeray + +Release Date: July 25, 2009 [EBook #7265] +Last Updated: March 5, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF PENDENNIS *** + + + + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE HISTORY OF PENDENNIS + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By William Makepeace Thackeray + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> TO DR. JOHN ELLIOTSON + </p> + <p> + My Dear Doctor, + </p> + <p> + Thirteen months ago, when it seemed likely that this story had come to a + close, a kind friend brought you to my bedside, whence, in all + probability, I never should have risen but for your constant watchfulness + and skill. I like to recall your great goodness and kindness (as well as + many acts of others, showing quite a surprising friendship and sympathy) + at that time, when kindness and friendship were most needed and welcome. + </p> + <p> + And as you would take no other fee but thanks, let me record them here in + behalf of me and mine, and subscribe myself, + </p> + <p> + Yours most sincerely and gratefully, + </p> + <p> + W. M. THACKERAY. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + If this kind of composition, of which the two years' product is now laid + before the public, fail in art, as it constantly does and must, it at + least has the advantage of a certain truth and honesty, which a work more + elaborate might lose. In his constant communication with the reader, the + writer is forced into frankness of expression, and to speak out his own + mind and feelings as they urge him. Many a slip of the pen and the + printer, many a word spoken in haste, he sees and would recall as he looks + over his volume. It is a sort of confidential talk between writer and + reader, which must often be dull, must often flag. In the course of his + volubility, the perpetual speaker must of necessity lay bare his own + weaknesses, vanities, peculiarities. And as we judge of a man's character, + after long frequenting his society, not by one speech, or by one mood or + opinion, or by one day's talk, but by the tenor of his general bearing and + conversation; so of a writer, who delivers himself up to you perforce + unreservedly, you say, Is he honest? Does he tell the truth in the main? + Does he seem actuated by a desire to find out and speak it? Is he a quack, + who shams sentiment, or mouths for effect? Does he seek popularity by + claptraps or other arts? I can no more ignore good fortune than any other + chance which has befallen me. I have found many thousands more readers + than I ever looked for. I have no right to say to these, You shall not + find fault with my art, or fall asleep over my pages; but I ask you to + believe that this person writing strives to tell the truth. If there is + not that, there is nothing. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the lovers of 'excitement' may care to know, that this book began + with a very precise plan, which was entirely put aside. Ladies and + gentlemen, you were to have been treated, and the writer's and the + publisher's pocket benefited, by the recital of the most active horrors. + What more exciting than a ruffian (with many admirable virtues) in St. + Giles's, visited constantly by a young lady from Belgravia? What more + stirring than the contrasts of society? the mixture of slang and + fashionable language? the escapes, the battles, the murders? Nay, up to + nine o'clock this very morning, my poor friend, Colonel Altamont, was + doomed to execution, and the author only relented when his victim was + actually at the window. + </p> + <p> + The 'exciting' plan was laid aside (with a very honourable forbearance on + the part of the publishers), because, on attempting it, I found that I + failed from want of experience of my subject; and never having been + intimate with any convict in my life, and the manners of ruffians and + gaol-birds being quite unfamiliar to me, the idea of entering into + competition with M. Eugene Sue was abandoned. To describe a real rascal, + you must make him so horrible that he would be too hideous to show; and + unless the painter paints him fairly, I hold he has no right to show him + at all. + </p> + <p> + Even the gentlemen of our age—this is an attempt to describe one of + them, no better nor worse than most educated men—even these we + cannot show as they are, with the notorious foibles and selfishness of + their lives and their education. Since the author of Tom Jones was buried, + no writer of fiction among us has been permitted to depict to his utmost + power a MAN. We must drape him, and give him a certain conventional + simper. Society will not tolerate the Natural in our Art. Many ladies have + remonstrated and subscribers left me, because, in the course of the story, + I described a young man resisting and affected by temptation. + </p> + <p> + My object was to say, that he had the passions to feel, and the manliness + and generosity to overcome them. You will not hear—it is best to + know it—what moves in the real world, what passes in society, in the + clubs, colleges, mess-rooms,—what is the life and talk of your sons. + A little more frankness than is customary has been attempted in this + story; with no bad desire on the writer's part, it is hoped, and with no + ill consequence to any reader. If truth is not always pleasant, at any + rate truth is best, from whatever chair—from those whence graver + writers or thinkers argue, as from that at which the story-teller sits as + he concludes his labour, and bids his kind reader farewell. + </p> + <p> + Kensington, Nov. 26th, 1850. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>PENDENNIS</b></big> </a><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> Shows how First Love + may interrupt Breakfast <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. + </a> A Pedigree and other Family Matters <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> In which Pendennis + appears as a very young Man indeed <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> + CHAPTER IV. </a> Mrs. Haller <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> Mrs. Haller at Home + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> Contains + both Love and War <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> In + which the Major makes his Appearance <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> + CHAPTER VIII. </a> In which Pen is kept waiting at the Door, + while the Reader while the Reader +is informed who little Laura was<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> In + which the Major opens the Campaign <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> + CHAPTER X. </a> Facing the Enemy <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> Negotiation <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> In which a + Shooting Match is proposed <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER + XIII. </a> A Crisis <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> + CHAPTER XIV. </a> In which Miss Fotheringay makes a new + Engagement <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> The + happy Village <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> More + Storms in the Puddle <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. + </a> Which concludes the first Part of this History <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> Alma Mater <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> Pendennis of + Boniface <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> Rake's + Progress <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> Flight + after Defeat <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> Prodigal's + Return <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> New + Faces <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> A + Little Innocent <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> Contains + both Love and Jealousy <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. + </a> A House full of Visitors <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> Contains some + Ball-practising <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> Which + is both Quarrelsome and Sentimental <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0029"> + CHAPTER XXIX. </a> Babylon <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0030"> + CHAPTER XXX. </a> The Knights of the Temple <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> Old and new + Acquaintances <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> In + which the Printer's Devil comes to the Door <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> Which is passed in + the Neighbourhood of Ludgate Hill <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0034"> + CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> In which the History still hovers about + Fleet Street <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> Dinner + in the Row <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> The + Pall Mall Gazette <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. + </a> Where Pen appears in Town and Country <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> In + which the Sylph reappears <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER + XXXIX. </a> Colonel Altamont appears and disappears <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. </a> Relates to Mr. + Harry Foker's Affairs <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. + </a> Carries the Reader both to Richmond and Greenwich <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. </a> Contains a novel + Incident <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. </a> Alsatia + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> In + which the Colonel narrates some of his Adventures <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> A Chapter of + Conversations <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> Miss + Amory's Partners <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> Monseigneur + s'amuse <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> A + Visit of Politeness <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLIX. + </a> In Shepherd's Inn <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0049"> + CHAPTER L. </a> Or near the Temple Garden <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER LI. </a> The happy Village + again <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LII. </a> Which + had very nearly been the last of the Story <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LIII. </a> A critical Chapter + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIV. </a> Convalescence + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LV. </a> Fanny's + Occupation's gone <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LVI. </a> In + which Fanny engages a new Medical Man <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0056"> + CHAPTER LVII. </a> Foreign Ground <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVIII. </a> "Fairoaks to let” + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER LIX. </a> Old + Friends <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER LX. </a> Explanations + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER LXI. </a> Conversations + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER LXII. </a> The + Way of the World <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER LXIII. </a> Which + accounts perhaps for Chapter LXI. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0063"> + CHAPTER LXIV. </a> Phyllis and Corydon <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER LXV. </a> Temptation <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER LXVI. </a> In which Pen + begins his Canvass <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER LXVII. + </a> In which Pen begins to doubt about his Election <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER LXVIII. </a> In which the + Major is bidden to Stand and Deliver <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0068"> + CHAPTER LXIX. </a> In which the Major neither yields his + Money nor his Life <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER LXX. </a> In + which Pendennis counts his Eggs <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0070"> + CHAPTER LXXI. </a> Fiat Justitia <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER LXXII. </a> In which the Decks + begin to clear <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER LXXIII. + </a> Mr. and Mrs. Sam Huxter <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER LXXIV. </a> Shows how Arthur + had better have taken a Return-ticket <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0074"> + CHAPTER LXXV. </a> A Chapter of Match-making <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0075"> CHAPTER LXXVI. </a> Exeunt Omnes <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + PENDENNIS + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. Shows how First Love may interrupt Breakfast + </h2> + <p> + One fine morning in the full London season, Major Arthur Pendennis came + over from his lodgings, according to his custom, to breakfast at a certain + Club in Pall Mall, of which he was a chief ornament. As he was one of the + finest judges of wine in England, and a man of active, dominating, and + inquiring spirit, he had been very properly chosen to be a member of the + Committee of this Club, and indeed was almost the manager of the + institution; and the stewards and waiters bowed before him as + reverentially as to a Duke or a Field-Marshal. + </p> + <p> + At a quarter past ten the Major invariably made his appearance in the best + blacked boots in all London, with a checked morning cravat that never was + rumpled until dinner time, a buff waistcoat which bore the crown of his + sovereign on the buttons, and linen so spotless that Mr. Brummel himself + asked the name of his laundress, and would probably have employed her had + not misfortunes compelled that great man to fly the country. Pendennis's + coat, his white gloves, his whiskers, his very cane, were perfect of their + kind as specimens of the costume of a military man en retraite. At a + distance, or seeing his back merely, you would have taken him to be not + more than thirty years old: it was only by a nearer inspection that you + saw the factitious nature of his rich brown hair, and that there were a + few crow's-feet round about the somewhat faded eyes of his handsome + mottled face. His nose was of the Wellington pattern. His hands and + wristbands were beautifully long and white. On the latter he wore handsome + gold buttons given to him by his Royal Highness the Duke of York, and on + the others more than one elegant ring, the chief and largest of them being + emblazoned with the famous arms of Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + He always took possession of the same table in the same corner of the + room, from which nobody ever now thought of ousting him. One or two mad + wags and wild fellows had in former days, and in freak or bravado, + endeavoured twice or thrice to deprive him of this place; but there was a + quiet dignity in the Major's manner as he took his seat at the next table, + and surveyed the interlopers, which rendered it impossible for any man to + sit and breakfast under his eye; and that table—by the fire, and yet + near the window—became his own. His letters were laid out there in + expectation of his arrival, and many was the young fellow about town who + looked with wonder at the number of those notes, and at the seals and + franks which they bore. If there was any question about etiquette, + society, who was married to whom, of what age such and such a duke was, + Pendennis was the man to whom every one appealed. Marchionesses used to + drive up to the Club, and leave notes for him, or fetch him out. He was + perfectly affable. The young men liked to walk with him in the Park or + down Pall Mall; for he touched his hat to everybody, and every other man + he met was a lord. + </p> + <p> + The Major sate down at his accustomed table then, and while the waiters + went to bring him his toast and his hot newspaper, he surveyed his letters + through his gold double eye-glass. He carried it so gaily, you would + hardly have known it was spectacles in disguise, and examined one pretty + note after another, and laid them by in order. There were large solemn + dinner cards, suggestive of three courses and heavy conversation; there + were neat little confidential notes, conveying female entreaties; there + was a note on thick official paper from the Marquis of Steyne, telling him + to come to Richmond to a little party at the Star and Garter, and speak + French, which language the Major possessed very perfectly; and another + from the Bishop of Ealing and Mrs. Trail, requesting the honour of Major + Pendennis's company at Ealing House, all of which letters Pendennis read + gracefully, and with the more satisfaction, because Glowry, the Scotch + surgeon, breakfasting opposite to him, was looking on, and hating him for + having so many invitations, which nobody ever sent to Glowry. + </p> + <p> + These perused, the Major took out his pocket-book to see on what days he + was disengaged, and which of these many hospitable calls he could afford + to accept or decline. + </p> + <p> + He threw over Cutler, the East India Director, in Baker Street, in order + to dine with Lord Steyne and the little French party at the Star and + Garter—the Bishop he accepted, because, though the dinner was slow, + he liked to dine with bishops—and so went through his list and + disposed of them according to his fancy or interest. Then he took his + breakfast and looked over the paper, the gazette, the births and deaths, + and the fashionable intelligence, to see that his name was down among the + guests at my Lord So-and-so's fete, and in the intervals of these + occupations carried on cheerful conversation with his acquaintances about + the room. + </p> + <p> + Among the letters which formed Major Pendennis's budget for that morning + there was only one unread, and which lay solitary and apart from all the + fashionable London letters, with a country postmark and a homely seal. The + superscription was in a pretty delicate female hand, and though marked + 'Immediate' by the fair writer, with a strong dash of anxiety under the + word, yet the Major had, for reasons of his own, neglected up to the + present moment his humble rural petitioner, who to be sure could hardly + hope to get a hearing among so many grand folks who attended his levee. + The fact was, this was a letter from a female relative of Pendennis, and + while the grandees of her brother's acquaintance were received and got + their interview, and drove off, as it were, the patient country letter + remained for a long time waiting for an audience in the ante-chamber under + the slop-bason. + </p> + <p> + At last it came to be this letter's turn, and the Major broke a seal with + 'Fairoaks' engraved upon it, and 'Clavering St. Mary's' for a postmark. It + was a double letter, and the Major commenced perusing the envelope before + he attacked the inner epistle. + </p> + <p> + “Is it a letter from another Jook,” growled Mr. Glowry, inwardly, + “Pendennis would not be leaving that to the last, I'm thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Major Pendennis,” the letter ran, “I beg and implore you to come + to me immediately “—very likely, thought Pendennis, and Steyne's + dinner to-day—“I am in the very greatest grief and perplexity. My + dearest boy, who has been hitherto everything the fondest mother could + wish, is grieving me dreadfully. He has formed—I can hardly write it—a + passion, an infatuation,”—the Major grinned—“for an actress + who has been performing here. She is at least twelve years older than + Arthur—who will not be eighteen till next February—and the + wretched boy insists upon marrying her.” + </p> + <p> + “Hay! What's making Pendennis swear now?”—Mr. Glowry asked of + himself, for rage and wonder were concentrated in the Major's open mouth, + as he read this astounding announcement. + </p> + <p> + “Do, my dear friend,” the grief-stricken lady went on, “come to me + instantly on the receipt of this; and, as Arthur's guardian, entreat, + command, the wretched child to give up this most deplorable resolution.” + And, after more entreaties to the above effect, the writer concluded by + signing herself the Major's 'unhappy affectionate sister, Helen + Pendennis.' + </p> + <p> + “Fairoaks, Tuesday”—the Major concluded, reading the last words of + the letter—“A d—-d pretty business at Fairoaks, Tuesday; now + let us see what the boy has to say;” and he took the other letter, which + was written in a great floundering boy's hand, and sealed with the large + signet of the Pendennises, even larger than the Major's own, and with + supplementary wax sputtered all round the seal, in token of the writer's + tremulousness and agitation. + </p> + <p> + The epistle ran thus: + </p> + <p> + “Fairoaks, Monday, Midnight. + </p> + <p> + “My Dear Uncle,—In informing you of my engagement with Miss + Costigan, daughter of J. Chesterfield Costigan, Esq., of Costiganstown, + but, perhaps, better known to you under her professional name of Miss + Fotheringay, of the Theatres Royal Drury Lane and Crow Street, and of the + Norwich and Welsh Circuit, I am aware that I make an announcement which + cannot, according to the present prejudices of society at least, be + welcome to my family. My dearest mother, on whom, God knows, I would wish + to inflict no needless pain, is deeply moved and grieved, I am sorry to + say, by the intelligence which I have this night conveyed to her. I + beseech you, my dear Sir, to come down and reason with her and console + her. Although obliged by poverty to earn an honourable maintenance by the + exercise of her splendid talents, Miss Costigan's family is as ancient and + noble as our own. When our ancestor, Ralph Pendennis, landed with Richard + II. in Ireland, my Emily's forefathers were kings of that country. I have + the information from Mr. Costigan, who, like yourself, is a military man. + </p> + <p> + “It is in vain I have attempted to argue with my dear mother, and prove to + her that a young lady of irreproachable character and lineage, endowed + with the most splendid gifts of beauty and genius, who devotes herself to + the exercise of one of the noblest professions, for the sacred purpose of + maintaining her family, is a being whom we should all love and reverence, + rather than avoid;—my poor mother has prejudices which it is + impossible for my logic to overcome, and refuses to welcome to her arms + one who is disposed to be her most affectionate daughter through life. + </p> + <p> + “Although Miss Costigan is some years older than myself, that circumstance + does not operate as a barrier to my affection, and I am sure will not + influence its duration. A love like mine, Sir, I feel, is contracted once + and for ever. As I never had dreamed of love until I saw her—I feel + now that I shall die without ever knowing another passion. It is the fate + of my life. It was Miss C.'s own delicacy which suggested that the + difference of age, which I never felt, might operate as a bar to our + union. But having loved once, I should despise myself, and be unworthy of + my name as a gentleman, if I hesitated to abide by my passion: if I did + not give all where I felt all, and endow the woman who loves me fondly + with my whole heart and my whole fortune. + </p> + <p> + “I press for a speedy marriage with my Emily—for why, in truth, + should it be delayed? A delay implies a doubt, which I cast from me as + unworthy. It is impossible that my sentiments can change towards Emily—that + at any age she can be anything but the sole object of my love. Why, then, + wait? I entreat you, my dear Uncle, to come down and reconcile my dear + mother to our union, and I address you as a man of the world, qui mores + hominum multorum vidit et urbes, who will not feel any of the weak + scruples and fears which agitate a lady who has scarcely ever left her + village. + </p> + <p> + “Pray, come down to us immediately. I am quite confident that—apart + from considerations of fortune—you will admire and approve of my + Emily.—Your affectionate Nephew, Arthur Pendennis, Jr.” + </p> + <p> + When the Major had concluded the perusal of this letter, his countenance + assumed an expression of such rage and horror that Glowry, the + surgeon-official, felt in his pocket for his lancet, which he always + carried in his card-case, and thought his respected friend was going into + a fit. The intelligence was indeed sufficient to agitate Pendennis. The + head of the Pendennises going to marry an actress ten years his senior,—a + headstrong boy going to plunge into matrimony. “The mother has spoiled the + young rascal,” groaned the Major inwardly, “with her cursed sentimentality + and romantic rubbish. My nephew marry a tragedy queen! Gracious mercy, + people will laugh at me so that I shall not dare show my head!” And he + thought with an inexpressible pang that he must give up Lord Steyne's + dinner at Richmond, and must lose his rest and pass the night in an + abominable tight mail-coach, instead of taking pleasure, as he had + promised himself, in some of the most agreeable and select society in + England. + </p> + <p> + And he must not only give up this but all other engagements for some time + to come. Who knows how long the business might detain him. He quitted his + breakfast table for the adjoining writing-room, and there ruefully wrote + off refusals to the Marquis, the Earl, the Bishop, and all his + entertainers; and he ordered his servant to take places in the mail-coach + for that evening, of course charging the sum which he disbursed for the + seats to the account of the widow and the young scapegrace of whom he was + guardian. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. A Pedigree and other Family Matters + </h2> + <p> + Early in the Regency of George the Magnificent, there lived in a small + town in the west of England, called Clavering, a gentleman whose name was + Pendennis. There were those alive who remembered having seen his name + painted on a board, which was surmounted by a gilt pestle and mortar over + the door of a very humble little shop in the city of Bath, where Mr. + Pendennis exercised the profession of apothecary and surgeon; and where he + not only attended gentlemen in their sick-rooms, and ladies at the most + interesting periods of their lives, but would condescend to sell a + brown-paper plaster to a farmer's wife across the counter,—or to + vend tooth-brushes, hair-powder, and London perfumery. For these facts a + few folks at Clavering could vouch, where people's memories were more + tenacious, perhaps, than they are in a great bustling metropolis. + </p> + <p> + And yet that little apothecary who sold a stray customer a pennyworth of + salts, or a more fragrant cake of Windsor soap, was a gentleman of good + education, and of as old a family as any in the whole county of Somerset. + He had a Cornish pedigree which carried the Pendennises up to the time of + the Druids, and who knows how much farther back? They had intermarried + with the Normans at a very late period of their family existence, and they + were related to all the great families of Wales and Brittany. Pendennis + had had a piece of University education too, and might have pursued that + career with great honour, but that in his second year at Cambridge his + father died insolvent, and poor Pen was obliged to betake himself to the + pestle and apron. He always detested the trade, and it was only necessity, + and the offer of his mother's brother, a London apothecary of low family, + into which Pendennis's father had demeaned himself by marrying, that + forced John Pendennis into so odious a calling. + </p> + <p> + He quickly after his apprenticeship parted from the coarse-minded + practitioner his relative, and set up for himself at Bath with his modest + medical ensign. He had for some time a hard struggle with poverty; and it + was all he could do to keep the shop and its gilt ornaments in decent + repair, and his bed-ridden mother in comfort: but Lady Ribstone happening + to be passing to the Rooms with an intoxicated Irish chairman who bumped + her ladyship up against Pen's very door-post, and drove his chair-pole + through the handsomest pink bottle in the surgeon's window, alighted + screaming from her vehicle, and was accommodated with a chair in Mr. + Pendennis's shop, where she was brought round with cinnamon and + sal-volatile. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pendennis's manners were so uncommonly gentlemanlike and soothing, + that her ladyship, the wife of Sir Pepin Ribstone, of Codlingbury, in the + county of Somerset, Bart., appointed her preserver, as she called him, + apothecary to her person and family, which was very large. Master Ribstone + coming home for the Christmas holidays from Eton, over-ate himself and had + a fever, in which Mr. Pendennis treated him with the greatest skill and + tenderness. In a word, he got the good graces of the Codlingbury family, + and from that day began to prosper. The good company of Bath patronised + him, and amongst the ladies especially he was beloved and admired. First + his humble little shop became a smart one: then he discarded the selling + of tooth-brushes and perfumery, as unworthy of a gentleman of an ancient + lineage: then he shut up the shop altogether, and only had a little + surgery attended by a genteel young man: then he had a gig with a man to + drive him; and, before her exit from this world, his poor old mother had + the happiness of seeing from her bedroom window to which her chair was + rolled, her beloved John step into a close carriage of his own, a + one-horse carriage it is true, but with the arms of the family of + Pendennis handsomely emblazoned on the panels. “What would Arthur say + now?” she asked, speaking of a younger son of hers—“who never so + much as once came to see my dearest Johnny through all the time of his + poverty and struggles!” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Pendennis is with his regiment in India, mother,” Mr. Pendennis + remarked, “and, if you please, I wish you would not call me Johnny before + the young man—before Mr. Parkins.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the day came when she ceased to call her son by the name of + Johnny, or by any other title of endearment or affection; and his house + was very lonely without that kind though querulous voice. He had his + night-bell altered and placed in the room in which the good old lady had + grumbled for many a long year, and he slept in the great large bed there. + He was upwards of forty years old when these events befell; before the war + was over; before George the Magnificent came to the throne; before this + history indeed: but what is a gentleman without his pedigree? Pendennis, + by this time, had his handsomely framed and glazed, and hanging up in his + drawing-room between the pictures of Codlingbury House in Somersetshire, + and St. Boniface's College, Cambridge, where he had passed the brief and + happy days of his early manhood. As for the pedigree he had taken it out + of a trunk, as Sterne's officer called for his sword, now that he was a + gentleman and could show it. + </p> + <p> + About the time of Mrs. Pendennis's demise, another of her son's patients + likewise died at Bath; that virtuous woman, old Lady Pontypool, daughter + of Reginald twelfth Earl of Bareacres, and by consequence great-grand-aunt + to the present Earl, and widow of John second Lord Pontypool, and likewise + of the Reverend Jonas Wales, of the Armageddon Chapel, Clifton. For the + last five years of her life her ladyship had been attended by Miss Helen + Thistlewood, a very distant relative of the noble house of Bareacres, + before mentioned, and daughter of Lieutenant R. Thistlewood, R.N., killed + at the battle of Copenhagen. Under Lady Pontypool's roof Miss Thistlewood + found a comfortable shelter, as far as boarding and lodging went, but + suffered under such an infernal tyranny as only women can inflict on, or + bear from, one another: the Doctor, who paid his visits to my Lady + Pontypool at least twice a day, could not but remark the angelical + sweetness and kindness with which the young lady bore her elderly + relative's insults; and it was, as they were going in the fourth mourning + coach to attend her ladyship's venerated remains to Bath Abbey, where they + now repose, that he looked at her sweet pale face and resolved upon + putting a certain question to her, the very nature of which made his pulse + beat ninety, at least. + </p> + <p> + He was older than she by more than twenty years, and at no time the most + ardent of men. Perhaps he had had a love affair in early life which he had + to strangle—perhaps all early love affairs ought to be strangled or + drowned, like so many blind kittens: well, at three-and-forty he was a + collected quiet little gentleman in black stockings with a bald head, and + a few days after the ceremony he called to see her, and, as he felt her + pulse, he kept hold of her hand in his, and asked her where she was going + to live now that the Pontypool family had come down upon the property, + which was being nailed into boxes, and packed into hampers, and swaddled + up with haybands, and buried in straw, and locked under three keys in + green baize plate-chests, and carted away under the eyes of poor Miss + Helen,—he asked her where she was going to live finally. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes filled with tears, and she said she did not know. She had a + little money. The old lady had left her a thousand pounds, indeed; and she + would go into a boarding-house or into a school: in fine, she did not know + where. + </p> + <p> + Then Pendennis, looking into her pale face, and keeping hold of her cold + little hand, asked her if she would come and live with him? He was old + compared to—to so blooming a young lady as Miss Thistlewood + (Pendennis was of the grave old complimentary school of gentlemen and + apothecaries), but he was of good birth, and, he flattered himself, of + good principles and temper. His prospects were good, and daily mending. He + was alone in the world, and had need of a kind and constant companion, + whom it would be the study of his life to make happy; in a word, he + recited to her a little speech, which he had composed that morning in bed, + and rehearsed and perfected in his carriage, as he was coming to wait upon + the young lady. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps if he had had an early love-passage, she too had one day hoped for + a different lot than to be wedded to a little gentleman who rapped his + teeth and smiled artificially, who was laboriously polite to the butler as + he slid upstairs into the drawing-room, and profusely civil to the + lady's-maid, who waited at the bed-room door; for whom her old patroness + used to ring as for a servant, and who came with even more eagerness; who + got up stories, as he sent in draughts, for his patient's amusement and + his own profit: perhaps she would have chosen a different man—but + she knew, on the other hand, how worthy Pendennis was, how prudent, how + honourable; how good he had been to his mother, and constant in his care + of her; and the upshot of this interview was, that she, blushing very + much, made Pendennis an extremely low curtsey, and asked leave to—to + consider his very kind proposal. + </p> + <p> + They were married in the dull Bath season, which was the height of the + season in London. And Pendennis having previously, through a professional + friend, M.R.C.S., secured lodgings in Holles Street, Cavendish Square, + took his wife thither in a chaise and pair; conducted her to the theatres, + the Parks, and the Chapel Royal; showed her the folks going to a + drawing-room, and, in a word, gave her all the pleasures of the town. He + likewise left cards upon Lord Pontypool, upon the Right Honourable the + Earl of Bareacres, and upon Sir Pepin and Lady Ribstone, his earliest and + kindest patrons. Bareacres took no notice of the cards. Pontypool called, + admired Mrs. Pendennis, and said Lady Pontypool would come and see her, + which her ladyship did, per proxy of John her footman, who brought her + card, and an invitation to a concert five weeks off. Pendennis was back in + his little one-horse carriage, dispensing draughts and pills at that time: + but the Ribstones asked him and Mrs. Pendennis to an entertainment, of + which Mr. Pendennis bragged to the last day of his life. + </p> + <p> + The secret ambition of Mr. Pendennis had always been to be a gentleman. It + takes much time and careful saving for a provincial doctor, whose gains + are not very large, to lay by enough money wherewith to purchase a house + and land: but besides our friend's own frugality and prudence, fortune + aided him considerably in his endeavour, and brought him to the point + which he so panted to attain. He laid out some money very advantageously + in the purchase of a house and small estate close upon the village of + Clavering before mentioned. Words cannot describe, nor did he himself ever + care to confess to any one, his pride when he found himself a real landed + proprietor, and could walk over acres of which he was the master. A lucky + purchase which he had made of shares in a copper-mine added very + considerably to his wealth, and he realised with great prudence while this + mine was still at its full vogue. Finally, he sold his business at Bath, + to Mr. Parkins, for a handsome sum of ready money, and for an annuity to + be paid to him during a certain number of years after he had for ever + retired from the handling of the mortar and pestle. + </p> + <p> + Arthur Pendennis, his son, was eight years old at the time of this event, + so that it is no wonder that the latter, who left Bath and the surgery so + young, should forget the existence of such a place almost entirely, and + that his father's hands had ever been dirtied by the compounding of odious + pills, or the preparation of filthy plasters. The old man never spoke + about the shop himself, never alluded to it; called in the medical + practitioner of Clavering to attend his family when occasion arrived; sunk + the black breeches and stockings altogether; attended market and sessions, + and wore a bottle-green coat and brass buttons with drab gaiters, just as + if he had been an English gentleman all his life. He used to stand at his + lodge-gate, and see the coaches come in, and bow gravely to the guards and + coachmen as they touched their hats and drove by. It was he who founded + the Clavering Book Club: and set up the Samaritan Soup and Blanket + Society. It was he who brought the mail, which used to run through + Cacklefield before, away from that village and through Clavering. At + church he was equally active as a vestryman and a worshipper. At market + every Thursday, he went from pen to stall, looked at samples of oats, and + munched corn, felt beasts, punched geese in the breast, and weighed them + with a knowing air, and did business with the farmers at the Clavering + Arms, as well as the oldest frequenter of that house of call. It was now + his shame, as it formerly was his pride, to be called Doctor, and those + who wished to please him always gave him the title of Squire. + </p> + <p> + Heaven knows where they came from, but a whole range of Pendennis + portraits presently hung round the Doctor's oak dining-room; Lelys and + Vandykes he vowed all the portraits to be, and when questioned as to the + history of the originals, would vaguely say they were 'ancestors of his.' + You could see by his wife's looks that she disbelieved in these + genealogical legends, for she generally endeavoured to turn the + conversation when he commenced them. But his little boy believed them to + their fullest extent, and Roger Pendennis of Agincourt, Arthur Pendennis + of Crecy, General Pendennis of Blenheim and Oudenarde, were as real and + actual beings for this young gentleman as—whom shall we say?—as + Robinson Crusoe, or Peter Wilkins, or the Seven Champions of Christendom, + whose histories were in his library. + </p> + <p> + Pendennis's fortune, which, at the best, was not above eight hundred + pounds a year, did not, with the best economy and management, permit of + his living with the great folks of the county; but he had a decent + comfortable society of the second-best sort. If they were not the roses, + they lived near the roses, as it were, and had a good deal of the odour of + genteel life. They had out their plate, and dined each other round in the + moonlight nights twice a year, coming a dozen miles to these festivals; + and besides the county, the Pendennises had the society of the town of + Clavering, as much as, nay, more than they liked: for Mrs. Pybus was + always poking about Helen's conservatories, and intercepting the operation + of her soup-tickets and coal-clubs. Captain Glanders (H. P., 50th Dragoon + Guards) was for ever swaggering about the Squire's stables and gardens, + and endeavouring to enlist him in his quarrels with the Vicar, with the + Postmaster, with the Reverend F. Wapshot of Clavering Grammar School, for + overflogging his son, Anglesea Glanders,—with all the village in + fine. And Pendennis and his wife often blessed themselves, that their + house of Fairoaks was nearly a mile out of Clavering, or their premises + would never have been free from the prying eyes and prattle of one or + other of the male and female inhabitants there. + </p> + <p> + Fairoaks lawn comes down to the little river Brawl, and on the other side + were the plantations and woods (as much as were left of them) of Clavering + Park, Sir Francis Clavering, Bart. The park was let out in pasture and fed + down by sheep and cattle, when the Pendennises came first to live at + Fairoaks. Shutters were up in the house; a splendid freestone palace, with + great stairs, statues, and porticos, whereof you may see a picture in the + 'Beauties of England and Wales.' Sir Richard Clavering, Sir + Francis's grandfather, had commenced the ruin of the family by the + building of this palace: his successor had achieved the ruin by living in + it. The present Sir Francis was abroad somewhere; nor could anybody be + found rich enough to rent that enormous mansion, through the deserted + rooms, mouldy clanking halls, and dismal galleries of which, Arthur + Pendennis many a time walked trembling when he was a boy. At sunset, from + the lawn of Fairoaks, there was a pretty sight: it and the opposite park + of Clavering were in the habit of putting on a rich golden tinge, which + became them both wonderfully. The upper windows of the great house flamed + so as to make your eyes wink; the little river ran off noisily westward, + and was lost in a sombre wood, behind which the towers of the old abbey + church of Clavering (whereby that town is called Clavering St. Mary's to + the present day) rose up in purple splendour. Little Arthur's figure and + his mother's, cast long blue shadows over the grass; and he would repeat + in a low voice (for a scene of great natural beauty always moved the boy, + who inherited this sensibility from his mother) certain lines beginning, + “These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good; Almighty! thine this + universal frame,” greatly to Mrs. Pendennis's delight. Such walks and + conversation generally ended in a profusion of filial and maternal + embraces; for to love and to pray were the main occupations of this dear + woman's life; and I have often heard Pendennis say in his wild way, that + he felt that he was sure of going to heaven, for his mother never could be + happy there without him. + </p> + <p> + As for John Pendennis, as the father of the family, and that sort of + thing, everybody had the greatest respect for him: and his orders were + obeyed like those of the Medes and Persians. His hat was as well brushed, + perhaps, as that of any man in this empire. His meals were served at the + same minute every day, and woe to those who came late, as little Pen, a + disorderly little rascal, sometimes did. Prayers were recited, his letters + were read, his business dispatched, his stables and garden inspected, his + hen-houses and kennel, his barn and pigstye visited, always at regular + hours. After dinner he always had a nap with the Globe newspaper on his + knee, and his yellow bandanna handkerchief on his face (Major Pendennis + sent the yellow handkerchiefs from India, and his brother had helped in + the purchase of his majority, so that they were good friends now). And so, + as his dinner took place at six o'clock to a minute, and the sunset + business alluded to may be supposed to have occurred at about half-past + seven, it is probable that he did not much care for the view in front of + his lawn windows or take any share in the poetry and caresses which were + taking place there. + </p> + <p> + They seldom occurred in his presence. However frisky they were before, + mother and child were hushed and quiet when Mr. Pendennis walked into the + drawing-room, his newspaper under his arm. And here, while little Pen, + buried in a great chair, read all the books of which he could lay hold, + the Squire perused his own articles in the 'Gardener's Gazette,' or took a + solemn hand at picquet with Mrs. Pendennis, or an occasional friend from + the village. + </p> + <p> + Pendennis usually took care that at least one of his grand dinners should + take place when his brother, the Major, who, on the return of his regiment + from India and New South Wales, had sold out and gone upon half-pay, came + to pay his biennial visit to Fairoaks. “My brother, Major Pendennis,” was + a constant theme of the retired Doctor's conversation. All the family + delighted in my brother the Major. He was the link which bound them to the + great world of London, and the fashion. He always brought down the last + news of the nobility, and was in the constant habit of dining with lords + and great folks. He spoke of such with soldierlike respect and decorum. He + would say, “My Lord Bareacres has been good enough to invite me to + Bareacres for the pheasant shooting,” or, “My Lord Steyne is so kind as to + wish for my presence at Stillbrook for the Easter holidays;” and you may + be sure the whereabouts of my brother the Major was carefully made known + by worthy Mr. Pendennis to his friends at the Clavering Reading room, at + Justice-meetings, or at the County-town. Their carriages would come from + ten miles round to call upon Major Pendennis in his visits to Fairoaks; + the fame of his fashion as a man about town was established throughout the + county. There was a talk of his marrying Miss Hunkle, of Lilybank, old + Hunkle the Attorney's daughter, with at least fifteen hundred a-year to + her fortune: but my brother the Major refused this negotiation, + advantageous as it might seem to most persons. “As a bachelor,” he said, + “nobody cares how poor I am. I have the happiness to live with people who + are so highly placed in the world, that a few hundreds or thousands a year + more or less can make no difference in the estimation in which they are + pleased to hold me. Miss Hunkle, though a most respectable lady, is not in + possession of either the birth or the manners, which would entitle her to + be received into the sphere in which I have the honour to move. I shall + live and die an old bachelor, John: and your worthy friend, Miss Hunkle, I + have no doubt, will find some more worthy object of her affection, than a + worn-out old soldier on half-pay.” Time showed the correctness of the + surmise of the old man of the world; Miss Hunkle married a young French + nobleman, and is now at this moment living at Lilybank, under the title of + Baroness de Carambole, having been separated from her wild young + scapegrace of a Baron very shortly after their union. + </p> + <p> + The Major was a great favourite with almost all the little establishment + of Fairoaks. He was as good-natured as he was well bred, and had a sincere + liking and regard for his sister-in-law, whom he pronounced, and with + perfect truth, to be as fine a lady as any in England, and an honour to + the family. Indeed, Mrs. Pendennis's tranquil beauty, her natural + sweetness and kindness, and that simplicity and dignity which a perfect + purity and innocence are sure to bestow upon a handsome woman, rendered + her quite worthy of her brother's praises. I think it is not national + prejudice which makes me believe that a high-bred English lady is the most + complete of all Heaven's subjects in this world. In whom else do you see + so much grace, and so much virtue; so much faith, and so much tenderness; + with such a perfect refinement and chastity? And by high-bred ladies I + don't mean duchesses and countesses. Be they ever so high in station, they + can be but ladies, and no more. But almost every man who lives in the + world has the happiness, let us hope, of counting a few such persons + amongst his circle of acquaintance—women, in whose angelical + natures, there is something awful, as well as beautiful, to contemplate; + at whose feet the wildest and fiercest of us must fall down and humble + ourselves;—in admiration of that adorable purity which never seems + to do or to think wrong. + </p> + <p> + Arthur Pendennis had the good fortune to have a mother endowed with these + happy qualities. During his childhood and youth, the boy thought of her as + little less than an angel,—as a supernatural being, all wisdom, + love, and beauty. When her husband drove her into the county town, or to + the assize balls or concerts there, he would step into the assembly with + his wife on his arm, and look the great folks in the face, as much as to + say, “Look at that, my lord; can any of you show me a woman like that?” + She enraged some country ladies with three times her money, by a sort of + desperate perfection which they found in her. Miss Pybus said she was cold + and haughty; Miss Pierce, that she was too proud for her station; Mrs. + Wapshot, as a doctor of divinity's lady, would have the pas of her, who + was only the wife of a medical practitioner. In the meanwhile, this lady + moved through the world quite regardless of all the comments that were + made in her praise or disfavour. She did not seem to know that she was + admired or hated for being so perfect: but carried on calmly through life, + saying her prayers, loving her family, helping her neighbours, and doing + her duty. + </p> + <p> + That even a woman should be faultless, however, is an arrangement not + permitted by nature, which assigns to us mental defects, as it awards to + us headaches, illnesses, or death; without which the scheme of the world + could not be carried on,—nay, some of the best qualities of mankind + could not be brought into exercise. As pain produces or elicits fortitude + and endurance; difficulty, perseverance; poverty, industry and ingenuity; + danger, courage and what not; so the very virtues, on the other hand, will + generate some vices: and, in fine, Mrs. Pendennis had that vice which Miss + Pybus and Miss Pierce discovered in her, namely, that of pride; which did + not vest itself so much in her own person, as in that of her family. She + spoke about Mr. Pendennis (a worthy little gentleman enough, but there are + others as good as he) with an awful reverence, as if he had been the Pope + of Rome on his throne, and she a cardinal kneeling at his feet, and giving + him incense. The Major she held to be a sort of Bayard among Majors: and + as for her son Arthur she worshipped that youth with an ardour which the + young scapegrace accepted almost as coolly as the statue of the Saint in + Saint Peter's receives the rapturous osculations which the faithful + deliver on his toe. + </p> + <p> + This unfortunate superstition and idol-worship of this good woman was the + cause of a great deal of the misfortune which befell the young gentleman + who is the hero of this history, and deserves therefore to be mentioned at + the outset of his story. + </p> + <p> + Arthur Pendennis's schoolfellows at the Greyfriars School state that, as a + boy, he was in no ways remarkable either as a dunce or as a scholar. He + did, in fact, just as much as was required of him, and no more. If he was + distinguished for anything it was for verse-writing: but was his + enthusiasm ever so great, it stopped when he had composed the number of + lines demanded by the regulations (unlike young Swettenham, for instance, + who, with no more of poetry in his composition than Mr. Wakley, yet would + bring up a hundred dreary hexameters to the master after a half-holiday; + or young Fluxmore, who not only did his own verses, but all the fifth + form's besides). He never read to improve himself out of school-hours, + but, on the contrary, devoured all the novels, plays, and poetry, on which + he could lay his hands. He never was flogged, but it was a wonder how he + escaped the whipping-post. When he had money he spent it royally in tarts + for himself and his friends; he has been known to disburse nine and + sixpence out of ten shillings awarded to him in a single day. When he had + no funds he went on tick. When he could get no credit he went without, and + was almost as happy. He has been known to take a thrashing for a crony + without saying a word; but a blow, ever so slight from a friend, would + make him roar. To fighting he was averse from his earliest youth, as + indeed to physic, the Greek Grammar, or any other exertion, and would + engage in none of them, except at the last extremity. He seldom if ever + told lies, and never bullied little boys. Those masters or seniors who + were kind to him, he loved with boyish ardour. And though the Doctor, when + he did not know his Horace, or could not construe his Greek play, said + that that boy Pendennis was a disgrace to the school, a candidate for ruin + in this world, and perdition in the next; a profligate who would most + likely bring his venerable father to ruin and his mother to a dishonoured + grave, and the like—yet as the Doctor made use of these compliments + to most of the boys in the place (which has not turned out an unusual + number of felons and pickpockets), little Pen, at first uneasy and + terrified by these charges, became gradually accustomed to hear them; and + he has not, in fact, either murdered his parents, or committed any act + worthy of transportation or hanging up to the present day. + </p> + <p> + There were many of the upper boys, among the Cistercians with whom + Pendennis was educated, who assumed all the privileges of men long before + they quitted that seminary. Many of them, for example, smoked cigars—and + some had already begun the practice of inebriation. One had fought a duel + with an Ensign in a marching regiment, in consequence of a row at the theatre—another + actually kept a buggy and horse at a livery stable in Covent Garden, and + might be seen driving any Sunday in Hyde Park with a groom with squared + arms and armorial buttons by his side. Many of the seniors were in love, + and showed each other in confidence poems addressed to, or letters and + locks of hair received from, young ladies—but Pen, a modest and + timid youth, rather envied these than imitated them as yet. He had not got + beyond the theory as yet—the practice of life was all to come. And + by the way, ye tender mothers and sober fathers of Christian families, a + prodigious thing that theory of life is as orally learned at a great + public school. Why, if you could hear those boys of fourteen who blush + before mothers and sneak off in silence in the presence of their + daughters, talking among each other—it would be the women's turn to + blush then. Before he was twelve years old and if while his mother fancied + him an angel of candour, little Pen had heard talk enough to make him + quite awfully wise upon certain points—and so, Madam, has your + pretty little rosy-cheeked son, who is coming home from school for the + ensuing Christmas holidays. I don't say that the boy is lost, or that the + innocence has left him which he had from 'Heaven, which is our home,' but + that the shades of the prison-house are closing very fast over him, and + that we are helping as much as possible to corrupt him. + </p> + <p> + Well—Pen had just made his public appearance in a coat with a tail, + or cauda virilis, and was looking most anxiously in his little study-glass + to see if his whiskers were growing, like those of more fortunate youths + his companions; and, instead of the treble voice with which he used to + speak and sing (for his singing voice was a very sweet one, and he used + when little to be made to perform 'Home, sweet Home,' 'My pretty Page,' + and a French song or two which his mother had taught him, and other + ballads for the delectation of the senior boys), had suddenly plunged into + a deep bass diversified by a squeak, which when he was called upon to + construe in school set the master and scholars laughing—he was about + sixteen years old, in a word, when he was suddenly called away from his + academic studies. + </p> + <p> + It was at the close of the forenoon school, and Pen had been unnoticed all + the previous part of the morning till now, when the Doctor put him on to + construe in a Greek play. He did not know a word of it, though little + Timmins, his form-fellow, was prompting him with all his might. Pen had + made a sad blunder or two when the awful Chief broke out upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Pendennis, sir,” he said, “your idleness is incorrigible and your + stupidity beyond example. You are a disgrace to your school, and to your + family, and I have no doubt will prove so in after-life to your country. + If that vice, sir, which is described to us as the root of all evil, be + really what moralists have represented (and I have no doubt of the + correctness of their opinion), for what a prodigious quantity of future + crime and wickedness are you, unhappy boy, laying the seed! Miserable + trifler! A boy who construes [Greek word}, instead of [Greek word], but at sixteen years + of age is guilty not merely of folly, and ignorance, and dulness + inconceivable, but of crime, of deadly crime, of filial ingratitude, which + I tremble to contemplate. A boy, sir, who does not learn his Greek play + cheats the parent who spends money for his education. A boy who cheats his + parent is not very far from robbing or forging upon his neighbour. A man + who forges on his neighbour pays the penalty of his crime at the gallows. + And it is not such a one that I pity (for he will be deservedly cut off), + but his maddened and heart-broken parents, who are driven to a premature + grave by his crimes, or, if they live, drag on a wretched and dishonoured + old age. Go on, sir, and I warn you that the very next mistake that you + make shall subject you to the punishment of the rod. Who's that laughing? + What ill-conditioned boy is there that dares to laugh?” shouted the + Doctor. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, while the master was making this oration, there was a general + titter behind him in the schoolroom. The orator had his back to the door + of this ancient apartment, which was open, and a gentleman who was quite + familiar with the place, for both Major Arthur and Mr. John Pendennis had + been at the school, was asking the fifth-form boy who sate by the door for + Pendennis. The lad grinning pointed to the culprit against whom the Doctor + was pouring out the thunders of his just wrath—Major Pendennis could + not help laughing. He remembered having stood under that very pillar where + Pen the younger now stood, and having been assaulted by the Doctor's + predecessor years and years ago. The intelligence was 'passed round' that + it was Pendennis's uncle in an instant, and a hundred young faces + wondering and giggling, between terror and laughter, turned now to the + new-comer and then to the awful Doctor. + </p> + <p> + The Major asked the fifth-form boy to carry his card up to the Doctor, + which the lad did with an arch look. Major Pendennis had written on the + card, “I must take A. P. home; his father is very ill.” + </p> + <p> + As the Doctor received the card, and stopped his harangue with rather a + scared look, the laughter of the boys, half constrained until then, burst + out in a general shout. “Silence!” roared out the Doctor stamping with his + foot. Pen looked up and saw who was his deliverer; the Major beckoned to + him gravely with one of his white gloves, and tumbling down his books, Pen + went across. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor took out his watch. It was two minutes to one. “We will take + the Juvenal at afternoon school,” he said, nodding to the Captain, and all + the boys understanding the signal gathered up their books and poured out + of the hall. + </p> + <p> + Young Pen saw by his uncle's face that something had happened at home. “Is + there anything the matter with my mother?” he said. He could hardly speak, + though, for emotion, and the tears which were ready to start. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the Major, “but your father's very ill. Go and pack your trunk + directly; I have got a postchaise at the gate.” + </p> + <p> + Pen went off quickly to his boarding-house to do as his uncle bade him; + and the Doctor, now left alone in the schoolroom, came out to shake hands + with his old schoolfellow. You would not have thought it was the same man. + As Cinderella at a particular hour became, from a blazing and magnificent + Princess, quite an ordinary little maid in a grey petticoat, so, as the + clock struck one, all the thundering majesty and awful wrath of the + schoolmaster disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing serious, I hope,” said the Doctor. “It is a pity to take + the boy away unless there is. He is a very good boy, rather idle and + unenergetic, but he is a very honest gentlemanlike little fellow, though I + can't get him to construe as I wish. Won't you come in and have some + luncheon? My wife will be very happy to see you.” + </p> + <p> + But Major Pendennis declined the luncheon. He said his brother was very + ill, had had a fit the day before, and it was a great question if they + should see him alive. + </p> + <p> + “There's no other son, is there?” said the Doctor. The Major answered + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “And there's a good eh—a good eh—property I believe?” asked + the other in an off-hand way. + </p> + <p> + “H'm—so so,” said the Major. Whereupon this colloquy came to an end. + And Arthur Pendennis got into the postchaise with his uncle never to come + back to school any more. + </p> + <p> + As the chaise drove through Clavering, the hostler standing whistling + under the archway of the Clavering Arms, winked the postilion ominously, + as much as to say all was over. The gardener's wife came and opened the + lodge-gates, and let the travellers through with a silent shake of the + head. All the blinds were down at Fairoaks—the face of the old + footman was as blank when he let them in. Arthur's face was white too, + with terror more than with grief. Whatever of warmth and love the deceased + man might have had, and he adored his wife and loved and admired his son + with all his heart, he had shut them up within himself; nor had the boy + been ever able to penetrate that frigid outward barrier. But Arthur had + been his father's pride and glory through life, and his name the last + which John Pendennis had tried to articulate whilst he lay with his wife's + hand clasping his own cold and clammy palm, as the flickering spirit went + out into the darkness of death, and life and the world passed away from + him. + </p> + <p> + The little girl, whose face had peered for a moment under the blinds as + the chaise came up, opened the door from the stairs into the hall, and + taking Arthur's hand silently as he stooped down to kiss her, led him + upstairs to his mother. Old John opened the dining-room door for the + Major. The room was darkened with the blinds down, and surrounded by all + the gloomy pictures of the Pendennises. He drank a glass of wine. The + bottle had been opened for the Squire four days before. His hat was + brushed, and laid on the hall table: his newspapers, and his letter-bag, + with John Pendennis, Esquire, Fairoaks, engraved upon the brass plate, + were there in waiting. The doctor and the lawyer from Clavering, who had + seen the chaise pass through, came up in a gig half an hour after the + Major's arrival, and entered by the back door. The former gave a detailed + account of the seizure and demise of Mr. Pendennis, enlarged on his + virtues and the estimation in which the neighbourhood held him; on what a + loss he would be to the magistrates' bench, the County Hospital, etc. Mrs. + Pendennis bore up wonderfully, he said, especially since Master Arthur's + arrival. The lawyer stayed and dined with Major Pendennis, and they talked + business all the evening. The Major was his brother's executor, and joint + guardian to the boy with Mrs. Pendennis. Everything was left unreservedly + to her, except in case of a second marriage,—an occasion which might + offer itself in the case of so young and handsome a woman, Mr. Tatham + gallantly said, when different provisions were enacted by the deceased. + The Major would of course take entire superintendence of everything under + this most impressive and melancholy occasion. Aware of this authority, old + John the footman, when he brought Major Pendennis the candle to go to bed, + followed afterwards with the plate-basket; and the next morning brought + him the key of the hall clock—the Squire always used to wind it up + of a Thursday, John said. Mrs. Pendennis's maid brought him messages from + her mistress. She confirmed the doctor's report, of the comfort which + Master Arthur's arrival had caused to his mother. + </p> + <p> + What passed between that lady and the boy is not of import. A veil should + be thrown over those sacred emotions of love and grief. The maternal + passion is a sacred mystery to me. What one sees symbolised in the Roman + churches in the image of the Virgin Mother with a bosom bleeding with + love, I think one may witness (and admire the Almighty bounty for) every + day. I saw a Jewish lady, only yesterday, with a child at her knee, and + from whose face towards the child there shone a sweetness so angelical, + that it seemed to form a sort of glory round both. I protest I could have + knelt before her too, and adored in her the Divine beneficence in endowing + us with the maternal storge, which began with our race and sanctifies the + history of mankind. + </p> + <p> + So it was with this, in a word, that Mrs. Pendennis comforted herself on + the death of her husband, whom, however, she always reverenced as the + best, the most upright, wise, high-minded, accomplished, and awful of men. + If the women did not make idols of us, and if they saw us as we see each + other, would life be bearable, or could society go on? Let a man pray that + none of his womankind should form a just estimation of him. If your wife + knew you as you are, neighbour, she would not grieve much about being your + widow, and would let your grave-lamp go out very soon, or perhaps not even + take the trouble to light it. Whereas Helen Pendennis put up the + handsomest of memorials to her husband, and constantly renewed it with the + most precious oil. + </p> + <p> + As for Arthur Pendennis, after that awful shock which the sight of his + dead father must have produced on him, and the pity and feeling which such + an event no doubt occasioned, I am not sure that in the very moment of the + grief, and as he embraced his mother and tenderly consoled her, and + promised to love her for ever, there was not springing up in his breast a + feeling of secret triumph and exultation. He was the chief now and lord. + He was Pendennis; and all round about him were his servants and handmaids. + “You'll never send me away,” little Laura said, tripping by him, and + holding his hand. “You won't send me to school, will you, Arthur?” + </p> + <p> + Arthur kissed her and patted her head. No, she shouldn't go to school. As + for going himself, that was quite out of the question. He had determined + that that part of his life should not be renewed. In the midst of the + general grief, and the corpse still lying above, he had leisure to + conclude that he would have it all holidays for the future, that he + wouldn't get up till he liked, or stand the bullying of the Doctor any + more, and had made a hundred of such day-dreams and resolves for the + future. How one's thoughts will travel! and how quickly our wishes beget + them! When he with Laura in his hand went into the kitchen on his way to + the dog-kennel, the fowl-houses, and other his favourite haunts, all the + servants there assembled in great silence with their friends, and the + labouring men and their wives, and Sally Potter who went with the post-bag + to Clavering, and the baker's man from Clavering—all there assembled + and drinking beer on the melancholy occasion—rose up on his entrance + and bowed or curtseyed to him. They never used to do so last holidays, he + felt at once and with indescribable pleasure. The cook cried out, “O + Lord,” and whispered, “How Master Arthur do grow!” Thomas, the groom, in + the act of drinking, put down the jug alarmed before his master. Thomas's + master felt the honour keenly. He went through and looked at the pointers. + As Flora put her nose up to his waistcoat, and Ponto, yelling with + pleasure, hurtled at his chain, Pen patronised the dogs, and said, “Poo + Ponto, poo Flora,” in his most condescending manner. And then he went and + looked at Laura's hens, and at the pigs, and at the orchard, and at the + dairy; perhaps he blushed to think that it was only last holidays he had + in a manner robbed the great apple-tree, and been scolded by the dairymaid + for taking cream. + </p> + <p> + They buried John Pendennis, Esquire, “formerly an eminent medical + practitioner at Bath, and subsequently an able magistrate, a benevolent + landlord, and a benefactor to many charities and public institutions in + this neighbourhood and county,” with one of the most handsome funerals + that had been seen since Sir Roger Clavering was buried here, the clerk + said, in the abbey church of Clavering St. Mary's. A fair marble slab, + from which the above inscription is copied, was erected over the Fairoaks' + pew in the church. On it you may see the Pendennis coat of arms, and + crest, an eagle looking towards the sun, with the motto 'nec tenui penna,' + to the present day. Doctor Portman alluded to the deceased most handsomely + and affectingly, as “our dear departed friend,” in his sermon next Sunday; + and Arthur Pendennis reigned in his stead. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. In which Pendennis appears as a very young Man indeed + </h2> + <p> + Arthur was about sixteen years old, we have said, when he began to reign; + in person (for I see that the artist who is to illustrate this book, and + who makes sad work of the likeness, will never be able to take my friend + off) he had what his friends would call a dumpy, but his mamma styled a + neat little figure. His hair was of a healthy brown colour, which looks + like gold in the sunshine, his face was round, rosy, freckled, and + good-humoured, his whiskers (when those facial ornaments for which he + sighed so ardently were awarded to him by nature) were decidedly of a + reddish hue; in fact, without being a beauty, he had such a frank, + good-natured kind face, and laughed so merrily at you out of his honest + blue eyes, that no wonder Mrs. Pendennis thought him the pride of the + whole county. Between the ages of sixteen and eighteen he rose from five + feet six to five feet eight inches in height, at which altitude he paused. + But his mother wondered at it. He was three inches taller than his father. + Was it possible that any man could grow to be three inches taller than Mr. + Pendennis? + </p> + <p> + You may be certain he never went back to school; the discipline of the + establishment did not suit him, and he liked being at home much better. + The question of his return was debated, and his uncle was for his going + back. The Doctor wrote his opinion that it was most important for Arthur's + success in after-life that he should know a Greek play thoroughly, but Pen + adroitly managed to hint to his mother what a dangerous place Greyfriars + was, and what sad wild fellows some of the chaps there were, and the timid + soul, taking alarm at once, acceded to his desire to stay at home. + </p> + <p> + Then Pen's uncle offered to use his influence with His Royal Highness the + Commander-in-Chief, who was pleased to be very kind to him, and proposed + to get Pen a commission in the Foot Guards. Pen's heart leaped at this: he + had been to hear the band at St. James's play on a Sunday, when he went + out to his uncle. He had seen Tom Ricketts, of the fourth form, who used + to wear a jacket and trousers so ludicrously tight, that the elder boys + could not forbear using him in the quality of a butt or 'cockshy'—he + had seen this very Ricketts arrayed in crimson and gold, with an immense + bear-skin cap on his head, staggering under the colours of the regiment. + Tom had recognised him and gave him a patronising nod. Tom, a little + wretch whom he had cut over the back with a hockey-stick last quarter—and + there he was in the centre of the square, rallying round the flag of his + country, surrounded by bayonets, crossbelts, and scarlet, the band blowing + trumpets and banging cymbals—talking familiarly to immense warriors + with tufts to their chins and Waterloo medals. What would not Pen have + given to wear such epaulettes and enter such a service? + </p> + <p> + But Helen Pendennis, when this point was proposed to her by her son, put + on a face full of terror and alarm. She said she “did not quarrel with + others who thought differently, but that in her opinion a Christian had no + right to make the army a profession. Mr. Pendennis never, never would have + permitted his son to be a soldier. Finally, she should be very unhappy if + he thought of it.” Now Pen would have as soon cut off his nose and ears as + deliberately, and of aforethought malice, made his mother unhappy; and, as + he was of such a generous disposition that he would give away anything to + any one, he instantly made a present of his visionary red coat and + epaulettes and his ardour for military glory to his mother. + </p> + <p> + She thought him the noblest creature in the world. But Major Pendennis, + when the offer of the commission was acknowledged and refused, wrote back + a curt and somewhat angry letter to the widow, and thought his nephew was + rather a spooney. + </p> + <p> + He was contented, however, when he saw the boy's performances out hunting + at Christmas, when the Major came down as usual to Fairoaks. Pen had a + very good mare, and rode her with uncommon pluck and grace. He took his + fences with great coolness, and yet with judgment, and without bravado. He + wrote to the chaps at school about his top-boots, and his feats across + country. He began to think seriously of a scarlet coat: and his mother + must own that she thought it would become him remarkably well; though, of + course, she passed hours of anguish during his absence, and daily expected + to see him brought home on a shutter. + </p> + <p> + With these amusements, in rather too great plenty, it must not be assumed + that Pen neglected his studies altogether. He had a natural taste for + reading every possible kind of book which did not fall into his + school-course. It was only when they forced his head into the waters of + knowledge, that he refused to drink. He devoured all the books at home + from Inchbald's Theatre to White's Farriery; he ransacked the neighbouring + book-cases. He found at Clavering an old cargo of French novels, which he + read with all his might; and he would sit for hours perched upon the + topmost bar of Doctor Portman's library steps with a folio on his knees, + whether it were Hakluyt's Travels, Hobbes's Leviathan, Augustini Opera, or + Chaucer's Poems. He and the Vicar were very good friends, and from his + Reverence, Pen learned that honest taste for port wine which distinguished + him through life. And as for that dear good woman, Mrs. Portman, who was + not in the least jealous, though her Doctor avowed himself in love with + Mrs. Pendennis, whom he pronounced to be by far the finest lady in the + county—all her grief was, as she looked up fondly at Pen perched on + the book-ladder, that her daughter, Minny, was too old for him—as + indeed she was—Miss Myra Portman being at that period only two years + younger than Pen's mother, and weighing as much as Pen and Mrs. Pendennis + together. + </p> + <p> + Are these details insipid? Look back, good friend, at your own youth, and + ask how was that? I like to think of a well-nurtured boy, brave and + gentle, warm-hearted and loving, and looking the world in the face with + kind honest eyes. What bright colours it wore then, and how you enjoyed + it! A man has not many years of such time. He does not know them whilst + they are with him. It is only when they are passed long away that he + remembers how dear and happy they were. + </p> + <p> + In order to keep Mr. Pen from indulging in that idleness of which his + friend the Doctor of the Cistercians had prophesied such awful + consequences, Mr. Smirke, Dr. Portman's curate, was engaged at a liberal + salary, to walk or ride over from Clavering and pass several hours daily + with the young gentleman. Smirke was a man perfectly faultless at a + tea-table, wore a curl on his fair forehead, and tied his neck-cloth with + a melancholy grace. He was a decent scholar and mathematician, and taught + Pen as much as the lad was ever disposed to learn, which was not much. For + Pen had soon taken the measure of his tutor, who, when he came riding into + the court-yard at Fairoaks on his pony, turned out his toes so absurdly, + and left such a gap between his knees and the saddle, that it was + impossible for any lad endowed with a sense of humour to respect such an + equestrian. He nearly killed Smirke with terror by putting him on his + mare, and taking him a ride over a common, where the county fox-hounds + (then bunted by that staunch old sportsman, Mr. Hardhead, of + Dumplingbeare) happened to meet. Mr. Smirke, on Pen's mare, Rebecca (she + was named after Pen's favourite heroine, the daughter of Isaac of York), + astounded the hounds as much as he disgusted the huntsman, laming one of + the former by persisting in riding amongst the pack, and receiving a + speech from the latter, more remarkable for energy of language, than any + oration he had ever heard since he left the bargemen on the banks of Isis. + </p> + <p> + Smirke confided to his pupil his poems both Latin and English; and + presented to Mrs. Pendennis a volume of the latter, printed at Clapham, + his native place. The two read the ancient poets together, and rattled + through them at a pleasant rate, very different from that steady grubbing + pace with which the Cistercians used to go over the classic ground, + scenting out each word as they went, and digging up every root in the way. + Pen never liked to halt, but made his tutor construe when he was at fault, + and thus galloped through the Iliad and the Odyssey, the tragic + playwriters, writers, and the charming wicked Aristophanes (whom he vowed + to be the greatest poet of all). But he went at such a pace that, though + he certainly galloped through a considerable extent of the ancient + country, he clean forgot it in after-life, and had only such a vague + remembrance of his early classic course as a man has in the House of + Commons, let us say, who still keeps up two or three quotations; or a + reviewer who, just for decency's sake, hints at a little Greek. Our people + are the most prosaic in the world, but the most faithful; and with curious + reverence we keep up and transmit, from generation to generation, the + superstition of what we call the education of a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Besides the ancient poets, you may be sure Pen read the English with great + gusto. Smirke sighed and shook his head sadly both about Byron and Moore. + But Pen was a sworn fire-worshipper and a Corsair; he had them by heart, + and used to take little Laura into the window and say, “Zuleika, I am not + thy brother,” in tones so tragic that they caused the solemn little maid + to open her great eyes still wider. She sat, until the proper hour for + retirement, sewing at Mrs. Pendennis's knee, and listening to Pen reading + out to her of nights without comprehending one word of what he read. + </p> + <p> + He read Shakspeare to his mother (which she said she liked, but didn't), + and Byron, and Pope, and his favourite Lalla Rookh, which pleased her + indifferently. But as for Bishop Heber, and Mrs. Hemans above all, this + lady used to melt right away, and be absorbed into her + pocket-handkerchief, when Pen read those authors to her in his kind boyish + voice. The 'Christian Year' was a book which appeared about that time. The + son and the mother whispered it to each other with awe—faint, very + faint, and seldom in after-life Pendennis heard that solemn church-music: + but he always loved the remembrance of it, and of the times when it struck + on his heart, and he walked over the fields full of hope and void of + doubt, as the church-bells rang on Sunday morning. + </p> + <p> + It was at this period of his existence, that Pen broke out in the Poets' + Corner of the County Chronicle, with some verses with which he was + perfectly well satisfied. His are the verses signed 'NEP.,' addressed 'To + a Tear;' 'On the Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo;' 'To Madame + Caradori singing at the Assize Meetings;' 'On Saint Bartholomew's Day' (a + tremendous denunciation of Popery, and a solemn warning to the people of + England to rally against emancipating the Roman Catholics), etc., etc.—all + which masterpieces, Mrs. Pendennis no doubt keeps to this day, along with + his first socks, the first cutting of his hair, his bottle, and other + interesting relics of his infancy. He used to gallop Rebecca over the + neighbouring Dumpling Downs, or into the county town, which, if you + please, we shall call Chatteris, spouting his own poems, and filled with + quite a Byronic afflatus as he thought. + </p> + <p> + His genius at this time was of a decidedly gloomy cast. He brought his + mother a tragedy, in which, though he killed sixteen people before the + second act, it made her laugh so, that he thrust the masterpiece into the + fire in a pet. He projected an epic poem in blank verse, 'Cortez, or the + Conqueror of Mexico, and the Inca's Daughter.' He wrote part of 'Seneca, + or the Fatal Bath,' and 'Ariadne in Naxos;' classical pieces, with + choruses and strophes and antistrophes, which sadly puzzled poor Mrs. + Pendennis; and began a 'History of the Jesuits,' in which he lashed that + Order with tremendous severity, and warned his Protestant + fellow-countrymen of their machinations. His loyalty did his mother's + heart good to witness. He was a staunch, unflinching Church-and-King man + in those days; and at the election, when Sir Giles Beanfield stood on the + Blue interest, against Lord Trehawk, Lord Eyrie's son, a Whig and a friend + of Popery, Arthur Pendennis, with an immense bow for himself, which his + mother made, and with a blue ribbon for Rebecca, rode alongside of the + Reverend Doctor Portman, on his grey mare Dowdy, and at the head of the + Clavering voters, whom the Doctor brought up to plump for the Protestant + Champion. + </p> + <p> + On that day Pen made his first speech at the Blue Hotel: and also, it + appears, for the first time in his life—took a little more wine than + was good for him. Mercy! what a scene it was at Fairoaks, when he rode + back at ever so much o'clock at night. What moving about of lanterns in + the court-yard and stables, though the moon was shining out; what a + gathering of servants, as Pen came home, clattering over the bridge and up + the stableyard, with half a score of the Clavering voters yelling after + him the Blue song of the election. + </p> + <p> + He wanted them all to come in and have some wine—some very good + Madeira—some capital Madeira—John, go and get some Madeira,—and + there is no knowing what the farmers would have done, had not Madam + Pendennis made her appearance in a white wrapper, with a candle—and + scared those zealous Blues so by the sight of her pale handsome face, that + they touched their hats and rode off. + </p> + <p> + Besides these amusements and occupations in which Mr. Pen indulged, there + was one which forms the main business and pleasure of youth, if the poets + tell us aright, whom Pen was always studying; and this young fellow's + heart was so ardent, and his imagination so eager, that it is not to be + expected he should long escape the passion to which we allude, and which, + ladies, you have rightly guessed to be that of Love. Pen sighed for it + first in secret, and, like the love-sick swain in Ovid, opened his breast + and said, “Aura, veni.” What generous youth is there that has not courted + some such windy mistress in his time? + </p> + <p> + Yes, Pen began to feel the necessity of a first love—of a consuming + passion—of an object on which he could concentrate all those vague + floating fancies under which he sweetly suffered—of a young lady to + whom he could really make verses, and whom he could set up and adore, in + place of those unsubstantial Ianthes and Zuleikas to whom he addressed the + outpourings of his gushing muse. He read his favourite poems over and over + again, he called upon Alma Venus the delight of gods and men, he + translated Anacreon's odes, and picked out passages suitable to his + complaint from Waller, Dryden, Prior, and the like. Smirke and he were + never weary, in their interviews, of discoursing about love. The faithless + tutor entertained him with sentimental conversations in place of lectures + on algebra and Greek; for Smirke was in love too. Who could help it, being + in daily intercourse with such a woman? Smirke was madly in love (as far + as such a mild flame as Mr. Smirke's may be called madness) with Mrs. + Pendennis. That honest lady, sitting down below stairs teaching little + Laura to play the piano, or devising flannel petticoats for the poor round + about her, or otherwise busied with the calm routine of her modest and + spotless Christian life, was little aware what storms were brewing in two + bosoms upstairs in the study—in Pen's, as he sate in his shooting + jacket, with his elbows on the green study-table, and his hands clutching + his curly brown hair, Homer under his nose,—and in worthy Mr. + Smirke's, with whom he was reading. Here they would talk about Helen and + Andromache. “Andromache's like my mother,” Pen used to avouch; “but I say, + Smirke, by Jove I'd cut off my nose to see Helen;” and he would spout + certain favourite lines which the reader will find in their proper place + in the third book. He drew portraits of her—they are extant still—with + straight noses and enormous eyes, and 'Arthur Pendennis delineavit et + pinxit' gallantly written underneath. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Smirke he naturally preferred Andromache. And in consequence he + was uncommonly kind to Pen. He gave him his Elzevir Horace, of which the + boy was fond, and his little Greek Testament which his own mamma at + Clapham had purchased and presented to him. He bought him a silver + pencil-case; and in the matter of learning let him do just as much or as + little as ever he pleased. He always seemed to be on the point of + unbosoming himself to Pen: nay, he confessed to the latter that he had a—an + attachment, an ardently cherished attachment, about which Pendennis longed + to hear, and said, “Tell us, old chap, is she handsome? has she got blue + eyes or black?” But Doctor Portman's curate, heaving a gentle sigh, cast + up his eyes to the ceiling, and begged Pen faintly to change the + conversation. Poor Smirke! He invited Pen to dine at his lodgings over + Madame Fribsby's, the milliner's, in Clavering; and once when it was + raining, and Mrs. Pendennis, who had driven in her pony-chaise into + Clavering with respect to some arrangements, about leaving off mourning + probably, was prevailed upon to enter the curate's apartments, he sent out + for pound-cakes instantly. The sofa on which she sate became sacred to him + from that day: and he kept flowers in the glass which she drank from ever + after. + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Pendennis was never tired of hearing the praises of her son, we + may be certain that this rogue of a tutor neglected no opportunity of + conversing with her upon that subject. It might be a little tedious to him + to hear the stories about Pen's generosity, about his bravery in fighting + the big naughty boy, about his fun and jokes, about his prodigious skill + in Latin, music, riding, etc., but what price would he not pay to be in + her company? and the widow, after these conversations, thought Mr. Smirke + a very pleasing and well-informed man. As for her son, she had not settled + in her mind whether he was to be Senior Wrangler and Archbishop of + Canterbury, or Double First Class at Oxford, and Lord Chancellor. That all + England did not possess his peer, was a fact about which there was, in her + mind, no manner of question. + </p> + <p> + A simple person, of inexpensive habits, she began forthwith to save, and, + perhaps, to be a little parsimonious, in favour of her boy. There were no + entertainments, of course, at Fairoaks, during the year of her weeds. Nor, + indeed, did the Doctor's silver dish-covers, of which he was so proud, and + which were flourished all over with the arms of the Pendennises, and + surmounted with their crest, come out of the plate-chests again for long, + long years. The household was diminished, and its expenses curtailed. + There was a very blank anchorite repast when Pen dined from home: and he + himself headed the remonstrance from the kitchen regarding the + deteriorated quality of the Fairoaks beer. She was becoming miserly for + Pen. Indeed, who ever accused women of being just? They are always + sacrificing themselves or somebody for somebody else's sake. + </p> + <p> + There happened to be no young woman in the small circle of friends who + were in the widow's intimacy whom Pendennis could by any possibility + gratify by endowing her with the inestimable treasure of a heart which he + was longing to give away. Some young fellows in this predicament bestow + their young affections upon Dolly, the dairymaid, or cast the eyes of + tenderness upon Molly, the blacksmith's daughter. Pen thought a Pendennis + much too grand a personage to stoop so low. He was too high-minded for a + vulgar intrigue, and, at the idea of an intrigue or a seduction, had he + ever entertained it, his heart would have revolted as from the notion of + any act of baseness or dishonour. Miss Minny Portman was too old, too + large, and too fond of reading 'Rollin's Ancient History.' The Miss + Boardbacks, Admiral Boardback's daughters (of St. Vincent's, or Fourth of + June House, as it was called), disgusted Pen with the London airs which + they brought into the country, from Gloucester Place, where they passed + the season, and looked down upon Pen as a chit. Captain Glanders's (H.P., + 50th Dragoon Guards) three girls were in brown-holland pinafores as yet, + with the ends of their hair-plaits tied up in dirty pink ribbon. Not + having acquired the art of dancing, the youth avoided such chances as he + might have had of meeting with the fair sex at the Chatteris' Assemblies; + in fine, he was not in love, because there was nobody at hand to fall in + love with. And the young monkey used to ride out, day after day, in quest, + of Dulcinea; and peep into the pony-chaises and gentlefolks' carriages, as + they drove along the broad turnpike roads, with a heart beating within + him, and a secret tremor and hope that she might be in that yellow + postchaise coming swinging up the hill, or one of those three girls in + beaver bonnets in the back seat of the double gig, which the fat old + gentleman in black was driving, at four miles an hour. The postchaise + contained a snuffy old dowager of seventy, with a maid, her contemporary. + The three girls in the beaver bonnets were no handsomer than the turnips + that skirted the roadside. Do as he might, and ride where he would, the + fairy princess that he was to rescue and win, had not yet appeared to + honest Pen. + </p> + <p> + Upon these points he did not discourse to his mother. He had a world of + his own. What generous, ardent, imaginative soul has not a secret + pleasure-place in which it disports? Let no clumsy prying or dull meddling + of ours try to disturb it in our children. Actaeon was a brute for wanting + to push in where Diana was bathing. Leave him occasionally alone, my good + madam, if you have a poet for a child. Even your admirable advice may be a + bore sometimes. You are faultless; but it does not follow that everybody + in your family is to think exactly like yourself. Yonder little child may + have thoughts too deep even for your great mind, and fancies so coy and + timid that they will not bare themselves when your ladyship sits by. + </p> + <p> + Helen Pendennis by the force of sheer love divined a great number of her + son's secrets. But she kept these things in her heart (if we may so + speak), and did not speak of them. Besides, she had made up her mind that + he was to marry little Laura, who would be eighteen when Pen was + six-and-twenty: and had finished his college career, and had made his + grand tour, and was settled either in London, astonishing all the + metropolis by his learning and eloquence at the bar, or better still in a + sweet country parsonage surrounded with hollyhocks and roses, close to a + delightful romantic ivy-covered church, from the pulpit of which Pen would + utter the most beautiful sermons ever preached. + </p> + <p> + While these natural sentiments were waging war and trouble in honest Pen's + bosom, it chanced one day that he rode into Chatteris, for the purpose of + carrying to the County Chronicle a tremendous and thrilling poem for the + next week's paper; and putting up his horse according to custom, at the + stables of the George Hotel there, he fell in with an old acquaintance. A + grand black tandem, with scarlet wheels, came rattling into the inn yard, + as Pen stood there in converse with the hostler about Rebecca; and the + voice of the driver called out, “Hallo, Pendennis, is that you?” in a loud + patronising manner. Pen had some difficulty in recognising under the + broad-brimmed hat and the vast great-coats and neckcloths, with which the + new-comer was habited, the person and figure of his quondam schoolfellow, + Mr. Foker. + </p> + <p> + A year's absence had made no small difference in that gentleman. A youth + who had been deservedly whipped a few months previously, and who spent his + pocket-money on tarts and hardbake, now appeared before Pen in one of + those costumes to which the public consent, that I take to be quite as + influential in this respect as 'Johnson's Dictionary,' has awarded the + title of “Swell.' He had a bull-dog between his legs, and in his scarlet + shawl neckcloth was a pin representing another bull-dog in gold: he wore a + fur waistcoat laced over with gold chains; a green cutaway coat with + basket-buttons, and a white upper-coat ornamented with cheese-plate + buttons, on each of which was engraved some stirring incident of the road + or the chase; all which ornaments set off this young fellow's figure to + such advantage, that you would hesitate to say which character in life he + most resembled, and whether he was a boxer en goguette, or a coachman in + his gala suit. + </p> + <p> + “Left that place for good, Pendennis?” Mr. Foker said, descending from his + landau and giving Pendennis a finger. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this year—or more,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “Beastly old hole,” Mr. Foker remarked. “Hate it. Hate the Doctor: hate + Towzer, the second master; hate everybody there. Not a fit place for a + gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” said Pen, with an air of the utmost consequence. + </p> + <p> + “By gad, sir, I sometimes dream, now, that the Doctor's walking into me,” + Foker continued (and Pen smiled as he thought that he himself had likewise + fearful dreams of this nature). “When I think of the diet there, by gad, + sir, I wonder how I stood it. Mangy mutton, brutal beef; pudding on + Thursdays and Sundays, and that fit to poison you. Just look at my leader—did + you ever see a prettier animal? Drove over from Baymouth. Came the nine + mile in two-and-forty minutes. Not bad going, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you stopping at Baymouth, Foker?” Pendennis asked. + </p> + <p> + “I'm coaching there,” said the other, with a nod. + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked Pen, and in a tone of such wonder, that Foker burst out + laughing, and said, “He was blowed if he didn't think Pen was such a flat + as not to know what coaching meant.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm come down with a coach from Oxford. A tutor, don't you see, old boy? + He's coaching me, and some other men, for the little go. Me and Spavin + have the drag between us. And I thought I'd just tool over and go to the + play. Did you ever see Rowkins do the hornpipe?” and Mr. Foker began to + perform some steps of that popular dance in the inn yard, looking round + for the sympathy of his groom and the stable-men. + </p> + <p> + Pen thought he would like to go to the play too: and could ride home + afterwards, as there was a moonlight. So he accepted Foker's invitation to + dinner, and the young men entered the inn together, where Mr. Foker + stopped at the bar, and called upon Miss Rincer, the landlady's fair + daughter, who presided there, to give him a glass of 'his mixture.' + </p> + <p> + Pen and his family had been known at the George ever since they came into + the country; and Mr. Pendennis's carriages and horses always put up there + when he paid a visit to the county town. The landlady dropped the heir of + Fairoaks a very respectful curtsey, and complimented him upon his growth + and manly appearance, and asked news of the family at Fairoaks, and of + Doctor Portman and the Clavering people, to all of which questions the + young gentleman answered with much affability. But he spoke to Mr. and + Mrs. Rincer with that sort of good nature with which a young Prince + addresses his father's subjects; never dreaming that those bonnes gens + were his equals in life. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Foker's behaviour was quite different. He inquired for Rincer and the + cold in his nose, told Mrs. Rincer a riddle, asked Miss Rincer when she + would be ready to marry him, and paid his compliments to Miss Brett, the + other young lady in the bar, all in a minute of time, and with a + liveliness and facetiousness which set all these ladies in a giggle; and + he gave a cluck, expressive of great satisfaction, as he tossed off his + mixture which Miss Rincer prepared and handed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Have a drop,” said he to Pen, “it's recommended to me by the faculty as a + what-do-you-call-'em—a stomatic, old boy. Give the young one a + glass, R., and score it up to yours truly.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Pen took a glass, and everybody laughed at the face which he made as + he put it down—gin, bitters, and some other cordial was the compound + with which Mr. Foker was so delighted as to call it by the name of Foker's + own. As Pen choked, sputtered, and made faces, the other took occasion to + remark to Mr. Rincer that the young fellow was green, very green, but that + he would soon form him; and then they proceeded to order dinner—which + Mr. Foker determined should consist of turtle and venison; cautioning the + landlady to be very particular about icing the wine. + </p> + <p> + Then Messrs. Foker and Pen strolled down the High Street together—the + former having a cigar in his mouth, which he had drawn out of a case + almost as big as a portmanteau. He went in to replenish it at Mr. Lewis's, + and talked to that gentleman for a while, sitting down on the counter: he + then looked in at the fruiterer's, to see the pretty girl there, to whom + he paid compliments similar to those before addressed to the bar at the + George; then they passed the County Chronicle office, for which Pen had + his packet ready, in the shape of 'Lines to Thyrza,' but poor Pen did not + like to put the letter into the editor's box while walking in company with + such a fine gentleman as Mr. Foker. They met heavy dragoons of the + regiment always quartered at Chatteris; and stopped and talked about the + Baymouth balls, and what a pretty girl was Miss Brown, and what a dem fine + woman Mrs. Jones was. It was in vain that Pen recalled to his own mind + what a stupid ass Foker used to be at school—how he could scarcely + read, how he was not cleanly in his person, and notorious for his blunders + and dulness. Mr. Foker was no more like a gentleman now than in his school + days: and yet Pen felt a secret pride in strutting down High Street with a + young fellow who owned tandems, talked to officers, and ordered turtle and + champagne for dinner. He listened, and with respect too, to Mr. Foker's + accounts of what the men did at the University of which Mr. F. was an + ornament, and encountered a long series of stories about boat-racing, + bumping, College grass-plats, and milk-punch—and began to wish to go + up himself to College to a place where there were such manly pleasures and + enjoyments. Farmer Gurnett, who lives close by Fairoaks, riding by at this + minute and touching his hat to Pen, the latter stopped him, and sent a + message to his mother to say that he had met with an old schoolfellow, and + should dine in Chatteris. + </p> + <p> + The two young gentlemen continued their walk, and were passing round the + Cathedral Yard, where they could hear the music of the afternoon service + (a music which always exceedingly impressed and affected Pen), but whither + Mr. Foker came for the purpose of inspecting the nursery-maids who + frequent the Elms Walk there, and who are uncommonly pretty at Chatteris, + and here they strolled until with a final burst of music the small + congregation was played out. + </p> + <p> + Old Doctor Portman was one of the few who came from the venerable gate. + Spying Pen, he came and shook him by the hand, and eyed with wonder Pen's + friend, from whose mouth and cigar clouds of fragrance issued, which + curled round the Doctor's honest face and shovel hat. + </p> + <p> + “An old schoolfellow of mine, Mr. Foker,” said Pen. The Doctor said “H'm”: + and scowled at the cigar. He did not mind a pipe in his study, but the + cigar was an abomination to the worthy gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “I came up on Bishop's business,” the Doctor said. “We'll ride home, + Arthur, if you like?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I'm engaged to my friend here,” Pen answered. + </p> + <p> + “You had better come home with me,” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “His mother knows he's out, sir,” Mr. Foker remarked; “don't she, + Pendennis?” + </p> + <p> + “But that does not prove that he had not better come home with me,” the + Doctor growled, and he walked off with great dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Old boy don't like the weed, I suppose,” Foker said. “Ha! who's here?—here's + the General, and Bingley, the manager. How do, Cos? How do, Bingley?” + </p> + <p> + “How does my worthy and gallant young Foker?” said the gentleman addressed + as the General; and who wore a shabby military cape with a mangy collar, + and a hat cocked very much over one eye. + </p> + <p> + “Trust you are very well, my very dear sir,” said the other gentleman, + “and that the Theatre Royal will have the honour of your patronage + to-night. We perform 'The Stranger,' in which your humble servant will—-” + </p> + <p> + “Can't stand you in tights and Hessians, Bingley,” young Mr. Foker said. + On which the General, with the Irish accent, said, “But I think ye'll like + Miss Fotheringay, in Mrs. Haller, or me name's not Jack Costigan.” + </p> + <p> + Pen looked at these individuals with the greatest interest. He had never + seen an actor before; and he saw Dr. Portman's red face looking over the + Doctor's shoulder, as he retreated from the Cathedral Yard, evidently + quite dissatisfied with the acquaintances into whose hands Pen had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would have been much better for him had he taken the parson's + advice and company home. But which of us knows his fate? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. Mrs. Haller + </h2> + <p> + Having returned to the George, Mr. Foker and his guest sate down to a + handsome repast in the coffee-room; where Mr. Rincer brought in the first + dish, and bowed as gravely as if he was waiting upon the Lord-Lieutenant + of the county. Mr. Foker attacked the turtle and venison with as much + gusto as he had shown the year before, when he used to make feasts off + ginger-beer and smuggled polonies. Pen could not but respect his + connoisseurship as he pronounced the champagne to be condemned gooseberry, + and winked at the port with one eye. The latter he declared to be of the + right sort; and told the waiters there was no way of humbugging him. All + these attendants he knew by their Christian names, and showed a great + interest in their families; and as the London coaches drove up, which in + those early days used to set off from the George, Mr. Foker flung the + coffee-room window open, and called the guards and coachmen by their + Christian names, too, asking about their respective families, and + imitating with great liveliness and accuracy the tooting of the horns as + Jem the ostler whipped the horses' cloths off, and the carriages drove + gaily away. + </p> + <p> + “A bottle of sherry, a bottle of sham, a bottle of port and a shass caffy, + it ain't so bad, hay, Pen?” Foker said, and pronounced, after all these + delicacies and a quantity of nuts and fruit had been dispatched, that it + was time to “toddle.” Pen sprang up with very bright eyes, and a flushed + face; and they moved off towards the theatre, where they paid their money + to the wheezy old lady slumbering in the money-taker's box. “Mrs. + Dropsicum, Bingley's mother-in-law, great in Lady Macbeth,” Foker said to + his companion. Foker knew her, too. + </p> + <p> + They had almost their choice of places in the boxes of the theatre, which + was no better filled than country theatres usually are in spite of the + “universal burst of attraction and galvanic thrills of delight” advertised + by Bingley in the play-bills. A score or so of people dotted the + pit-benches, a few more kept a kicking and whistling in the galleries, and + a dozen others, who came in with free admissions, were in the boxes where + our young gentlemen sate. Lieutenants Rodgers and Podgers, and young + Cornet Tidmus, of the Dragoons, occupied a private box. The performers + acted to them, and these gentlemen seemed to hold conversations with the + players when not engaged in the dialogue, and applauded them by name + loudly. + </p> + <p> + Bingley the manager, who assumed all the chief tragic and comic parts + except when he modestly retreated to make way for the London stars, who + came down occasionally to Chatteris, was great in the character of the + 'Stranger.' He was attired in the tight pantaloons and Hessian boots which + the stage legend has given to that injured man, with a large cloak and + beaver and a hearse feather in it drooping over his raddled old face, and + only partially concealing his great buckled brown wig. He had the stage + jewellery on too, of which he selected the largest and most shiny rings + for himself, and allowed his little finger to quiver out of his cloak with + a sham diamond ring covering the first joint of the finger and twiddling + in the faces of the pit. Bingley made it a favour to the young men of his + company to go on in light comedy parts with that ring. They flattered him + by asking its history. The stage has its traditional jewels as the Crown + and all great families have. This had belonged to George Frederick Cooke, + who had had it from Mr. Quin, who may have bought it for a shilling. + Bingley fancied the world was fascinated with its glitter. + </p> + <p> + He was reading out of the stage-book—that wonderful stage-book which + is not bound like any other book in the world, but is rouged and tawdry + like the hero or heroine who holds it; and who holds it as people never do + hold books: and points with his finger to a passage, and wags his head + ominously at the audience, and then lifts up eyes and finger to the + ceiling professing to derive some intense consolation from the work + between which and heaven there is a strong affinity. Anybody who has ever + seen one of our great light comedians, X., in a chintz dressing-gown, such + as nobody ever wore, and representing himself to the public as a young + nobleman in his apartments, and whiling away the time with light + literature until his friend Sir Harry shall arrive, or his father shall + come down to breakfast—anybody, I say, who has seen the great X. + over a sham book has indeed had a great pleasure and an abiding matter for + thought. + </p> + <p> + Directly the Stranger saw the young men, he acted at them; eyeing them + solemnly over his gilt volume as he lay on the stage-bank showing his + hand, his ring, and his Hessians. He calculated the effect that every one + of these ornaments would produce upon his victims: he was determined to + fascinate them, for he knew they had paid their money; and he saw their + families coming in from the country and filling the cane chairs in his + boxes. + </p> + <p> + As he lay on the bank reading, his servant, Francis, made remarks upon his + master. + </p> + <p> + “Again reading,” said Francis, “thus it is, from morn to night. To him + nature has no beauty—life no charm. For three years I have never + seen him smile” (the gloom of Bingley's face was fearful to witness during + these comments of the faithful domestic). “Nothing diverts him. O, if he + would but attach himself to any living thing, were it an animal—for + something man must love.” + </p> + <p> + [Enter Tobias (Goll) from the hut.] He cries, “O, how refreshing, after + seven long weeks, to feel these warm sunbeams once again. Thanks, + bounteous heaven, for the joy I taste!” He presses his cap between his + hands, looks up and prays. The Stranger eyes him attentively. + </p> + <p> + Francis to the Stranger. “This old man's share of earthly happiness can be + but little. Yet mark how grateful he is for his portion of it.” + </p> + <p> + Bingley. “Because though old, he is but a child in the leading-string of + hope.” (He looks steadily at Foker, who, however, continues to suck the + top of his stick in an unconcerned manner.) + </p> + <p> + Francis. “Hope is the nurse of life.” + </p> + <p> + Bingley. “And her cradle—is the grave.” + </p> + <p> + The Stranger uttered this with the moan of a bassoon in agony, and fixed + his eyes on Pendennis so steadily, that the poor lad was quite put out of + countenance. He thought the whole house must be looking at him; and cast + his eyes down. As soon as ever he raised them Bingley's were at him again. + All through the scene the manager played at him. When he was about to do a + good action, and sent off Francis with his book, so that that domestic + should not witness the deed of benevolence which he meditated, Bingley + marked the page carefully, so that he might continue the perusal of the + volume off the stage if he liked. But all was done in the direct face of + Pendennis, whom the manager was bent upon subjugating. How relieved the + lad was when the scene ended, and Foker, tapping with his cane, cried out + “Bravo, Bingley!” + </p> + <p> + “Give him a hand, Pendennis; you know every chap likes a hand,” Mr. Foker + said; and the good-natured young gentleman, and Pendennis laughing, and + the dragoons in the opposite box, began clapping hands to the best of + their power. + </p> + <p> + A chamber in Wintersen Castle closed over Tobias's hut and the Stranger + and his boots; and servants appeared bustling about with chairs and tables—“That's + Hicks and Miss Thackthwaite,” whispered Foker. “Pretty girl, ain't she, + Pendennis? But stop—hurray—bravo! here's the Fotheringay.” + </p> + <p> + The pit thrilled and thumped its umbrellas; a volley of applause was fired + from the gallery: the Dragoon officers and Foker clapped their hands + furiously: you would have thought the house was full, so loud were their + plaudits. The red face and ragged whiskers of Mr. Costigan were seen + peering from the side-scene. Pen's eyes opened wide and bright as Mrs. + Haller entered with a downcast look, then rallying at the sound of the + applause, swept the house with a grateful glance, and, folding her hands + across her breast, sank down in a magnificent curtsey. More applause, more + umbrellas; Pen this time, flaming with wine and enthusiasm, clapped hands + and sang “bravo” louder than all. Mrs. Haller saw him, and everybody else, + and old Mr. Bows, the little first fiddler of the orchestra (which was + this night increased by a detachment of the band of the Dragoons, by the + kind permission of Colonel Swallowtail), looked up from the desk where he + was perched, with his crutch beside him, and smiled at the enthusiasm of + the lad. + </p> + <p> + Those who have only seen Miss Fotheringay in later days, since her + marriage and introduction into London life, have little idea how beautiful + a creature she was at the time when our friend Pen first set eyes on her: + and I warn my reader, as beforehand, that the pencil which illustrates + this work (and can draw an ugly face tolerably well, but is sadly put out + when it tries to delineate a beauty) can give no sort of notion of her. + She was of the tallest of women, and at her then age of six-and-twenty—for + six-and-twenty she was, though she vows she was only nineteen—in the + prime and fulness of her beauty. Her forehead was vast, and her black hair + waved over it with a natural ripple (that beauties of late days have tried + to imitate with the help of the crimping-irons), and was confined in + shining and voluminous braids at the back of a neck such as you see on the + shoulders of the Louvre Venus—that delight of gods and men. Her + eyes, when she lifted them up to gaze on you, and ere she dropped their + purple deep-fringed lids, shone with tenderness and mystery unfathomable. + Love and Genius seemed to look out from them and then retire coyly, as if + ashamed to have been seen at the lattice. Who could have had such a + commanding brow but a woman of high intellect? She never laughed (indeed + her teeth were not good), but a smile of endless tenderness and sweetness + played round her beautiful lips, and in the dimples of her cheeks and her + lovely chin. Her nose defied description in those days. Her ears were like + two little pearl shells, which the earrings she wore (though the + handsomest properties in the theatre) only insulted. She was dressed in + long flowing robes of black, which she managed and swept to and fro with + wonderful grace, and out of the folds of which you only saw her sandals + occasionally; they were of rather a large size; but Pen thought them as + ravishing as the slippers of Cinderella. But it was her hand and arm that + this magnificent creature most excelled in, and somehow you could never + see her but through them. They surrounded her. When she folded them over + her bosom in resignation; when she dropped them in mute agony, or raised + them in superb command; when in sportive gaiety her hands fluttered and + waved before her, like what shall we say?—like the snowy doves + before the chariot of Venus—it was with these arms and hands that + she beckoned, repelled, entreated, embraced, her admirers—no single + one, for she was armed with her own virtue, and with her father's valour, + whose sword would have leapt from its scabbard at any insult offered to + his child—but the whole house; which rose to her, as the phrase was, + as she curtseyed and bowed, and charmed it. + </p> + <p> + Thus she stood for a minute—complete and beautiful—as Pen + stared at her. “I say, Pen, isn't she a stunner?” asked Mr. Foker. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” Pen said, “she's speaking.” + </p> + <p> + She began her business in a deep sweet voice. Those who know the play of + the 'Stranger,' are aware that the remarks made by the various characters + are not valuable in themselves, either for their sound sense, their + novelty of observation, or their poetic fancy. In fact, if a man were to + say it was a stupid play, he would not be far wrong. Nobody ever talked + so. If we meet idiots in life, as will happen, it is a great mercy that + they do not use such absurdly fine words. The Stranger's talk is sham, + like the book he reads and the hair he wears, and the bank he sits on, and + the diamond ring he makes play with—but, in the midst of the + balderdash, there runs that reality of love, children, and forgiveness of + wrong, which will be listened to wherever it is preached, and sets all the + world sympathising. + </p> + <p> + With what smothered sorrow, with what gushing pathos, Mrs. Haller + delivered her part! At first, when as Count Wintersen's housekeeper, and + preparing for his Excellency's arrival, she has to give orders about the + beds and furniture, and the dinner, etc., to be got ready, she did so with + the calm agony of despair. But when she could get rid of the stupid + servants and give vent to her feelings to the pit and the house, she + overflowed to each individual as if he were her particular confidant, and + she was crying out her griefs on his shoulder: the little fiddler in the + orchestra (whom she did not seem to watch, though he followed her + ceaselessly) twitched, twisted, nodded, pointed about, and when she came + to the favourite passage, “I have a William too, if he be still alive—Ah, + yes, if he be still alive. His little sisters, too! Why, Fancy, dost thou + rack me so? Why dost thou image my poor children fainting in sickness, and + crying to—to—their mum—um—other,” when she came to + this passage little Bows buried his face in his blue cotton handkerchief, + after crying out “Bravo.” + </p> + <p> + All the house was affected. Foker, for his part, taking out a large yellow + bandanna, wept piteously. As for Pen, he was gone too far for that. He + followed the woman about and about—when she was off the stage, it + and the house were blank; the lights and the red officers, reeled wildly + before his sight. He watched her at the side-scene—where she stood + waiting to come on the stage, and where her father took off her shawl: + when the reconciliation arrived, and she flung herself down on Mr. + Bingley's shoulders, whilst the children clung to their knees, and the + Countess (Mrs. Bingley) and Baron Steinforth (performed with great + liveliness and spirit by Garbetts)—while the rest of the characters + formed a group round them, Pen's hot eyes only saw Fotheringay, + Fotheringay. The curtain fell upon him like a pall. He did not hear a word + of what Bingley said, who came forward to announce the play for the next + evening, and who took the tumultuous applause, as usual, for himself. Pen + was not even distinctly aware that the house was calling for Miss + Fotheringay, nor did the manager seem to comprehend that anybody else but + himself had caused the success of the play. At last he understood it—stepped + back with a grin, and presently appeared with Mrs. Haller on his arm. How + beautiful she looked! Her hair had fallen down, the officers threw her + flowers. She clutched them to her heart. She put back her hair, and smiled + all round. Her eyes met Pen's. Down went the curtain again: and she was + gone. Not one note could he hear of the overture which the brass band of + the dragoons blew by kind permission of Colonel Swallowtail. + </p> + <p> + “She is a crusher, ain't she now!” Mr. Foker asked of his companion. + </p> + <p> + Pen did not know exactly what Foker said, and answered vaguely. He could + not tell the other what he felt; he could not have spoken, just then, to + any mortal. Besides, Pendennis did not quite know what he felt yet; it was + something overwhelming, maddening, delicious; a fever of wild joy and + undefined longing. + </p> + <p> + And now Rowkins and Miss Thackthwaite came on to dance the favourite + double hornpipe, and Foker abandoned himself to the delights of this + ballet, just as he had to the tears of the tragedy, a few minutes before. + Pen did not care for it, or indeed think about the dance, except to + remember that that woman was acting with her in the scene where she first + came in. It was a mist before his eyes. At the end of the dance he looked + at his watch and said it was time for him to go. + </p> + <p> + “Hang it, stay to see The Bravo of the Battle-Axe,” Foker said, “Bingley's + splendid in it; he wears red tights, and has to carry Mrs. B. over the + Pine-bridge of the Cataract, only she's too heavy. It's great fun, do + stop.” + </p> + <p> + Pen looked at the bill with one lingering fond hope that Miss + Fotheringay's name might be hidden, somewhere, in the list of the actors + of the after-piece, but there was no such name. Go he must. He had a long + ride home. He squeezed Foker's hand. He was choking to speak, but he + couldn't. He quitted the theatre and walked frantically about the town, he + knew not how long; then he mounted at the George and rode homewards, and + Clavering clock sang out one as he came into the yard at Fairoaks. The + lady of the house might have been awake, but she only heard him from the + passage outside his room as he dashed into bed and pulled the clothes over + his head. + </p> + <p> + Pen had not been in the habit of passing wakeful nights, so he at once + fell off into a sound sleep. Even in later days and with a great deal of + care and other thoughtful matter to keep him awake, a man from long + practice or fatigue or resolution begins by going to sleep as usual: and + gets a nap in advance of Anxiety. But she soon comes up with him and jogs + his shoulder, and says, “Come, my man, no more of this laziness, you must + wake up and have a talk with me.” Then they fall to together in the + midnight. Well, whatever might afterwards happen to him, poor little Pen + was not come to this state yet; he tumbled into a sound sleep—did + not wake until an early hour in the morning, when the rooks began to caw + from the little wood beyond his bedroom windows; and—at that very + instant and as his eyes started open, the beloved image was in his mind. + “My dear boy,” he heard her say, “you were in a sound sleep and I would + not disturb you: but I have been close by your pillow all this while: and + I don't intend that you shall leave me. I am Love! I bring with me fever + and passion: wild longing, maddening desire; restless craving and seeking. + Many a long day ere this I heard you calling out for me; and behold now I + am come.” + </p> + <p> + Was Pen frightened at the summons? Not he. He did not know what was + coming: it was all wild pleasure and delight as yet. And as, when three + years previously, and on entering the fifth form at the Cistercians, his + father had made him a present of a gold watch which the boy took from + under his pillow and examined on the instant of waking: for ever rubbing + and polishing it up in private and retiring into corners to listen to its + ticking: so the young man exulted over his new delight; felt in his + waistcoat pocket to see that it was safe; wound it up at nights, and at + the very first moment of waking hugged it and looked at it.—By the + way, that first watch of Pen's was a showy ill-manufactured piece: it + never went well from the beginning, and was always getting out of order. + And after putting it aside into a drawer and forgetting it for some time, + he swapped it finally away for a more useful time-keeper. + </p> + <p> + Pen felt himself to be ever so many years older since yesterday. There was + no mistake about it now. He was as much in love as the best hero in the + best romance he ever read. He told John to bring his shaving water with + the utmost confidence. He dressed himself in some of his finest clothes + that morning: and came splendidly down to breakfast, patronising his + mother and little Laura, who had been strumming her music lesson for hours + before; and who after he had read the prayers (of which he did not heed + one single syllable) wondered at his grand appearance, and asked him to + tell her what the play was about? + </p> + <p> + Pen laughed and declined to tell Laura what the play was about. In fact it + was quite as well that she should not know. Then she asked him why he had + got on his fine pin and beautiful new waistcoat? + </p> + <p> + Pen blushed and told his mother that the old schoolfellow with whom he had + dined at Chatteris was reading with a tutor at Baymouth, a very learned + man; and as he was himself to go to College, and as there were several + young men pursuing their studies at Baymouth—he was anxious to ride + over—and—and just see what the course of their reading was. + </p> + <p> + Laura made a long face. Helen Pendennis looked hard at her son, troubled + more than ever with the vague doubt and terror which had been haunting her + ever since the last night, when Farmer Gurnett brought back the news that + Pen would not return home to dinner. Arthur's eyes defied her. She tried + to console herself, and drive off her fears. The boy had never told her an + untruth. Pen conducted himself during breakfast in a very haughty and + supercilious manner; and, taking leave of the elder and younger lady, was + presently heard riding out of the stablecourt. He went gently at first, + but galloped like a madman as soon as he thought that he was out of + hearing. + </p> + <p> + Smirke, thinking of his own affairs, and softly riding with his toes out, + to give Pen his three hours' reading at Fairoaks, met his pupil, who shot + by him like the wind. Smirke's pony shied, as the other thundered past + him; the gentle curate went over his head among the stinging-nettles in + the hedge. Pen laughed as they met, pointed towards the Baymouth road, and + was gone half a mile in that direction before poor Smirke had picked + himself up. + </p> + <p> + Pen had resolved in his mind that he must see Foker that morning; he must + hear about her; know about her; be with somebody who knew her; and honest + Smirke, for his part, sitting up among the stinging-nettles, as his pony + cropped quietly in the hedge, thought dismally to himself, ought he to go + to Fairoaks now that his pupil was evidently gone away for the day. Yes, + he thought he might go, too. He might go and ask Mrs. Pendennis when + Arthur would be back; and hear Miss Laura her Watts's Catechism. He got up + on the little pony—both were used to his slipping off—and + advanced upon the house from which his scholar had just rushed away in a + whirlwind. + </p> + <p> + Thus love makes fools of all of us, big and little; and the curate had + tumbled over head and heels in pursuit of it, and Pen had started in the + first heat of the mad race. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. Mrs. Haller at Home + </h2> + <p> + Without slackening her pace, Rebecca the mare galloped on to Baymouth, + where Pen put her up at the inn stables, and ran straightway to Mr. + Foker's lodgings, which he knew from the direction given to him by that + gentleman on the previous day. On reaching these apartments, which were + over a chemist's shop whose stock of cigars and sodawater went off rapidly + by the kind patronage of his young inmates, Pen only found Mr. Spavin, + Foker's friend, and part owner of the tandem which the latter had driven + into Chatteris, who was smoking, and teaching a little dog, a friend of + his, tricks with a bit of biscuit. + </p> + <p> + Pen's healthy red face, fresh from the gallop, compared oddly with the + waxy debauched little features of Foker's chum; the latter remarked it. + “Who's that man?” he thought, “he looks as fresh as a bean. His hand don't + shake of a morning, I'd bet five to one.” + </p> + <p> + Foker had not come home at all. Here was a disappointment!—Mr. + Spavin could not say when his friend would return. Sometimes he stopped a + day, sometimes a week. Of what college was Pen? Would he have anything? + There was a very fair tap of ale. Mr. Spavin was enabled to know + Pendennis's name, on the card which the latter took out and laid down + (perhaps Pen in these days was rather proud of having a card)—and so + the young men took leave. + </p> + <p> + Then Pen went down the rock, and walked about on the sand, biting his + nails by the shore of the much-sounding sea. It stretched before him + bright and immeasurable. The blue waters came rolling into the bay, + foaming and roaring hoarsely: Pen looked them in the face with blank eyes, + hardly regarding them. What a tide there was pouring into the lad's own + mind at the time, and what a little power had he to check it! Pen flung + stones into the sea, but it still kept coming on. He was in a rage at not + seeing Foker. He wanted to see Foker. He must see Foker. “Suppose I go on—on + the Chatteris road, just to see if I can meet him,” Pen thought. Rebecca + was saddled in another half hour, and galloping on the grass by the + Chatteris road. About four miles from Baymouth, the Clavering road + branches off, as everybody knows, and the mare naturally was for taking + that turn, but, cutting her over the shoulder, Pen passed the turning, and + rode on to the turnpike without seeing any sign of the black tandem and + red wheels. + </p> + <p> + As he was at the turnpike he might as well go on: that was quite clear. So + Pen rode to the George, and the hostler told him that Mr. Foker was there + sure enough, and that “he'd been a makin a tremendous row the night afore, + a drinkin and a singin, and wanting to fight Tom the postboy: which I'm + thinking he'd have had the worst of it,” the man added, with a grin. “Have + you carried up your master's 'ot water to shave with?” he added, in a very + satirical manner, to Mr. Foker's domestic, who here came down the yard + bearing his master's clothes, most beautifully brushed and arranged. “Show + Mr. Pendennis up to 'un,” and Pen followed the man at last to the + apartment, where, in the midst of an immense bed, Mr. Harry Foker lay + reposing. + </p> + <p> + The feather bed and bolsters swelled up all round Mr. Foker, so that you + could hardly see his little sallow face and red silk nightcap. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Who goes there? brother, quickly tell!” sang out the voice from the bed. + “What! Pendennis again? Is your Mamma acquainted with your absence? Did + you sup with us last night? No stop—who supped with us last night, + Stoopid?” + </p> + <p> + “There was the three officers, sir, and Mr. Bingley, sir, and Mr. + Costigan, sir,” the man answered, who received all Mr. Foker's remarks + with perfect gravity. + </p> + <p> + “Ah yes: the cup and merry jest went round. We chanted and I remember I + wanted to fight a postboy. Did I thrash him, Stoopid?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. Fight didn't come off, sir,” said Stoopid, still with perfect + gravity. He was arranging Mr. Foker's dressing-case—a trunk, the + gift of a fond mother, without which the young fellow never travelled. It + contained a prodigious apparatus in plate; a silver dish, a silver mug, + silver boxes and bottles for all sorts of essences, and a choice of razors + ready against the time when Mr. Foker's beard should come. + </p> + <p> + “Do it some other day,” said the young fellow, yawning and throwing up his + little lean arms over his head. “No, there was no fight; but there was + chanting. Bingley chanted, I chanted, the General chanted—Costigan I + mean.—Did you ever hear him sing 'The Little Pig under the Bed,' + Pen?” + </p> + <p> + “The man we met yesterday,” said Pen, all in a tremor, “the father of—-” + </p> + <p> + “Of the Fotheringay,—the very man. Ain't she a Venus, Pen?” + </p> + <p> + “Please sir, Mr. Costigan's in the sittin-room, sir, and says, sir, you + asked him to breakfast, sir. Called five times, sir; but wouldn't wake you + on no account; and has been here since eleven o'clock, sir—-” + </p> + <p> + “How much is it now?” + </p> + <p> + “One, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What would the best of mothers say,” cried the little sluggard, “if she + saw me in bed at this hour? She sent me down here with a grinder. She + wants me to cultivate my neglected genus—He, be! I say, Pen, this + isn't quite like seven o'clock school,—is it, old boy?”—and + the young fellow burst out into a boyish laugh of enjoyment. Then he added—“Go + in and talk to the General whilst I dress. And I say, Pendennis, ask him + to sing you 'The Little Pig under the Bed;' it's capital.” Pen went off in + great perturbation, to meet Mr. Costigan, and Mr. Foker commenced his + toilet. + </p> + <p> + Of Mr. Foker's two grandfathers, the one from whom he inherited a fortune + was a brewer; the other was an earl, who endowed him with the most doting + mother in the world. The Fokers had been at the Cistercian school from + father to son; at which place, our friend, whose name could be seen over + the playground wall, on a public-house sign, under which 'Foker's Entire' + was painted, had been dreadfully bullied on account of his trade, his + uncomely countenance, his inaptitude for learning and cleanliness, his + gluttony and other weak points. But those who know how a susceptible + youth, under the tyranny of his schoolfellows, becomes silent and a sneak, + may understand how in a very few months after his liberation from bondage, + he developed himself as he had done; and became the humorous, the + sarcastic, the brilliant Foker, with whom we have made acquaintance. A + dunce he always was, it is true; for learning cannot be acquired by + leaving school and entering at college as a fellow-commoner; but he was + now (in his own peculiar manner) as great a dandy as he before had been a + slattern, and when he entered his sitting-room to join his two guests, + arrived scented and arrayed in fine linen, and perfectly splendid in + appearance. + </p> + <p> + General or Captain Costigan—for the latter was the rank which he + preferred to assume—was seated in the window with the newspaper held + before him at arm's length. The Captain's eyes were somewhat dim; and he + was spelling the paper, with the help of his lips, as well as of those + bloodshot eyes of his, as you see gentlemen do to whom reading is a rare + and difficult occupation. His hat was cocked very much on one ear; and as + one of his feet lay up in the window-seat, the observer of such matters + might remark, by the size and shabbiness of the boots which the Captain + wore, that times did not go very well with him. Poverty seems as if it + were disposed, before it takes possession of a man entirely, to attack his + extremities first: the coverings of his head, feet, and hands are its + first prey. All these parts of the Captain's person were particularly + rakish and shabby. As soon as he saw Pen he descended from the window-seat + and saluted the new-comer, first in a military manner, by conveying a + couple of his fingers (covered with a broken black glove) to his hat, and + then removing that ornament altogether. The Captain was inclined to be + bald, but he brought a quantity of lank iron-grey hair over his pate, and + had a couple of whisps of the same falling down on each side of his face. + Much whisky had spoiled what complexion Mr. Costigan may have possessed in + his youth. His once handsome face had now a copper tinge. He wore a very + high stock, scarred and stained in many places; and a dress-coat tightly + buttoned up in those parts where the buttons had not parted company from + the garment. + </p> + <p> + “The young gentleman to whom I had the honour to be introjuiced yesterday + in the Cathadral Yard,” said the Captain, with a splendid bow and wave of + his hat. “I hope I see you well, sir. I marked ye in the thayatre last + night during me daughter's perfawrumance; and missed ye on my return. I + did but conduct her home, sir, for Jack Costigan, though poor, is a + gentleman; and when I reintered the house to pay me respects to me joyous + young friend, Mr. Foker—ye were gone. We had a jolly night of ut, + sir—Mr. Foker, the three gallant young dragoons, and your 'umble + servant. Gad, sir, it put me in mind of one of our old nights when I bore + His Majesty's commission in the Foighting Hundtherd and Third.” And he + pulled out an old snuff box, which he presented with a stately air to his + new acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Arthur was a great deal too much flurried to speak. This shabby-looking + buck was—was her father. The Captain was perfumed with the + recollections of the last night's cigars, and pulled and twisted the tuft + on his chin as jauntily as any young dandy. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Miss F—, Miss Costigan is well, sir,” Pen said, flushing + up. “She—she gave me greater pleasure, than—than I—I—I + ever enjoyed at a play. I think, sir—I think she's the finest + actress in the world,” he gasped out. + </p> + <p> + “Your hand, young man! for ye speak from your heart,” cried the Captain. + “Thank ye, sir, an old soldier and a fond father thanks ye. She is the + finest actress in the world. I've seen the Siddons, sir, and the O'Nale—they + were great, but what were they compared to Miss Fotheringay? I do not wish + she should ashume her own name while on the stage. Me family, sir, are + proud people; and the Costigans of Costiganstown think that an honest man, + who has borne Her Majesty's colours in the Hundred and Third, would demean + himself, by permitting his daughter to earn her old father's bread.” + </p> + <p> + “There cannot be a more honourable duty, surely,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “Honourable! Bedad, sir, I'd like to see the man who said Jack Costigan + would consent to anything dishonourable. I have a heart, sir, though I am + poor; I like a man who has a heart. You have: I read it in your honest + face and steady eye. And would you believe it”? he added, after a pause, + and with a pathetic whisper, “that that Bingley who has made his fortune + by me child, gives her but two guineas a week: out of which she finds + herself in dresses, and which, added to me own small means, makes our + all?” + </p> + <p> + Now the Captain's means were so small as to be, it may be said, quite + invisible. But nobody knows how the wind is tempered to shorn Irish lambs, + and in what marvellous places they find pasture. If Captain Costigan, whom + I had the honour to know, would but have told his history, it would have + been a great moral story. But he neither would have told it if he could, + nor could if he would; for the Captain was not only unaccustomed to tell + the truth,—he was unable even to think it—and fact and fiction + reeled together in his muzzy, whiskified brain. + </p> + <p> + He began life rather brilliantly with a pair of colours, a fine person and + legs, and one of the most beautiful voices in the world. To his latest day + he sang with admirable pathos and humour those wonderful Irish ballads + which are so mirthful and so melancholy: and was always the first himself + to cry at their pathos. Poor Cos! he was at once brave and maudlin, + humorous and an idiot; always good-natured, and sometimes almost + trustworthy. Up to the last day of his life he would drink with any man, + and back any man's bill: and his end was in a spunging-house, where the + sheriff's officer, who took him, was fond of him. + </p> + <p> + In his brief morning of life, Cos formed the delight of regimental messes, + and had the honour of singing his songs, bacchanalian and sentimental, at + the tables of the most illustrious generals and commanders-in-chief, in + the course of which period he drank three times as much claret as was good + for him, and spent his doubtful patrimony. What became of him subsequently + to his retirement from the army, is no affair of ours. I take it, no + foreigner understands the life of an Irish gentleman without money, the + way in which he manages to keep afloat—the wind-raising + conspiracies, in which he engages with heroes as unfortunate as himself—the + means by which he contrives, during most days of the week, to get his + portion of whisky-and-water: all these are mysteries to us inconceivable: + but suffice it to say, that through all the storms of life Jack had + floated somehow, and the lamp of his nose had never gone out. + </p> + <p> + Before he and Pen had had a half-hour's conversation, the Captain managed + to extract a couple of sovereigns from the young gentleman for tickets for + his daughter's benefit, which was to take place speedily; and was not a + bona fide transaction such as that of the last year, when poor Miss + Fotheringay had lost fifteen shillings by her venture; but was an + arrangement with the manager, by which the lady was to have the sale of a + certain number of tickets, keeping for herself a large portion of the sum + for which they were sold. + </p> + <p> + Pen had but two pounds in his purse, and he handed them over to the + Captain for the tickets; he would have been afraid to offer more lest he + should offend the latter's delicacy. Costigan scrawled him an order for a + box, lightly slipped the sovereigns into his waistcoat, and slapped his + hand over the place where they lay. They seemed to warm his old sides. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, sir,” said he, “the bullion's scarcer with me than it used to be, + as is the case with many a good fellow. I won six hundthred of 'em in a + single night, sir, when me kind friend, His Royal Highness the Duke of + Kent, was in Gibralther.” And he straightway poured out to Pen a series of + stories regarding the claret drunk, the bets made, the races ridden by the + garrison there, with which he kept the young gentleman amused until the + arrival of their host and his breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Then it was good to see the Captain's behaviour before the devilled turkey + and the mutton chops! His stories poured forth unceasingly, and his + spirits rose as he chatted to the young men. When he got a bit of + sunshine, the old lazzarone basked in it; he prated about his own affairs + and past splendour, and all the lords, generals, and Lord-Lieutenants he + had ever known. He described the death of his darling Bessie, the late + Mrs. Costigan, and the challenge he had sent to Captain Shanty Clancy, of + the Slashers, for looking rude at Miss Fotheringay as she was on her kyar + in the Phaynix; and then he described how the Captain apologised, gave a + dinner at the Kildare Street, where six of them drank twinty-one bottles + of claret, etc. He announced that to sit with two such noble and generous + young fellows was the happiness and pride of an old soldier's existence; + and having had a second glass of Curacoa, was so happy that he began to + cry. Altogether we should say that the Captain was not a man of much + strength of mind, or a very eligible companion for youth; but there are + worse men, holding much better places in life, and more dishonest, who + have never committed half so many rogueries as he. They walked out, the + Captain holding an arm of each of his dear young friends, and in a maudlin + state of contentment. He winked at one or two tradesmen's shops where, + possibly, he owed a bill, as much as to say, “See the company I'm in—sure + I'll pay you, my boy,”—and they parted finally with Mr. Foker at a + billiard-room, where the latter had a particular engagement with some + gentlemen of Colonel Swallowtail's regiment. + </p> + <p> + Pen and the shabby Captain still walked the street together; the Captain, + in his sly way, making inquiries about Mr. Foker's fortune and station in + life. Pen told him how Foker's father was a celebrated brewer, and his + mother was Lady Agnes Milton, Lord Rosherville's daughter. The Captain + broke out into a strain of exaggerated compliment and panegyric about Mr. + Foker, whose “native aristocracie,” he said, “could be seen with the + twinkling of an oi—and only served to adawrun other qualities which + he possessed, a foin intellect and a generous heart,”—in not one + word of which speech did the Captain accurately believe. + </p> + <p> + Pen walked on, listening to his companion's prate, wondering, amused, and + puzzled. It had not as yet entered into the boy's head to disbelieve any + statement that was made to him; and being of a candid nature himself, he + took naturally for truth what other people told him. Costigan had never + had a better listener, and was highly flattered by the attentiveness and + modest bearing of the young man. + </p> + <p> + So much pleased was he with the young gentleman, so artless, honest, and + cheerful did Pen seem to be, that the Captain finally made him an + invitation, which he very seldom accorded to young men, and asked Pen if + he would do him the fever to enter his humble abode, which was near at + hand, where the Captain would have the honour of inthrojuicing his young + friend to his daughther, Miss Fotheringay? + </p> + <p> + Pen was so delightfully shocked at this invitation, and was so stricken + down by the happiness thus suddenly offered to him, that he thought he + should have dropped from the Captain's arm at first, and trembled lest the + other should discover his emotion. He gasped out a few incoherent words, + indicative of the high gratification he should have in being presented to + the lady for whose—for whose talents he had conceived such an + admiration—such an extreme admiration; and followed the Captain, + scarcely knowing whither that gentleman led him. He was going to see her! + He was going to see her! In her was the centre of the universe. She was + the kernel of the world for Pen. Yesterday, before he knew her, seemed a + period ever so long ago—a revolution was between him and that time, + and a new world about to begin. + </p> + <p> + The Captain conducted his young friend to that quiet little street in + Chatteris, which is called Prior's Lane, which lies in the ecclesiastical + quarter of the town, close by Dean's Green and the canons' houses, and is + overlooked by the enormous towers of the cathedral; there the Captain + dwelt modestly in the first floor of a low gabled house, on the door of + which was the brass plate of 'Creed, Tailor and Robe-maker.' Creed was + dead, however. His widow was a pew-opener in the cathedral hard by; his + eldest son was a little scamp of a choir-boy, who played toss-halfpenny, + led his little brothers into mischief, and had a voice as sweet as an + angel. A couple of the latter were sitting on the door-step, down which + you went into the passage of the house; and they jumped up with great + alacrity to meet their lodger, and plunged wildly, and rather to Pen's + surprise, at the swallow-tails of the Captain's dress-coat; for the truth + is, that the good-natured gentleman, when he was in cash, generally + brought home an apple or a piece of gingerbread for these children. + “Whereby the widdy never pressed me for rint when not convanient,” as he + remarked afterwards to Pen, winking knowingly, and laying a finger on his + nose. + </p> + <p> + Pen tumbled down the step, and as he followed his companion up the + creaking old stair, his knees trembled under him. He could hardly see when + he entered, following the Captain, and stood in the room—in her + room. He saw something black before him, and waving as if making a + curtsey, and heard, but quite indistinctly, Costigan making a speech over + him, in which the Captain, with his usual magniloquence, expressed to “me + child” his wish to make her known to “his dear and admirable young friend, + Mr. Awther Pindinnis, a young gentleman of property in the neighbourhood, + a person of refoined moind, and enviable manners, a sincare lover of + poethry, and a man possest of a feeling and affectionate heart.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very fine weather,” Miss Fotheringay said, in an Irish accent, and + with a deep rich melancholy voice. + </p> + <p> + “Very,” said Mr. Pendennis. In this romantic way their conversation began; + and he found himself seated on a chair, and having leisure to look at the + young lady. + </p> + <p> + She looked still handsomer off the stage, than before the lamps. All her + attitudes were naturally grand and majestical. If she went and stood up + against the mantelpiece her robe draped itself classically round her; her + chin supported itself on her hand, the other lines of her form arranged + themselves in full harmonious undulations—she looked like a Muse in + contemplation. If she sate down on a cane-bottomed chair, her arm rounded + itself over the back of the seat, her hand seemed as if it ought to have a + sceptre put into it, the folds of her dress fell naturally round her in + order, like ladies of honour round a throne, and she looked like an + empress. All her movements were graceful and imperial. In the morning you + could see her hair was blue-black, her complexion of dazzling fairness, + with the faintest possible blush flickering, as it were, in her cheek. Her + eyes were grey, with prodigious long lashes; and as for her mouth, Mr. + Pendennis has given me subsequently to understand, that it was of a + staring red colour, with which the most brilliant geranium, sealing-wax, + or Guardsman's coat, could not vie. + </p> + <p> + “And very warm,” continued this empress and Queen of Sheba. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pen again assented, and the conversation rolled on in this manner. She + asked Costigan whether he had had a pleasant evening at the George, and he + recounted the supper and the tumblers of punch. Then the father asked her + how she had been employing the morning. + </p> + <p> + “Bows came,” said she, “at ten, and we studied Ophalia. It's for the + twenty-fourth, when I hope, sir, we shall have the honour of seeing ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, indeed, you will,” Mr. Pendennis cried; wondering that she should + say 'Ophalia,' and speak with an Irish inflection of voice naturally, who + had not the least Hibernian accent on the stage. + </p> + <p> + “I've secured 'um for your benefit, dear,” said the Captain, tapping his + waistcoat pocket, wherein lay Pen's sovereigns, and winking at Pen, with + one eye, at which the boy blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Mr—-the gentleman's very obleging,” said Mrs. Haller. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Pendennis,” said Pen, blushing. “I—I—hope you'll—you'll + remember it.” His heart thumped so as he made this audacious declaration, + that he almost choked in uttering it. + </p> + <p> + “Pendennis”—she answered slowly, and looking him full in the eyes, + with a glance, so straight, so clear, so bright, so killing, with a voice + so sweet, so round, so low, that the word and the glance shot Pen through + and through, and perfectly transfixed him with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “I never knew the name was so pretty before,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a very pretty name,” Ophelia said. “Pentweazle's not a pretty name. + Remember, papa, when we were on the Norwich Circuit, Young Pentweazle, who + used to play second old men, and married Miss Rancy, the Columbine; + they're both engaged in London now, at the Queen's, and get five pounds a + week. Pentweazle wasn't his real name. 'Twas Judkin gave it him, I don't + know why. His name was Harrington; that is, his real name was Potts; + fawther a clergyman, very respectable. Harrington was in London, and got + in debt. Ye remember; he came out in Falkland, to Mrs. Bunce's Julia.” + </p> + <p> + “And a pretty Julia she was,” the Captain interposed; “a woman of fifty, + and a mother of ten children. 'Tis you ought to have been Julia, or my + name's not Jack Costigan.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't take the leading business then,” Miss Fotheringay said modestly; + “I wasn't fit for't till Bows taught me.” + </p> + <p> + “True for you, my dear,” said the Captain: and bending to Pendennis, he + added, “Rejuiced in circumstances, sir, I was for some time a + fencing-master in Dublin (there's only three men in the empire could touch + me with the foil once, but Jack Costigan's getting old and stiff now, + sir), and my daughter had an engagement at the thayater there; and 'twas + there that my friend, Mr. Bows, who saw her capabilities, and is an + uncommon 'cute man, gave her lessons in the dramatic art, and made her + what ye see. What have ye done since Bows went, Emily?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, I've made a pie,” Emily said, with perfect simplicity. She + pronounced it “Poy.” + </p> + <p> + “If ye'll try it at four o'clock, sir, say the word,” said Costigan + gallantly. “That girl, sir, makes the best veal and ham pie in England, + and I think I can promise ye a glass of punch of the right flavour.” + </p> + <p> + Pen had promised to be at home to dinner at six o'clock, but the rascal + thought he could accommodate pleasure and duty in this point, and was only + too eager to accept this invitation. He looked on with delight and wonder + whilst Ophelia busied herself about the room, and prepared for the dinner. + She arranged the glasses, and laid and smoothed the little cloth, all + which duties she performed with a quiet grace and good humour, which + enchanted her guest more and more. The “poy” arrived from the baker's in + the hands of one of the little choir-boy's brothers at the proper hour: + and at four o'clock Pen found himself at dinner—actually at dinner + with the greatest tragic actress in the world, and her father—with + the handsomest woman in all creation—with his first and only love, + whom he had adored ever since when?—ever since yesterday, ever since + for ever. He ate a crust of her making, he poured her out a glass of beer, + he saw her drink a glass of punch—just one wine-glass full—out + of the tumbler which she mixed for her papa. She was perfectly + good-natured, and offered to mix one for Pendennis too. It was + prodigiously strong; Pen had never in his life drunk so much spirits and + water. Was it the punch, or the punch-maker who intoxicated him? + </p> + <p> + During dinner, when the Captain, whom his daughter treated most + respectfully, ceased prattling about himself and his adventures, Pen tried + to engage the Fotheringay in conversation about poetry and about her + profession. He asked her what she thought of Ophelia's madness, and + whether she was in love with Hamlet or not? “In love with such a little + ojous wretch as that stunted manager of a Bingley?” She bristled with + indignation at the thought. Pen explained it was not of her he spoke, but + of Ophelia of the play. “Oh, indeed; if no offence was meant, none was + taken: but as for Bingley, indeed, she did not value him—not that + glass of punch.” Pen next tried her on Kotzebue. “Kotzebue? who was he?”—“The + author of the play in which she had been performing so admirably.” “She + did not know that—the man's name at the beginning of the book was + Thompson,” she said. Pen laughed at her adorable simplicity. He told her + of the melancholy fate of the author of the play, and how Sand had killed + him. It was for the first time in her life that Miss Costigan had ever + heard of Mr. Kotzebue's existence, but she looked as if she was very much + interested, and her sympathy sufficed for honest Pen. + </p> + <p> + And in the midst of this simple conversation, the hour and a quarter which + poor Pen could afford to allow himself, passed away only too quickly; and + he had taken leave, he was gone, and away on his rapid road homewards on + the back of Rebecca. She was called upon to show her mettle in the three + journeys which she made that day. + </p> + <p> + “What was that he was talking about, the madness of Hamlet, and the theory + of the great German critic on the subject?” Emily asked of her father. + </p> + <p> + “'Deed then I don't know, Milly dear,” answered the Captain. “We'll ask + Bows when he comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Anyhow, he's a nice, fair-spoken pretty young man,” the lady said: “how + many tickets did he take of you?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, then, he took six, and gev me two guineas, Milly,” the Captain + said. “I suppose them young chaps is not too flush of coin.” + </p> + <p> + “He's full of book-learning,” Miss Fotheringay continued. “Kotzebue! He, + he, what a droll name indeed, now; and the poor fellow killed by Sand, + too! Did ye ever hear such a thing? I'll ask Bows about it, papa, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “A queer death, sure enough,” ejaculated the Captain, and changed the + painful theme. “'Tis an elegant mare the young gentleman rides,” Costigan + went on to say; “and a grand breakfast, intirely, that young Mister Foker + gave us.” + </p> + <p> + “He's good for two private boxes, and at leest twenty tickets, I should + say,” cried the daughter, a prudent lass, who always kept her fine eyes on + the main chance. + </p> + <p> + “I'll go bail of that,” answered the papa, and so their conversation + continued awhile, until the tumbler of punch was finished; and their hour + of departure soon came, too; for at half-past six Miss Fotheringay was to + appear at the theatre again, whither her father always accompanied her; + and stood, as we have seen, in the side-scene watching her, and drank + spirits-and-water in the green-room with the company there. + </p> + <p> + “How beautiful she is,” thought Pen, cantering homewards. “How simple and + how tender! How charming it is to see a woman of her commanding genius + busying herself with the delightful, though humble, offices of domestic + life, cooking dishes to make her old father comfortable, and brewing drink + for him with her delicate fingers! How rude it was of me to begin to talk + about professional matters, and how well she turned the conversation! By + the way, she talked about professional matters herself; but then with what + fun and humour she told the story of her comrade, Pentweazle, as he was + called! There is no humour like Irish humour. Her father is rather + tedious, but thoroughly amiable; and how fine of him, giving lessons in + fencing after he quitted the army, where he was the pet of the Duke of + Kent! Fencing! I should like to continue my fencing, or I shall forget + what Angelo taught me. Uncle Arthur always liked me to fence—he says + it is the exercise of a gentleman. Hang it. I'll take some lessons of + Captain Costigan. Go along, Rebecca—up the hill, old lady. + Pendennis, Pendennis—how she spoke the word! Emily, Emily! how good, + how noble, how beautiful, how perfect, she is!” + </p> + <p> + Now the reader, who has had the benefit of overhearing the entire + conversation which Pen had with Miss Fotheringay, can judge for himself + about the powers of her mind, and may perhaps be disposed to think that + she has not said anything astonishingly humorous or intellectual in the + course of the above interview. She has married, and taken her position in + the world as the most spotless and irreproachable lady since, and I have + had the pleasure of making her acquaintance: and must certainly own, + against my friend Pen's opinion, that his adored Emily is not a clever + woman. The truth is, she had not only never heard of Kotzebue, but she had + never heard of Farquhar, or Congreve, or any dramatist in whose plays she + had not a part: and of these dramas she only knew the part which concerned + herself. A wag once told her that Dante was born at Algiers: and asked + her,—which Dr. Johnson wrote first, 'Irene,' or 'Every Man in his + Humour.' But she had the best of the joke, for she had never heard of + Irene or Every Man in his Humour, or Dante, or perhaps Algiers. It was all + one to her. She acted what little Bows told her—where he told her to + sob, she sobbed—where he told her to laugh, she laughed. She gave + the tirade or the repartee without the slightest notion of its meaning. + She went to church and goes every Sunday, with a reputation perfectly + intact, and was (and is) as guiltless of sense as of any other crime. + </p> + <p> + But what did our Pen know of these things? He saw a pair of bright eyes, + and he believed in them—a beautiful image, and he fell down and + worshipped it. He supplied the meaning which her words wanted; and created + the divinity which he loved. Was Titania the first who fell in love with + an ass, or Pygmalion the only artist who has gone crazy about a stone? He + had found her; he had found what his soul thirsted after. He flung himself + into the stream and drank with all his might. Let those say who have been + thirsty once how delicious that first draught is. As he rode down the + avenue towards home—Pen shrieked with laughter as he saw the + Reverend Mr. Smirke once more coming demurely away from Fairoaks on his + pony. Smirke had dawdled and stayed at the cottages on the way, and then + dawdled with Laura over her lessons—and then looked at Mrs. + Pendennis's gardens and improvements until he had perfectly bored out that + lady: and he had taken his leave at the very last minute without that + invitation to dinner which he fondly expected. + </p> + <p> + Pen was full of kindness and triumph. “What, picked up and sound?” he + cried out laughing. “Come along back, old fellow, and eat my dinner—I + have had mine: but we will have a bottle of the old wine and drink her + health, Smirke.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Smirke turned the pony's head round, and jogged along with Arthur. + His mother was charmed to see him in such high spirits, and welcomed Mr. + Smirke for his sake, when Arthur said he had forced the curate back to + dine. He gave a most ludicrous account of the play of the night before, + and of the acting of Bingley the Manager, in his rickety Hessians, and the + enormous Mrs. Bingley as the Countess, in rumpled green satin and a Polish + cap; he mimicked them, and delighted his mother and little Laura, who + clapped her hands with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “And Mrs. Haller?” said Mrs. Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “She's a stunner, ma'am,” Pen said, laughing, and using the words of his + revered friend, Mr. Foker. + </p> + <p> + “A what, Arthur?” asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + “What is a stunner, Arthur?” cried Laura, in the same voice. + </p> + <p> + So he gave them a queer account of Mr. Foker, and how he used to be called + Vats and Grains, and by other contumelious names at school: and how he was + now exceedingly rich, and a Fellow Commoner at St. Boniface. But gay and + communicative as he was, Mr. Pen did not say one syllable about his ride + to Chatteris that day, or about the new friends whom he had made there. + </p> + <p> + When the two ladies retired, Pen, with flashing eyes, filled up two great + bumpers of Madeira, and looking Smirke full in the face said, “Here's to + her!” + </p> + <p> + “Here's to her,” said the curate with a sigh, lifting the glass and + emptying it, so that his face was a little pink when he put it down. + </p> + <p> + Pen had even less sleep that night than on the night before. In the + morning, and almost before dawn, he went out and saddled that unfortunate + Rebecca himself, and rode her on the Downs like mad. Again Love had roused + him—and said, “Awake, Pendennis, I am here.” That charming fever—that + delicious longing—and fire, and uncertainty; he hugged them to him—he + would not have lost them for all the world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. Contains both Love and War + </h2> + <p> + Cicero and Euripides did not occupy Mr. Pen much for some time after this, + and honest Mr. Smirke had a very easy time with his pupil. Rebecca was the + animal who suffered most in the present state of Pen's mind, for, besides + those days when he could publicly announce his intention of going to + Chatteris to take a fencing-lesson, and went thither with the knowledge of + his mother, whenever he saw three hours clear before him, the young rascal + made a rush for the city, and found his way to Prior's Lane. He was as + frantic with vexation when Rebecca went lame, as Richard at Bosworth, when + his horse was killed under him: and got deeply into the books of the man + who kept the hunting-stables at Chatteris for the doctoring of his own, + and the hire of another animal. + </p> + <p> + Then, and perhaps once in a week, under pretence of going to read a Greek + play with Smirke, this young reprobate set off so as to be in time for the + Competitor down coach, stayed a couple of hours in Chatteris, and returned + on the Rival which left for London at ten at night. Once his secret was + nearly lost by Smirke's simplicity, of whom Mrs. Pendennis asked whether + they had read a great deal the night before, or a question to that effect. + Smirke was about to tell the truth, that he had never seen Mr. Pen at all, + when the latter's boot-heel came grinding down on Mr. Smirke's toe under + the table, and warned the curate not to betray him. + </p> + <p> + They had had conversations on the tender subject, of course. It is good + sport (if you are not yourself engaged in the conversation) to hear two + men in love talk. There must be a confidant and depositary somewhere. When + informed, under the most solemn vows of secrecy, of Pen's condition of + mind, the curate said, with no small tremor, “that he hoped it was no + unworthy object—no unlawful attachment, which Pen had formed”—for + if so, the poor fellow felt it would be his duty to break his vow and + inform Pen's mother, and then there would be a quarrel, he felt, with + sickening apprehension, and he would never again have a chance of seeing + what he most liked in the world. + </p> + <p> + “Unlawful, unworthy!” Pen bounced out at the curate's question. “She is as + pure as she is beautiful; I would give my heart to no other woman. I keep + the matter a secret in my family, because—because—there are + reasons of a weighty nature which I am not at liberty to disclose. But any + man who breathes a word against her purity insults both her honour and + mine, and—and dammy, I won't stand it.” + </p> + <p> + Smirke, with a faint laugh, only said, “Well, well, don't call me out, + Arthur, for you know I can't fight;” but by this compromise the wretched + curate was put more than ever into the power of his pupil, and the Greek + and mathematics suffered correspondingly. + </p> + <p> + If the reverend gentleman had had much discernment, and looked into the + Poet's Corner of the County Chronicle, as it arrived in the Wednesday's + bag, he might have seen 'Mrs. Haller,' 'Passion and Genius,' 'Lines to + Miss Fotheringay, of the Theatre Royal,' appearing every week; and other + verses of the most gloomy, thrilling, and passionate cast. But as these + poems were no longer signed NEP by their artful composer, but subscribed + EROS, neither the tutor nor Helen, the good soul, who cut all her son's + verses out of the paper, knew that Nep was no other than that flaming + Eros, who sang so vehemently the character of the new actress. + </p> + <p> + “Who is the lady,” at last asked Mrs. Pendennis, “whom your rival is + always singing in the County Chronicle? He writes something like you, dear + Pen, but yours is much the best. Have you seen Miss Fotheringay?” + </p> + <p> + Pen said yes, he had; that night he went to see the “Stranger,” she acted + Mrs. Haller. By the way, she was going to have a benefit, and was to + appear in Ophelia—suppose we were to go—Shakspeare, you know, + mother—we can get horses from the Clavering Arms. Little Laura + sprang up with delight, she longed for a play. + </p> + <p> + Pen introduced “Shakspeare, you know,” because the deceased Pendennis, as + became a man of his character, professed an uncommon respect for the bard + of Avon, in whose works he safely said there was more poetry than in all + 'Johnson's Poets' put together. And though Mr. Pendennis did not much read + the works in question, yet he enjoined Pen to peruse them, and often said + what pleasure he should have, when the boy was of a proper age, in taking + him and mother to see some good plays of the immortal poet. + </p> + <p> + The ready tears welled up in the kind mother's eyes as she remembered + these speeches of the man who was gone. She kissed her son fondly, and + said she would go. Laura jumped for joy. Was Pen happy?—was he + ashamed? As he held his mother to him, he longed to tell her all, but he + kept his counsel. He would see how his mother liked her; the play should + be the thing, and he would try his mother like Hamlet's. + </p> + <p> + Helen, in her good humour, asked Mr. Smirke to be of the party. That + ecclesiastic had been bred up by a fond parent at Clapham, who had an + objection to dramatic entertainments, and he had never yet seen a play. + But, Shakspeare!—but to go with Mrs. Pendennis in her carriage, and + sit a whole night by her side!—he could not resist the idea of so + much pleasure, and made a feeble speech, in which he spoke of temptation + and gratitude, and finally accepted Mrs. Pendennis's most kind offer. As + he spoke he gave her a look, which made her exceedingly uncomfortable. She + had seen that look more than once, of late, pursuing her. He became more + positively odious every day in the widow's eyes. + </p> + <p> + We are not going to say a great deal about Pen's courtship of Miss + Fotheringay, for the reader has already had a specimen of her + conversation, much of which need surely not be reported. Pen sate with her + hour after hour, and poured forth all his honest boyish soul to her. + Everything he knew, or hoped, or felt, or had read, or fancied, he told to + her. He never tired of talking and longing. One after another, as his + thoughts rose in his hot eager brain, he clothed them in words, and told + them to her. Her part of the tete-a-tete was not to talk, but to appear as + if she understood what Pen talked (a difficult matter, for the young + fellow blurted out no small quantity of nonsense), and to look exceedingly + handsome and sympathising. The fact is, whilst he was making one of his + tirades—and delighted, perhaps, and wondering at his own eloquence, + the lad would go on for twenty minutes at a time—the lovely Emily, + who could not comprehend a tenth part of his talk, had leisure to think + about her own affairs, and would arrange in her own mind how they should + dress the cold mutton, or how she would turn the black satin, or make + herself out of her scarf a bonnet like Miss Thackthwaite's new one, and so + forth. Pen spouted Byron and Moore; passion and poetry: her business was + to throw up her eyes, or fixing them for a moment on his face, to cry, + “Oh, 'tis beautiful! Ah, how exquisite! Repeat those lines again.” And off + the boy went, and she returned to her own simple thoughts about the turned + gown, or the hashed mutton. + </p> + <p> + In fact Pen's passion was not long a secret from the lovely Emily or her + father. Upon his second visit, his admiration was quite evident to both of + them, and on his departure the old gentleman said to his daughter, as he + winked at her over his glass of grog, “Faith, Milly darling, I think ye've + hooked that chap.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, 'tis only a boy, papa dear,” Milly remarked. “Sure he's but a + child.” Pen would have been very much pleased if he had heard that phrase—he + was galloping home wild with pleasure, and shouting out her name as he + rode. + </p> + <p> + “Ye've hooked 'um any how,” said the Captain, “and let me tell ye he's not + a bad fish. I asked Tom at the George, and Flint, the grocer, where his + mother dales—fine fortune—drives in her chariot—splendid + park and grounds—Fairoaks Park—only son—property all his + own at twenty-one—ye might go further and not fare so well, Miss + Fotheringay.” + </p> + <p> + “Them boys are mostly talk,” said Milly, seriously. “Ye know at Dublin how + ye went on about young Poldoody, and I've a whole desk full of verses he + wrote me when he was in Trinity College; but he went abroad, and his + mother married him to an Englishwoman.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord Poldoody was a young nobleman; and in them it's natural: and ye + weren't in the position in which ye are now, Milly dear. But ye mustn't + encourage this young chap too much, for, bedad, Jack Costigan won't have + any thrifling with his daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “No more will his daughter, papa, you may be sure of that,” Milly said. “A + little sip more of the punch,—sure, 'tis beautiful. Ye needn't be + afraid about the young chap—I think I'm old enough to take care of + myself, Captain Costigan.” + </p> + <p> + So Pen used to come day after day, rushing in and galloping away, and + growing more wild about the girl with every visit. Sometimes the Captain + was present at their meetings; but having a perfect confidence in his + daughter, he was more often inclined to leave the young couple to + themselves, and cocked his hat over his eye, and strutted off on some + errand when Pen entered. How delightful those interviews were! The + Captain's drawing-room was a low wainscoted room, with a large window + looking into the Dean's garden. There Pen sate and talked—and talked—Emily, + looking beautiful as she sate at her work—looking beautiful and + calm, and the sunshine came streaming in at the great windows, and lighted + up her superb face and form. In the midst of the conversation, the great + bell would begin to boom, and he would pause smiling, and be silent until + the sound of the vast music died away—or the rooks in the cathedral + elms would make a great noise towards sunset—or the sound of the + organ and the choristers would come over the quiet air, and gently hush + Pen's talking. + </p> + <p> + By the way, it must be said that Miss Fotheringay, in a plain shawl and a + close bonnet and veil, went to church every Sunday of her life, + accompanied by her indefatigable father, who gave the responses in a very + rich and fine brogue, joined in the psalms and chanting, and behaved in + the most exemplary manner. + </p> + <p> + Little Bows, the house-friend of the family, was exceedingly wroth at the + notion of Miss Fotheringay's marriage with a stripling seven or eight + years her junior. Bows, who was a cripple, and owned that he was a little + more deformed even than Bingley the manager, so that he could not appear + on the stage, was a singular wild man of no small talents and humour. + Attracted first by Miss Fotheringay's beauty, he began to teach her how to + act. He shrieked out in his cracked voice the parts, and his pupil learned + them from his lips by rote, and repeated them in her full rich tones. He + indicated the attitudes, and set and moved those beautiful arms of hers. + Those who remember this grand actress on the stage can recall how she used + always precisely the same gestures, looks, and tones; how she stood on the + same plank of the stage in the same position, rolled her eyes at the same + instant and to the same degree, and wept with precisely the same + heart-rending pathos and over the same pathetic syllable. And after she + had come out trembling with emotion before the audience, and looking so + exhausted and tearful that you fancied she would faint with sensibility, + she would gather up her hair the instant she was behind the curtain, and + go home to a mutton-chop and a glass of brown stout; and the harrowing + labours of the day over, she went to bed and snored as resolutely and as + regularly as a porter. + </p> + <p> + Bows then was indignant at the notion that his pupil should throw her + chances away in life by bestowing her hand upon a little country squire. + As soon as a London manager saw her he prophesied that she would get a + London engagement, and a great success. The misfortune was that the London + managers had seen her. She had played in London three years before, and + failed from utter stupidity. Since then it was that Bows had taken her in + hand and taught her part after part. How he worked and screamed, and + twisted, and repeated lines over and over again, and with what indomitable + patience and dulness she followed him! She knew that he made her: and let + herself be made. She was not grateful, or ungrateful, or unkind, or + ill-humoured. She was only stupid; and Pen was madly in love with her. + </p> + <p> + The post-horses from the Clavering Arms arrived in due time, and carried + the party to the theatre at Chatteris, where Pen was gratified in + perceiving that a tolerably large audience was assembled. The young + gentlemen from Baymouth had a box, in the front of which sate Mr. Foker + and his friend Mr. Spavin, splendidly attired in the most full-blown + evening costume. They saluted Pen in a cordial manner, and examined his + party, of which they approved, for little Laura was a pretty little + red-cheeked girl with a quantity of shining brown ringlets, and Mrs. + Pendennis, dressed in black velvet with the diamond cross which she + sported on great occasions, looked uncommonly handsome and majestic. + Behind these sate Mr. Arthur, and the gentle Smirke with the curl reposing + on his fair forehead, and his white tie in perfect order. He blushed to + find himself in such a place—but how happy was he to be there! He + and Mrs. Pendennis brought books of 'Hamlet' with them to follow the + tragedy, as is the custom of honest countryfolks who go to a play in + state. Samuel, coachman, groom, and gardener to Mr. Pendennis, took his + place in the pit, where Mr. Foker's man was also visible. It was dotted + with non-commissioned officers of the Dragoons, whose band, by kind + permission of Colonel Swallowtail, were, as usual, in the orchestra; and + that corpulent and distinguished warrior himself, with his Waterloo medal + and a number of his young men, made a handsome show in the boxes. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that odd-looking person bowing to you, Arthur?” Mrs. Pendennis + asked of her son. + </p> + <p> + Pen blushed a great deal. “His name is Captain Costigan, ma'am,” he said—“a + Peninsular officer.” In fact it was the Captain in a new shoot of clothes, + as he called them, and with a large pair of white kid gloves, one of which + he waved to Pendennis, whilst he laid the other sprawling over his heart + and coat-buttons. Pen did not say any more. And how was Mrs. Pendennis to + know that Mr. Costigan was the father of Miss Fotheringay? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hornbull, from London, was the Hamlet of the night, Mr. Bingley + modestly contenting himself with the part of Horatio, and reserving his + chief strength for William in 'Black-Eyed Susan,' which was the second + piece. + </p> + <p> + We have nothing to do with the play: except to say that Ophelia looked + lovely, and performed with admirable wild pathos laughing, weeping, gazing + wildly, waving her beautiful white arms, and flinging about her snatches + of flowers and songs with the most charming madness. What an opportunity + her splendid black hair had of tossing over her shoulders! She made the + most charming corpse ever seen; and while Hamlet and Laertes were battling + in her grave, she was looking out from the back scenes with some curiosity + towards Pen's box, and the family party assembled in it. + </p> + <p> + There was but one voice in her praise there. Mrs. Pendennis was in + ecstasies with her beauty. Little Laura was bewildered by the piece, and + the Ghost, and the play within the play (during which, as Hamlet lay at + Ophelia's knee, Pen felt that he would have liked to strangle Mr. + Hornbull), but cried out great praises of that beautiful young creature. + Pen was charmed with the effect which she produced on his mother—and + the clergyman, for his part, was exceedingly enthusiastic. + </p> + <p> + When the curtain fell upon that group of slaughtered personages, who are + despatched so suddenly at the end of 'Hamlet,' and whose demise astonished + poor little Laura not a little, there was an immense shouting and applause + from all quarters of the house; the intrepid Smirke, violently excited, + clapped his hands, and cried out “Bravo, Bravo,” as loud as the Dragoon + officers themselves. These were greatly moved,—ils s'agitaient sur + leurs bancs,—to borrow a phrase from our neighbours. They were led + cheering into action by the portly Swallowtail, who waved his cap—the + non-commissioned officers in the pit, of course, gallantly following their + chiefs. There was a roar of bravos rang through the house; Pen bellowing + with the loudest, “Fotheringay! Fotheringay!” and Messrs. Spavin and Foker + giving the view-halloo from their box. Even Mrs. Pendennis began to wave + about her pocket-handkerchief, and little Laura danced, laughed, clapped, + and looked up at Pen with wonder. + </p> + <p> + Hornbull led the beneficiaire forward, amidst bursts of enthusiasm—and + she looked so handsome and radiant, with her hair still over her + shoulders, that Pen hardly could contain himself for rapture: and he + leaned over his mother's chair, and shouted, and hurrayed, and waved his + hat. It was all he could do to keep his secret from Helen, and not say, + “Look! That's the woman! Isn't she peerless? I tell you I love her.” But + he disguised these feelings under an enormous bellowing and hurraying. + </p> + <p> + As for Miss Fotheringay and her behaviour, the reader is referred to a + former page for an account of that. She went through precisely the same + business. She surveyed the house all round with glances of gratitude; and + trembled, and almost sank with emotion, over her favourite trap-door. She + seized the flowers (Foker discharged a prodigious bouquet at her, and even + Smirke made a feeble shy with a rose, and blushed dreadfully when it fell + into the pit). She seized the flowers and pressed them to her swelling + heart—etc., etc.—in a word—we refer the reader to + earlier pages. Twinkling in her breast poor old Pen saw a locket which he + had bought of Mr. Nathan in High Street, with the last shilling he was + worth, and a sovereign borrowed from Smirke. + </p> + <p> + 'Black-Eyed Susan' followed, at which sweet story our gentle-hearted + friends were exceedingly charmed and affected: and in which Susan, with a + russet gown and a pink ribbon in her cap, looked to the full as lovely as + Ophelia. Bingley was great in William. Goll, as the Admiral, looked like + the figure-head of a seventy-four; and Garbetts, as Captain Boldweather, a + miscreant who forms a plan for carrying off Black-eyed Susan, and waving + an immense cocked hat says, “Come what may, he will be the ruin of her”—all + these performed their parts with their accustomed talent; and it was with + a sincere regret that all our friends saw the curtain drop down and end + that pretty and tender story. + </p> + <p> + If Pen had been alone with his mother in the carriage as they went home, + he would have told her all, that night; but he sate on the box in the + moonshine smoking a cigar by the side of Smirke, who warmed himself with a + comforter. Mr. Foker's tandem and lamps whirled by the sober old Clavering + posters as they were a couple of miles on their road home, and Mr. Spavin + saluted Mrs. Pendennis's carriage with some considerable variations of + Rule Britannia on the key-bugle. + </p> + <p> + It happened two days after the above gaieties that Mr. Dean of Chatteris + entertained a few select clerical friends at dinner at his Deanery Home. + That they drank uncommonly good port wine, and abused the Bishop over + their dessert, are very likely matters: but with such we have nothing at + present to do. Our friend Doctor Portman, of Clavering, was one of the + Dean's guests, and being a gallant man, and seeing from his place at the + mahogany the Dean's lady walking up and down the grass, with her children + sporting around her, and her pink parasol over her lovely head—the + Doctor stept out of the French windows of the dining-room into the lawn, + which skirts that apartment, and left the other white neckcloths to gird + at my lord Bishop. Then the Doctor went up and offered Mrs. Dean his arm, + and they sauntered over the ancient velvet lawn, which had been mowed and + rolled for immemorial Deans, in that easy, quiet, comfortable manner, in + which people of middle age and good temper walk after a good dinner, in a + calm golden summer evening, when the sun has but just sunk behind the + enormous cathedral-towers, and the sickle-shaped moon is growing every + instant brighter in the heavens. + </p> + <p> + Now at the end of the Dean's garden there is, as we have stated, Mrs. + Creed's house, and the windows of the first-floor room were open to admit + the pleasant summer air. A young lady of six-and-twenty, whose eyes were + perfectly wide open, and a luckless boy of eighteen, blind with love and + infatuation, were in that chamber together; in which persons, as we have + before seen them in the same place, the reader will have no difficulty in + recognising Mr. Arthur Pendennis and Miss Costigan. + </p> + <p> + The poor boy had taken the plunge. Trembling with passionate emotion, his + heart beating and throbbing fiercely, tears rushing forth in spite of him, + his voice almost choking with feeling, poor Pen had said those words which + he could withhold no more, and flung himself and his whole store of love, + and admiration, and ardour at the feet of this mature beauty. Is he the + first who has done so? Have none before or after him staked all their + treasure of life, as a savage does his land and possessions against a + draught of the fair-skins' fire-water, or a couple of bauble eyes? + </p> + <p> + “Does your mother know of this, Arthur?” said Miss Fotheringay, slowly. He + seized her hand madly and kissed it a thousand times. She did not withdraw + it. “Does the old lady know it?” Miss Costigan thought to herself, “well, + perhaps she may,” and then she remembered what a handsome diamond cross + Mrs. Pendennis had on the night of the play, and thought, “Sure 'twill go + in the family.” + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself, dear Arthur,” she said, in her low rich voice, and + sniffled sweetly and gravely upon him. Then, with her disengaged hand, she + put the hair lightly off his throbbing forehead. He was in such a rapture + and whirl of happiness that he could hardly speak. At last he gasped out, + “My mother has seen you, and admires you beyond measure. She will learn to + love you soon: who can do otherwise? She will love you because I do.” + </p> + <p> + “'Deed then, I think you do,” said Miss Costigan, perhaps with a sort of + pity for Pen. + </p> + <p> + Think she did! Of course here Mr. Pen went off into a rhapsody through + which, as we have perfect command over our own feelings, we have no reason + to follow the lad. Of course, love, truth, and eternity were produced: and + words were tried but found impossible to plumb the tremendous depth of his + affection. This speech, we say, is no business of ours. It was most likely + not very wise, but what right have we to overhear? Let the poor boy fling + out his simple heart at the woman's feet, and deal gently with him. It is + best to love wisely, no doubt: but to love foolishly is better than not to + be able to love at all. Some of us can't: and are proud of our impotence + too. + </p> + <p> + At the end of his speech Pen again kissed the imperial hand with rapture—and + I believe it was at this very moment, and while Mrs. Dean and Doctor + Portman were engaged in conversation, that young Master Ridley Roset, her + son, pulled his mother by the back of her capacious dress and said— + </p> + <p> + “I say, ma! look up there”—and he waggled his innocent head. + </p> + <p> + That was, indeed, a view from the Dean's garden such as seldom is seen by + Deans—or is written in Chapters. There was poor Pen performing a + salute upon the rosy fingers of his charmer, who received the embrace with + perfect calmness and good humour. Master Ridley looked up and grinned, + little Miss Rosa looked at her brother, and opened the mouth of + astonishment. Mrs. Dean's countenance defied expression, and as for Dr. + Portman, when he beheld the scene, and saw his prime favourite and dear + pupil Pen, he stood mute with rage and wonder. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Haller spied the party below at the same moment, and gave a start and + a laugh. “Sure there's somebody in the Dean's garden,” she cried out; and + withdrew with perfect calmness, whilst Pen darted away with his face + glowing like coals. The garden party had re-entered the house when he + ventured to look out again. The sickle moon was blazing bright in the + heavens then, the stars were glittering, the bell of the cathedral tolling + nine, the Dean's guests (all save one, who had called for his horse + Dumpling, and ridden off early) were partaking of tea and buttered cakes + in Mrs. Dean's drawing-room—when Pen took leave of Miss Costigan. + </p> + <p> + Pen arrived at home in due time afterwards, and was going to slip off to + bed, for the poor lad was greatly worn and agitated, and his high-strung + nerves had been at almost a maddening pitch when a summons came to him by + John the old footman, whose countenance bore a very ominous look, that his + mother must see him below. + </p> + <p> + On this he tied on his neckcloth again, and went downstairs to the + drawing-room. There sate not only his mother, but her friend, the Reverend + Doctor Portman. Helen's face looked very pale by the light of the lamp—the + Doctor's was flushed, on the contrary, and quivering with anger and + emotion. + </p> + <p> + Pen saw at once that there was a crisis, and that there had been a + discovery. “Now for it,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been, Arthur?” Helen said in a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + “How can you look that—that dear lady, and a Christian clergyman in + the face, sir?” bounced out the Doctor, in spite of Helen's pale, + appealing looks. “Where has he been? Where his mother's son should have + been ashamed to go. For your mother's an angel, sir, an angel. How dare + you bring pollution into her house, and make that spotless creature + wretched with the thoughts of your crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Don't deny it, sir,” roared the Doctor. “Don't add lies, sir, to your + other infamy. I saw you myself, sir. I saw you from the Dean's garden. I + saw you kissing the hand of that infernal painted—-” + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” Pen said, clapping his fist on the table, till the lamp flickered + up and shook, “I am a very young man, but you will please to remember that + I am a gentleman—I will hear no abuse of that lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady, sir,” cried the Doctor, “that a lady—you—you—you + stand in your mother's presence and call that—that woman a lady!—-” + </p> + <p> + “In anybody's presence,” shouted out Pen. “She is worthy of any place. She + is as pure as any woman. She is as good as she is beautiful. If any man + but you insulted her, I would tell him what I thought; but as you are my + oldest friend, I suppose you have the privilege to doubt of my honour.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Pen, dearest Pen,” cried out Helen in an excess of joy. “I told, + I told you, Doctor, he was not—not what you thought:” and the tender + creature coming trembling forward flung herself on Pen's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Pen felt himself a man, and a match for all the Doctors in Doctordom. He + was glad this explanation had come. “You saw how beautiful she was,” he + said to his mother, with a soothing, protecting air, like Hamlet with + Gertrude in the play. “I tell you, dear mother, she is as good. When you + know her you will say so. She is of all, except you, the simplest, the + kindest, the most affectionate of women. Why should she not be on the + stage?—She maintains her father by her labour.” + </p> + <p> + “Drunken old reprobate,” growled the Doctor, but Pen did not hear or heed. + </p> + <p> + “If you could see, as I have, how orderly her life is, how pure and pious + her whole conduct, you would—as I do—yes, as I do”—(with + a savage look at the Doctor)—“spurn the slanderer who dared to do + her wrong. Her father was an officer, and distinguished himself in Spain. + He was a friend of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, and is intimately + known to the Duke of Wellington, and some of the first officers of our + army. He has met my uncle Arthur at Lord Hill's, he thinks. His own family + is one of the most ancient and respectable in Ireland, and indeed is as + good as our own. The Costigans were kings of Ireland.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, God bless my soul,” shrieked out the Doctor, hardly knowing whether + to burst with rage or laughter, “you don't mean to say you want to marry + her?” + </p> + <p> + Pen put on his most princely air. “What else, Dr. Portman,” he said, “do + you suppose would be my desire?” + </p> + <p> + Utterly foiled in his attack, and knocked down by this sudden lunge of + Pen's, the Doctor could only gasp out, “Mrs. Pendennis, ma'am, send for + the Major.” + </p> + <p> + “Send for the Major? with all my heart,” said Arthur Prince of Pendennis + and Grand Duke of Fairoaks, with a most superb wave of the hand. And the + colloquy terminated by the writing of those two letters which were laid on + Major Pendennis's breakfast-table, in London, at the commencement of + Prince Arthur's most veracious history. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. In which the Major makes his Appearance + </h2> + <p> + Our acquaintance, Major Arthur Pendennis, arrived in due time at Fairoaks, + after a dreary night passed in the mail-coach, where a stout + fellow-passenger, swelling preternaturally with great-coats, had crowded + him into a corner, and kept him awake by snoring indecently; where a widow + lady, opposite, had not only shut out the fresh air by closing all the + windows of the vehicle, but had filled the interior with fumes of Jamaica + rum and water, which she sucked perpetually from a bottle in her reticule; + where, whenever he caught a brief moment of sleep, the twanging of the + horn at the turnpike-gates, or the scuffling of his huge neighbour wedging + him closer and closer, or the play of the widow's feet on his own tender + toes, speedily woke up the poor gentleman to the horrors and realities of + life—a life which has passed away now and become impossible, and + only lives in fond memories. Eight miles an hour, for twenty or + five-and-twenty hours, a tight mail-coach, a hard seat, a gouty tendency, + a perpetual change of coachmen grumbling because you did not fee them + enough, a fellow-passenger partial to spirits-and-water,—who has not + borne with these evils in the jolly old times? and how could people travel + under such difficulties? And yet they did, and were merry too. Next the + widow, and by the side of the Major's servant on the roof, were a couple + of school-boys going home for the midsummer holidays, and Major Pendennis + wondered to see them sup at the inn at Bagshot, where they took in a cargo + of ham, eggs, pie, pickles, tea, coffee, and boiled beef, which surprised + the poor Major, sipping a cup of very feeble tea, and thinking with a + tender dejection that Lord Steyne's dinner was coming off at that very + moment. The ingenuous ardour of the boys, however, amused the Major, who + was very good-natured, and he became the more interested when he found + that the one who travelled inside with him was a lord's son, whose noble + father Pendennis, of course, had met in the world of fashion which he + frequented. The little lord slept all night through, in spite of the + squeezing, and the horn-blowing, and the widow; and he looked as fresh as + paint (and, indeed; pronounced himself to be so) when the Major, with a + yellow face, a bristly beard, a wig out of curl, and strong rheumatic + griefs shooting through various limbs of his uneasy body, descended at the + little lodge-gate at Fairoaks, where the porteress and gardener's wife + reverentially greeted him, and, still more respectfully, Mr. Morgan, his + man. + </p> + <p> + Helen was on the look-out for this expected guest, and saw him from her + window. But she did not come forward immediately to greet him. She knew + the Major did not like to be seen at a surprise, and required a little + preparation before he cared to be visible. Pen, when a boy, had incurred + sad disgrace by carrying off from the Major's dressing-table a little + morocco box, which it must be confessed contained the Major's back teeth, + which he naturally would leave out of his jaws in a jolting mail-coach, + and without which he would not choose to appear. Morgan, his man, made a + mystery of mystery of his wigs: curling them in private places: + introducing them mysteriously to his master's room;—nor without his + head of hair would the Major care to show himself to any member of his + family, or any acquaintance. He went to his apartment then and supplied + these deficiencies; he groaned, and moaned, and wheezed, and cursed Morgan + through his toilet, as an old buck will, who has been up all night with a + rheumatism, and has a long duty to perform. And finally being belted, + curled, and set straight, he descended upon the drawing-room, with a grave + majestic air, such as befitted one who was at once a man of business and a + man of fashion. + </p> + <p> + Pen was not there, however; only Helen, and little Laura sewing at her + knees; and to whom he never presented more than a forefinger, as he did on + this occasion after saluting his sister-in-law. Laura took the finger + trembling and dropped it—and then fled out of the room. Major + Pendennis did not want to keep her, or indeed to have her in the house at + all, and had his private reason for disapproving of her: which we may + mention on some future occasion. Meanwhile Laura disappeared and wandered + about the premises seeking for Pen: whom she presently found in the + orchard, pacing up and down a walk there in earnest conversation with Mr. + Smirke. He was so occupied that he did not hear Laura's clear voice + singing out, until Smirke pulled him by the coat and pointed towards her + as she came running. + </p> + <p> + She ran up and put her hand into his. “Come in, Pen,” she said, “there's + somebody come; uncle Arthur's come.” + </p> + <p> + “He is, is he?” said Pen, and she felt him grasp her little hand. He + looked round at Smirke with uncommon fierceness, as much as to say, I am + ready for him or any man.—Mr. Smirke cast up his eyes as usual and + heaved a gentle sigh. + </p> + <p> + “Lead on, Laura,” Pen said, with a half fierce, half comic air—“Lead + on, and say I wait upon my uncle.” But he was laughing in order to hide a + great anxiety: and was screwing his courage inwardly to face the ordeal + which he knew was now before him. + </p> + <p> + Pen had taken Smirke into his confidence in the last two days, and after + the outbreak attendant on the discovery of Doctor Portman, and during + every one of those forty-eight hours which he had passed in Mr. Smirke's + society, had done nothing but talk to his tutor about Miss Fotheringay—Miss + Emily Fotheringay—Emily, etc., to all which talk Smirke listened + without difficulty, for he was in love himself, most anxious in all things + to propitiate Pen, and indeed very much himself enraptured by the personal + charms of this goddess, whose like, never having been before at a + theatrical representation, he had not beheld until now. Pen's fire and + volubility, his hot eloquence and rich poetical tropes and figures, his + manly heart, kind, ardent, and hopeful, refusing to see any defects in the + person he loved, any difficulties in their position that he might not + overcome, had half convinced Mr. Smirke that the arrangement proposed by + Mr. Pen was a very feasible and prudent one, and that it would be a great + comfort to have Emily settled at Fairoaks, Captain Costigan in the yellow + room, established for life there, and Pen married at eighteen. + </p> + <p> + And it is a fact that in these two days the boy had almost talked over his + mother, too; had parried all her objections one after another with that + indignant good sense which is often the perfection of absurdity; and had + brought her almost to acquiesce in the belief that if the marriage was + doomed in heaven, why doomed it was—that if the young woman was a + good person, it was all that she for her part had to ask; and rather to + dread the arrival of the guardian uncle who she foresaw would regard Mr. + Pen's marriage in a manner very different to that simple, romantic, + honest, and utterly absurd way in which the widow was already disposed to + look at questions of this sort. + </p> + <p> + For as in the old allegory of the gold and silver shield, about which the + two knights quarrelled, each is right according to the point from which he + looks: so about marriage; the question whether it is foolish or good, wise + or otherwise, depends upon the point of view from which you regard it. If + it means a snug house in Belgravia, and pretty little dinner-parties, and + a pretty little brougham to drive in the Park, and a decent provision not + only for the young people, but for the little Belgravians to come; and if + these are the necessaries of life (and they are with many honest people), + to talk of any other arrangement is an absurdity: of love in lodgings—a + babyish folly of affection: that can't pay coach-hire or afford a decent + milliner—as mere wicked balderdash and childish romance. If on the + other hand your opinion is that people, not with an assured subsistence, + but with a fair chance to obtain it, and with the stimulus of hope, + health, and strong affection, may take the chance of Fortune for better or + worse, and share its good or its evil together, the polite theory then + becomes an absurdity in its turn: worse than an absurdity, a blasphemy + almost, and doubt of Providence; and a man who waits to make his chosen + woman happy, until he can drive her to church in a neat little carriage + with a pair of horses, is no better than a coward or a trifler, who is + neither worthy of love nor of fortune. + </p> + <p> + I don't say that the town folks are not right, but Helen Pendennis was a + country-bred woman, and the book of life, as she interpreted it, told her + a different story to that page which is read in cities. Like most soft and + sentimental women, matchmaking, in general, formed a great part of her + thoughts, and I daresay she had begun to speculate about her son's falling + in love and marrying long before the subject had ever entered into the + brains of the young gentleman. It pleased her (with that dismal pleasure + which the idea of sacrificing themselves gives to certain women) to think + of the day when she would give up all to Pen, and he should bring his wife + home, and she would surrender the keys and the best bedroom, and go and + sit at the side of the table, and see him happy. What did she want in + life, but to see the lad prosper? As an empress certainly was not too good + for him, and would be honoured by becoming Mrs. Pen; so if he selected + humble Esther instead of Queen Vashti, she would be content with his + lordship's choice. Never mind how lowly or poor the person might be who + was to enjoy that prodigious honour, Mrs. Pendennis was willing to bow + before her and welcome her, and yield her up the first place. But an + actress—a mature woman, who had long ceased blushing except with + rouge, as she stood under the eager glances of thousands of eyes—an + illiterate and ill-bred person, very likely, who must have lived with + light associates, and have heard doubtful conversation—Oh! it was + hard that such a one should be chosen, and that the matron should be + deposed to give place to such a Sultana. + </p> + <p> + All these doubts the widow laid before Pen during the two days which had + of necessity to elapse ere the uncle came down; but he met them with that + happy frankness and ease which a young gentleman exhibits at his time of + life, and routed his mother's objections with infinite satisfaction to + himself. Miss Costigan was a paragon of virtue and delicacy; she was as + sensitive as the most timid maiden; she was as pure as the unsullied snow; + she had the finest manners, the most graceful wit and genius, the most + charming refinement and justness of appreciation in all matters of taste; + she had the most admirable temper and devotion to her father, a good old + gentleman of high family and fallen fortunes, who had lived, however, with + the best society in Europe: he was in no hurry, and could afford to wait + any time,—till he was one-and-twenty. But he felt (and here his face + assumed an awful and harrowing solemnity) that he was engaged in the one + only passion of his life, and that DEATH alone could close it. + </p> + <p> + Helen told him, with a sad smile and shake of the head, that people + survived these passions, and as for long engagements contracted between + very young men and old women—she knew an instance in her own family—Laura's + poor father was an instance—how fatal they were. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pen, however, was resolved that death must be his doom in case of + disappointment, and rather than this—rather than baulk him, in fact—this + lady would have submitted to any sacrifice or personal pain, and would + have gone down on her knees and have kissed the feet of a Hottentot + daughter-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Arthur knew his power over the widow, and the young tyrant was touched + whilst he exercised it. In those two days he brought her almost into + submission, and patronised her very kindly; and he passed one evening with + the lovely pie-maker at Chatteris, in which he bragged of his influence + over his mother; and he spent the other night in composing a most flaming + and conceited copy of verses to his divinity, in which he vowed, like + Montrose, that he would make her famous with his sword and glorious by his + pen, and that he would love her as no mortal woman had been adored since + the creation of womankind. + </p> + <p> + It was on that night, long after midnight, that wakeful Helen, passing + stealthily by her son's door, saw a light streaming through the chink of + the door into the dark passage, and heard Pen tossing and tumbling, and + mumbling verses in his bed. She waited outside for a while, anxiously + listening to him. In infantile fevers and early boyish illnesses, many a + night before, the kind soul had so kept watch. She turned the lock very + softly now, and went in so gently, that Pen for a moment did not see her. + His face was turned from her. His papers on his desk were scattered about, + and more were lying on the bed round him. He was biting a pencil and + thinking of rhymes and all sorts of follies and passions. He was Hamlet + jumping into Ophelia's grave: he was the Stranger taking Mrs. Haller to + his arms, beautiful Mrs. Haller, with the raven ringlets falling over her + shoulders. Despair and Byron, Thomas Moore and all the Loves of the + Angels, Waller and Herrick, Beranger and all the love-songs he had ever + read, were working and seething in this young gentleman's mind, and he was + at the very height and paroxysm of the imaginative frenzy when his mother + found him. + </p> + <p> + “Arthur,” said the mother's soft silver voice: and he started up and + turned round. He clutched some of the papers and pushed them under the + pillow. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you go to sleep, my dear?” she said, with a sweet tender smile, + and sate down on the bed and took one of his hot hands. + </p> + <p> + Pen looked at her wildly for an instant—“I couldn't sleep,” he said—“I—I + was—I was writing.”—And hereupon he flung his arms round her + neck and said, “O mother! I love her, I love her!”—How could such a + kind soul as that help soothing and pitying him? The gentle creature did + her best: and thought with a strange wonderment and tenderness that it was + only yesterday that he was a child in that bed; and how she used to come + and say her prayers over it before he woke upon holiday mornings. + </p> + <p> + They were very grand verses, no doubt, although Miss Fotheringay did not + understand them; but old Cos, with a wink and a knowing finger on his + nose, said, “Put them up with th' other letthers, Milly darling. + Poldoody's pomes was nothing to this.” So Milly locked up the manuscripts. + </p> + <p> + When then, the Major being dressed and presentable, presented himself to + Mrs. Pendennis, he found in the course of ten minutes' colloquy that the + poor widow was not merely distressed at the idea of the marriage + contemplated by Pen, but actually more distressed at thinking that the boy + himself was unhappy about it, and that his uncle and he should have any + violent altercation on the subject. She besought Major Pendennis to be + very gentle with Arthur: “He has a very high spirit, and will not brook + unkind words,” she hinted. “Dr. Portman spoke to him rather roughly—and + I must own unjustly, the other night—for my dearest boy's honour is + as high as any mother can desire—but Pen's answer quite frightened + me, it was so indignant. Recollect he is a man now; and be very—very + cautious,” said the widow, laying a fair long hand on the Major's sleeve. + </p> + <p> + He took it up, kissed it gallantly and looked in her alarmed face with + wonder, and a scorn which he was too polite to show. “Bon Dieu!” thought + the old negotiator, “the boy has actually talked the woman round, and + she'd get him a wife as she would a toy if Master cried for it. Why are + there no such things as lettres-de-cachet—and a Bastille for young + fellows of family?” The Major lived in such good company that he might be + excused for feeling like an Earl.—He kissed the widow's timid hand, + pressed it in both his, and laid it down on the table with one of his own + over it, as he smiled and looked her in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Confess,” said he, “now, that you are thinking how you possibly can make + it up to your conscience to let the boy have his own way.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed and was moved in the usual manner of females. “I am thinking + that he is very unhappy—and I am too——” + </p> + <p> + “To contradict him or to let him have his own wish?” asked the other; and + added, with great comfort to his inward self, “I'm d——d if he + shall.” + </p> + <p> + “To think that he should have formed so foolish and cruel and fatal an + attachment,” the widow said, “which can but end in pain whatever be the + issue.” + </p> + <p> + “The issue shan't be marriage, my dear sister,” the Major said resolutely. + “We're not going to have a Pendennis, the head of the house, marry a + strolling mountebank from a booth. No, no, we won't marry into Greenwich + Fair, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + “If the match is broken suddenly off,” the widow interposed, “I don't know + what may be the consequence. I know Arthur's ardent temper, the intensity + of his affections, the agony of his pleasures and disappointments, and I + tremble at this one if it must be. Indeed, indeed, it must not come on him + too suddenly.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear madam,” the Major said, with an air of the deepest commiseration + “I've no doubt Arthur will have to suffer confoundedly before he gets over + the little disappointment. But is he, think you, the only person who has + been so rendered miserable?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed,” said Helen, holding down her eyes. She was thinking of her + own case, and was at that moment seventeen again—and most miserable. + </p> + <p> + “I, myself,” whispered her brother-in-law, “have undergone a + disappointment in early life. A young woman with fifteen thousand pounds, + niece to an Earl—most accomplished creature—a third of her + money would have run up my promotion in no time, and I should have been a + lieutenant—colonel at thirty: but it might not be. I was but a + penniless lieutenant: her parents interfered: and I embarked for India, + where I had the honour of being secretary to Lord Buckley, when + commander-in-Chief—without her. What happened? We returned our letters, + sent back our locks of hair (the Major here passed his fingers through his + wig), we suffered—but we recovered. She is now a baronet's wife with + thirteen grown-up children; altered, it is true, in person; but her + daughters remind me of what she was, and the third is to be presented + early next week.” + </p> + <p> + Helen did not answer. She was still thinking of old times. I suppose if + one lives to be a hundred: there are certain passages of one's early life + whereof the recollection will always carry us back to youth again, and + that Helen was thinking of one of these. + </p> + <p> + “Look at my own brother, my dear creature,” the Major continued gallantly: + “he himself, you know, had a little disappointment when he started in the—the + medical profession—an eligible opportunity presented itself. Miss + Balls, I remember the name, was daughter of an apoth—a practitioner + in very large practice; my brother had very nearly succeeded in his suit.—But + difficulties arose: disappointments supervened, and—and I am sure he + had no reason to regret the disappointment, which gave him this hand,” + said the Major, and he once more politely pressed Helen's fingers. + </p> + <p> + “Those marriages between people of such different rank and age,” said + Helen, “are sad things. I have known them produce a great deal of + unhappiness.—Laura's father, my cousin, who—who was brought up + with me”—she added, in a low voice, “was an instance of that.” + </p> + <p> + “Most injudicious,” cut in the Major. “I don't know anything more painful + than for a man to marry his superior in age or his inferior in station. + Fancy marrying a woman of low rank of life, and having your house filled + with her confounded tag-rag-and-bobtail of relations! Fancy your wife + attached to a mother who dropped her h's, or called Maria Marire! How are + you to introduce her into society? My dear Mrs. Pendennis, I will name no + names, but in the very best circles of London society I have seen men + suffering the most excruciating agony, I have known them to be cut, to be + lost utterly, from the vulgarity of their wives' connections. What did + Lady Snapperton do last year at her dejeune dansant after the Bohemian + Ball? She told Lord Brouncker that he might bring his daughters or send + them with a proper chaperon, but that she would not receive Lady Brouncker + who was a druggist's daughter, or some such thing, and as Tom Wagg + remarked of her, never wanted medicine certainly, for she never had an h + in her life. Good Ged, what would have been the trifling pang of a + separation in the first instance to the enduring infliction of a constant + misalliance and intercourse with low people?” + </p> + <p> + “What, indeed!” said Helen, dimly disposed towards laughter, but yet + checking the inclination, because she remembered in what prodigious + respect her deceased husband held Major Pendennis and his stories of the + great world. + </p> + <p> + “Then this fatal woman is ten years older than that silly young scapegrace + of an Arthur. What happens in such cases, my dear creature? I don't mind + telling you, now we are alone that in the highest state of society, + misery, undeviating misery, is the result. Look at Lord Clodworthy come + into a room with his wife—why, good Ged, she looks like Clodworthy's + mother. What's the case between Lord and Lady Willowbank, whose love match + was notorious? He has already cut her down twice when she has hanged + herself out of jealousy for Mademoiselle de Sainte Cunegonde, the dancer; + and mark my words, good Ged, one day he'll not cut the old woman down. No, + my dear madam, you are not in the world, but I am: you are a little + romantic and sentimental (you know you are—women with those large + beautiful eyes always are); you must leave this matter to my experience. + Marry this woman! Marry at eighteen an actress of thirty—bah bah!—I + would as soon he sent into the kitchen and married the cook.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the evils of premature engagements,” sighed out Helen: and as she + has made this allusion no less than thrice in the course of the above + conversation, and seems to be so oppressed with the notion of long + engagements and unequal marriages, and as the circumstance we have to + relate will explain what perhaps some persons are anxious to know, namely + who little Laura is, who has appeared more than once before us, it will be + as well to clear up these points in another chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. In which Pen is kept waiting at the Door, while the Reader is informed who little Laura was. + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time, then, there was a young gentleman of Cambridge + University who came to pass the long vacation at the village where young + Helen Thistlewood was living with her mother, the widow of the lieutenant + slain at Copenhagen. This gentleman, whose name was the Reverend Francis + Bell, was nephew to Mrs. Thistlewood, and by consequence, own cousin to + Miss Helen, so that it was very right that he should take lodgings in his + aunt's house, who lived in a very small way; and there he passed the long + vacation, reading with three or four pupils who accompanied him to the + village. Mr. Bell was fellow of a college, and famous in the University + for his learning and skill as a tutor. + </p> + <p> + His two kinswomen understood pretty early that the reverend gentleman was + engaged to be married, and was only waiting for a college living to enable + him to fulfil his engagement. His intended bride was the daughter of + another parson, who had acted as Mr. Bell's own private tutor in Bell's + early life, and it was whilst under Mr. Coacher's roof, indeed, and when + only a boy of seventeen or eighteen years of age, that the impetuous young + Bell had flung himself at the feet of Miss Martha Coacher, whom he was + helping to pick peas in the garden. On his knees, before those peas and + her, he pledged himself to an endless affection. + </p> + <p> + Miss Coacher was by many years the young fellow's senior and her own heart + had been lacerated by many previous disappointments in the matrimonial + line. No less than three pupils of her father had trifled with those young + affections. The apothecary of the village had despicably jilted her. The + dragoon officer, with whom she had danced so many many times during that + happy season which she passed at Bath with her gouty grandmamma, one day + gaily shook his bridle-rein and galloped away never to return. Wounded by + the shafts of repeated ingratitude, can it be wondered at that the heart + of Martha Coacher should pant to find rest somewhere? She listened to the + proposals of the gawky gallant honest boy, with great kindness and + good-humour; at the end of his speech she said, “Law, Bell, I'm sure you + are too young to think of such things;” but intimated that she too would + revolve them in her own virgin bosom. She could not refer Mr. Bell to her + mamma, for Mr. Coacher was a widower, and being immersed in his books, was + of course unable to take the direction of so frail and wondrous an article + as a lady's heart, which Miss Martha had to manage for herself. + </p> + <p> + A lock of her hair, tied up in a piece of blue ribbon, conveyed to the + happy Bell the result of the Vestal's conference with herself. Thrice + before had she snipt off one of her auburn ringlets, and given them away. + The possessors were faithless, but the hair had grown again: and Martha + had indeed occasion to say that men were deceivers when she handed over + this token of love to the simple boy. + </p> + <p> + Number 6, however, was an exception to former passions—Francis Bell + was the most faithful of lovers. When his time arrived to go to college, + and it became necessary to acquaint Mr. Coacher of the arrangements that + had been made, the latter cried, “God bless my soul, I hadn't the least + idea what was going on;” as was indeed very likely, for he had been taken + in three times before in precisely a similar manner; and Francis went to + the University resolved to conquer honours, so as to be able to lay them + at the feet of his beloved Martha. + </p> + <p> + This prize in view made him labour prodigiously. News came, term after + term, of the honours he won. He sent the prize-books for his college + essays to old Coacher, and his silver declamation cup to Miss Martha. In + due season he was high among the Wranglers, and a fellow of his college; + and during all the time of these transactions a constant tender + correspondence was kept up with Miss Coacher, to whose influence, and + perhaps with justice, he attributed the successes which he had won. + </p> + <p> + By the time, however, when the Rev. Francis Bell, M.A., and Fellow and + Tutor of his College, was twenty-six years of age, it happened that Miss + Coacher was thirty-four, nor had her charms, her manners, or her temper + improved since that sunny day in the springtime of life when he found her + picking peas in the garden. Having achieved his honours he relaxed in the + ardour of his studies, and his judgment and tastes also perhaps became + cooler. The sunshine of the pea-garden faded away from Miss Martha, and + poor Bell found himself engaged—and his hand pledged to that bond in + a thousand letters—to a coarse, ill-tempered, ill-favoured, + ill-mannered, middle-aged woman. + </p> + <p> + It was in consequence of one of many altercations (in which Martha's + eloquence shone, and in which therefore she was frequently pleased to + indulge) that Francis refused to take his pupils to Bearleader's Green, + where Mr. Coacher's living was, and where Bell was in the habit of + spending the summer: and he bethought him that he would pass the vacation + at his aunt's village, which he had not seen for many years—not + since little Helen was a girl and used to sit on his knee. Down then he + came and lived with them. Helen was grown a beautiful young woman now. The + cousins were nearly four months together, from June to October. They + walked in the summer evenings: they met in the early morn. They read out + of the same book when the old lady dozed at night over the candles. What + little Helen knew, Frank taught her. She sang to him: she gave her artless + heart to him. She was aware of all his story. Had he made any secret?—had + he not shown the picture of the woman to whom he was engaged, and with a + blush,—her letters, hard, eager, and cruel?—The days went on + and on, happier and closer, with more kindness, more confidence, and more + pity. At last one morning in October came, when Francis went back to + college, and the poor girl felt that her tender heart was gone with him. + </p> + <p> + Frank too wakened up from the delightful midsummer dream to the horrible + reality of his own pain. He gnashed and tore at the chain which bound him. + He was frantic to break it and be free. Should he confess?—give his + savings to the woman to whom he was bound, and beg his release?—there + was time yet—he temporised. No living might fall in for years to + come. The cousins went on corresponding sadly and fondly: the betrothed + woman, hard, jealous, and dissatisfied, complaining bitterly, and with + reason, of her Francis's altered tone. + </p> + <p> + At last things came to a crisis, and the new attachment was discovered. + Francis owned it, cared not to disguise it, rebuked Martha with her + violent temper and angry imperiousness, and, worst of all, with her + inferiority and her age. + </p> + <p> + Her reply was, that if he did not keep his promise she would carry his + letters into every court in the kingdom—letters in which his love + was pledged to her ten thousand times; and, after exposing him to the + world as the perjurer and traitor he was, she would kill herself. + </p> + <p> + Frank had one more interview with Helen, whose mother was dead then, and + who was living companion with old Lady Pontypool,—one more + interview, where it was resolved that he was to do his duty; that is, to + redeem his vow; that is, to pay a debt cozened from him by a sharper; that + is, to make two honest people miserable. So the two judged their duty to + be, and they parted. + </p> + <p> + The living fell in only too soon; but yet Frank Bell was quite a grey and + worn-out man when he was inducted into it. Helen wrote him a letter on his + marriage, beginning “My dear Cousin,” and ending “always truly yours.” She + sent him back the other letters, and the lock of his hair—all but a + small piece. She had it in her desk when she was talking to the Major. + </p> + <p> + Bell lived for three or four years in his living, at the end of which + time, the Chaplainship of Coventry Island falling vacant, Frank applied + for it privately, and having procured it, announced the appointment to his + wife. She objected, as she did to everything. He told her bitterly that he + did not want her to come: so she went. Bell went out in Governor Crawley's + time, and was very intimate with that gentleman in his later years. And it + was in Coventry Island, years after his own marriage, and five years after + he had heard of the birth of Helen's boy, that his own daughter was born. + </p> + <p> + She was not the daughter of the first Mrs. Bell, who died of island fever + very soon after Helen Pendennis and her husband, to whom Helen had told + everything, wrote to inform Bell of the birth of their child. “I was old, + was I?” said Mrs. Bell the first; “I was old, and her inferior, was I? but + I married you, Mr. Bell, and kept you from marrying her?” and hereupon she + died. Bell married a colonial lady, whom he loved fondly. But he was not + doomed to prosper in love; and, this lady dying in childbirth, Bell gave + up too: sending his little girl home to Helen Pendennis and her husband, + with a parting prayer that they would befriend her. + </p> + <p> + The little thing came to Fairoaks from Bristol, which is not very far off, + dressed in black, and in company of a soldier's wife, her nurse, at + parting from whom she wept bitterly. But she soon dried up her grief under + Helen's motherly care. + </p> + <p> + Round her neck she had a locket with hair, which Helen had given, ah how + many years ago! to poor Francis, dead and buried. This child was all that + was left of him, and she cherished, as so tender a creature would, the + legacy which he had bequeathed to her. The girl's name, as his dying + letter stated, was Helen Laura. But John Pendennis, though he accepted the + trust, was always rather jealous of the orphan; and gloomily ordered that + she should be called by her own mother's name; and not by that first one + which her father had given her. She was afraid of Mr. Pendennis, to the + last moment of his life. And it was only when her husband was gone that + Helen dared openly to indulge in the tenderness which she felt for the + little girl. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that Laura Bell became Mrs. Pendennis's daughter. Neither her + husband nor that gentleman's brother, the Major, viewed her with very + favourable eyes. She reminded the first of circumstances in his wife's + life which he was forced to accept, but would have forgotten much more + willingly and as for the second, how could he regard her? She was neither + related to his own family of Pendennis, nor to any nobleman in this + empire, and she had but a couple of thousand pounds for her fortune. + </p> + <p> + And now let Mr. Pen come in, who has been waiting all this while. + </p> + <p> + Having strung up his nerves, and prepared himself, without at the door, + for the meeting, he came to it, determined to face the awful uncle. He had + settled in his mind that the encounter was to be a fierce one, and was + resolved on bearing it through with all the courage and dignity of the + famous family which he represented. And he flung open the door and entered + with the most severe and warlike expression, armed cap-a-pie as it were, + with lance couched and plumes displayed, and glancing at his adversary, as + if to say, “Come on, I'm ready.” + </p> + <p> + The old man of the world, as he surveyed the boy's demeanour, could hardly + help a grin at his admirable pompous simplicity. Major Pendennis too had + examined his ground; and finding that the widow was already half won over + to the enemy, and having a shrewd notion that threats and tragic + exhortations would have no effect upon the boy, who was inclined to be + perfectly stubborn and awfully serious, the Major laid aside the + authoritative manner at once, and with the most good-humoured natural + smile in the world, held out his hands to Pen, shook the lad's passive + fingers gaily, and said, “Well, Pen, my boy, tell us all about it.” + </p> + <p> + Helen was delighted with the generosity of the Major's good-humour. On the + contrary, it quite took aback and disappointed poor Pen, whose nerves were + strung up for a tragedy, and who felt that his grand entree was altogether + baulked and ludicrous. He blushed and winced with mortified vanity and + bewilderment. He felt immensely inclined to begin to cry—“I—I—I + didn't know that you were come till just now,” he said: “is—is—town + very full, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + If Pen could hardly gulp his tears down, it was all the Major could do to + keep from laughter. He turned round and shot a comical glance at Mrs. + Pendennis, who too felt that the scene was at once ridiculous and + sentimental. And so, having nothing to say, she went up and kissed Mr. + Pen: as he thought of her tenderness and soft obedience to his wishes, it + is very possible too the boy was melted. + </p> + <p> + “What a couple of fools they are,” thought the old guardian. “If I hadn't + come down, she would have driven over in state to pay a visit and give her + blessing to the young lady's family.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said he, still grinning at the couple, “let us have as + little sentiment as possible, and, Pen, my good fellow, tell us the whole + story.” + </p> + <p> + Pen got back at once to his tragic and heroical air. “The story is, sir,” + said he, “as I have written it to you before. I have made the acquaintance + of a most beautiful and most virtuous lady; of a high family, although in + reduced circumstances: I have found the woman in whom I know that the + happiness of my life is centred; I feel that I never, never can think + about any woman but her. I am aware of the difference of our ages and + other difficulties in my way. But my affection was so great that I felt I + could surmount all these; that we both could: and she has consented to + unite her lot with mine, and to accept my heart and my fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “How much is that, my boy?” said the Major. “Has anybody left you some + money? I don't know that you are worth a shilling in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “You know what I have is his,” cried out Mrs. Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens, madam, hold your tongue!” was what the guardian was + disposed to say; but he kept his temper, not without a struggle. “No + doubt, no doubt,” he said. “You would sacrifice anything for him. + Everybody knows that. But it is, after all then, your fortune which Pen is + offering to the young lady; and of which he wishes to take possession at + eighteen.” + </p> + <p> + “I know my mother will give me anything,” Pen said, looking rather + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my good fellow, but there is reason in all things. If your mother + keeps the house, it is but fair that she should select her company. When + you give her house over her head, and transfer her banker's account to + yourself for the benefit of Miss What-d'-you-call-'em—Miss Costigan—don't + you think you should at least have consulted my sister as one of the + principal parties in the transaction? I am speaking to you, you see, + without the least anger or assumption of authority, such as the law and + your father's will give me over you for three years to come—but as + one man of the world to another,—and I ask you, if you think that, + because you can do what you like with your mother, therefore you have a + right to do so? As you are her dependent, would it not have been more + generous to wait before you took this step, and at least to have paid her + the courtesy to ask her leave?” + </p> + <p> + Pen held down his head, and began dimly to perceive that the action on + which he had prided himself as a most romantic, generous instance of + disinterested affection, was perhaps a very selfish and headstrong piece + of folly. + </p> + <p> + “I did it in a moment of passion,” said Pen, floundering; “I was not aware + what I was going to say or to do” (and in this he spoke with perfect + sincerity) “But now it is said, and I stand to it. No; I neither can nor + will recall it. I'll die rather than do so. And I—I don't want to + burthen my mother,” he continued. “I'll work for myself. I'll go on the + stage, and act with her. She—she says I should do well there.” + </p> + <p> + “But will she take you on those terms?” the Major interposed. “Mind, I do + not say that Miss Costigan is not the most disinterested of women: but, + don't you suppose now, fairly, that your position as a young gentleman of + ancient birth and decent expectations forms a part of the cause why she + finds your addresses welcome?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll die, I say, rather than forfeit my pledge to her,” said Pen, + doubling his fists and turning red. + </p> + <p> + “Who asks you, my dear friend?” answered the imperturbable guardian. “No + gentleman breaks his word, of course, when it has been given freely. But + after all, you can wait. You owe something to your mother, something to + your family—something to me as your father's representative.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course,” Pen said, feeling rather relieved. + </p> + <p> + “Well, as you have pledged your word to her, give us another, will you + Arthur?” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” Arthur asked. + </p> + <p> + “That you will make no private marriage—that you won't be taking a + trip to Scotland, you understand.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a falsehood. Pen never told his mother a falsehood,” Helen + said. + </p> + <p> + Pen hung down his head again, and his eyes filled with tears of shame. Had + not this whole intrigue been a falsehood to that tender and confiding + creature who was ready to give up all for his sake? He gave his uncle his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir—on my word of honour, as a gentleman,” he said, “I will + never marry without my mother's consent!” and giving Helen a bright + parting look of confidence and affection unchangeable, the boy went out of + the drawing-room into his own study. + </p> + <p> + “He's an angel—he's an angel,” the mother cried out in one of her + usual raptures. + </p> + <p> + “He comes of a good stock, ma'am,” said her brother-in-law—“of a + good stock on both sides.” The Major was greatly pleased with the result + of his diplomacy—so much so, that he once more saluted the tips of + Mrs. Pendennis's glove, and dropping the curt, manly, and straightforward + tone in which he had conducted the conversation with the lad, assumed a + certain drawl which he always adopted when he was most conceited and fine. + </p> + <p> + “My dear creature,” said he, in that his politest tone, “I think it + certainly as well that I came down, and I flatter myself that last botte + was a successful one. I tell you how I came to think of it. Three years + ago my kind friend Lady Ferrybridge sent for me in the greatest state of + alarm about her son Gretna, whose affair you remember, and implored me to + use my influence with the young gentleman, who was engaged in an affaire + de coeur with a Scotch clergyman's daughter, Miss MacToddy. I implored, I + entreated gentle measures. But Lord Ferrybridge was furious, and tried the + high hand. Gretna was sulky and silent, and his parents thought they had + conquered. But what was the fact, my dear creature? The young people had + been married for three months before Lord Ferrybridge knew anything about + it. And that was why I extracted the promise from Master Pen.” + </p> + <p> + “Arthur would never have done so,” Mrs. Pendennis said. + </p> + <p> + “He hasn't,—that is one comfort,” answered the brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Like a wary and patient man of the world, Major Pendennis did not press + poor Pen any farther for the moment, but hoped the best from time, and + that the young fellow's eyes would be opened before long to see the + absurdity of which he was guilty. And having found out how keen the boy's + point of honour was, he worked kindly upon that kindly feeling with great + skill, discoursing him over their wine after dinner, and pointing out to + Pen the necessity of a perfect uprightness and openness in all his + dealings, and entreating that his communications with his interesting + young friend (as the Major politely called Miss Fotheringay) should be + carried on with the knowledge, if not approbation, of Mrs. Pendennis. + “After all, Pen,” the Major said, with a convenient frankness that did not + displease the boy, whilst it advanced the interests of the negotiator, + “you must bear in mind that you are throwing yourself away. Your mother + may submit to your marriage as she would to anything else you desired, if + you did but cry long enough for it: but be sure of this, that it can never + please her. You take a young woman off the boards of a country theatre and + prefer her, for such is the case, to one of the finest ladies in England. + And your mother will submit to your choice, but you can't suppose that she + will be happy under it. I have often fancied, entre nous, that my sister + had it in her eye to make a marriage between you and that little ward of + hers—Flora, Laura—what's her name? And I always determined to + do my small endeavour to prevent any such match. The child has but two + thousand pounds, I am given to understand. It is only with the utmost + economy and care that my sister can provide for the decent maintenance of + her house, and for your appearance and education as a gentleman; and I + don't care to own to you that I had other and much higher views for you. + With your name and birth, sir—with your talents, which I suppose are + respectable, with the friends whom I have the honour to possess, I could + have placed you in an excellent position—a remarkable position for a + young man of such exceeding small means, and had hoped to see you, at + least, try to restore the honours of our name. Your mother's softness + stopped one prospect, or you might have been a general, like our gallant + ancestor who fought at Ramillies and Malplaquet. I had another plan in + view: my excellent and kind friend, Lord Bagwig, who is very well disposed + towards me, would, I have little doubt, have attached you to his mission + at Pumpernickel, and you might have advanced in the diplomatic service. + But, pardon me for recurring to the subject; how is a man to serve a young + gentleman of eighteen, who proposes to marry a lady of thirty, whom he has + selected from a booth in a fair?—well, not a fair,—a barn. + That profession at once is closed to you. The public service is closed to + you. Society is closed to you. You see, my good friend, to what you bring + yourself. You may get on at the bar to be sure, where I am given to + understand that gentlemen of merit occasionally marry out of their + kitchens; but in no other profession. Or you may come and live down here—down + here, mon Dieu! for ever” (said the Major, with a dreary shrug, as he + thought with inexpressible fondness of Pall Mall), “where your mother will + receive the Mrs. Arthur that is to be, with perfect kindness; where the + good people of the county won't visit you; and where, by Gad, sir, I shall + be shy of visiting you myself, for I'm a plain-spoken man, and I own to + you that I like to live with gentlemen for my companions; where you will + have to live, with rum-and-water—drinking gentlemen—farmers, + and drag through your life the young husband of an old woman, who, if she + doesn't quarrel with your mother, will at least cost that lady her + position in society, and drag her down into that dubious caste into which + you must inevitably fall. It is no affair of mine, my good sir. I am not + angry. Your downfall will not hurt me farther than that it will extinguish + the hopes I had of seeing my family once more taking its place in the + world. It is only your mother and yourself that will be ruined. And I pity + you both from my soul. Pass the claret: it is some I sent to your poor + father; I remember I bought it at poor Lord Levant's sale. But of course,” + added the Major, smacking the wine, “having engaged yourself, you will do + what becomes you as a man of honour, however fatal your promise may be. + However, promise us on our side, my boy, what I set out by entreating you + to grant,—that there shall be nothing clandestine, that you will + pursue your studies, that you will only visit your interesting friend at + proper intervals. Do you write to her much?” + </p> + <p> + Pen blushed and said, “Why, yes, he had written.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose verses, eh! as well as prose? I was a dab at verses myself. I + recollect when I first joined, I used to write verses for the fellows in + the regiment; and did some pretty things in that way. I was talking to my + old friend General Hobbler about some lines I dashed off for him in the + year 1806, when we were at the Cape, and, Gad, he remembered every line of + them still; for he'd used 'em so often, the old rogue, and had actually + tried 'em on Mrs. Hobbler, sir—who brought him sixty thousand + pounds. I suppose you've tried verses, eh, Pen?” + </p> + <p> + Pen blushed again, and said, “Why, yes, he had written verses.” + </p> + <p> + “And does the fair one respond in poetry or prose?” asked the Major, + eyeing his nephew with the queerest expression, as much as to say, “O + Moses and Green Spectacles! what a fool the boy is.” + </p> + <p> + Pen blushed again. She had written, but not in verse, the young lover + owned, and he gave his breast-pocket the benefit of a squeeze with his + left arm, which the Major remarked, according to his wont. + </p> + <p> + “You have got the letters there, I see,” said the old campaigner, nodding + at Pen and pointing to his own chest (which was manfully wadded with + cotton by Mr. Stultz). “You know you have. I would give twopence to see + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Pen, twiddling the stalks of the strawberries, “I—I,” + but this sentence never finished; for Pen's face was so comical and + embarrassed, as the Major watched it, that the elder could contain his + gravity no longer, and burst into a fit of laughter, in which chorus Pen + himself was obliged to join after a minute: when he broke out fairly into + a guffaw. + </p> + <p> + It sent them with great good-humour into Mrs. Pendennis's drawing-room. + She was pleased to hear them laughing in the hall as they crossed it. + </p> + <p> + “You sly rascal!” said the Major, putting his arm gaily on Pen's shoulder, + and giving a playful push at the boy's breast-pocket. He felt the papers + crackling there sure enough. The young fellow was delighted—conceited—triumphant—and + in one word, a spoony. + </p> + <p> + The pair came to the tea-table in the highest spirits. The Major's + politeness was beyond expression. He had never tasted such good tea, and + such bread was only to be had in the country. He asked Mrs. Pendennis for + one of her charming songs. He then made Pen sing, and was delighted and + astonished at the beauty of the boy's voice: he made his nephew fetch his + maps and drawings, and praised them as really remarkable works of talent + in a young fellow: he complimented him on his French pronunciation: he + flattered the simple boy as adroitly as ever lover flattered a mistress: + and when bedtime came, mother and son went to their several rooms + perfectly enchanted with the kind Major. + </p> + <p> + When they had reached those apartments, I suppose Helen took to her knees + as usual: and Pen read over his letters before going to bed: just as if he + didn't know every word of them by heart already. In truth there were but + three of those documents and to learn their contents required no great + effort of memory. + </p> + <p> + In No. 1, Miss Fotheringay presents grateful compliments to Mr. Pendennis, + and in her papa's name and her own begs to thank him for his most + beautiful presents. They will always be kept carefully; and Miss F. and + Captain C. will never forget the delightful evening which they passed on + Tuesday last. + </p> + <p> + No. 2 said—Dear Sir, we shall have a small quiet party of social + friends at our humble board, next Tuesday evening, at an early tea, when I + shall wear the beautiful scarf which, with its accompanying delightful + verses, I shall ever, ever cherish: and papa bids me say how happy he will + be if you will join 'the feast of reason and the flow of soul' in our + festive little party, as I am sure will be your truly grateful Emily + Fotheringay. + </p> + <p> + No. 3 was somewhat more confidential, and showed that matters had + proceeded rather far. You were odious yesterday night, the letter said. + Why did you not come to the stage-door? Papa could not escort me on + account of his eye; he had an accident, and fell down over a loose carpet + on the stair on Sunday night. I saw you looking at Miss Diggle all night; + and you were so enchanted with Lydia Languish you scarcely once looked at + Julia. I could have crushed Bingley, I was so angry. I play Ella Rosenberg + on Friday: will you come then? Miss Diggle performs—ever your E. F. + </p> + <p> + These three letters Mr. Pen used to read at intervals, during the day and + night, and embrace with that delight and fervour which such beautiful + compositions surely warranted. A thousand times at least he had kissed + fondly the musky satin paper, made sacred to him by the hand of Emily + Fotheringay. This was all he had in return for his passion and flames, his + vows and protests, his rhymes and similes, his wakeful nights and endless + thoughts, his fondness, fears and folly. The young wiseacre had pledged + away his all for this: signed his name to endless promissory notes, + conferring his heart upon the bearer: bound himself for life, and got back + twopence as an equivalent. For Miss Costigan was a young lady of such + perfect good-conduct and self-command, that she never would have thought + of giving more, and reserved the treasures of her affection until she + could transfer them lawfully at church. + </p> + <p> + Howbeit, Mr. Pen was content with what tokens of regard he had got, and + mumbled over his three letters in a rapture of high spirits, and went to + sleep delighted with his kind old uncle from London, who must evidently + yield to his wishes in time; and, in a word, in a preposterous state of + contentment with himself and all the world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. In which the Major opens the Campaign + </h2> + <p> + Let those who have a real and heartfelt relish for London society and the + privilege of an entree into its most select circles, admit that Major + Pendennis was a man of no ordinary generosity and affection, in the + sacrifice which he now made. He gave up London in May,—his + newspapers and his mornings—his afternoons from club to club, his + little confidential visits to my Ladies, his rides in Rotten Row, his + dinners, and his stall at the Opera, his rapid escapades to Fulham or + Richmond on Saturdays and Sundays, his bow from my Lord Duke or my Lord + Marquis at the great London entertainments, and his name in the Morning + Post of the succeeding day,—his quieter little festivals, more + select, secret, and delightful—all these he resigned to lock himself + into a lone little country house, with a simple widow and a greenhorn of a + son, a mawkish curate, and a little girl of ten years of age. + </p> + <p> + He made the sacrifice, and it was the greater that few knew the extent of + it. His letters came down franked from town, and he showed the invitations + to Helen with a sigh. It was beautiful and tragical to see him refuse one + party after another—at least to those who could understand, as Helen + didn't, the melancholy grandeur of his self-denial. Helen did not, or only + smiled at the awful pathos with which the Major spoke of the Court Guide + in general: but young Pen looked with great respect at the great names + upon the superscriptions of his uncle's letters, and listened to the + Major's stories about the fashionable world with constant interest and + sympathy. + </p> + <p> + The elder Pendennis's rich memory was stored with thousands of these + delightful tales, and he poured them into Pen's willing ear with unfailing + eloquence. He knew the name and pedigree of everybody in the Peerage, and + everybody's relations. “My dear boy,” he would say, with a mournful + earnestness and veracity, “you cannot begin your genealogical studies too + early; I wish to Heavens you would read in Debrett every day. Not so much + the historical part (for the pedigrees, between ourselves, are many of + them very fabulous, and there are few families that can show such a clear + descent as our own) as the account of family alliances, and who is related + to whom. I have known a man's career in life blasted by ignorance on this + important, this all-important subject. Why, only last month, at dinner at + my Lord Hobanob's, a young man, who has lately been received among us, + young Mr. Suckling (author of a work, I believe), began to speak lightly + of Admiral Bowser's conduct for ratting to Ministers, in what I must own + is the most audacious manner. But who do you think sate next and opposite + to this Mr. Suckling? Why—why, next to him was Lady Grampound + Bowser's daughter, and opposite to him was Lord Grampound Bowser's + son-in-law. The infatuated young man went on cutting his jokes at the + Admiral's expense, fancying that all the world was laughing with him, and + I leave you to imagine Lady Hobanob's feelings—Hobanob's!—those + of every well-bred man, as the wretched intru was so exposing himself. He + will never dine again in South Street. I promise you that.” + </p> + <p> + With such discourses the Major entertained his nephew, as he paced the + terrace in front of the house for his two hours' constitutional walk, or + as they sate together after dinner over their wine. He grieved that Sir + Francis Clavering had not come down to the park, to live in it since his + marriage, and to make a society for the neighbourhood. He mourned that + Lord Eyrie was not in the country, that he might take Pen and present him + to his lordship. “He has daughters,” the Major said. “Who knows? you might + have married Lady Emily or Lady Barbara Trehawk; but all those dreams are + over; my poor fellow, you must lie on the bed which you have made for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + These things to hear did young Pendennis seriously incline. They are not + so interesting in print as when delivered orally; but the Major's + anecdotes of the great George, of the Royal Dukes, of the statesmen, + beauties, and fashionable ladies of the day, filled young Pen's soul with + longing and wonder; and he found the conversations with his guardian, + which sadly bored and perplexed poor Mrs. Pendennis, for his own part + never tedious. + </p> + <p> + It can't be said that Mr. Pen's new guide, philosopher, and friend + discoursed him on the most elevated subjects, or treated the subjects + which he chose in the most elevated manner. But his morality, such as it + was, was consistent. It might not, perhaps, tend to a man's progress in + another world, but it was pretty well calculated to advance his interests + in this; and then it must be remembered that the Major never for one + instant doubted that his views were the only views practicable, and that + his conduct was perfectly virtuous and respectable. He was a man of + honour, in a word: and had his eyes, what he called, open. He took pity on + this young greenhorn of a nephew, and wanted to open his eyes too. + </p> + <p> + No man, for instance, went more regularly to church when in the country + than the old bachelor. “It don't matter so much in town, Pen,” he said, + “for there the women go and the men are not missed. But when a gentleman + is sur ses terres, he must give an example to the country people: and if I + could turn a tune, I even think I should sing. The Duke of Saint David's, + whom I have the honour of knowing, always sings in the country, and let me + tell you, it has a doosed fine effect from the family pew. And you are + somebody down here. As long as the Claverings are away you are the first + man in the parish: and as good as any. You might represent the town if you + played your cards well. Your poor dear father would have done so had he + lived; so might you.—Not if you marry a lady, however amiable, whom + the country people won't meet.—Well, well: it's a painful subject. + Let us change it, my boy.” But if Major Pendennis changed the subject once + he recurred to it a score of times in the day: and the moral of his + discourse always was, that Pen was throwing himself away. Now it does not + require much coaxing or wheedling to make a simple boy believe that he is + a very fine fellow. + </p> + <p> + Pen took his uncle's counsels to heart. He was glad enough, we have said, + to listen to his elder's talk. The conversation of Captain Costigan became + by no means pleasant to him, and the idea of that tipsy old father-in-law + haunted him with terror. He couldn't bring that man, unshaven and reeking + of punch, to associate with his mother. Even about Emily—he faltered + when the pitiless guardian began to question him. “Was she accomplished?” + He was obliged to own, no. “Was she clever?” Well, she had a very good + average intellect: but he could not absolutely say she was clever. “Come, + let us see some of her letters.” So Pen confessed that he had but those + three of which we have made mention—and that they were but trivial + invitations or answers. + </p> + <p> + “She is cautious enough,” the Major said, drily. “She is older than you, + my poor boy;” and then he apologised with the utmost frankness and + humility, and flung himself upon Pen's good feelings, begging the lad to + excuse a fond old uncle, who had only his family's honour in view—for + Arthur was ready to flame up in indignation whenever Miss Costigan's + honesty was doubted, and swore that he would never have her name mentioned + lightly, and never, never would part from her. + </p> + <p> + He repeated this to his uncle and his friends at home, and also, it must + be confessed, to Miss Fotheringay and the amiable family, at Chatteris, + with whom he still continued to spend some portion of his time. Miss Emily + was alarmed when she heard of the arrival of Pen's guardian, and rightly + conceived that the Major came down with hostile intentions to herself. “I + suppose ye intend to leave me, now your grand relation has come down from + town. He'll carry ye off, and you'll forget your poor Emily, Mr. Arthur!” + </p> + <p> + Forget her! In her presence, in that of Miss Rouncy, the Columbine and + Milly's confidential friend of the Company, in the presence of the Captain + himself, Pen swore he never could think of any other woman but his beloved + Miss Fotheringay; and the Captain, looking up at his foils which were hung + as a trophy on the wall of the room where Pen and he used to fence, grimly + said, he would not advoise any man to meddle rashly with the affections of + his darling child; and would never believe his gallant young Arthur, whom + he treated as his son, whom he called his son, would ever be guilty of + conduct so revolting to every idaya of honour and humanity. + </p> + <p> + He went up and embraced Pen after speaking. He cried, and wiped his eye + with one large dirty hand as he clasped Pen with the other. Arthur + shuddered in that grasp, and thought of his uncle at home. His + father-in-law looked unusually dirty and shabby; the odour of + whisky-and-water was even more decided than in common. How was he to bring + that man and his mother together? He trembled when he thought that he had + absolutely written to Costigan (enclosing to him a sovereign, the loan of + which the worthy gentleman had need), and saying that one day he hoped to + sign himself his affectionate son, Arthur Pendennis. He was glad to get + away from Chatteris that day; from Miss Rouncy the confidante; from the + old toping father-in-law; from the divine Emily herself. “O, Emily, + Emily,” he cried inwardly, as he rattled homewards on Rebecca, “you little + know what sacrifices I am making for you!—for you who are always so + cold, so cautious, so mistrustful;” and he thought of a character in Pope + to whom he had often involuntarily compared her. + </p> + <p> + Pen never rode over to Chatteris upon a certain errand, but the Major + found out on what errand the boy had been. Faithful to his plan, Major + Pendennis gave his nephew no let or hindrance; but somehow the constant + feeling that the senior's eye was upon him, an uneasy shame attendant upon + that inevitable confession which the evening's conversation would be sure + to elicit in the most natural simple manner, made Pen go less frequently + to sigh away his soul at the feet of his charmer than he had been wont to + do previous to his uncle's arrival. There was no use trying to deceive + him; there was no pretext of dining with Smirke, or reading Greek plays + with Foker; Pen felt, when he returned from one of his flying visits, that + everybody knew whence he came, and appeared quite guilty before his mother + and guardian, over their books or their game at picquet. + </p> + <p> + Once having walked out half a mile, to the Fairoaks Inn, beyond the Lodge + gates, to be in readiness for the Competitor coach, which changed horses + there, to take a run for Chatteris, a man on the roof touched his hat to + the young gentleman: it was his uncle's man, Mr. Morgan, who was going on + a message for his master, and had been took up at the Lodge, as he said. + And Mr. Morgan came back by the Rival, too; so that Pen had the pleasure + of that domestic's company both ways. Nothing was said at home. The lad + seemed to have every decent liberty; and yet he felt himself dimly watched + and guarded, and that there were eyes upon him even in the presence of his + Dulcinea. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Pen's suspicions were not unfounded, and his guardian had sent + forth to gather all possible information regarding the lad and his + interesting young friend. The discreet and ingenious Mr. Morgan, a London + confidential valet, whose fidelity could be trusted, had been to Chatteris + more than once, and made every inquiry regarding the past history and + present habits of the Captain and his daughter. He delicately + cross-examined the waiters, the ostlers, and all the inmates of the bar at + the George, and got from them what little they knew respecting the worthy + Captain. He was not held in very great regard there, as it appeared. The + waiters never saw the colour of his money, and were warned not to furnish + the poor gentleman with any liquor for which some other party was not + responsible. He swaggered sadly about the coffee-room there, consumed a + toothpick, and looked over the paper, and if any friend asked him to + dinner he stayed. Morgan heard at the George of Pen's acquaintance with + Mr. Foker, and he went over to Baymouth to enter into relations with that + gentleman's man; but the young student was gone to a Coast Regatta, and + his servant, of course, travelled in charge of the dressing-case. + </p> + <p> + From the servants of the officers at the barracks Mr. Morgan found that + the Captain had so frequently and outrageously inebriated himself there, + that Colonel Swallowtail had forbidden him the messroom. The indefatigable + Morgan then put himself in communication with some of the inferior actors + at the theatre, and pumped them over their cigars and punch, and all + agreed that Costigan was poor, shabby, and given to debt and to drink. But + there was not a breath upon the reputation of Miss Fotheringay: her + father's courage was reported to have displayed itself on more than one + occasion towards persons disposed to treat his daughter with freedom. She + never came to the theatre but with her father: in his most inebriated + moments, that gentleman kept a watch over her; finally Mr. Morgan, from + his own experience added that he had been to see her act, and was uncommon + delighted with the performance, besides thinking her a most splendid + woman. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Creed, the pew-opener, confirmed these statements to Doctor Portman, + who examined her personally, and threatened her with the terrors of the + Church one day after afternoon service. Mrs. Creed had nothing + unfavourable to her lodger to divulge. She saw nobody; only one or two + ladies of the theatre. The Captain did intoxicate himself sometimes, and + did not always pay his rent regularly, but he did when he had money, or + rather Miss Fotheringay did. Since the young gentleman from Clavering had + been and took lessons in fencing, one or two more had come from the + barracks; Sir Derby Oaks, and his young friend, Mr. Foker, which was often + together; and which was always driving over from Baymouth in the tandem. + But on the occasions of the lessons, Miss F. was very seldom present, and + generally came downstairs to Mrs. Creed's own room. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor and the Major consulting together as they often did, groaned in + spirit over that information. Major Pendennis openly expressed his + disappointment; and, I believe, the Divine himself was ill pleased at not + being able to jack a hole in poor Miss Fotheringay's reputation. + </p> + <p> + Even about Pen himself, Mrs. Creed's reports were desperately favourable. + “Whenever he come,” Mrs. Creed said, “She always have me or one of the + children with her. And Mrs. Creed, marm, says she, if you please, marm, + you'll on no account leave the room when that young gentleman's here. And + many's the time I've seen him a lookin' as if he wished I was away, poor + young man: and he took to coming in service-time, when I wasn't at home, + of course: but she always had one of the boys up if her Pa wasn't at home, + or old Mr. Bowser with her a teaching of her her lesson, or one of the + young ladies of the theayter.” + </p> + <p> + It was all true: whatever encouragements might have been given him before + he avowed his passion, the prudence of Miss Emily was prodigious after Pen + had declared himself: and the poor fellow chafed against her hopeless + reserve, which maintained his ardour as it excited his anger. + </p> + <p> + The Major surveyed the state of things with a sigh. “If it were but a + temporary liaison,” the excellent man said, “one could bear it. A young + fellow must sow his wild oats, and that sort of thing. But a virtuous + attachment is the deuce. It comes of the d——d romantic notions + boys get from being brought up by women.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to say, Major, that you speak a little too like a man of the + world,” replied the Doctor. “Nothing can be more desirable for Pen than a + virtuous attachment for a young lady of his own rank and with a + corresponding fortune—this present infatuation, of course, I must + deplore as sincerely as you do. If I were his guardian I should command + him to give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “The very means, I tell you, to make him marry to-morrow. We have got time + from him, that is all, and we must do our best with that. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Major,” said the Doctor, at the end of the conversation in which + the above subject was discussed—“I am not, of course, a play-going + man—but suppose, I say, we go and see her.” + </p> + <p> + The Major laughed—he had been a fortnight at Fairoaks, and strange + to say, had not thought of that. “Well,” he said, “why not? After all, it + is not my niece, but Miss Fotheringay the actress, and we have as good a + right as any other of the public to see her if we pay our money.” So upon + a day when it was arranged that Pen was to dine at home, and pass the + evening with his mother, the two elderly gentlemen drove over to Chatteris + in the Doctor's chaise, and there, like a couple of jolly bachelors, dined + at the George Inn, before proceeding to the play. + </p> + <p> + Only two other guests were in the room,—an officer of the regiment + quartered at Chatteris, and a young gentleman whom the Doctor thought he + had somewhere seen. They left them at their meal, however, and hastened to + the theatre. It was Hamlet over again. Shakspeare was Article XL. of stout + old Doctor Portman's creed, to which he always made a point of testifying + publicly at least once in a year. + </p> + <p> + We have described the play before, and how those who saw Miss Fotheringay + perform in Ophelia saw precisely the same thing on one night as on + another. Both the elderly gentlemen looked at her with extraordinary + interest, thinking how very much young Pen was charmed with her. + </p> + <p> + “Gad,” said the Major, between his teeth, as he surveyed her when she was + called forward as usual, and swept her curtsies to the scanty audience, + “the young rascal has not made a bad choice.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor applauded her loudly and loyally. “Upon my word,” said he, “She + is a very clever actress; and I must say, Major, she is endowed with very + considerable personal attractions.” + </p> + <p> + “So that young officer thinks in the stage-box,” Major Pendennis answered, + and he pointed out to Doctor Portman's attention the young dragoon of the + George Coffee-room, who sate in the box in question, and applauded with + immense enthusiasm. She looked extremely sweet upon him too, thought the + Major: but that's their way—and he shut up his natty opera-glass and + pocketed it, as if he wished to see no more that night. Nor did the + Doctor, of course, propose to stay for the after-piece, so they rose and + left the theatre; the Doctor returning to Mrs. Portman, who was on a visit + at the Deanery, and the Major walking home full of thought towards the + George, where he had bespoken a bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. Facing the Enemy + </h2> + <p> + Sauntering slowly homewards, Major Pendennis reached the George presently, + and found Mr. Morgan, his faithful valet, awaiting him at the door of the + George Inn, who stopped his master as he was about to take a candle to go + to bed, and said, with his usual air of knowing deference, “I think, sir, + if you would go into the coffee-room, there's a young gentleman there as + you would like to see.” + </p> + <p> + “What, is Mr. Arthur here?” the Major said, in great anger. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir—but his great friend, Mr. Foker, sir. Lady Hagnes Foker's + son is here, sir. He's been asleep in the coffee-room since he took his + dinner, and has just rung for his coffee, sir. And I think, p'raps, you + might like to git into conversation with him,” the valet said, opening the + coffee-room door. + </p> + <p> + The Major entered; and there indeed was Mr. Foker, the only occupant of + the place. He was rubbing his eyes, and sate before a table decorated with + empty decanters and relics of dessert. He had intended to go to the play + too, but sleep had overtaken him after a copious meal, and he had flung up + his legs on the bench, and indulged in a nap instead of the dramatic + amusement. The Major was meditating how to address the young man, but the + latter prevented him that trouble. + </p> + <p> + “Like to look at the evening paper, sir?” said Mr. Foker, who was always + communicative and affable; and he took up the Globe from his table, and + offered it to the new-comer. + </p> + <p> + “I am very much obliged to you,” said the Major, with a grateful bow and + smile. “If I don't mistake the family likeness, I have the pleasure of + speaking to Mr. Henry Foker, Lady Agnes Foker's son. I have the happiness + to name her ladyship among my acquaintances—and you bear, sir, a + Rosherville face.” + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! I beg your pardon,” Mr. Foker said, “I took you,”—he was + going to say—“I took you for a commercial gent.” But he stopped that + phrase. “To whom have I the pleasure of speaking?” he added. + </p> + <p> + “To a relative of a friend and schoolfellow of yours—Arthur + Pendennis, my nephew, who has often spoken to me about you in terms of + great regard. I am Major Pendennis, of whom you may have heard him speak. + May I take my soda-water at your table? I have had the pleasure of sitting + at your grandfather's.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you do me proud,” said Mr. Foker, with much courtesy. “And so you + are Arthur Pendennis's uncle, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “And guardian,” added the Major. + </p> + <p> + “He's as good a fellow as ever stepped, sir,” said Mr. Foker. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you think so.” + </p> + <p> + “And clever, too—I was always a stupid chap, I was—but you + see, sir, I know 'em when they are clever, and like 'em of that sort.” + </p> + <p> + “You show your taste and your modesty, too,” said the Major. “I have heard + Arthur repeatedly speak of you, and he said your talents were very good.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not good at the books,” Mr. Foker said, wagging his head—“never + could manage that—Pendennis could—he used to do half the + chaps' verses—and yet”—the young gentleman broke out, “you are + his guardian; and I hope you will pardon me for saying that I think he's + what we call flat,” the candid young gentleman said. + </p> + <p> + The Major found himself on the instant in the midst of a most interesting + and confidential conversation. “And how is Arthur a flat?” he asked, with + a smile. + </p> + <p> + “You know,” Foker answered, winking at him—he would have winked at + the Duke of Wellington with just as little scruple, for he was in that + state of absence, candour, and fearlessness which a man sometimes + possesses after drinking a couple of bottles of wine—“You know + Arthur's a flat,—about women I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “He is not the first of us, my dear Mr. Harry,” answered the Major. “I + have heard something of this—but pray tell me more.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, you see—it's partly my fault. He went to the play one + night—for you see I'm down here readin' for my little go during the + Long, only I come over from Baymouth pretty often in my drag—well, + sir, we went to the play, and Pen was struck all of a heap with Miss + Fotheringay—Costigan her real name is—an uncommon fine gal she + is too; and the next morning I introduced him to the General, as we call + her father—a regular old scamp and such a boy for the + whisky-and-water!—and he's gone on being intimate there. And he's + fallen in love with her—and I'm blessed if he hasn't proposed to + her,” Foker said, slapping his hand on the table, until all the dessert + began to jingle. + </p> + <p> + “What! you know it too?” asked the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Know it! don't I? and many more too. We were talking about it at mess, + yesterday, and chaffing Derby Oaks—until he was as mad as a hatter. + Know Sir Derby Oaks? We dined together, and he went to the play: we were + standing at the door smoking, I remember, when you passed in to dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember Sir Thomas Oaks, his father, before he was a Baronet or a + Knight; he lived in Cavendish-square, and was physician to Queen + Charlotte.” + </p> + <p> + “The young one is making the money spin, I can tell you,” Mr. Foker said. + </p> + <p> + “And is Sir Derby Oaks,” the Major said, with great delight and anxiety, + “another soupirant?” + </p> + <p> + “Another what?” inquired Mr. Foker. + </p> + <p> + “Another admirer of Miss Fotheringay?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless you! we call him Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Pen + Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. But mind you, nothing wrong! No, no! + Miss F. is a deal too wide-awake for that, Major Pendennis. She plays one + off against the other. What you call two strings to her bow.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you seem tolerably wide-awake, too, Mr. Foker, Pendennis said, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty well, thank you, sir—how are you?” Foker replied, + imperturbably. “I'm not clever, p'raps: but I am rather downy; and partial + friends say I know what's o'clock tolerably well. Can I tell you the time + of day in any way?” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word,” the Major answered, quite delighted, “I think you may be + of very great service to me. You are a young man of the world, and with + such one likes to deal. And as such I need not inform you that our family + is by no means delighted at this absurd intrigue in which Arthur is + engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “I should rather think not,” said Mr. Foker. “Connexion not eligible. Too + much beer drunk on the premises. No Irish need apply. That I take to be + your meaning.” + </p> + <p> + The Major said it was, exactly; though in truth he did not quite + understand what Mr. Foker's meaning was: and he proceeded to examine his + new acquaintance regarding the amiable family into which his nephew + proposed to enter, and soon got from the candid witness a number of + particulars regarding the House of Costigan. + </p> + <p> + We must do Mr. Foker the justice to say that he spoke most favourably of + Mr. and Miss Costigan's moral character. “You see,” said he, “I think the + General is fond of the jovial bowl, and if I wanted to be very certain of + my money, it isn't in his pocket I'd invest it—but he has always + kept a watchful eye on his daughter, and neither he nor she will stand + anything but what's honourable. Pen's attentions to her are talked about + in the whole Company, and I hear all about them from a young lady who used + to be very intimate with her, and with whose family I sometimes take tea + in a friendly way. Miss Rouncy says, Sir Derby Oaks has been hanging about + Miss Fotheringay ever since his regiment has been down here; but Pen has + come in and cut him out lately, which has made the Baronet so mad, that he + has been very near on the point of proposing too. Wish he would; and you'd + see which of the two Miss Fotheringay would jump at.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much,” the Major said. “You give me a great deal of + pleasure, Mr. Foker. I wish I could have seen you before.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't like to put in my oar,” replied the other. “Don't speak till I'm + asked, when, if there's no objections, I speak pretty freely. Heard your + man had been hankering about my servant—didn't know myself what was + going on until Miss Fotheringay and Miss Rouncy had the row about the + ostrich feathers, when Miss R. told me everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Rouncy, I gather, was the confidante of the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Confidant? I believe you. Why, she's twice as clever a girl as + Fotheringay, and literary and that, while Miss Foth can't do much more + than read.” + </p> + <p> + “She can write,” said the Major, remembering Pen's breast-pocket. + </p> + <p> + Foker broke out into a sardonic “He, he! Rouncy writes her letters,” he + said; “every one of 'em; and since they've quarrelled, she don't know how + the deuce to get on. Miss Rouncy is an uncommon pretty hand, whereas the + old one makes dreadful work of the writing and spelling when Bows ain't + by. Rouncy's been settin' her copies lately—she writes a beautiful + hand, Rouncy does.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you know it pretty well,” said the Major archly upon which Mr. + Foker winked at him again. + </p> + <p> + “I would give a great deal to have a specimen of her hand-writing,” + continued Major Pendennis, “I dare say you could give me one.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, that would be too bad,” Foker replied. “Perhaps I oughtn't to + have said as much as I have. Miss F.'s writin' ain't so very bad, I dare + say; only she got Miss R. to write the first letter, and has gone on ever + since. But you mark my word, that till they are friends again the letters + will stop.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope they will never be reconciled,” the Major said with great + sincerity; “and I can't tell you how delighted I am to have had the good + fortune of making your acquaintance. You must feel, my dear sir, as a man + of the world, how fatal to my nephew's prospects in life is this step + which he contemplates, and how eager we all must be to free him from this + absurd engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “He has come out uncommon strong,” said Mr. Foker; “I have seen his + verses; Rouncy copied 'em. And I said to myself when I saw 'em, 'Catch me + writin' verses to a woman,—that's all.'” + </p> + <p> + “He has made a fool of himself, as many a good fellow has before him. How + can we make him see his folly, and cure it? I am sure you will give us + what aid you can in extricating a generous young man from such a pair of + schemers as this father and daughter seem to be. Love on the lady's side + is out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + “Love, indeed!” Foker said. “If Pen hadn't two thousand a year when he + came of age——” + </p> + <p> + “If Pen hadn't what?” cried out the Major in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand a year: hasn't he got two thousand a year?—the General + says he has.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend,” shrieked out the Major, with an eagerness which this + gentleman rarely showed, “thank you!—thank you!—I begin to see + now.—Two thousand a year! Why, his mother has but five hundred a + year in the world.—She is likely to live to eighty, and Arthur has + not a shilling but what she can allow him.” + </p> + <p> + “What! he ain't rich then?” Foker asked. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honour he has no more than what I say.” + </p> + <p> + “And you ain't going to leave him anything?” + </p> + <p> + The Major had sunk every shilling he could scrape together on an annuity, + and of course was going to leave Pen nothing; but he did not tell Foker + this. “How much do you think a Major on half-pay can save?” he asked. “If + these people have been looking at him as a fortune, they are utterly + mistaken—and—and you have made me the happiest man in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir to you,” said Mr. Foker, politely, and when they parted for the night + they shook hands with the greatest cordiality; the younger gentleman + promising the elder not to leave Chatteris without a further conversation + in the morning. And as the Major went up to his room, and Mr. Foker smoked + his cigar against the door pillars of the George, Pen, very likely, ten + miles off; was lying in bed kissing the letter from his Emily. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, before Mr. Foker drove off in his drag, the insinuating + Major had actually got a letter of Miss Rouncy's in his own pocket-book. + Let it be a lesson to women how they write. And in very high spirits Major + Pendennis went to call upon Doctor Portman at the Deanery, and told him + what happy discoveries he had made on the previous night. As they sate in + confidential conversation in the Dean's oak breakfast-parlour they could + look across the lawn and see Captain Costigan's window, at which poor Pen + had been only too visible some three weeks since. The Doctor was most + indignant against Mrs. Creed, the landlady, for her duplicity, in + concealing Sir Derby Oaks's constant visits to her lodgers, and threatened + to excommunicate her out of the Cathedral. But the wary Major thought that + all things were for the best; and, having taken counsel with himself over + night, felt himself quite strong enough to go and face Captain Costigan. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to fight the dragon,” he said, with a laugh, to Doctor Portman. + </p> + <p> + “And I shrive you, sir, and bid good fortune go with you,” answered the + Doctor. Perhaps he and Mrs. Portman and Miss Myra, as they sate with their + friend, the Dean's lady, in her drawing-room, looked up more than once at + the enemy's window to see if they could perceive any signs of the combat. + </p> + <p> + The Major walked round, according to the directions given him, and soon + found Mrs. Creed's little door. He passed it, and as he ascended to + Captain Costigan's apartment, he could hear a stamping of feet, and a + great shouting of “Ha, ha!” within. + </p> + <p> + “It's Sir Derby Oaks taking his fencing lesson,” said the child, who + piloted Major Pendennis. “He takes it Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.” + </p> + <p> + The Major knocked, and at length a tall gentleman came forth, with a foil + and mask in one hand, and a fencing glove on the other. + </p> + <p> + Pendennis made him a deferential bow. “I believe I have the honour of + speaking to Captain Costigan—My name is Major Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain brought his weapon up to the salute, and said, “Major, the + honer is moine; I'm deloighted to see ye.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. Negotiation + </h2> + <p> + The Major and Captain Costigan were old soldiers and accustomed to face + the enemy, so we may presume that they retained their presence of mind + perfectly; but the rest of the party assembled in Cos's sitting-room were, + perhaps, a little flurried at Pendennis's apparition. Miss Fotheringay's + slow heart began to beat no doubt, for her cheek flushed up with a great + healthy blush, as Lieutenant Sir Derby Oaks looked at her with a scowl. + The little crooked old man in the window-seat, who had been witnessing the + fencing-match between the two gentlemen (whose stamping and jumping had + been such as to cause him to give up all attempts to continue writing the + theatre music, in the copying of which he had been engaged) looked up + eagerly towards the new-comer as the Major of the well-blacked boots + entered the apartment distributing the most graceful bows to everybody + present. + </p> + <p> + “Me daughter—me friend, Mr. Bows—me gallant young pupil and + friend, I may call 'um, Sir Derby Oaks,” said Costigan, splendidly waving + his hand, and pointing each of these individuals to the Major's attention. + “In one moment, Meejor, I'm your humble servant,” and to dash into the + little adjoining chamber where he slept, to give a twist to his lank hair + with his hair-brush (a wonderful and ancient piece), to tear off his old + stock and put on a new one which Emily had constructed for him, and to + assume a handsome clean collar, and the new coat which had been ordered + upon the occasion of Miss Fotheringay's benefit, was with the still active + Costigan the work of a minute. + </p> + <p> + After him Sir Derby entered, and presently emerged from the same + apartment, where he also cased himself in his little shell-jacket, which + fitted tightly upon the young officer's big person; and which he, and Miss + Fotheringay, and poor Pen too, perhaps, admired prodigiously. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile conversation was engaged between the actress and the new-comer; + and the usual remarks about the weather had been interchanged before + Costigan re-entered in his new 'Shoot,' as he called it. + </p> + <p> + “I needn't apologoise to ye, Meejor,” he said, in his richest and most + courteous manner, “for receiving ye in me shirt-sleeves.” + </p> + <p> + “An old soldier can't be better employed than in teaching a young one the + use of his sword,” answered the Major, gallantly. “I remember in old times + hearing that you could use yours pretty well, Captain Costigan.” + </p> + <p> + “What, ye've heard of Jack Costigan, Major,” said the other, greatly. + </p> + <p> + The Major had, indeed; he had pumped his nephew concerning his new friend, + the Irish officer; and whether he had no other knowledge of the Captain + than what he had thus gained, or whether he actually remembered him, we + cannot say. But Major Pendennis was a person of honour and undoubted + veracity, and said that he perfectly well recollected meeting Mr. + Costigan, and hearing him sing at Sir Richard Strachan's table at + Walcheren. + </p> + <p> + At this information, and the bland and cordial manner in which it was + conveyed, Bows looked up, entirely puzzled. “But we will talk of these + matters another time,” the Major continued, perhaps not wishing to commit + himself; “it is to Miss Fotheringay that I came to pay my respects + to-day;” and he performed another bow for her, so courtly and gracious, + that if she had been a duchess he could not have made it more handsome. + </p> + <p> + “I had heard of your performances from my nephew, madam,” the Major said, + “who raves about you, as I believe you know pretty well. But Arthur is but + a boy, and a wild enthusiastic young fellow, whose opinions one must not + take au pied de la lettre; and I confess I was anxious to judge for + myself. Permit me to say your performance delighted and astonished me. I + have seen our best actresses, and, on my word, I think you surpass them + all. You are as majestic as Mrs. Siddons.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, I always said so,” Costigan said, winking at his daughter; “Major, + take a chair.” Milly rose at this hint, took an unripped satin garment off + the only vacant seat, and brought the latter to Major Pendennis with one + of her finest curtseys. + </p> + <p> + “You are as pathetic as Miss O'Neill,” he continued, bowing and seating + himself; “your snatches of song reminded me of Mrs. Jordan in her best + time, when we were young men, Captain Costigan; and your manner reminded + me of Mars. Did you ever see the Mars, Miss Fotheringay?” + </p> + <p> + “There was two Mahers in Crow Street,” remarked Miss Emily; “Fanny was + well enough, but Biddy was no great things.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, the Major means the god of war, Milly, my dear,” interposed the + parent. + </p> + <p> + “It is not that Mars I meant, though Venus, I suppose, may be pardoned for + thinking about him,” the Major replied with a smile directed in full to + Sir Derby Oaks, who now re-entered in his shell-jacket; but the lady did + not understand the words of which he made use, nor did the compliment at + all pacify Sir Derby, who, probably, did not understand it either, and at + any rate received it with great sulkiness and stiffness, scowling uneasily + at Miss Fotheringay, with an expression which seemed to ask what the deuce + does this man here? + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis was not in the least annoyed by the gentleman's + ill-humour. On the contrary, it delighted him. “So,” thought he, “a rival + is in the field;” and he offered up vows that Sir Derby might be, not only + a rival, but a winner too, in this love-match in which he and Pen were + engaged. + </p> + <p> + “I fear I interrupted your fencing lesson; but my stay in Chatteris is + very short, and I was anxious to make myself known to my old + fellow-campaigner Captain Costigan, and to see a lady nearer who had + charmed me so much from the stage. I was not the only man epris last + night, Miss Fotheringay (if I must call you so, though your own family + name is a very ancient and noble one). There was a reverend friend of + mine, who went home in raptures with Ophelia; and I saw Sir Derby Oaks + fling a bouquet which no actress ever merited better. I should have + brought one myself, had I known what I was going to see. Are not those the + very flowers in a glass of water on the mantelpiece yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “I am very fond of flowers,” said Miss Fotheringay, with a languishing + ogle at Sir Derby Oaks—but the Baronet still scowled sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “Sweets to the sweet—isn't that the expression of the play?” Mr. + Pendennis asked, bent upon being good-humoured. + </p> + <p> + “'Pon my life, I don't know. Very likely it is. I ain't much of a literary + man,” answered Sir Derby. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible?” the Major continued, with an air of surprise. You don't + inherit your father's love of letters, then, Sir Derby? He was a + remarkably fine scholar, and I had the honour of knowing him very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the other, and gave a sulky wag of his head. + </p> + <p> + “He saved my life,” continued Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “Did he now?” cried Miss Fotheringay, rolling her eyes first upon the + Major with surprise, then towards Sir Derby with gratitude—but the + latter was proof against those glances: and far from appearing to be + pleased that the Apothecary, his father, should have saved Major + Pendennis's life, the young man actually looked as if he wished the event + had turned the other way. + </p> + <p> + “My father, I believe, was a very good doctor,” the young gentleman said + by way of reply. “I'm not in that line myself. I wish you good morning, + sir. I've got an appointment—Cos, bye-bye—Miss Fotheringay, + good morning.” And, in spite of the young lady's imploring looks and + appealing smiles, the Dragoon bowed stiffly out of the room, and the + clatter of his sabre was heard as he strode down the creaking stair; and + the angry tones of his voice as he cursed little Tom Creed, who was + disporting in the passage, and whose peg-top Sir Derby kicked away with an + oath into the street. + </p> + <p> + The Major did not smile in the least, though he had every reason to be + amused. “Monstrous handsome young man that—as fine a looking soldier + as ever I saw,” he said to Costigan. + </p> + <p> + “A credit to the army and to human nature in general,” answered Costigan. + “A young man of refoined manners, polite affabilitee, and princely + fortune. His table is sumptuous: he's adawr'd in the regiment: and he + rides sixteen stone.” + </p> + <p> + “A perfect champion,” said the Major, laughing. “I have no doubt all the + ladies admire him.” + </p> + <p> + “He's very well, in spite of his weight, now he's young,” said Milly; “but + he's no conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “He's best on horseback,” Mr. Bows said; on which Milly replied, that the + Baronet had ridden third in the steeple-chase on his horse Tareaways, and + the Major began to comprehend that the young lady herself was not of a + particular genius, and to wonder how she should be so stupid and act so + well. + </p> + <p> + Costigan, with Irish hospitality, of course pressed refreshment upon his + guest: and the Major, who was no more hungry than you are after a Lord + Mayor's dinner, declared that he should like a biscuit and a glass of wine + above all things, as he felt quite faint from long fasting—but he + knew that to receive small kindnesses flatters the donors very much, and + that people must needs grow well disposed towards you as they give you + their hospitality. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the old Madara, Milly, love,” Costigan said, winking to his child—and + that lady, turning to her father a glance of intelligence, went out of the + room, and down the stair, where she softly summoned her little emissary + Master Tommy Creed: and giving him a piece of money, ordered him to go buy + a pint of Madara wine at the Grapes, and sixpennyworth of sorted biscuits + at the baker's, and to return in a hurry, when he might have two biscuits + for himself. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Tommy Creed was gone on this errand, Miss Costigan sate below with + Mrs. Creed, telling her landlady how Mr. Arthur Pendennis's uncle, the + Major, was above-stairs; a nice, soft-spoken old gentleman; that butter + wouldn't melt in his mouth: and how Sir Derby had gone out of the room in + a rage of jealousy, and thinking what must be done to pacify both of them. + </p> + <p> + “She keeps the keys of the cellar, Major,” said Mr. Costigan, as the girl + left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word you have a very beautiful butler,” answered Pendennis, + gallantly, “and I don't wonder at the young fellows raving about her. When + we were of their age, Captain Costigan, I think plainer women would have + done our business.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, and ye may say that, sir—and lucky is the man who gets her. + Ask me friend Bob Bows here whether Miss Fotheringay's moind is not even + shuparior to her person, and whether she does not possess a cultiveated + intellect, a refoined understanding, and an emiable disposition?” + </p> + <p> + “O of course,” said Mr. Bows, rather drily. “Here comes Hebe blushing from + the cellar. Don't you think it is time to go to rehearsal, Miss Hebe? You + will be fined if you are later”—and he gave the young lady a look, + which intimated that they had much better leave the room and the two + elders together. + </p> + <p> + At this order Miss Hebe took up her bonnet and shawl, looking uncommonly + pretty, good-humoured, and smiling: and Bows gathered up his roll of + papers, and hobbled across the room for his hat and cane. + </p> + <p> + “Must you go?” said the Major. “Can't you give us a few minutes more, Miss + Fotheringay? Before you leave us, permit an old fellow to shake you by the + hand, and believe that I am proud to have had the honour of making your + acquaintance, and am most sincerely anxious to be your friend.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Fotheringay made a low curtsey at the conclusion of this gallant + speech, and the Major followed her retreating steps to the door, where he + squeezed her hand with the kindest and most paternal pressure. Bows was + puzzled with this exhibition of cordiality: “The lad's relatives can't be + really wanting to marry him to her,” he thought—and so they + departed. + </p> + <p> + “Now for it,” thought Major Pendennis; and as for Mr. Costigan he profited + instantaneously by his daughter's absence to drink up the rest of the + wine; and tossed off one bumper after another of the Madeira from the + Grapes, with an eager shaking hand. The Major came up to the table, and + took up his glass and drained it with a jovial smack. If it had been Lord + Steyne's particular, and not public-house Cape, he could not have appeared + to relish it more. + </p> + <p> + “Capital Madeira, Captain Costigan,” he said. “Where do you get it? I + drink the health of that charming creature in a bumper. Faith, Captain, I + don't wonder that the men are wild about her. I never saw such eyes in my + life, or such a grand manner. I am sure she is as intellectual as she is + beautiful; and I have no doubt she's as good as she is clever.” + </p> + <p> + “A good girl, sir,—a good girl, sir,” said the delighted father; + “and I pledge a toast to her with all my heart. Shall I send to the—to + the cellar for another pint? It's handy by. No? Well, indeed sir, ye may + say she is a good girl, and the pride and glory of her father—honest + old Jack Costigan. The man who gets her will have a jew'l to a wife, sir; + and I drink his health, sir, and ye know who I mean, Major.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not surprised at young or old falling in love with her,” said the + Major, “and frankly must tell you, that though I was very angry with my + poor nephew Arthur, when I heard of the boy's passion—now I have + seen the lady I can pardon him any extent of it. By George, I should like + to enter for the race myself, if I weren't an old fellow and a poor one.” + </p> + <p> + “And no better man, Major, I'm sure,” cried Jack enraptured. + </p> + <p> + “Your friendship, sir, delights me. Your admiration for my girl brings + tears to me eyes—tears, sir—manlee tears—and when she + leaves me humble home for your own more splendid mansion, I hope she'll + keep a place for her poor old father, poor old Jack Costigan.”—The + Captain suited the action to the word, and his bloodshot eyes were + suffused with water, as he addressed the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Your sentiments do you honour,” the other said. “But, Captain Costigan, I + can't help smiling at one thing you have just said.” + </p> + <p> + “And what's that, sir?” asked Jack, who was at a too heroic and + sentimental pitch to descend from it. You were speaking about our splendid + mansion—my sister's house, I mean. + </p> + <p> + “I mane the park and mansion of Arthur Pendennis, Esquire, of Fairoaks + Park, whom I hope to see a Mimber of Parliament for his native town of + Clavering, when he is of ege to take that responsible stetion,” cried the + Captain with much dignity. + </p> + <p> + The Major smiled as he recognised a shaft of his own bow. It was he who + had set Pen upon the idea of sitting in Parliament for the neighbouring + borough—and the poor lad had evidently been bragging on the subject + to Costigan and the lady of his affections. “Fairoaks Park, my dear sir,” + he said. “Do you know our history? We are of excessively ancient family + certainly, but I began life with scarce enough money to purchase my + commission, and my eldest brother was a country apothecary: who made every + shilling he died possessed of out of his pestle and mortar.” + </p> + <p> + “I have consented to waive that objection, sir,” said Costigan + majestically, “in consideration of the known respectability of your + family.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse your impudence,” thought the Major; but he only smiled and bowed. + </p> + <p> + “The Costigans, too, have met with misfortunes; and our house of Castle + Costigan is by no manes what it was. I have known very honest men + apothecaries, sir, and there's some in Dublin that has had the honour of + dining at the Lord Leftenant's teeble.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind to give us the benefit of your charity,” the Major + continued: “but permit me to say that is not the question. You spoke just + now of my little nephew as heir of Fairoaks Park and I don't know what + besides.” + </p> + <p> + “Funded property, I've no doubt, Meejor, and something handsome eventually + from yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “My good sir, I tell you the boy is the son of a country apothecary,” + cried out Major Pendennis; “and that when he comes of age he won't have a + shilling.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, Major, you're laughing at me,” said Mr. Costigan, “me young friend, + I make no doubt, is heir to two thousand pounds a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand fiddlesticks! I beg your pardon, my dear sir; but has the + boy been humbugging you?—it is not his habit. Upon my word and + honour, as a gentleman and an executor to my brother's will too, he left + little more than five hundred a year behind him.” + </p> + <p> + “And with aconomy, a handsome sum of money too, sir,” the Captain + answered. “Faith, I've known a man drink his clar't, and drive his + coach-and-four on five hundred a year and strict aconomy, in Ireland, sir. + We'll manage on it, sir—trust Jack Costigan for that.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Captain Costigan—I give you my word that my brother did not + leave a shilling to his son Arthur.” + </p> + <p> + “Are ye joking with me, Meejor Pendennis?” cried Jack Costigan. “Are ye + thrifling with the feelings of a father and a gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “I am telling you the honest truth,” said Major Pendennis. “Every shilling + my brother had, he left to his widow: with a partial reversion, it is + true, to the boy. But she is a young woman, and may marry if he offends + her—or she may outlive him, for she comes of an uncommonly + long-lived family. And I ask you, as a gentleman and a man of the world, + what allowance can my sister, Mrs. Pendennis, make to her son out of five + hundred a year, which is all her fortune,—that shall enable him to + maintain himself and your daughter in the rank befitting such an + accomplished young lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to understand, sir, that the young gentleman, your nephew, and whom + I have fosthered and cherished as the son of me bosom, is an imposther who + has been thrifling with the affections of me beloved child?” exclaimed the + General, with an outbreak of wrath.—“Have you yourself been working + upon the feelings of the young man's susceptible nature to injuice him to + break off an engagement, and with it me adored Emily's heart? Have a care, + sir, how you thrifle with the honour of John Costigan. If I thought any + mortal man meant to do so, be heavens I'd have his blood, sir—were + he old or young.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Costigan!” cried out the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Costigan can protect his own and his daughter's honour, and will, + sir,” said the other. “Look at that chest of dthrawers, it contains heaps + of letthers that that viper has addressed to that innocent child. There's + promises there, sir, enough to fill a bandbox with; and when I have + dragged the scoundthrel before the Courts of Law, and shown up his perjury + and his dishonour, I have another remedy in yondther mahogany case, sir, + which shall set me right, sir, with any individual—ye mark me words, + Major Pendennis—with any individual who has counselled your nephew + to insult a soldier and a gentleman. What? Me daughter to be jilted, and + me grey hairs dishonoured by an apothecary's son. By the laws of Heaven, + Sir, I should like to see the man that shall do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am to understand then that you threaten in the first place to publish + the letters of a boy of eighteen to a woman of eight-and-twenty: and + afterwards to do me the honour of calling me out,” the Major said, still + with perfect coolness. + </p> + <p> + “You have described my intentions with perfect accuracy, Meejor + Pendennis,” answered the Captain, as he pulled his ragged whiskers over + his chin. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well; these shall be the subjects of future arrangements, but + before we come to powder and ball, my good sir,—do have the kindness + to think with yourself in what earthly way I have injured you? I have told + you that my nephew is dependent upon his mother, who has scarcely more + than five hundred a year.” + </p> + <p> + “I have my own opinion of the correctness of that assertion,” said the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Will you go to my sister's lawyers, Messrs. Tatham here, and satisfy + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I decline to meet those gentlemen,” said the Captain, with rather a + disturbed air. “If it be as you say, I have been athrociously deceived by + some one, and on that person I'll be revenged.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it my nephew?” cried the Major, starting up and putting on his hat. + “Did he ever tell you that his property was two thousand a year? If he + did, I'm mistaken in the boy. To tell lies has not been a habit in our + family, Mr. Costigan, and I don't think my brother's son has learned it as + yet. Try and consider whether you have not deceived yourself; or adopted + extravagant reports from hearsay—As for me, sir, you are at liberty + to understand that I am not afraid of all the Costigans in Ireland, and + know quite well how to defend myself against any threats from any quarter. + I come here as the boy's guardian to protest against a marriage, most + absurd and unequal, that cannot but bring poverty and misery with it: and + in preventing it I conceive I am quite as much your daughter's friend (who + I have no doubt is an honourable young lady) as the friend of my own + family: and prevent the marriage I will, sir, by every means in my power. + There, I have said my say, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have not said mine, Major Pendennis—and ye shall hear more + from me,” Mr. Costigan said, with a look of tremendous severity. + </p> + <p> + “'Sdeath, sir, what do you mean?” the Major asked, turning round on the + threshold of the door, and looking the intrepid Costigan in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Ye said, in the coorse of conversation, that ye were at the George Hotel, + I think,” Mr. Costigan said in a stately manner. “A friend shall wait upon + ye there before ye leave town, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him make haste, Mr. Costigan,” cried out the Major, almost beside + himself with rage. “I wish you a good morning, sir.” And Captain Costigan + bowed a magnificent bow of defiance to Major Pendennis over the + landing-place as the latter retreated down the stairs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. In which a Shooting Match is proposed + </h2> + <p> + Early mention has been made in this history of Mr. Garbetts, Principal + Tragedian, a promising and athletic young actor, of jovial habits and + irregular inclinations, between whom and Mr. Costigan there was a + considerable intimacy. They were the chief ornaments of the convivial club + held at the Magpie Hotel; they helped each other in various bill + transactions in which they had been engaged, with the mutual loan of each + other's valuable signatures. They were friends, in fine: although Mr. + Garbetts seldom called at Costigan's house, being disliked by Miss + Fotheringay, of whom in her turn Mrs. Garbetts was considerably jealous. + The truth is, that Garbetts had paid his court to Miss Fotheringay and + been refused by her, before he offered his hand to Mrs. G. Their history, + however, forms no part of our present scheme—suffice it, Mr. + Garbetts was called in by Captain Costigan immediately after his daughter + and Mr. Bows had quitted the house, as a friend proper to be consulted at + the actual juncture. He was a large man, with a loud voice and fierce + aspect, who had the finest legs of the whole company, and could break a + poker in mere sport across his stalwart arm. + </p> + <p> + “Run, Tommy,” said Mr. Costigan to the little messenger, “and fetch Mr. + Garbetts from his lodgings over the tripe shop, ye know, and tell 'em to + send two glasses of whisky-and-water, hot, from the Grapes.” So Tommy went + his way; and presently Mr. Garbetts and the whisky came. + </p> + <p> + Captain Costigan did not disclose to him the whole of the previous events, + of which the reader is in possession; but, with the aid of the + spirits-and-water, he composed a letter of a threatening nature to Major + Pendennis's address, in which he called upon that gentleman to offer no + hindrance to the marriage projected between Mr. Arthur Pendennis and his + daughter, Miss Fotheringay, and to fix an early day for its celebration: + or, in any other case, to give him the satisfaction which was usual + between gentlemen of honour. And should Major Pendennis be disinclined to + this alternative, the Captain hinted, that he would force him to accept by + the use of a horsewhip, which he should employ upon the Major's person. + The precise terms of this letter we cannot give, for reasons which shall + be specified presently; but it was, no doubt, couched in the Captain's + finest style, and sealed elaborately with the great silver seal of the + Costigans—the only bit of the family plate which the Captain + possessed. + </p> + <p> + Garbetts was despatched then with this message and letter; and bidding + Heaven bless 'um the General squeezed his ambassador's hand, and saw him + depart. Then he took down his venerable and murderous duelling-pistols, + with flint locks, that had done the business of many a pretty fellow in + Dublin: and having examined these, and seen that they were in a + satisfactory condition, he brought from the drawer all Pen's letters and + poems which he kept there, and which he always read before he permitted + his Emily to enjoy their perusal. + </p> + <p> + In a score of minutes Garbetts came back with an anxious and crestfallen + countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Ye've seen 'um?” the Captain said. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,” said Garbetts. + </p> + <p> + “And when is it for?” asked Costigan, trying the lock of one of the + ancient pistols, and bringing it to a level with his oi—as he called + that bloodshot orb. + </p> + <p> + “When is what for?” asked Mr. Garbetts. + </p> + <p> + “The meeting, my dear fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say, you mean mortal combat, Captain,” Garbetts said, + aghast. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil else do I mean, Garbetts?—I want to shoot that man + that has trajuiced me honor, or meself dthrop a victim on the sod.” + </p> + <p> + “D—— if I carry challenges,” Mr. Garbetts replied. “I'm a + family man, Captain, and will have nothing to do with pistols—take + back your letter;” and, to the surprise and indignation of Captain + Costigan, his emissary flung the letter down, with its great sprawling + superscription and blotched seal. + </p> + <p> + “Ye don't mean to say ye saw 'um and didn't give 'um the letter?” cried + out the Captain in a fury. + </p> + <p> + “I saw him, but I could not have speech with him, Captain,” said Mr. + Garbetts. + </p> + <p> + “And why the devil not?” asked the other. + </p> + <p> + “There was one there I cared not to meet, nor would you,” the tragedian + answered in a sepulchral voice. “The minion Tatham was there, Captain.” + </p> + <p> + “The cowardly scoundthrel!” roared Costigan. “He's frightened, and already + going to swear the peace against me.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll have nothing to do with the fighting, mark that,” the tragedian + doggedly said, “and I wish I'd not seen Tatham neither, nor that bit of——” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue, Bob Acres. It's my belief ye're no better than a + coward,” said Captain Costigan, quoting Sir Lucius O'Trigger, which + character he had performed with credit, both off and on the stage, and + after some more parley between the couple they separated in not very good + humour. + </p> + <p> + Their colloquy has been here condensed, as the reader knows the main point + upon which it turned. But the latter will now see how it is impossible to + give a correct account of the letter which the Captain wrote to Major + Pendennis, as it was never opened at all by that gentleman. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Costigan came home from rehearsal, which she did in the company + of the faithful Mr. Bows, she found her father pacing up and down their + apartment in a great state of agitation, and in the midst of a powerful + odour of spirits-and-water, which, as it appeared, had not succeeded in + pacifying his disordered mind. The Pendennis papers were on the table + surrounding the empty goblets and now useless teaspoon which had served to + hold and mix the Captain's liquor and his friend's. As Emily entered he + seized her in his arms, and cried out, “Prepare yourself, me child, me + blessed child,” in a voice of agony, and with eyes brimful of tears. + </p> + <p> + “Ye're tipsy again, Papa,” Miss Fotheringay said, pushing back her sire. + “Ye promised me ye wouldn't take spirits before dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “It's to forget me sorrows, me poor girl, that I've taken just a drop,” + cried the bereaved father—“it's to drown me care that I drain the + bowl.” + </p> + <p> + “Your care takes a deal of drowning, Captain dear,” said Bows, mimicking + his friend's accent; “what has happened? Has that soft-spoken gentleman in + the wig been vexing you?” + </p> + <p> + “The oily miscreant! I'll have his blood!” roared Cos. Miss Milly, it must + be premised, had fled to her room out of his embrace, and was taking off + her bonnet and shawl there. + </p> + <p> + “I thought he meant mischief. He was so uncommon civil,” the other said. + “What has he come to say?” + </p> + <p> + “O Bows! He has overwhellum'd me,” the Captain said. “There's a hellish + conspiracy on foot against me poor girl; and it's me opinion that both + them Pendennises, nephew and uncle, is two infernal thrators and + scoundthrels, who should be conshumed from off the face of the earth.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it? What has happened?” said Mr. Bows, growing rather excited. + </p> + <p> + Costigan then told him the Major's statement that the young Pendennis had + not two thousand, nor two hundred pounds a year; and expressed his fury + that he should have permitted such an impostor to coax and wheedle his + innocent girl, and that he should have nourished such a viper in his own + personal bosom. “I have shaken the reptile from me, however,” said + Costigan; “and as for his uncle, I'll have such a revenge on that old man, + as shall make 'um rue the day he ever insulted a Costigan.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, General?” said Bows. + </p> + <p> + “I mean to have his life, Bows—his villanous, skulking life, my + boy;” and he rapped upon the battered old pistol-case in an ominous and + savage manner. Bows had often heard him appeal to that box of death, with + which he proposed to sacrifice his enemies; but the Captain did not tell + him that he had actually written and sent a challenge to Major Pendennis, + and Mr. Bows therefore rather disregarded the pistols in the present + instance. + </p> + <p> + At this juncture Miss Fotheringay returned to the common sitting-room from + her private apartment, looking perfectly healthy, happy, and unconcerned, + a striking and wholesome contrast to her father, who was in a delirious + tremor of grief, anger, and other agitation. She brought in a pair of + ex-white satin shoes with her, which she proposed to rub as clean as might + be with bread-crumb: intending to go mad with them upon next Tuesday + evening in Ophelia, in which character she was to reappear on that night. + </p> + <p> + She looked at the papers on the table; stopped as if she was going to ask + a question, but thought better of it, and going to the cupboard, selected + an eligible piece of bread wherewith she might operate on the satin + slippers: and afterwards coming back to the table, seated herself there + commodiously with the shoes, and then asked her father, in her honest, + Irish brogue, “What have ye got them letthers, and pothry, and stuff, of + Master Arthur's out for, Pa? Sure ye don't want to be reading over that + nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “O Emilee!” cried the Captain, “that boy whom I loved as the boy of mee + bosom is only a scoundthrel, and a deceiver, mee poor girl:” and he looked + in the most tragical way at Mr. Bows, opposite; who, in his turn, gazed + somewhat anxiously at Miss Costigan. + </p> + <p> + “He! pooh! Sure the poor lad's as simple as a schoolboy,” she said. “All + them children write verses and nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “He's been acting the part of a viper to this fireside, and a traitor in + this familee,” cried the Captain. “I tell ye he's no better than an + impostor.” + </p> + <p> + “What has the poor fellow done, Papa?” asked Emily. + </p> + <p> + “Done? He has deceived us in the most athrocious manner,” Miss Emily's + papa said. “He has thrifled with your affections, and outraged my own fine + feelings. He has represented himself as a man of property, and it turruns + out that he is no betther than a beggar. Haven't I often told ye he had + two thousand a year? He's a pauper, I tell ye, Miss Costigan; a depindent + upon the bountee of his mother; a good woman, who may marry again, who's + likely to live for ever, and who has but five hundred a year. How dar he + ask ye to marry into a family which has not the means of providing for ye? + Ye've been grossly deceived and put upon, Milly, and it's my belief his + old ruffian of an uncle in a wig is in the plot against us.” + </p> + <p> + “That soft old gentleman? What has he been doing, Papa?” continued Emily, + still imperturbable. + </p> + <p> + Costigan informed Milly, that when she was gone, Major Pendennis told him + in his double-faced Pall Mall polite manner, that young Arthur had no + fortune at all, that the Major had asked him (Costigan) to go to the + lawyers (“wherein he knew the scoundthrels have a bill of mine, and I + can't meet them,” the Captain parenthetically remarked), and see the lad's + father's will and finally, that an infernal swindle had been practised + upon him by the pair, and that he was resolved either on a marriage, or on + the blood of both of them. + </p> + <p> + Milly looked very grave and thoughtful, rubbing the white satin shoes. + “Sure, if he's no money, there's no use marrying him, Papa,” she said + sententiously. + </p> + <p> + “Why did the villain say he was a man of prawpertee?” asked Costigan. + </p> + <p> + “The poor fellow always said he was poor,” answered the girl. “'Twas you + would have it he was rich, Papa—and made me agree to take him.” + </p> + <p> + “He should have been explicit and told us his income, Milly,” answered the + father. “A young fellow who rides a blood mare, and makes presents of + shawls and bracelets, is an impostor if he has no money;—and as for + his uncle, bedad I'll pull off his wig whenever I see 'um. Bows, here, + shall take a message to him and tell him so. Either it's a marriage, or he + meets me in the field like a man, or I tweak 'um on the nose in front of + his hotel or in the gravel walks of Fairoaks Park before all the county, + bedad.” + </p> + <p> + “Bedad, you may send somebody else with the message,” said Bows, laughing. + “I'm a fiddler, not a fighting man, Captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, you've no spirit, sir,” roared the General. “I'll be my own second, + if no one will stand by and see me injured. And I'll take my case of + pistols and shoot 'um in the Coffee-room of the George.” + </p> + <p> + “And so poor Arthur has no money?” sighed out Miss Costigan, rather + plaintively. “Poor lad, he was a good lad too: wild and talking nonsense, + with his verses and pothry and that, but a brave, generous boy, and indeed + I liked him—and he liked me too,” she added, rather softly, and + rubbing away at the shoe. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you marry him if you like him so?” Mr. Bows said, rather + savagely. “He is not more than ten years younger than you are. His mother + may relent, and you might go and live and have enough at Fairoaks Park. + Why not go and be a lady? I could go on with the fiddle, and the General + live on his half-pay. Why don't you marry him? You know he likes you.” + </p> + <p> + “There's others that likes me as well, Bows, that has no money and that's + old enough,” Miss Milly said sententiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, d—— it,” said Bows, with a bitter curse—“that are + old enough and poor enough and fools enough for anything.” + </p> + <p> + “There's old fools, and young fools too. You've often said so you silly + man,” the imperious beauty said, with a conscious glance at the old + gentleman. “If Pendennis has not enough money to live upon, it's folly to + talk about marrying him: and that's the long and short of it.” + </p> + <p> + “And the boy?” said Mr. Bows. “By Jove! you throw a man away like an old + glove, Miss Costigan.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you mean, Bows,” said Miss Fotheringay, placidly, + rubbing the second shoe. “If he had had half of the two thousand a year + that Papa gave him, or the half of that, I would marry him. But what is + the good of taking on with a beggar? We're poor enough already. There's no + use in my going to live with an old lady that's testy and cross, maybe, + and would grudge me every morsel of meat.” (Sure, it's near dinner time, + and Suky not laid the cloth yet.) “And then,” added Miss Costigan quite + simply, “suppose there was a family?—why, Papa, we shouldn't be as + well off as we are now.” + </p> + <p> + “'Deed, then, you would not, Milly dear,” answered the father. + </p> + <p> + “And there's an end to all the fine talk about Mrs. Arthur Pendennis of + Fairoaks Park—the member of Parliament's lady,” said Milly, with a + laugh. “Pretty carriages and horses we should have to ride!—that you + were always talking about, Papa! But it's always the same. If a man looked + at me, you fancied he was going to marry me; and if he had a good coat, + you fancied he was as rich as Crazes.” + </p> + <p> + “—As Croesus,” said Mr. Bows. + </p> + <p> + “Well, call 'um what ye like. But it's a fact now that Papa has married me + these eight years a score of times. Wasn't I to be my Lady Poldoody of + Oystherstown Castle? Then there was the Navy Captain at Portsmouth, and + the old surgeon at Norwich, and the Methodist preacher here last year, and + who knows how many more? Well, I bet a penny, with all your scheming, I + shall die Milly Costigan at last. So poor little Arthur has no money? Stop + and take dinner, Bows; we've a beautiful beef-steak pudding.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether she is on with Sir Derby Oaks,” thought Bows, whose eyes + and thoughts were always watching her. “The dodges of women beat all + comprehension; and I am sure she wouldn't let the lad off so easily, if + she had not some other scheme on hand.” + </p> + <p> + It will have been perceived that Miss Fotheringay, though silent in + general, and by no means brilliant as a conversationist, where poetry, + literature, or the fine arts were concerned, could talk freely, and with + good sense, too, in her own family circle. She cannot justly be called a + romantic person: nor were her literary acquirement great: she never opened + a Shakspeare from the day she left the stage, nor, indeed, understood it + during all the time she adorned the boards: but about a pudding, a piece + of needle-work, or her own domestic affairs, she was as good a judge as + could be found; and not being misled by a strong imagination or a + passionate temper, was better enabled to keep her judgment cool. When, + over their dinner, Costigan tried to convince himself and the company, + that the Major's statement regarding Pen's finances was unworthy of + credit, and a mere ruse upon the old hypocrite's part so as to induce + them, on their side, to break off the match, Miss Milly would not, for a + moment, admit the possibility of deceit on the side of the adversary: and + pointed out clearly that it was her father who had deceived himself, and + not poor little Pen who had tried to take them in. As for that poor lad, + she said she pitied him with all her heart. And she ate an exceedingly + good dinner; to the admiration of Mr. Bows, who had a remarkable regard + and contempt for this woman, during and after which repast, the party + devised upon the best means of bringing this love-matter to a close. As + for Costigan, his idea of tweaking the Major's nose vanished with his + supply of after-dinner whisky-and-water; and he was submissive to his + daughter, and ready for any plan on which she might decide, in order to + meet the crisis which she saw was at hand. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who, as long as he had a notion that he was wronged, was + eager to face and demolish both Pen and his uncle, perhaps shrank from the + idea of meeting the former, and asked “what the juice they were to say to + the lad if he remained steady to his engagement, and they broke from + theirs?” “What? don't you know how to throw a man over?” said Bows; “ask a + woman to tell you?” and Miss Fotheringay showed how this feat was to be + done simply enough—nothing was more easy. “Papa writes to Arthur to + know what settlements he proposes to make in event of a marriage; and asks + what his means are. Arthur writes back and says what he's got, and you'll + find it's as the Major says, I'll go bail. Then papa writes, and says it's + not enough, and the match had best be at an end.” + </p> + <p> + “And, of course, you enclose a parting line, in which you say you will + always regard him as a brother,” said Mr. Bows, eyeing her in his scornful + way. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, and so I shall,” answered Miss Fotheringay. “He's a most + worthy young man, I'm sure. I'll thank ye hand me the salt. Them filberts + is beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “And there will be no noses pulled, Cos, my boy? I'm sorry you're + baulked,” said Mr. Bows. + </p> + <p> + “Dad, I suppose not,” said Cos, rubbing his own.—“What'll ye do + about them letters, and verses, and pomes, Milly, darling?—Ye must + send 'em back.” + </p> + <p> + “Wigsby would give a hundred pound for 'em,” Bows said, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “'Deed, then, he would,” said Captain Costigan, who was easily led. + </p> + <p> + “Papa!” said Miss Milly.—“Ye wouldn't be for not sending the poor + boy his letters back? Them letters and pomes is mine. They were very long, + and full of all sorts of nonsense, and Latin, and things I couldn't + understand the half of; indeed I've not read 'em all; but we'll send 'em + back to him when the proper time comes.” And going to a drawer, Miss + Fotheringay took out from it a number of the County Chronicle and + Chatteris Champion, in which Pen had written a copy of flaming verses + celebrating her appearance in the character of Imogen, and putting by the + leaf upon which the poem appeared (for, like ladies of her profession, she + kept the favourable printed notices of her performances), she wrapped up + Pen's letters, poems, passions, and fancies, and tied them with a piece of + string neatly, as she would a parcel of sugar. + </p> + <p> + Nor was she in the least moved while performing this act. What hours the + boy had passed over those papers! What love and longing: what generous + faith and manly devotion—what watchful nights and lonely fevers + might they tell of! She tied them up like so much grocery, and sate down + and made tea afterwards with a perfectly placid and contented heart: while + Pen was yearning after her ten miles off: and hugging her image to his + soul. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. A Crisis + </h2> + <p> + Meanwhile they were wondering at Fairoaks that the Major had not returned. + Dr. Portman and his lady, on their way home to Clavering, stopped at + Helen's lodge-gate, with a brief note for her from Major Pendennis, in + which he said he should remain at Chatteris another day, being anxious to + have some talk with Messrs. Tatham, the lawyers, whom he would meet that + afternoon; but no mention was made of the transaction in which the writer + had been engaged during the morning. Indeed the note was written at the + pause after the first part of the engagement, and when the Major had + decidedly had the worst of the battle. + </p> + <p> + Pen did not care somehow to go into the town whilst his uncle was there. + He did not like to have to fancy that his guardian might be spying at him + from that abominable Dean's grass-plat, whilst he was making love in Miss + Costigan's drawing-room; and the pleasures of a walk (a delight which he + was very rarely permitted to enjoy) would have been spoiled if he had met + the man of the polished boots on that occasion. His modest love could not + show in public by any outward signs, except the eyes (with which the poor + fellow ogled and gazed violently to be sure), but it was dumb in the + presence of third parties; and so much the better, for of all the talk + which takes place in this world, that of love-makers is surely, to the + uninitiated, the most silly. It is the vocabulary without the key; it is + the lamp without the flame. Let the respected reader look or think over + some old love-letters that he (or she) has had and forgotten, and try them + over again. How blank and meaningless they seem! What glamour of + infatuation was it which made that nonsense beautiful? One wonders that + such puling and trash could ever have made one happy. And yet there were + dates when you kissed those silly letters with rapture—lived upon + six absurd lines for a week, and until the reactionary period came, when + you were restless and miserable until you got a fresh supply of folly. + </p> + <p> + That is why we decline to publish any of the letters and verses which Mr. + Pen wrote at this period of his life, out of mere regard for the young + fellow's character. They are too spooney and wild. Young ladies ought not + to be called upon to read them in cold blood. Bide your time, young women; + perhaps you will get and write them on your own account soon. Meanwhile we + will respect Mr. Pen's first outpourings, and keep them tied up in the + newspapers with Miss Fotheringay's string, and sealed with Captain + Costigan's great silver seal. + </p> + <p> + The Major came away from his interview with Captain Costigan in a state of + such concentrated fury as rendered him terrible to approach! “The impudent + bog-trotting scamp,” he thought, “dare to threaten me! Dare to talk of + permitting his damned Costigans to marry with the Pendennises! Send me a + challenge! If the fellow can get anything in the shape of a gentleman to + carry it, I have the greatest mind in life not to baulk him.—Psha! + what would people say if I were to go out with a tipsy mountebank, about a + row with an actress in a barn!” So when the Major saw Dr. Portman, who + asked anxiously regarding the issue of his battle with the dragon, Mr. + Pendennis did not care to inform the divine of the General's insolent + behaviour, but stated that the affair was a very ugly and disagreeable + one, and that it was by no means over yet. + </p> + <p> + He enjoined Doctor and Mrs. Portman to say nothing about the business at + Fairoaks; whither he contented himself with despatching the note we have + before mentioned. And then he returned to his hotel, where he vented his + wrath upon Mr. Morgan his valet, “dammin and cussin upstairs and + downstairs,” as that gentleman observed to Mr. Foker's man, in whose + company he partook of dinner in the servants' room of the George. + </p> + <p> + The servant carried the news to his master; and Mr. Foker having finished + his breakfast about this time, it being two o'clock in the afternoon, + remembered that he was anxious to know the result of the interview between + his two friends, and having inquired the number of the Major's + sitting-room, went over in his brocade dressing-gown, and knocked for + admission. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis had some business, as he had stated, respecting a lease of + the widow's, about which he was desirous of consulting old Mr. Tatham, the + lawyer, who had been his brother's man of business, and who had a + branch-office at Clavering, where he and his son attended market and other + days three or four in the week. This gentleman and his client were now in + consultation when Mr. Foker showed his grand dressing-gown and embroidered + skull-cap at Major Pendennis's door. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the Major engaged with papers and red-tape, and an old man with a + white head, the modest youth was for drawing back—and said, “O, + you're busy—call again another time.” But Mr. Pendennis wanted to + see him, and begged him, with a smile, to enter: whereupon Mr. Foker took + off the embroidered tarboosh or fez (it had been worked by the fondest of + mothers) and advanced, bowing to the gentlemen and smiling on them + graciously. Mr. Tatham had never seen so splendid an apparition before as + this brocaded youth, who seated himself in an arm-chair, spreading out his + crimson skirts, and looking with exceeding kindness and frankness on the + other two tenants of the room. “You seem to like my dressing-gown, sir,” + he said to Mr. Tatham. “A pretty thing, isn't it? Neat, but not in the + least gaudy. And how do you do, Major Pendennis, sir, and how does the + world treat you?” + </p> + <p> + There was that in Foker's manner and appearance which would have put an + Inquisitor into good humour, and it smoothed the wrinkles under + Pendennis's head of hair. + </p> + <p> + “I have had an interview with that Irishman (you may speak before my + friend, Mr. Tatham here, who knows all the affairs of the family), and it + has not, I own, been very satisfactory. He won't believe that my nephew is + poor: he says we are both liars: he did me the honour to hint that I was a + coward, as I took leave. And I thought when you knocked at the door, that + you might be the gentleman whom I expect with a challenge from Mr. + Costigan—that is how the world treats me, Mr. Foker.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean that Irishman, the actress's father?” cried Mr. Tatham, + who was a dissenter himself, and did not patronise the drama. + </p> + <p> + “That Irishman, the actress's father—the very man. Have not you + heard what a fool my nephew has made of himself about the girl?”—Mr. + Tatham, who never entered the walls of a theatre, had heard nothing: and + Major Pendennis had to recount the story of his nephew's loves to the + lawyer, Mr. Foker coming in with appropriate comments in his usual + familiar language. + </p> + <p> + Tatham was lost in wonder at the narrative. Why had not Mrs. Pendennis + married a serious man, he thought—Mr. Tatham was a widower—and + kept this unfortunate boy from perdition? As for Mr. Costigan's daughter, + he would say nothing: her profession was sufficient to characterise her. + Mr. Foker here interposed to say he had known some uncommon good people in + the booths, as he called the Temple of the Muses. Well, it might be so, + Mr. Tatham hoped so—but the father, Tatham knew personally—a + man of the worst character, a wine-bibber and an idler in taverns and + billiard-rooms, and a notorious insolvent. “I can understand the reason, + Major,” he said, “why the fellow would not come to my office to ascertain + the truth of the statements which you made him.—We have a writ out + against him and another disreputable fellow, one of the play-actors, for a + bill given to Mr. Skinner of this city, a most respectable Grocer and Wine + and Spirit Merchant, and a Member of the Society of Friends. This Costigan + came crying to Mr. Skinner,—crying in the shop, sir,—and we + have not proceeded against him or the other, as neither were worth powder + and shot.” + </p> + <p> + It was whilst Mr. Tatham was engaged in telling this story that a third + knock came to the door, and there entered an athletic gentleman in a + shabby braided frock, bearing in his hand a letter with a large blotched + red seal. + </p> + <p> + “Can I have the honour of speaking with Major Pendennis in private?” he + began—“I have a few words for your ear, sir. I am the bearer of a + mission from my friend Captain Costigan,”—but here the man with the + bass voice paused, faltered, and turned pale—he caught sight of the + red and well-remembered face of Mr. Tatham. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, Garbetts, speak up!” cried Mr. Foker, delighted. + </p> + <p> + “Why, bless my soul, it is the other party to the bill!” said Mr. Tatham. + “I say, sir; stop I say.” But Garbetts, with a face as blank as Macbeth's + when Banquo's ghost appears upon him, gasped some inarticulate words, and + fled out of the room. + </p> + <p> + The Major's gravity was also entirely upset, and he burst out laughing. So + did Mr. Foker, who said, “By Jove, it was a good 'un.” So did the + attorney, although by profession a serious man. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think there'll be any fight, Major,” young Foker said; and began + mimicking the tragedian. “If there is, the old gentleman—your name + Tatham?—very happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. Tatham—may + send the bailiffs to separate the men;” and Mr. Tatham promised to do so. + The Major was by no means sorry at the ludicrous issue of the quarrel. “It + seems to me, sir,” he said to Mr. Foker, “that you always arrive to put me + into good-humour.” + </p> + <p> + Nor was this the only occasion on which Mr. Foker this day was destined to + be of service to the Pendennis family. We have said that he had the entree + of Captain Costigan's lodgings, and in the course of the afternoon he + thought he would pay the General a visit, and hear from his own lips what + had occurred in the conversation, in the morning, with Mr. Pendennis. + Captain Costigan was not at home. He had received permission, nay, + encouragement from his daughter, to go to the convivial club at the Magpie + Hotel, where no doubt he was bragging at that moment of his desire to + murder a certain ruffian; for he was not only brave, but he knew it too, + and liked to take out his courage, and, as it were, give it an airing in + company. + </p> + <p> + Costigan then was absent, but Miss Fotheringay was at home washing the + tea-cups whilst Mr. Bows sate opposite to her. + </p> + <p> + “Just done breakfast I see—how do?” said Mr. Foker, popping in his + little funny head. + </p> + <p> + “Get out, you funny little man,” cried Miss Fotheringay. + </p> + <p> + “You mean come in, answered the other.—Here we are!” and entering + the room he folded his arms and began twirling his head round and round + with immense rapidity, like Harlequin in the Pantomime when he first + issues from his cocoon or envelope. Miss Fotheringay laughed with all her + heart: a wink of Foker's would set her off laughing, when the bitterest + joke Bows ever made could not get a smile from her, or the finest of poor + Pen's speeches would only puzzle her. At the end of the harlequinade he + sank down on one knee and kissed her hand. “You're the drollest little + man,” she said, and gave him a great good-humoured slap. Pen used to + tremble as he kissed her hand. Pen would have died of a slap. + </p> + <p> + These preliminaries over, the three began to talk; Mr. Foker amused his + companions by recounting to them the scene which he had just witnessed of + the discomfiture of Mr. Garbetts, by which they learned, for the first + time, how far the General had carried his wrath against Major Pendennis. + Foker spoke strongly in favour of the Major's character for veracity and + honour, and described him as a tip-top swell, moving in the upper-circle + of society, who would never submit to any deceit—much more to + deceive such a charming young woman as Miss Foth. + </p> + <p> + He touched delicately upon the delicate marriage question, though he + couldn't help showing that he held Pen rather cheap. In fact, he had a + perhaps just contempt for Mr. Pen's high-flown sentimentality; his own + weakness, as he thought, not lying that way. “I knew it wouldn't do, Miss + Foth,” said he, nodding his little head. “Couldn't do. Didn't like to put + my hand into the bag, but knew it couldn't do. He's too young for you: too + green: a deal too green: and he turns out to be poor as Job. Can't have + him at no price, can she, Mr. Bo?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed he's a nice poor boy,” said the Fotheringay rather sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Poor little beggar,” said Bows, with his hands in his pockets, and + stealing up a queer look at Miss Fotheringay. Perhaps he thought and + wondered at the way in which women play with men, and coax them and win + them and drop them. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Bows had not the least objection to acknowledge that he thought + Miss Fotheringay was perfectly right in giving up Mr. Arthur Pendennis, + and that in his idea the match was always an absurd one: and Miss Costigan + owned that she thought so herself, only she couldn't send away two + thousand a year. “It all comes of believing Papa's silly stories,” she + said; “faith I'll choose for meself another time”—and very likely + the large image of Lieutenant Sir Derby Oaks entered into her mind at that + instant. + </p> + <p> + After praising Major Pendennis, whom Miss Costigan declared to be a proper + gentleman entirely, smelling of lavender, and as neat as a pin,—and + who was pronounced by Mr. Bows to be the right sort of fellow, though + rather too much of an old buck, Mr. Foker suddenly bethought him to ask + the pair to come and meet the Major that very evening at dinner at his + apartment at the George. “He agreed to dine with me, and I think after the—after + the little shindy this morning, in which I must say the General was wrong, + it would look kind, you know.—I know the Major fell in love with + you, Miss Foth: he said so.” + </p> + <p> + “So she may be Mrs. Pendennis still,” Bows said with a sneer—“No, + thank you, Mr. F.—I've dined.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, that was at three o'clock,” said Miss Costigan, who had an honest + appetite, “and I can't go without you.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll have lobster-salad and champagne,” said the little monster, who + could not construe a line of Latin, or do a sum beyond the Rule of Three. + Now, for lobster-salad and champagne in an honourable manner, Miss + Costigan would have gone anywhere—and Major Pendennis actually found + himself at seven o'clock seated at a dinner-table in company with Mr. + Bows, a professional fiddler, and Miss Costigan, whose father had wanted + to blow his brains out a few hours before. + </p> + <p> + To make the happy meeting complete, Mr. Foker, who knew Costigan's haunts, + despatched Stoopid to the club at the Magpie, where the General was in the + act of singing a pathetic song, and brought him off to supper. To find his + daughter and Bows seated at the board was a surprise indeed—Major + Pendennis laughed, and cordially held out his hand, which the General + Officer grasped avec effusion as the French say. In fact he was + considerably inebriated, and had already been crying over his own song + before he joined the little party at the George. He burst into tears more + than once, during the entertainment, and called the Major his dearest + friend. Stoopid and Mr. Foker walked home with him: the Major gallantly + giving his arm to Miss Costigan. He was received with great friendliness + when he called the next day, when many civilities passed between the + gentlemen. On taking leave he expressed his anxious desire to serve Miss + Costigan on any occasion in which he could be useful to her, and he shook + hands with Mr. Foker most cordially and gratefully, and said that + gentleman had done him the very greatest service. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Mr. Foker: and they parted with mutual esteem. + </p> + <p> + On his return to Fairoaks the next day, Major Pendennis did not say what + had happened to him on the previous night, or allude to the company in + which he had passed it. But he engaged Mr. Smirke to stop to dinner; and + any person accustomed to watch his manner might have remarked that there + was something constrained in his hilarity and talkativeness, and that he + was unusually gracious and watchful in his communications with his nephew. + He gave Pen an emphatic God-bless-you when the lad went to bed; and as + they were about to part for the night, he seemed as if he was going to say + something to Mrs. Pendennis, but he bethought him that if he spoke he + might spoil her night's rest, and allowed her to sleep in peace. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he was down in the breakfast-room earlier than was his + custom, and saluted everybody there with great cordiality. The post used + to arrive commonly about the end of this meal. When John, the old servant, + entered, and discharged the bag of its letters and papers, the Major + looked hard at Pen as the lad got his—Arthur blushed, and put his + letter down. He knew the hand, it was that of old Costigan, and he did not + care to read it in public. Major Pendennis knew the letter, too. He had + put it into the post himself in Chatteris the day before. + </p> + <p> + He told little Laura to go away, which the child did, having a thorough + dislike to him; and as the door closed on her, he took Mrs. Pendennis's + hand, and giving her a look full of meaning, pointed to the letter under + the newspaper which Pen was pretending to read. “Will you come into the + drawing-room?” he said. “I want to speak to you.” And she followed him, + wondering, into the hall. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” she said nervously. + </p> + <p> + “The affair is at an end,” Major Pendennis said. “He has a letter there + giving him his dismissal. I dictated it myself yesterday. There are a few + lines from the lady, too, bidding him farewell. It is all over.” + </p> + <p> + Helen ran back to the dining-room, her brother following. Pen had jumped + at his letter the instant they were gone. He was reading it with a + stupefied face. It stated what the Major had said, that Mr. Costigan was + most gratified for the kindness with which Arthur had treated his + daughter, but that he was only now made aware of Mr. Pendennis's + peecupiary circumstances. They were such that marriage was at present out + of the question, and considering the great disparity in the age of the + two, a future union was impossible. Under these circumstances, and with + the deepest regret and esteem for him, Mr. Costigan bade Arthur farewell, + and suggested that he should cease visiting, for some time at least, at + his house. + </p> + <p> + A few lines from Miss Costigan were enclosed. She acquiesced in the + decision of her Papa. She pointed out that she was many years older than + Arthur, and that an engagement was not to be thought of. She would always + be grateful for his kindness to her, and hoped to keep his friendship. But + at present, and until the pain of the separation should be over, she + entreated they should not meet. + </p> + <p> + Pen read Costigan's letter and its enclosure mechanically, hardly knowing + what was before his eyes. He looked up wildly, and saw his mother and + uncle regarding him with sad faces. Helen's, indeed, was full of tender + maternal anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “What—what is this?” Pen said. “It's some joke. This is not her + writing. This is some servant's writing. Who's playing these tricks upon + me?” + </p> + <p> + “It comes under her father's envelope,” the Major said. “Those letters you + had before were not in her hand: that is hers.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” said Pen very fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “I saw her write it,” the uncle answered, as the boy started up; and his + mother, coming forward, took his hand. He put her away. + </p> + <p> + “How came you to see her? How came you between me and her? What have I + ever done to you that you should—Oh, it's not true! it's not true!”—Pen + broke out with a wild execration. “She can't have done it of her own + accord. She can't mean it. She's pledged to me. Who has told her lies to + break her from me?” + </p> + <p> + “Lies are not told in the family, Arthur,” Major Pendennis replied. “I + told her the truth, which was, that you had no money to maintain her, for + her foolish father had represented you to be rich. And when she knew how + poor you were, she withdrew at once, and without any persuasion of mine. + She was quite right. She is ten years older than you are. She is perfectly + unfitted to be your wife, and knows it. Look at that handwriting, and ask + yourself, is such a woman fitted to be the companion of your mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I will know from herself if it is true,” Arthur said, crumpling up the + paper. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you take my word of honour? Her letters were written by a confidant + of hers, who writes better than she can—look here. Here's one from + the lady to your friend, Mr. Foker. You have seen her with Miss Costigan, + as whose amanuensis she acted”—the Major said, with ever so little + of a sneer, and laid down a certain billet which Mr. Foker had given to + him. + </p> + <p> + “It's not that,” said Pen, burning with shame and rage. “I suppose what + you say is true, sir, but I'll hear it from herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Arthur!” appealed his mother. + </p> + <p> + “I will see her,” said Arthur. “I'll ask her to marry me, once more. I + will. No one shall prevent me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, a woman who spells affection with one f? Nonsense, sir. Be a man, + and remember that your mother is a lady. She was never made to associate + with that tipsy old swindler or his daughter. Be a man and forget her, as + she does you.” + </p> + <p> + “Be a man and comfort your mother, my Arthur,” Helen said, going and + embracing him: and seeing that the pair were greatly moved, Major + Pendennis went out of the room and shut the door upon them, wisely judging + that they were best alone. + </p> + <p> + He had won a complete victory. He actually had brought away Pen's letters + in his portmanteau from Chatteris: having complimented Mr. Costigan, when + he returned them, by giving him the little promissory note which had + disquieted himself and Mr. Garbetts; and for which the Major settled with + Mr. Tatham. + </p> + <p> + Pen rushed wildly off to Chatteris that day, but in vain attempted to see + Miss Fotheringay, for whom he left a letter, enclosed to her father. The + enclosure was returned by Mr. Costigan, who begged that all correspondence + might end; and after one or two further attempts of the lad's, the + indignant General desired that their acquaintance might cease. He cut Pen + in the street. As Arthur and Foker were pacing the Castle walk, one day, + they came upon Emily on her father's arm. She passed without any nod of + recognition. Foker felt poor Pen trembling on his arm. + </p> + <p> + His uncle wanted him to travel, to quit the country for a while, and his + mother urged him too: for he was growing very ill, and suffered severely. + But he refused, and said point-blank he would not go. He would not obey in + this instance: and his mother was too fond, and his uncle too wise to + force him. Whenever Miss Fotheringay acted, he rode over to the Chatteris + Theatre and saw her. One night there were so few people in the house that + the Manager returned the money. Pen came home and went to bed at eight + o'clock, and had a fever. If this continues, his mother will be going over + and fetching the girl, the Major thought, in despair. As for Pen, he + thought he should die. We are not going to describe his feelings, or give + a dreary journal of his despair and passion. Have not other gentlemen been + baulked in love besides Mr. Pen? Yes, indeed: but few die of the malady. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. In which Miss Fotheringay makes a new Engagement + </h2> + <p> + Within a short period of the events above narrated, Mr. Manager Bingley + was performing his famous character of 'Rolla,' in 'Pizarro,' to a house + so exceedingly thin, that it would appear as if the part of Rolla was by + no means such a favourite with the people of Chatteris as it was with the + accomplished actor himself. Scarce anybody was in the theatre. Poor Pen + had the boxes almost all to himself, and sate there lonely, with bloodshot + eyes, leaning over the ledge, and gazing haggardly towards the scene, when + Cora came in. When she was not on the stage he saw nothing. Spaniards and + Peruvians, processions and battles, priests and virgins of the sun, went + in and out, and had their talk, but Arthur took no note of any of them; + and only saw Cora whom his soul longed after. He said afterwards that he + wondered he had not taken a pistol to shoot her, so mad was he with love, + and rage, and despair; and had it not been for his mother at home, to whom + he did not speak about his luckless condition, but whose silent sympathy + and watchfulness greatly comforted the simple half heart-broken fellow, + who knows but he might have done something desperate, and have ended his + days prematurely in front of Chatteris gaol? There he sate then, + miserable, and gazing at her. And she took no more notice of him than he + did of the rest of the house. + </p> + <p> + The Fotheringay was uncommonly handsome, in a white raiment and leopard + skin, with a sun upon her breast, and fine tawdry bracelets on her + beautiful glancing arms. She spouted to admiration the few words of her + part, and looked it still better. The eyes, which had overthrown Pen's + soul, rolled and gleamed as lustrous as ever; but it was not to him that + they were directed that night. He did not know to whom, or remark a couple + of gentlemen, in the box next to him, upon whom Miss Fotheringay's glances + were perpetually shining. + </p> + <p> + Nor had Pen noticed the extraordinary change which had taken place on the + stage a short time after the entry of these two gentlemen into the + theatre. There were so few people in the house, that the first act of the + play languished entirely, and there had been some question of returning + the money, as upon that other unfortunate night when poor Pen had been + driven away. The actors were perfectly careless about their parts, and + yawned through the dialogue, and talked loud to each other in the + intervals. Even Bingley was listless, and Mrs. B. in Elvira spoke under + her breath. + </p> + <p> + How came it that all of a sudden Mrs. Bingley began to raise her voice and + bellow like a bull of Bashan? Whence was it that Bingley, flinging off his + apathy, darted about the stage and yelled like Dean? Why did Garbetts and + Rowkins and Miss Rouncy try, each of them, the force of their charms or + graces, and act and swagger and scowl and spout their very loudest at the + two gentlemen in box No. 3? + </p> + <p> + One was a quiet little man in black, with a grey head and a jolly shrewd + face—the other was in all respects a splendid and remarkable + individual. He was a tall and portly gentleman with a hooked nose and a + profusion of curling brown hair and whiskers; his coat was covered with + the richest frogs-braiding and velvet. He had under-waistcoats, many + splendid rings, jewelled pins and neck-chains. When he took out his yellow + pocket-handkerchief with his hand that was cased in white kids, a + delightful odour of musk and bergamot was shaken through the house. He was + evidently a personage of rank, and it was at him that the little Chatteris + company was acting. + </p> + <p> + He was, in a word, no other than Mr. Dolphin, the great manager from + London, accompanied by his faithful friend and secretary Mr. William + Minns: without whom he never travelled. He had not been ten minutes in the + theatre before his august presence there was perceived by Bingley and the + rest: and they all began to act their best and try to engage his + attention. Even Miss Fotheringay's dull heart, which was disturbed at + nothing, felt perhaps a flutter, when she came in presence of the famous + London Impresario. She had not much to do in her part, but to look + handsome, and stand in picturesque attitudes encircling her child and she + did this work to admiration. In vain the various actors tried to win the + favour of the great stage Sultan. Pizarro never got a hand from him. + Bingley yelled, and Mrs. Bingley bellowed, and the Manager only took snuff + out of his great gold box. It was only in the last scene, when Rolla comes + in staggering with the infant (Bingley is not so strong as he was and his + fourth son Master Talma Bingley is a monstrous large child for his age)—when + Rolla comes staggering with the child to Cora, who rushes forward with a + shriek, and says—“O God, there's blood upon him!”—that the + London manager clapped his hands, and broke out with an enthusiastic + bravo. + </p> + <p> + Then having concluded his applause, Mr. Dolphin gave his secretary a slap + on the shoulder, and said, “By Jove, Billy, she'll do!” + </p> + <p> + “Who taught her that dodge?” said old Billy, who was a sardonic old + gentleman. “I remember her at the Olympic, and hang me if she could say Bo + to a goose.” + </p> + <p> + It was little Mr. Bows in the orchestra who had taught her the 'dodge' in + question. All the company heard the applause, and, as the curtain went + down, came round her and congratulated and hated Miss Fotheringay. + </p> + <p> + Now Mr. Dolphin's appearance in the remote little Chatteris theatre may be + accounted for in this manner. In spite of all his exertions, and the + perpetual blazes of triumph, coruscations of talent, victories of good old + English comedy, which his play-bills advertised, his theatre (which, if + you please, and to injure no present susceptibilities and vested + interests, we shall call the Museum Theatre) by no means prospered, and + the famous Impresario found himself on the verge of ruin. The great + Hubbard had acted legitimate drama for twenty nights, and failed to + remunerate anybody but himself: the celebrated Mr. and Mrs. Cawdor had + come out in Mr. Rawhead's tragedy, and in their favourite round of pieces, + and had not attracted the public. Herr Garbage's lions and tigers had + drawn for a little time, until one of the animals had bitten a piece out + of the Herr's shoulder; when the Lord Chamberlain interfered, and put a + stop to this species of performance: and the grand Lyrical Drama, though + brought out with unexampled splendour and success, with Monsieur Poumons + as first tenor, and an enormous orchestra, had almost crushed poor Dolphin + in its triumphant progress: so that great as his genius and resources + were, they seemed to be at an end. He was dragging on his season + wretchedly with half salaries, small operas, feeble old comedies, and his + ballet company; and everybody was looking out for the day when he should + appear in the Gazette. + </p> + <p> + One of the illustrious patrons of the Museum Theatre, and occupant of the + great proscenium-box, was a gentleman whose name has been mentioned in a + previous history; that refined patron of the arts, and enlightened lover + of music and the drama, the Most Noble the Marquis of Steyne. His + lordship's avocations as a statesman prevented him from attending the + playhouse very often, or coming very early. But he occasionally appeared + at the theatre in time for the ballet, and was always received with the + greatest respect by the Manager, from whom he sometimes condescended to + receive a visit in his box. It communicated with the stage, and when + anything occurred there which particularly pleased him, when a new face + made its appearance among the coryphees, or a fair dancer executed a pas + with especial grace or agility, Mr. Wenham, Mr. Wagg, or some other + aide-de-camp of the noble Marquis, would be commissioned to go behind the + scenes, and express the great man's approbation, or make the inquiries + which were prompted by his lordship's curiosity, or his interest in the + dramatic art. He could not be seen by the audience, for Lord Steyne sate + modestly behind a curtain, and looked only towards the stage—but you + could know he was in the house, by the glances which all the + corps-de-ballet, and all the principal dancers, cast towards his box. I + have seen many scores of pairs of eyes (as in the Palm Dance in the ballet + of Cook at Otaheite, where no less than a hundred-and-twenty lovely female + savages in palm leaves and feather aprons, were made to dance round + Floridor as Captain Cook) ogling that box as they performed before it, and + have often wondered to remark the presence of mind of Mademoiselle + Sauterelle, or Mademoiselle de Bondi (known as la petite Caoutchoue), who, + when actually up in the air quivering like so many shuttlecocks, always + kept their lovely eyes winking at that box in which the great Steyne sate. + Now and then you would hear a harsh voice from behind the curtain cry, + “Brava, Brava,” or a pair of white gloves wave from it, and begin to + applaud. Bondi, or Sauterelle, when they came down to earth, curtsied and + smiled, especially to those hands, before they walked up the stage again, + panting and happy. + </p> + <p> + One night this great Prince surrounded by a few choice friends was in his + box at the Museum, and they were making such a noise and laughter that the + pit was scandalised, and many indignant voices were bawling out silence so + loudly, that Wagg wondered the police did not interfere to take the + rascals out. Wenham was amusing the party in the box with extracts from a + private letter which he had received from Major Pendennis, whose absence + in the country at the full London season had been remarked, and of course + deplored by his friends. + </p> + <p> + “The secret is out,” said Mr. Wenham, “there's a woman in the case.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, d—— it, Wenham, he's your age,” said the gentleman + behind the curtain. + </p> + <p> + “Pour les ames bien nees, l'amour ne compte pas le nombre des annees,” + said Mr. Wenham, with a gallant air. “For my part, I hope to be a victim + till I die, and to break my heart every year of my life.” The meaning of + which sentence was, “My lord, you need not talk; I'm three years younger + than you, and twice as well conserve.” + </p> + <p> + “Wenham, you affect me,” said the great man, with one of his usual oaths. + “By —— you do. I like to see a fellow preserving all the + illusions of youth up to our time of life—and keeping his heart warm + as yours is. Hang it, sir, it's a comfort to meet with such a generous, + candid creature.—Who's that gal in the second row, with blue + ribbons, third from the stage—fine gal. Yes, you and I are + sentimentalists. Wagg I don't think so much cares—it's the stomach + rather more than the heart with you, eh, Wagg, my boy?” + </p> + <p> + “I like everything that's good,” said Mr. Wagg, generously. “Beauty and + Burgundy, Venus and Venison. I don't say that Venus's turtles are to be + despised, because they don't cook them at the London Tavern: but—but + tell us about old Pendennis, Mr. Wenham,” he abruptly concluded—for + his joke flagged just then, as he saw that his patron was not listening. + In fact, Steyne's glasses were up, and he was examining some object on the + stage. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I've heard that joke about Venus's turtle and the London Tavern + before—you begin to fail, my poor Wagg. If you don't mind I shall be + obliged to have a new Jester,” Lord Steyne said, laying down his glass. + “Go on, Wenham, about old Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Wenham,”—he begins, Mr. Wenham read,—“as you have had my + character in your hands for the last three weeks, and no doubt have torn + me to shreds, according to your custom, I think you can afford to be + good-humoured by way of variety, and to do me a service. It is a delicate + matter, entre nous, une affaire de coeur. There is a young friend of mine + who is gone wild about a certain Miss Fotheringay, an actress at the + theatre here, and I must own to you, as handsome a woman, and, as it + appears to me, as good an actress as ever put on rouge. She does Ophelia, + Lady Teazle, Mrs. Haller—that sort of thing. Upon my word, she is as + splendid as Georges in her best days, and as far as I know, utterly + superior to anything we have on our scene. I want a London engagement for + her. Can't you get your friend Dolphin to come and see her—to engage + her—to take her out of this place? A word from a noble friend of + ours (you understand) would be invaluable, and if you could get the Gaunt + House interest for me—I will promise anything I can in return for + your service—which I shall consider one of the greatest that can be + done to me. Do, do this now as a good fellow, which I always said you + were: and in return, command yours truly, A. Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a clear case,” said Mr. Wenham, having read this letter; “old + Pendennis is in love.” + </p> + <p> + “And wants to get the woman up to London—evidently,” continued Mr. + Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see Pendennis on his knees, with the rheumatism,” said + Mr. Wenham. + </p> + <p> + “Or accommodating the beloved object with a lock of his hair,” said Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “Stuff.” said the great man. “He has relations in the country, hasn't he? + He said something about a nephew, whose interest could return a member. It + is the nephew's affair, depend on it. The young one is in a scrape. I was + myself—when I was in the fifth form at Eton—a + market-gardener's daughter—and swore I'd marry her. I was mad about + her—poor Polly!”—here he made a pause, and perhaps the past + rose up to Lord Steyne, and George Gaunt was a boy again not altogether + lost.—“But I say, she must be a fine woman from Pendennis's account. + Have in Dolphin, and let us hear if he knows anything of her.” + </p> + <p> + At this Wenham sprang out of the box, passed the servitor who waited at + the door communicating with the stage, and who saluted Mr. Wenham with + profound respect; and the latter emissary, pushing on and familiar with + the place, had no difficulty in finding out the manager, who was employed, + as he not unfrequently was, in swearing and cursing the ladies of the + corps-de-ballet for not doing their duty. + </p> + <p> + The oaths died away on Mr. Dolphin's lips, as soon as he saw Mr. Wenham; + and he drew off the hand which was clenched in the face of one of the + offending coryphees, to grasp that of the new-comer. “How do, Mr. Wenham? + How's his lordship to-night? Looks uncommonly well,” said the manager + smiling, as if he had never been out of temper in his life; and he was + only too delighted to follow Lord Steyne's ambassador, and pay his + personal respects to that great man. + </p> + <p> + The visit to Chatteris was the result of their conversation: and Mr. + Dolphin wrote to his lordship from that place, and did himself the honour + to inform the Marquess of Steyne, that he had seen the lady about whom his + lordship had spoken, that he was as much struck by her talents as he was + by her personal appearance, and that he had made an engagement with Miss + Fotheringay, who would soon have the honour of appearing before a London + audience, and his noble and enlightened patron the Marquess of Steyne. + </p> + <p> + Pen read the announcement of Miss Fotheringay's engagement in the + Chatteris paper, where he had so often praised her charms. The Editor made + very handsome mention of her talent and beauty, and prophesied her success + in the metropolis. Bingley, the manager, began to advertise “The last + night of Miss Fotheringay's engagement.” Poor Pen and Sir Derby Oaks were + very constant at the play: Sir Derby in the stage-box, throwing bouquets + and getting glances.—Pen in the almost deserted boxes, haggard, + wretched and lonely. Nobody cared whether Miss Fotheringay was going or + staying except those two—and perhaps one more, which was Mr. Bows of + the orchestra. + </p> + <p> + He came out of his place one night, and went into the house to the box + where Pen was; and he held out his hand to him, and asked him to come and + walk. They walked down the street together; and went and sate upon + Chatteris bridge in the moonlight, and talked about Her. “We may sit on + the same bridge,” said he; “we have been in the same boat for a long time. + You are not the only man who has made a fool of himself about that woman. + And I have less excuse than you, because I am older and know her better. + She has no more heart than the stone you are leaning on; and it or you or + I might fall into the water, and never come up again, and she wouldn't + care. Yes—she would care for me, because she wants me to teach her: + and she won't be able to get on without me, and will be forced to send for + me from London. But she wouldn't if she didn't want me. She has no heart + and no head, and no sense, and no feelings, and no griefs or cares, + whatever. I was going to say no pleasures—but the fact is, she does + like her dinner, and she is pleased when people admire her.” + </p> + <p> + “And you do?” said Pen, interested out of himself, and wondering at the + crabbed homely little old man. + </p> + <p> + “It's a habit, like taking snuff, or drinking drams,” said the other. + “I've been taking her these five years, and can't do without her. It was I + made her. If she doesn't send for me, I shall follow her: but I know + she'll send for me. She wants me. Some day she'll marry, and fling me + over, as I do the end of this cigar.” + </p> + <p> + The little flaming spark dropped into the water below, and disappeared; + and Pen, as he rode home that night, actually thought about somebody but + himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. The happy Village + </h2> + <p> + Until the enemy had retired altogether from before the place, Major + Pendennis was resolved to keep his garrison in Fairoaks. He did not appear + to watch Pen's behaviour or to put any restraint on his nephew's actions, + but he managed nevertheless to keep the lad constantly under his eye or + those of his agents, and young Arthur's comings and goings were quite well + known to his vigilant guardian. + </p> + <p> + I suppose there is scarcely any man who reads this or any other novel but + has been baulked in love some time or the other, by fate and circumstance, + by falsehood of women, or his own fault. Let that worthy friend recall his + own sensations under the circumstances, and apply them as illustrative of + Mr. Pen's anguish. Ah! what weary nights and sickening fevers! Ah! what + mad desires dashing up against some rock of obstruction or indifference, + and flung back again from the unimpressionable granite! If a list could be + made this very night in London of the groans, thoughts, imprecations of + tossing lovers, what a catalogue it would be! I wonder what a percentage + of the male population of the metropolis will be lying awake at two or + three o'clock to-morrow morning, counting the hours as they go by knelling + drearily, and rolling from left to right, restless, yearning and + heart-sick? What a pang it is! I never knew a man die of love certainly, + but I have known a twelve-stone man go down to nine-stone five under a + disappointed passion, so that pretty nearly quarter of him may be said to + have perished: and that is no small portion. He has come back to his old + size subsequently; perhaps is bigger than ever: very likely some new + affection has closed round his heart and ribs and made them comfortable, + and young Pen is a man who will console himself like the rest of us. We + say this lest the ladies should be disposed to deplore him prematurely, or + be seriously uneasy with regard to his complaint. His mother was, but what + will not a maternal fondness fear or invent? “Depend on it, my dear + creature,” Major Pendennis would say gallantly to her, “the boy will + recover. As soon as we get her out of the country we will take him + somewhere, and show him a little life. Meantime make yourself easy about + him. Half a fellow's pangs at losing a woman result from vanity more than + affection. To be left by a woman is the deuce and all, to be sure; but + look how easily we leave 'em.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Pendennis did not know. This sort of knowledge had by no means come + within the simple lady's scope. Indeed she did not like the subject or to + talk of it: her heart had had its own little private misadventure and she + had borne up against it and cured it: and perhaps she had not much + patience with other folk's passions, except, of course, Arthur's, whose + sufferings she made her own, feeling indeed very likely in many of the + boy's illnesses and pains a great deal more than Pen himself endured. And + she watched him through this present grief with a jealous silent sympathy; + although, as we have said, he did not talk to her of his unfortunate + condition. + </p> + <p> + The Major must be allowed to have had not a little merit and forbearance, + and to have exhibited a highly creditable degree of family affection. The + life at Fairoaks was uncommonly dull to a man who had the entree of half + the houses in London, and was in the habit of making his bow in three or + four drawing-rooms of a night. A dinner with Doctor Portman or a + neighbouring Squire now and then; a dreary rubber at backgammon with the + widow, who did her utmost to amuse him; these were the chief of his + pleasures. He used to long for the arrival of the bag with the letters, + and he read every word of the evening paper. He doctored himself too, + assiduously,—a course of quiet living would suit him well, he + thought, after the London banquets. He dressed himself laboriously every + morning and afternoon: he took regular exercise up and down the terrace + walk. Thus with his cane, his toilet, his medicine-chest, his + backgammon-box, and his newspaper, this worthy and worldly philosopher + fenced himself against ennui; and if he did not improve each shining hour, + like the bees by the widow's garden wall, Major Pendennis made one hour + after another pass as he could, and rendered his captivity just tolerable. + After this period it was remarked that he was fond of bringing round the + conversation to the American war, the massacre of Wyoming and the + brilliant actions of Saint Lucie, the fact being that he had a couple of + volumes of the 'Annual Register' in his bedroom, which he sedulously + studied. It is thus a well-regulated man will accommodate himself to + circumstances, and show himself calmly superior to fortune. + </p> + <p> + Pen sometimes took the box at backgammon of a night, or would listen to + his mother's simple music of summer evenings—but he was very + restless and wretched in spite of all: and has been known to be up before + the early daylight even; and down at a carp-pond in Clavering Park, a + dreary pool with innumerable whispering rushes and green alders, where a + milkmaid drowned herself in the Baronet's grandfather's time, and her + ghost was said to walk still. But Pen did not drown himself, as perhaps + his mother fancied might be his intention. He liked to go and fish there, + and think and think at leisure, as the float quivered in the little eddies + of the pond, and the fish flapped about him. If he got a bite he was + excited enough: and in this way occasionally brought home carps, tenches, + and eels, which the Major cooked in the Continental fashion. + </p> + <p> + By this pond, and under a tree, which was his favourite resort, Pen + composed a number of poems suitable to his circumstances over which verses + he blushed in after days, wondering how he could ever have invented such + rubbish. And as for the tree, why it is in a hollow of this very tree, + where he used to put his tin-box of ground-bait, and other fishing + commodities, that he afterwards—but we are advancing matters. + Suffice it to say, he wrote poems and relieved himself very much. When a + man's grief or passion is at this point, it may be loud, but it is not + very severe. When a gentleman is cudgelling his brain to find any rhyme + for sorrow, besides borrow and to-morrow, his woes are nearer at an end + than he thinks for. So were Pen's. He had his hot and cold fits, his days + of sullenness and peevishness, and of blank resignation and despondency, + and occasional mad paroxysms of rage and longing, in which fits Rebecca + would be saddled and galloped fiercely about the country, or into + Chatteris, her rider gesticulating wildly on her back, and astonishing + carters and turnpikemen as he passed, crying out the name of the false + one. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Foker became a very frequent and welcome visitor at Fairoaks during + this period, where his good spirits and oddities always amused the Major + and Pendennis, while they astonished the widow and little Laura not a + little. His tandem made a great sensation in Clavering market-place; where + he upset a market stall, and cut Mrs. Pybus's poodle over the shaven + quarters, and drank a glass of raspberry bitters at the Clavering Arms. + All the society in the little place heard who he was, and looked out his + name in their Peerages. He was so young, and their books so old, that his + name did not appear in many of their volumes; and his mamma, now quite an + antiquated lady, figured amongst the progeny of the Earl of Rosherville, + as Lady Agnes Milton still. But his name, wealth, and honourable lineage + were speedily known about Clavering, where you may be sure that poor Pen's + little transaction with the Chatteris actress was also pretty freely + discussed. + </p> + <p> + Looking at the little old town of Clavering St. Mary from the London road + as it runs by the lodge at Fairoaks, and seeing the rapid and shining + Brawl winding down from the town and skirting the woods of Clavering Park, + and the ancient church tower and peaked roofs of the houses rising up + amongst trees and old walls, behind which swells a fair background of + sunshiny hills that stretch from Clavering westwards towards the sea—the + place looks so cheery and comfortable that many a traveller's heart must + have yearned towards it from the coach-top, and he must have thought that + it was in such a calm friendly nook he would like to shelter at the end of + life's struggle. Tom Smith, who used to drive the Alacrity coach, would + often point to a tree near the river, from which a fine view of the church + and town was commanded, and inform his companion on the box that “Artises + come and take hoff the Church from that there tree—It was a Habby + once, sir:”—and indeed a pretty view it is, which I recommend to Mr. + Stanfield or Mr. Roberts, for their next tour. + </p> + <p> + Like Constantinople seen from the Bosphorus; like Mrs. Rougemont viewed in + her box from the opposite side of the house; like many an object which we + pursue in life, and admire before we have attained it; Clavering is rather + prettier at a distance than it is on a closer acquaintance. The town so + cheerful of aspect a few furlongs off, looks very blank and dreary. Except + on market days there is nobody in the streets. The clack of a pair of + pattens echoes through half the place, and you may hear the creaking of + the rusty old ensign at the Clavering Arms, without being disturbed by any + other noise. There has not been a ball in the Assembly Rooms since the + Clavering volunteers gave one to their Colonel, the old Sir Francis + Clavering; and the stables which once held a great part of that brilliant, + but defunct regiment, are now cheerless and empty, except on Thursdays, + when the farmers put up there, and their tilted carts and gigs make a + feeble show of liveliness in the place, or on Petty Sessions, when the + magistrates attend in what used to be the old card-room. + </p> + <p> + On the south side of the market rises up the church, with its great grey + towers, of which the sun illuminates the delicate carving; deepening the + shadows of the huge buttresses, and gilding the glittering windows and + flaming vanes. The image of the Patroness of the Church was wrenched out + of the porch centuries ago: such of the statues of saints as were within + reach of stones and hammer at that period of pious demolition, are maimed + and headless, and of those who were out of fire, only Doctor Portman knows + the names and history, for his curate, Smirke, is not much of an + antiquarian, and Mr. Simcoe (husband of the Honourable Mrs. Simcoe), + incumbent and architect of the Chapel of Ease in the lower town, thinks + them the abomination of desolation. + </p> + <p> + The Rectory is a stout broad-shouldered brick house, of the reign of Anne. + It communicates with the church and market by different gates, and stands + at the opening of Yew-tree Lane, where the Grammar School (Rev. —— + Wapshot) is; Yew-tree Cottage (Miss Flather); the butchers' + slaughtering-house, an old barn or brew-house of the Abbey times, and the + Misses Finucane's establishment for young ladies. The two schools had + their pews in the loft on each side of the organ, until the Abbey Church + getting rather empty, through the falling-off of the congregation, who + were inveigled to the Heresy-shop in the lower town, the Doctor induced + the Misses Finucane to bring their pretty little flock downstairs; and the + young ladies' bonnets make a tolerable show in the rather vacant aisles. + Nobody is in the great pew of the Clavering family, except the statues of + defunct baronets and their ladies: there is Sir Poyntz Clavering, Knight + and Baronet, kneeling in a square beard opposite his wife in a ruff: a + very fat lady, the Dame Rebecca Clavering, in alto-relievo, is borne up to + Heaven by two little blue-veined angels, who seem to have a severe task—and + so forth. How well in after life Pen remembered those effigies, and how + often in youth he scanned them as the Doctor was grumbling the sermon from + the pulpit, and Smirke's mild head and forehead curl peered over the great + prayer-book in the desk! + </p> + <p> + The Fairoaks folks were constant at the old church; their servants had a + pew, so had the Doctor's, so had Wapshot's, and those of Misses Finucane's + establishment, three maids and a very nice-looking young man in a livery. + The Wapshot Family were numerous and faithful. Glanders and his children + regularly came to church: so did one of the apothecaries. Mrs. Pybus went, + turn and turn about, to the Low Town church, and to the Abbey: the Charity + School and their families of course came; Wapshot's boys made a good + cheerful noise, scuffling with their feet as they marched into church and + up the organ-loft stair, and blowing their noses a good deal during the + service. To be brief, the congregation looked as decent as might be in + these bad times. The Abbey Church was furnished with a magnificent screen, + and many hatchments and heraldic tombstones. The Doctor spent a great part + of his income in beautifying his darling place; he had endowed it with a + superb painted window, bought in the Netherlands, and an organ grand + enough for a cathedral. + </p> + <p> + But in spite of organ and window, in consequence of the latter very + likely, which had come out of a Papistical place of worship and was + blazoned all over with idolatry, Clavering New Church prospered + scandalously in the teeth of Orthodoxy; and many of the Doctor's + congregation deserted to Mr. Simcoe and the honourable woman his wife. + Their efforts had thinned the very Ebenezer hard by them, which building + before Simcoe's advent used to be so full, that you could see the backs of + the congregation squeezing out of the arched windows thereof. Mr. Simcoe's + tracts fluttered into the doors of all the Doctor's cottages, and were + taken as greedily as honest Mrs. Portman's soup, with the quality of which + the graceless people found fault. With the folks at the Ribbon Factory + situated by the weir on the Brawl side, and round which the Low Town had + grown, Orthodoxy could make no way at all. Quiet Miss Myra was put out of + court by impetuous Mrs. Simcoe and her female aides-de-camp. Ah, it was a + hard burthen for the Doctor's lady to bear, to behold her husband's + congregation dwindling away; to give the precedence on the few occasions + when they met to a notorious low-churchman's wife who was the daughter of + an Irish Peer; to know that there was a party in Clavering, their own town + of Clavering, on which her Doctor spent a great deal more than his + professional income, who held him up to odium because he played a rubber + at whist; and pronounced him to be a Heathen because he went to the play. + In her grief she besought him to give up the play and the rubber,—indeed + they could scarcely get a table now, so dreadful was the outcry against + the sport,—but the Doctor declared that he would do what he thought + right, and what the great and good George the Third did (whose Chaplain he + had been): and as for giving up whist because those silly folks cried out + against it, he would play dummy to the end of his days with his wife and + Myra, rather than yield to their despicable persecutions. + </p> + <p> + Of the two families, owners of the Factory (which had spoiled the Brawl as + a trout-stream and brought all the mischief into the town), the senior + partner, Mr. Rolt, went to Ebenezer; the junior, Mr. Barker, to the New + Church. In a word, people quarrelled in this little place a great deal + more than neighbours do in London; and in the Book Club, which the prudent + and conciliating Pendennis had set up, and which ought to have been a + neutral territory, they bickered so much that nobody scarcely was ever + seen in the reading-room, except Smirke, who, though he kept up a faint + amity with the Simcoe faction, had still a taste for magazines and light + worldly literature; and old Glanders, whose white head and grizzly + moustache might be seen at the window; and of course, little Mrs. Pybus, + who looked at everybody's letters as the Post brought them (for the + Clavering Reading-room, as every one knows, used to be held at Baker's + Library, London Street, formerly Hog Lane), and read every advertisement + in the paper. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined how great a sensation was created in this amiable + little community when the news reached it of Mr. Pen's love-passages at + Chatteris. It was carried from house to house, and formed the subject of + talk at high-church, low-church, and no-church tables; it was canvassed by + the Misses Finucane and their teachers, and very likely debated by the + young ladies in the dormitories for what we know; Wapshot's big boys had + their version of the story, and eyed Pen curiously as he sate in his pew + at church, or raised the finger of scorn at him as he passed through + Chatteris. They always hated him and called him Lord Pendennis, because he + did not wear corduroys as they did, and rode a horse, and gave himself the + airs of a buck. + </p> + <p> + And if the truth must be told, it was Mrs. Portman herself who was the + chief narrator of the story of Pen's loves. Whatever tales this candid + woman heard, she was sure to impart them to her neighbours; and after she + had been put into possession of Pen's secret by the little scandal at + Chatteris, poor Doctor Portman knew that it would next day be about the + parish of which he was the Rector. And so indeed it was; the whole society + there had the legend—at the news-room, at the milliner's, at the + shoe-shop, and the general warehouse at the corner of the market; at Mrs. + Pybus's, at the Glanders's, at the Honourable Mrs. Simcoe's soiree, at the + Factory; nay, through the mill itself the tale was current in a few hours, + and young Arthur Pendennis's madness was in every mouth. + </p> + <p> + All Dr. Portman's acquaintances barked out upon him when he walked the + street the next day. The poor divine knew that his Betsy was the author of + the rumour, and groaned in spirit. Well, well,—it must have come in + a day or two, and it was as well that the town should have the real story. + What the Clavering folks thought of Mrs. Pendennis for spoiling her son, + and of that precocious young rascal of an Arthur for daring to propose to + a play-actress, need not be told here. If pride exists amongst any folks + in our country, and assuredly we have enough of it, there is no pride more + deep-seated than that of twopenny old gentlewomen in small towns. + “Gracious goodness,” the cry was, “how infatuated the mother is about that + pert and headstrong boy who gives himself the airs of a lord on his + blood-horse, and for whom our society is not good enough, and who would + marry an odious painted actress off a booth, where very likely he wants to + rant himself. If dear good Mr. Pendennis had been alive this scandal would + never have happened.” + </p> + <p> + No more it would, very likely, nor should we have been occupied in + narrating Pen's history. It was true that he gave himself airs to the + Clavering folks. Naturally haughty and frank, their cackle and small talk + and small dignities bored him, and he showed a contempt which he could not + conceal. The Doctor and the Curate were the only people Pen cared for in + the place—even Mrs. Portman shared in the general distrust of him, + and of his mother, the widow, who kept herself aloof from the village + society, and was sneered at accordingly, because she tried, forsooth, to + keep her head up with the great County families. She, indeed! Mrs. Barker + at the Factory has four times the butcher's meat that goes up to Fairoaks, + with all their fine airs. + </p> + <p> + Etc. etc. etc.: let the reader fill up these details according to his + liking and experience of village scandal. They will suffice to show how it + was that a good woman occupied solely in doing her duty to her neighbour + and her children, and an honest, brave lad, impetuous, and full of good, + and wishing well to every mortal alive found enemies and detractors + amongst people to whom they were superior, and to whom they had never done + anything like harm. The Clavering curs were yelping all round the house of + Fairoaks, and delighted to pull Pen down. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Portman and Smirke were both cautious of informing the widow of the + constant outbreak of calumny which was pursuing poor Pen, though Glanders, + who was a friend of the house, kept him au courant. It may be imagined + what his indignation was: was there any man in the village whom he could + call to account? Presently some wags began to chalk up 'Fotheringay for + ever!' and other sarcastic allusions to late transactions, at Fairoaks' + gate. Another brought a large playbill from Chatteris, and wafered it + there one night. On one occasion Pen, riding through the Lower Town, + fancied he heard the Factory boys jeer him; and finally going through the + Doctor's gate into the churchyard, where some of Wapshot's boys were + lounging, the biggest of them, a young gentleman about twenty years of + age, son of a neighbouring small Squire, who lived in the doubtful + capacity of parlour-boarder with Mr. Wapshot, flung himself into a + theatrical attitude near a newly-made grave, and began repeating Hamlet's + verses over Ophelia, with a hideous leer at Pen. The young fellow was so + enraged that he rushed at Hobnell Major with a shriek very much resembling + an oath, cut him furiously across the face with the riding-whip which he + carried, flung it away, calling upon the cowardly villain to defend + himself, and in another minute knocked the bewildered young ruffian into + the grave which was just waiting for a different lodger. + </p> + <p> + Then with his fists clenched, and his face quivering with passion and + indignation, he roared out to Mr. Hobnell's gaping companions, to know if + any of the blackguards would come on? But they held back with a growl, and + retreated as Doctor Portman came up to his wicket, and Mr. Hobnell, with + his nose and lip bleeding piteously, emerged from the grave. + </p> + <p> + Pen, looking death and defiance at the lads, who retreated toward their + side of the churchyard, walked back again through the Doctor's wicket, and + was interrogated by that gentleman. The young fellow was so agitated he + could scarcely speak. His voice broke into a sob as he answered. “The + ——— coward insulted me, sir,” he said; and the Doctor + passed over the oath, and respected the emotion of the honest suffering + young heart. + </p> + <p> + Pendennis the elder, who like a real man of the world had a proper and + constant dread of the opinion of his neighbour, was prodigiously annoyed + by the absurd little tempest which was blowing in Chatteris, and tossing + about Master Pen's reputation. Doctor Portman and Captain Glanders had to + support the charges of the whole Chatteris society against the young + reprobate, who was looked upon as a monster of crime. Pen did not say + anything about the churchyard scuffle at home; but went over to Baymouth, + and took counsel with his friend Harry Foker, Esq., who drove over his + drag presently to the Clavering Arms, whence he sent Stoopid with a note + to Thomas Hobnell, Esq., at the Rev. J. Wapshot's, and a civil message to + ask when he should wait upon that gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Stoopid brought back word that the note had been opened by Mr. Hobnell, + and read to half a dozen of the big boys, on whom it seemed to make a + great impression; and that after consulting together, and laughing, Mr. + Hobnell said he would send an answer “arter arternoon school, which the + bell was a-ringing: and Mr. Wapshot he came out in his Master's gownd.” + Stoopid was learned in academical costume, having attended Mr. Foker at + St. Boniface. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Foker went out to see the curiosities of Clavering meanwhile; but not + having a taste for architecture, Doctor Portman's fine church did not + engage his attention much and he pronounced the tower to be as mouldy as + an old Stilton cheese. He walked down the street and looked at the few + shops there; he saw Captain Glanders at the window of the Reading-room, + and having taken a good stare at that gentleman, he wagged his head at him + in token of satisfaction; he inquired the price of meat at the butcher's + with an air of the greatest interest, and asked “when was next killing + day?” he flattened his little nose against Madame Fribsby's window to see + if haply there was a pretty workwoman in her premises; but there was no + face more comely than the doll's or dummy's wearing the French cap in the + window, only that of Madame Fribsby herself, dimly visible in the parlour, + reading a novel. That object was not of sufficient interest to keep Mr. + Foker very long in contemplation, and so having exhausted the town and the + inn stables, in which there were no cattle, save the single old pair of + posters that earned a scanty livelihood by transporting the gentry round + about to the county dinners, Mr. Foker was giving himself up to ennui + entirely, when a messenger from Mr. Hobnell was at length announced. + </p> + <p> + It was no other than Mr. Wapshot himself, who came with an air of great + indignation, and holding Pen's missive in his hand, asked Mr. Foker “how + dared he bring such an unchristian message as a challenge to a boy of his + school?” + </p> + <p> + In fact Pen had written a note to his adversary of the day before, telling + him that if after the chastisement which his insolence richly deserved, he + felt inclined to ask the reparation which was usually given amongst + gentlemen, Mr. Arthur Pendennis's friend, Mr. Henry Foker, was empowered + to make any arrangements for the satisfaction of Mr. Hobnell. + </p> + <p> + “And so he sent you with the answer—did he, sir?” Mr. Foker said, + surveying the Schoolmaster in his black coat and clerical costume. + </p> + <p> + “If he had accepted this wicked challenge, I should have flogged him,” Mr. + Wapshot said, and gave Mr. Foker a glance which seemed to say, “and I + should like very much to flog you too.” + </p> + <p> + “Uncommon kind of you, sir, I'm sure,” said Pen's emissary. “I told my + principal that I didn't think the other man would fight,” he continued + with a great air of dignity. “He prefers being flogged to fighting, sir, I + dare say. May I offer you any refreshment, Mr.? I haven't the advantage of + your name.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Wapshot, sir, and I am Master of the Grammar School of this + town, sir,” cried the other: “and I want no refreshment, sir, I thank you, + and have no desire to make your acquaintance, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't seek yours, sir, I'm sure,” replied Mr. Foker. “In affairs of + this sort, you see, I think it is a pity that the clergy should be called + in, but there's no accounting for tastes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it's a pity that boys should talk about committing murder, sir, + as lightly as you do,” roared the Schoolmaster; “and if I had you in my + school——” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you would teach me better, sir,” Mr. Foker said, with a bow. + “Thank you, sir. I've finished my education, sir, and ain't a-going back + to school, sir—when I do, I'll remember your kind offer, sir. John, + show this gentleman downstairs—and, of course, as Mr. Hobnell likes + being thrashed, we can have no objection, sir, and we shall be very happy + to accommodate him, whenever he comes our way.” + </p> + <p> + And with this, the young fellow bowed the elder gentleman out of the room, + and sate down and wrote a note off to Pen, in which he informed the latter + that Mr. Hobnell was not disposed to fight, and proposed to put up with + the caning which Pen had administered to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. More Storms in the Puddle + </h2> + <p> + Pen's conduct in this business of course was soon made public, and angered + his friend Doctor Portman not a little: while it only amused Major + Pendennis. As for the good Mrs. Pendennis, she was almost distracted when + she heard of the squabble, and of Pen's unchristian behaviour. All sorts + of wretchedness, discomfort, crime, annoyance, seemed to come out of this + transaction in which the luckless boy had engaged; and she longed more + than ever to see him out of Chatteris for a while,—anywhere removed + from the woman who had brought him into so much trouble. + </p> + <p> + Pen, when remonstrated with by this fond parent, and angrily rebuked by the + Doctor for his violence and ferocious intentions, took the matter au grand + serieux, with the happy conceit and gravity of youth: said that he himself + was very sorry for the affair, that the insult had come upon him without + the slightest provocation on his part; that he would permit no man to + insult him upon this head without vindicating his own honour, and + appealing with great dignity to his uncle, asked whether he could have + acted otherwise as a gentleman, than as he did in resenting the outrage + offered to him, and in offering satisfaction to the person chastised? + </p> + <p> + “Vous allez trop vite, my good sir,” said the uncle, rather puzzled, for + he had been indoctrinating his nephew with some of his own notions upon + the point of honour—old-world notions savouring of the camp and + pistol a great deal more than our soberer opinions of the present day—“between + men of the world I don't say; but between two schoolboys, this sort of + thing is ridiculous, my dear boy—perfectly ridiculous.” + </p> + <p> + “It is extremely wicked, and unlike my son,” said Mrs. Pendennis, with + tears in her eyes, and bewildered with the obstinacy of the boy. + </p> + <p> + Pen kissed her, and said with great pomposity, “Women, dear mother, don't + understand these matters—I put myself into Foker's hands—I had + no other course to pursue.” + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis grinned and shrugged his shoulders. The young ones were + certainly making great progress, he thought. Mrs. Pendennis declared that + that Foker was a wicked horrid little wretch, and was sure that he would + lead her dear boy into mischief, if Pen went to the same College with him. + “I have a great mind not to let him go at all,” she said: and only that + she remembered that the lad's father had always destined him for the + College in which he had had his own brief education, very likely the fond + mother would have put a veto upon his going to the University. + </p> + <p> + That he was to go, and at the next October term, had been arranged between + all the authorities who presided over the lad's welfare. Foker had + promised to introduce him to the right set; and Major Pendennis laid great + store upon Pen's introduction into College life and society by this + admirable young gentleman. “Mr. Foker knows the very best young men now at + the University,” the Major said, “and Pen will form acquaintances there + who will be of the greatest advantage through life to him. The young + Marquis of Plinlimmon is there, eldest son of the Duke of Saint David's—Lord + Magnus Charters is there, Lord Runnymede's son, and a first cousin of Mr. + Foker (Lady Runnymede, my dear, was Lady Agatha Milton, you of course + remember); Lady Agnes will certainly invite him to Logwood; and far from + being alarmed at his intimacy with her son, who is a singular and + humorous, but most prudent and amiable young man, to whom, I am sure, we + are under every obligation for his admirable conduct in the affair of the + Fotheringay marriage, I look upon it as one of the very luckiest things + which could have happened to Pen, that he should have formed an intimacy + with this most amusing young gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Helen sighed, she supposed the Major knew best. Mr. Foker had been very + kind in the wretched business with Miss Costigan, certainly, and she was + grateful to him. But she could not feel otherwise than a dim presentiment + of evil; and all these quarrels, and riots, and worldliness, scared her + about the fate of her boy. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Portman was decidedly of opinion that Pen should go to College. He + hoped the lad would read, and have a moderate indulgence of the best + society too. He was of opinion that Pen would distinguish himself: Smirke + spoke very highly of his proficiency: the Doctor himself had heard him + construe, and thought he acquitted himself remarkably well. That he should + go out of Chatteris was a great point at any rate; and Pen, who was + distracted from his private grief by the various rows and troubles which + had risen round about him, gloomily said he would obey. + </p> + <p> + There were assizes, races, and the entertainments and the flux of company + consequent upon them, at Chatteris, during a part of the months of August + and September, and Miss Fotheringay still continued to act, and take + farewell of the audiences at the Chatteris Theatre during that time. + Nobody seemed to be particularly affected by her presence, or her + announced departure, except those persons whom we have named; nor could + the polite county folks, who had houses in London, and very likely admired + the Fotheringay prodigiously in the capital, when they had been taught to + do so by the Fashion which set in in her favour, find anything remarkable + in the actress performing on the little Chatteris boards. Many genius and + many a quack, for that matter, has met with a similar fate before and + since Miss Costigan's time. This honest woman meanwhile bore up against + the public neglect, and any other crosses or vexations which she might + have in life, with her usual equanimity; and ate, drank, acted, slept, + with that regularity and comfort which belongs to people of her + temperament. What a deal of grief, care, and other harmful excitement does + a healthy dulness and cheerful insensibility avoid! Nor do I mean to say + that Virtue is not Virtue because it is never tempted to go astray; only + that dulness is a much finer gift than we give it credit for being; and + that some people are very lucky whom Nature has endowed with a good store + of that great anodyne. + </p> + <p> + Pen used to go drearily in and out from the play at Chatteris during this + season, and pretty much according to his fancy. His proceedings tortured + his mother not a little, and her anxiety would have led her often to + interfere, had not the Major constantly checked, and at the same time + encouraged her; for the wily man of the world fancied he saw that a + favourable turn had occurred in Pen's malady. It was the violent efflux of + versification, among other symptoms, which gave Pen's guardian and + physician satisfaction. He might be heard spouting verses in the shrubbery + walks, or muttering them between his teeth as he sat with the home party + of evenings. One day prowling about the house in Pen's absence, the Major + found a great book full of verses in the lad's study. They were in + English, and in Latin; quotations from the classic authors were given in + the scholastic manner in the foot-notes. He can't be very bad, wisely + thought the Pall-Mall Philosopher: and he made Pen's mother remark (not, + perhaps, without a secret feeling of disappointment, for she loved romance + like other soft women), that the young gentleman during the last fortnight + came home quite hungry to dinner at night, and also showed a very decent + appetite at the breakfast-table in the morning. “Gad, I wish I could,” + said the Major, thinking ruefully of his dinner pills. “The boy begins to + sleep well, depend upon that.” It was cruel, but it was true. + </p> + <p> + Having no other soul to confide in—for he could not speak to his + mother of his loves and disappointments—his uncle treated them in a + scornful and worldly tone, which, though carefully guarded and polite, yet + jarred greatly on the feelings of Mr. Pen—and Foker was much too + coarse to appreciate those refined sentimental secrets—the lad's + friendship for the Curate redoubled, or rather, he was never tired of + having Smirke for a listener on that one subject. What is a lovee without + a confidant? Pen employed Mr. Smirke, as Corydon does the elm-tree, to cut + out his mistress's name upon. He made him echo with the name of the + beautiful Amaryllis. When men have left off playing the tune, they do not + care much for the pipe: but Pen thought he had a great friendship for + Smirke, because he could sigh out his loves and griefs into his tutor's + ears; and Smirke had his own reasons for always being ready at the lad's + call. + </p> + <p> + Pen's affection gushed out in a multitude of sonnets to the friend of his + heart, as he styled the Curate, which the other received with great + sympathy. He plied Smirke with Latin Sapphics and Alcaics. The love-songs + multiplied under his fluent pen; and Smirke declared and believed that + they were beautiful. On the other hand, Pen expressed a boundless + gratitude to think that Heaven should have sent him such a friend at such + a moment. He presented his tutor with his best-bound books, and his gold + guard-chain, and wanted him to take his double-barrelled gun. He went into + Chatteris and got a gold pencil-case on credit (for he had no money, and + indeed was still in debt to Smirke for some of the Fotheringay presents), + which he presented to Smirke, with an inscription indicative of his + unalterable and eternal regard for the Curate; who of course was pleased + with every mark of the boy's attachment. + </p> + <p> + The poor Curate was naturally very much dismayed at the contemplated + departure of his pupil. When Arthur should go, Smirke's occupation and + delight would go too. What pretext could he find for a daily visit to + Fairoaks and that kind word or glance from the lady there, which was as + necessary to the Curate as the frugal dinner which Madame Fribsby served + him? Arthur gone, he would only be allowed to make visits like any other + acquaintance: little Laura could not accommodate him by learning the + Catechism more than once a week: he had curled himself like ivy round + Fairoaks: he pined at the thought that he must lose his hold of the place. + Should he speak his mind and go down on his knees to the widow? He thought + over any indications in her behaviour which flattered his hopes. She had + praised his sermons three weeks before: she had thanked him exceedingly + for his present of a melon, for a small dinner-party which Mrs. Pendennis + gave: she said she should always be grateful to him for his kindness to + Arthur, and when he declared that there were no bounds to his love and + affection for that dear boy, she had certainly replied in a romantic + manner, indicating her own strong gratitude and regard to all her son's + friends. Should he speak out?—or should he delay? If he spoke and + she refused him, it was awful to think that the gate of Fairoaks might be + shut upon him for ever—and within that door lay all the world for + Mr. Smirke. + </p> + <p> + Thus, oh friendly readers, we see how every man in the world has his own + private griefs and business, by which he is more cast down or occupied + than by the affairs or sorrows of any other person. While Mrs. Pendennis + is disquieting herself about losing her son, and that anxious hold she has + had of him, as long as he has remained in the mother's nest, whence he is + about to take flight into the great world beyond—while the Major's + great soul chafes and frets, inwardly vexed as he thinks what great + parties are going on in London, and that he might be sunning himself in + the glances of Dukes and Duchesses, but for those cursed affairs which + keep him in a wretched little country hole—while Pen is tossing + between his passion and a more agreeable sensation, unacknowledged yet, + but swaying him considerably, namely, his longing to see the world—Mr. + Smirke has a private care watching at his bedside, and sitting behind him + on his pony; and is no more satisfied than the rest of us. How lonely we + are in the world; how selfish and secret, everybody! You and your wife + have pressed the same pillow for forty years and fancy yourselves united. + Psha, does she cry out when you have the gout, or do you lie awake when + she has the toothache? Your artless daughter, seemingly all innocence and + devoted to her mamma and her piano-lesson, is thinking of neither, but of + the young Lieutenant with whom she danced at the last ball—the + honest frank boy just returned from school is secretly speculating upon + the money you will give him, and the debts he owes the tart-man. The old + grandmother crooning in the corner and bound to another world within a few + months, has some business or cares which are quite private and her own—very + likely she is thinking of fifty years back, and that night when she made + such an impression, and danced a cotillon with the Captain before your + father proposed for her: or, what a silly little overrated creature your + wife is, and how absurdly you are infatuated about her—and, as for + your wife—O philosophic reader, answer and say,—Do you tell + her all? Ah, sir—a distinct universe walks about under your hat and + under mine—all things in nature are different to each—the + woman we look at has not the same features, the dish we eat from has not + the same taste to the one and the other—you and I are but a pair of + infinite isolations, with some fellow-islands a little more or less near + to us. Let us return, however, to the solitary Smirke. + </p> + <p> + Smirke had one confidante for his passion—that most injudicious + woman, Madame Fribsby. How she became Madame Fribsby, nobody knows: she + had left Clavering to go to a milliner's in London as Miss Fribsby—she + pretended that she had got the rank in Paris during her residence in that + city. But how could the French king, were he ever so much disposed, give + her any such title? We shall not inquire into this mystery, however. + Suffice to say, she went away from home a bouncing young lass; she + returned a rather elderly character, with a Madonna front and a melancholy + countenance—bought the late Mrs. Harbottle's business for a song—took + her elderly mother to live with her; was very good to the poor, was + constant at church, and had the best of characters. But there was no one + in all Clavering, not Mrs. Portman herself, who read so many novels as + Madame Fribsby. She had plenty of time for this amusement, for, in truth, + very few people besides the folks at the Rectory and Fairoaks employed + her; and by a perpetual perusal of such works (which were by no means so + moral or edifying in the days of which we write, as they are at present) + she had got to be so absurdly sentimental, that in her eyes life was + nothing but an immense love-match; and she never could see two people + together, but she fancied they were dying for one another. + </p> + <p> + On the day after Mrs. Pendennis's visit to the Curate, which we have + recorded many pages back, Madame Fribsby settled in her mind that Mr. + Smirke must be in love with the widow, and did everything in her power to + encourage this passion on both sides. Mrs. Pendennis she very seldom saw, + indeed, except in public, and in her pew at church. That lady had very + little need of millinery, or made most of her own dresses and caps; but on + the rare occasions when Madame Fribsby received visits from Mrs. Pendennis + or paid her respects at Fairoaks, she never failed to entertain the widow + with praises of the Curate, pointing out what an angelical man he was, how + gentle, how studious, how lonely; and she would wonder that no lady would + take pity upon him. + </p> + <p> + Helen laughed at these sentimental remarks, and wondered that Madame + herself did not compassionate her lodger, and console him. Madame Fribsby + shook her Madonna front, “Mong cure a boco souffare,” she said, laying her + hand on the part she designated as her cure. “It est more en Espang, + Madame,” she said with a sigh. She was proud of her intimacy with the + French language, and spoke it with more volubility than correctness. Mrs. + Pendennis did not care to penetrate the secrets of this wounded heart: + except to her few intimates she was a reserved and it may be a very proud + woman; she looked upon her son's tutor merely as an attendant on that + young Prince, to be treated with respect as a clergyman certainly, but + with proper dignity as a dependant on the house of Pendennis. Nor were + Madame's constant allusions to the Curate particularly agreeable to her. + It required a very ingenious sentimental turn indeed to find out that the + widow had a secret regard for Mr. Smirke, to which pernicious error + however Madame Fribsby persisted in holding. + </p> + <p> + Her lodger was very much more willing to talk on this subject with his + soft-hearted landlady. Every time after that she praised the Curate to + Mrs. Pendennis, she came away from the latter with the notion that the + widow herself had been praising him. “Etre soul au monde est bien + ouneeyoung,” she would say, glancing up at a print of a French carbineer + in a green coat and brass cuirass which decorated her apartment—“Depend + upon it when Master Pendennis goes to College, his Ma will find herself + very lonely. She is quite young yet.—You wouldn't suppose her to be + five-and-twenty. Monsieur le Cury, song cure est touchy—j'ang suis + sure—Je conny cela biang—Ally Monsieur Smirke.” + </p> + <p> + He softly blushed; he sighed; he hoped; he feared; he doubted; he + sometimes yielded to the delightful idea—his pleasure was to sit in + Madame Fribsby's apartment, and talk upon the subject, where, as the + greater part of the conversation was carried on in French by the Milliner, + and her old mother was deaf, that retired old individual (who had once + been a housekeeper, wife and widow of a butler in the Clavering family) + could understand scarce one syllable of their talk. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was, that when Major Pendennis announced to his nephew's tutor + that the young fellow would go to College in October, and that Mr. + Smirke's valuable services would no longer be needful to his pupil, for + which services the Major, who spoke as grandly as a lord, professed + himself exceedingly grateful, and besought Mr. Smirke to command his + interests in any way—thus it was, that the Curate felt that the + critical moment was come for him, and was racked and tortured by those + severe pangs which the occasion warranted. + </p> + <p> + Madame Fribsby had, of course, taken the strongest interest in the + progress of Mr. Pen's love affair with Miss Fotheringay. She had been over + to Chatteris, and having seen that actress perform, had pronounced that + she was old and overrated: and had talked over Master Pen's passion in her + shop many and many a time to the half-dozen old maids, and old women in + male clothes, who are to be found in little country towns, and who formed + the genteel population of Clavering. Captain Glanders, H.P., had + pronounced that Pen was going to be a devil of a fellow, and had begun + early: Mrs. Glanders had told him to check his horrid observations, and to + respect his own wife, if he pleased. She said it would be a lesson to + Helen for her pride and absurd infatuation about that boy. Mrs. Pybus said + many people were proud of very small things, and for her part, she didn't + know why an apothecary's wife should give herself such airs. Mrs. Wapshot + called her daughters away from that side of the street, one day when Pen, + on Rebecca, was stopping at the saddler's, to get a new lash to his whip—one + and all of these people had made visits of curiosity to Fairoaks, and had + tried to condole with the widow, or bring the subject of the Fotheringay + affair on the tapis, and had been severally checked by the haughty reserve + of Mrs. Pendennis, supported by the frigid politeness of the Major her + brother. + </p> + <p> + These rebuffs, however, did not put an end to the gossip, and slander went + on increasing about the unlucky Fairoaks' family. Glanders (H.P.), a + retired cavalry officer, whose half-pay and large family compelled him to + fuddle himself with brandy-and-water instead of claret after he quitted + the Dragoons, had the occasional entree at Fairoaks, and kept his friend + the Major there informed of all the stories which were current at + Clavering. Mrs. Pybus had taken an inside place by the coach to Chatteris, + and gone to the George on purpose to get the particulars. Mrs. Speers's + man, had treated Mr. Foker's servant to drink at Baymouth for a similar + purpose. It was said that Pen had hanged himself for despair in the + orchard, and that his uncle had cut him down; that, on the contrary, it + was Miss Costigan who was jilted, and not young Arthur; and that the + affair had only been hushed up by the payment of a large sum of money, the + exact amount of which there were several people in Clavering could testify—the + sum of course varying according to the calculation of the individual + narrator of the story. + </p> + <p> + Pen shook his mane and raged like a furious lion when these scandals, + affecting Miss Costigan's honour and his own, came to his ears. Why was + not Pybus a man (she had whiskers enough), that he might call her out and + shoot her? Seeing Simcoe pass by, Pen glared at him so from his saddle on + Rebecca, and clutched his whip in a manner so menacing, that that + clergyman went home and wrote a sermon, or thought over a sermon (for he + delivered oral testimony at great length), in which he spoke of Jezebel, + theatrical entertainments (a double cut this—for Doctor Portman, the + Rector of the old church, was known to frequent such), and of youth going + to perdition, in a manner which made it clear to every capacity that Pen + was the individual meant, and on the road alluded to. What stories more + were there not against young Pendennis, whilst he sate sulking, + Achilles-like in his tent, for the loss of his ravished Briseis? + </p> + <p> + After the affair with Hobnell, Pen was pronounced to be a murderer as well + as a profligate, and his name became a name of terror and a byword in + Clavering. But this was not all; he was not the only one of the family + about whom the village began to chatter, and his unlucky mother was the + next to become a victim to their gossip. + </p> + <p> + “It is all settled,” said Mrs. Pybus to Mrs. Speers, “the boy is to go to + College, and then the widow is to console herself.” + </p> + <p> + “He's been there every day, in the most open manner, my dear,” continued + Mrs. Speers. + </p> + <p> + “Enough to make poor Mr. Pendennis turn in his grave,” said Mrs. Wapshot. + </p> + <p> + “She never liked him, that we know,” says No. 1. + </p> + <p> + “Married him for his money. Everybody knows that: was a penniless + hanger-on of Lady Pontypool's,” says No. 2. + </p> + <p> + “It's rather too open, though, to encourage a lover under pretence of + having a tutor for your son,” cried No. 3. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! here comes Mrs. Portman,” some one said, as the good Rector's wife + entered Madame Fribsby's shop, to inspect her monthly book of fashions + just arrived from London. And the fact is that Madame Fribsby had been + able to hold out no longer; and one day, after she and her lodger had been + talking of Pen's approaching departure, and the Curate had gone off to + give one of his last lessons to that gentleman, Madame Fribsby had + communicated to Mrs. Pybus, who happened to step in with Mrs. Speers, her + strong suspicion, her certainty almost, that there was an attachment + between a certain clerical gentleman and a certain lady, whose naughty son + was growing quite unmanageable, and that a certain marriage would take + place pretty soon. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Portman saw it all, of course, when the matter was mentioned. What a + sly fox that Curate was! He was low-church, and she never liked him. And + to think of Mrs. Pendennis taking a fancy to him after she had been + married to such a man as Mr. Pendennis! She could hardly stay five minutes + at Madame Fribsby's, so eager was she to run to the Rectory and give + Doctor Portman the news. + </p> + <p> + When Doctor Portman heard this piece of intelligence, he was in such a + rage with his curate, that his first movement was to break with Mr. + Smirke, and to beg him to transfer his services to some other parish. + “That milksop of a creature pretend to be worthy of such a woman as Mrs. + Pendennis,” broke out the Doctor: “where will impudence stop next!” + </p> + <p> + “She is much too old for Mr. Smirke,” Mrs. Portman remarked: “why, poor + dear Mrs. Pendennis might be his mother almost.” + </p> + <p> + “You always choose the most charitable reason, Betsy,” cried the Rector. + “A matron with a son grown up—she would never think of marrying + again.” + </p> + <p> + “You only think men should marry again, Doctor Portman, answered his lady, + bridling up. + </p> + <p> + “You stupid old woman,” said the Doctor, “when I am gone, you shall marry + whomsoever you like. I will leave orders in my will, my dear, to that + effect: and I'll bequeath a ring to my successor, and my Ghost shall come + and dance at your wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “It is cruel for a clergyman to talk so,” the lady answered, with a ready + whimper: but these little breezes used to pass very rapidly over the + surface of the Doctor's domestic bliss; and were followed by a great calm + and sunshine. The Doctor adopted a plan for soothing Mrs. Portman's + ruffled countenance, which has a great effect when it is tried between a + worthy couple who are sincerely fond of one another; and which, I think, + becomes 'John Anderson' at three-score, just as much as it used to do when + he was a black-haired young Jo of five-and-twenty. + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't you better speak to Mr. Smirke, John?” Mrs Portman asked. + </p> + <p> + “When Pen goes to College, cadit quaestio,” replied the Rector, “Smirke's + visits at Fairoaks will cease of themselves, and there will be no need to + bother the widow. She has trouble enough on her hands, with the affairs of + that silly young scapegrace, without being pestered by the tittle-tattle + of this place. It is all an invention of that fool, Fribsby.” + </p> + <p> + “Against whom I always warned you,—you know I did, my dear John,” + interposed Mrs. Portman. + </p> + <p> + “That you did; you very often do, my love,” the Doctor answered with a + laugh. “It is not for want of warning on your part, I am sure, that I have + formed my opinion of most women with whom we are acquainted. Madame + Fribsby is a fool, and fond of gossip, and so are some other folks. But + she is good to the poor: she takes care of her mother, and she comes to + church twice every Sunday. And as for Smirke, my dear——” here + the Doctor's face assumed for one moment a comical expression, which Mrs. + Portman did not perceive (for she was looking out of the drawing-room + window, and wondering what Mrs. Pybus could want cheapening fowls again in + the market, when she had bad poultry from Livermore's two days before)—“and + as for Mr. Smirke, my dear Betsy, will you promise me that you will never + breathe to any mortal what I am going to tell you as a profound secret?” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, my dear John!—of course I won't,” answered the Rector's + lady. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then—I cannot say it is a fact, mind—but if you find + that Smirke is at this moment—ay, and has been for years—engaged + to a young lady, a Miss—a Miss Thompson, if you will have the name, + who lives on Clapham Common—yes, on Clapham Common, not far from + Mrs. Smirke's house, what becomes of your story then about Smirke and Mrs. + Pendennis?” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not tell me this before?” asked the Doctor's wife.—“How + long have you known it?—How we all of us have been deceived in that + man!” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I meddle in other folks' business, my dear?” the Doctor + answered. “I know how to keep a secret—and perhaps this is only an + invention like that other absurd story; at least, Madame Portman, I should + never have told you this but for the other, which I beg you to contradict + whenever you hear it.” And so saying the Doctor went away to his study, + and Mrs. Portman seeing that the day was a remarkably fine one, thought + she would take advantage of the weather and pay a few visits. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor looking out of his study window saw the wife of his bosom + presently issue forth, attired in her best. She crossed the Market-place, + saluting the market-women right and left, and giving a glance at the + grocery and general emporium at the corner: then entering London Street + (formerly Hog Lane), she stopped for a minute at Madame Fribsby's window, + and looking at the fashions which hung up there,—seemed hesitating + whether she should enter; but she passed on and never stopped again until + she came to Mrs. Pybus's little green gate and garden, through which she + went to that lady's cottage. + </p> + <p> + There, of course, her husband lost sight of Mrs. Portman. “Oh, what a long + bow I have pulled,” he said inwardly—“Goodness forgive me! and shot + my own flesh and blood. There must be no more tattling and scandal about + that house. I must stop it, and speak to Smirke. I'll ask him to dinner + this very day.” + </p> + <p> + Having a sermon to compose, the Doctor sat down to that work, and was so + engaged in the composition, that he had not concluded it until near five + o'clock in the afternoon: when he stepped over to Mr. Smirke's lodgings, + to put his hospitable intentions, regarding that gentleman, into effect. + He reached Madame Fribsby's door, just as the Curate issued from it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Smirke was magnificently dressed, and as he turned out his toes, he + showed a pair of elegant open-worked silk stockings and glossy pumps. His + white cravat was arranged in a splendid stiff tie, and his gold shirt + studs shone on his spotless linen. His hair was curled round his fair + temples. Had he borrowed Madame Fribsby's irons to give that curly grace? + His white cambric pocket-handkerchief was scented with the most delicious + eau-de-Cologne. + </p> + <p> + “O gracilis puer,”—cried the Doctor.—“Whither are you bound? I + wanted you to come home to dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “I am engaged to dine at—at Fairoaks,” said Mr. Smirke, blushing + faintly and whisking the scented pocket-handkerchief, and his pony being + in waiting, he mounted and rode away simpering down the street. No + accident befell him that day, and he arrived with his tie in the very best + order at Mrs. Pendennis's house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. Which concludes the first Part of this History + </h2> + <p> + The Curate had gone on his daily errand to Fairoaks, and was upstairs in + Pen's study pretending to read with his pupil, in the early part of that + very afternoon when Mrs. Portman, after transacting business with Mrs. + Pybus, had found the weather so exceedingly fine that she pursued her walk + as far as Fairoaks, in order to pay a visit to her dear friend there. In + the course of their conversation, the Rector's lady told Mrs. Pendennis + and the Major a very great secret about the Curate, Mr. Smirke, which was + no less than that he had an attachment, a very old attachment, which he + had long kept quite private. + </p> + <p> + “And on whom is it that Mr. Smirke has bestowed his heart?” asked Mrs. + Pendennis, with a superb air but rather an inward alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear,” the other lady answered, “when he first came and used to + dine at the Rectory, people said we wanted him for Myra, and we were + forced to give up asking him. Then they used to say he was smitten in + another quarter; but I always contradicted it for my part, and said that + you——” + </p> + <p> + “That I,” cried Mrs. Pendennis; “people are very impertinent, I am sure. + Mr. Smirke came here as Arthur's tutor, and I am surprised that anybody + should dare to speak so——” + </p> + <p> + “'Pon my soul, it is a little too much,” the Major said, laying down the + newspaper and the double eye-glass. + </p> + <p> + “I've no patience with that Mrs. Pybus,” Helen continued indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “I told her there was no truth in it,” Mrs. Portman said. “I always said + so, my dear: and now it comes out that my demure gentleman has been + engaged to a young lady—Miss Thompson, of Clapham Common, ever so + long: and I am delighted for my part, and on Myra's account, too, for an + unmarried curate is always objectionable about one's house: and of course + it is strictly private, but I thought I would tell you, as it might remove + unpleasantnesses. But mind: not one word, if you please, about the story.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Pendennis said, with perfect sincerity, that she was exceedingly glad + to hear the news: and hoped Mr. Smirke, who was a very kind and amiable + man, would have a deserving wife: and when her visitor went away, Helen + and her brother talked of the matter with great satisfaction, the kind + lady rebuking herself for her haughty behaviour to Mr. Smirke, whom she + had avoided of late, instead of being grateful to him for his constant + attention to Arthur. + </p> + <p> + “Gratitude to this kind of people,” the Major said, “is very well; but + familiarity is out of the question. This gentleman gives his lessons and + receives his money like any other master. You are too humble, my good + soul. There must be distinctions in ranks, and that sort of thing. I told + you before, you were too kind to Mr. Smirke.” + </p> + <p> + But Helen did not think so: and now that Arthur was going away, and she + bethought her how very polite Mr. Smirke had been; how he had gone on + messages for her; how he had brought books and copied music; how he had + taught Laura so many things, and given her so many kind presents, her + heart smote her on account of her ingratitude towards the Curate;—so + much so, that when he came down from study with Pen, and was hankering + about the hall previous to his departure, she went out and shook hands + with him with rather a blushing face, and begged him to come into her + drawing-room, where she said they now never saw him. And as there was to + be rather a good dinner that day, she invited Mr. Smirke to partake of it; + and we may be sure that he was too happy to accept such a delightful + summons. + </p> + <p> + Eased, by the above report, of all her former doubts and misgivings + regarding the Curate, Helen was exceedingly kind and gracious to Mr. + Smirke during dinner, redoubling her attentions, perhaps, because Major + Pendennis was very high and reserved with his nephew's tutor. When + Pendennis asked Smirke to drink wine, he addressed him as if he was a + Sovereign speaking to a petty retainer, in a manner so condescending, that + even Pen laughed at it, although quite ready, for his part, to be as + conceited as most young men are. + </p> + <p> + But Smirke did not care for the impertinences of the Major so long as he + had his hostess's kind behaviour; and he passed a delightful time by her + side at table, exerting all his powers of conversation to please her, + talking in a manner both clerical and worldly, about the Fancy Bazaar, and + the Great Missionary Meeting, about the last new novel, and the Bishop's + excellent sermon about the fashionable parties in London, an account of + which he read in the newspapers—in fine, he neglected no art, by + which a College divine who has both sprightly and serious talents, a taste + for the genteel, an irreproachable conduct, and a susceptible heart, will + try and make himself agreeable to the person on whom he has fixed his + affections. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis came yawning out of the dining-room very soon after his + sister and little Laura had left the apartment. “What an unsufferable bore + that man is, and how he did talk!” the Major said. + </p> + <p> + “He has been very good to Arthur, who is very fond of him,” Mrs. Pendennis + said,—“I wonder who the Miss Thompson is whom he is going to marry?” + </p> + <p> + “I always thought the fellow was looking in another direction,” said the + Major. + </p> + <p> + “And in what?” asked Mrs. Pendennis quite innocently,—“towards Myra + Portman?” + </p> + <p> + “Towards Helen Pendennis, if you must know,” answered her brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “Towards me! impossible!” Helen said, who knew perfectly well that such + had been the case. “His marriage will be a very happy thing. I hope Arthur + will not take too much wine.” + </p> + <p> + Now Arthur, flushed with a good deal of pride at the privilege of having + the keys of the cellar, and remembering that a very few more dinners would + probably take place which he and his dear friend Smirke could share, had + brought up a liberal supply of claret for the company's drinking, and when + the elders with little Laura left him, he and the Curate began to pass the + wine very freely. + </p> + <p> + One bottle speedily yielded up the ghost, another shed more than half its + blood, before the two topers had been much more than half an hour together—Pen, + with a hollow laugh and voice, had drunk off one bumper to the falsehood + of women, and had said sardonically, that wine at any rate was a mistress + who never deceived, and was sure to give a man a welcome. + </p> + <p> + Smirke gently said that he knew for his part some women who were all truth + and tenderness; and casting up his eyes towards the ceiling, and heaving a + sigh as if evoking some being dear and unmentionable, he took up his glass + and drained it, and the rosy liquor began to suffuse his face. + </p> + <p> + Pen trolled over some verses he had been making that morning, in which he + informed himself that the woman who had slighted his passion could not be + worthy to win it: that he was awaking from love's mad fever, and, of + course, under these circumstances, proceeded to leave her, and to quit a + heartless deceiver: that a name which had one day been famous in the land, + might again be heard in it: and, that though he never should be the happy + and careless boy he was but a few months since, or his heart be what it + had been ere passion had filled it and grief had well-nigh killed it; that + though to him personally death was as welcome as life, and that he would + not hesitate to part with the latter, but for the love of one kind being + whose happiness depended on his own,—yet he hoped to show he was a + man worthy of his race, and that one day the false one should be brought + to know how great was the treasure and noble the heart which she had flung + away. + </p> + <p> + Pen, we say, who was a very excitable person, rolled out these verses in + his rich sweet voice, which trembled with emotion whilst our young poet + spoke. He had a trick of blushing when in this excited state, and his + large and honest grey eyes also exhibited proofs of a sensibility so + genuine, hearty, and manly, that Miss Costigan, if she had a heart, must + needs have softened towards him; and very likely she was, as he said, + altogether unworthy of the affection which he lavished upon her. + </p> + <p> + The sentimental Smirke was caught by the emotion which agitated his young + friend. He grasped Pen's hand over the dessert dishes and wine-glasses. He + said the verses were beautiful: that Pen was a poet, a great poet, and + likely by Heaven's permission to run a great career in the world. “Go on + and prosper, dear Arthur,” he cried; “the wounds under which at present + you suffer are only temporary, and the very grief you endure will cleanse + and strengthen your heart. I have always prophesied the greatest and + brightest things of you, as soon as you have corrected some failings and + weaknesses of character, which at present belong to you. But you will get + over these, my boy; you will get over these; and when you are famous and + celebrated, as I know you will be, will you remember your old tutor and + the happy early days of your youth?” + </p> + <p> + Pen swore he would: with another shake of the hand across the glasses and + apricots. “I shall never forget how kind you have been to me, Smirke,” he + said. “I don't know what I should have done without you. You are my best + friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I, really, Arthur?” said Smirke, looking through his spectacles; and + his heart began to beat so that he thought Pen must almost hear it + throbbing. + </p> + <p> + “My best friend, my friend for ever,” Pen said. “God bless you, old boy,” + and he drank up the last glass of the second bottle of the famous wine + which his father had laid in, which his uncle had bought, which Lord + Levant had imported, and which now, like a slave indifferent, was + ministering pleasure to its present owner, and giving its young master + delectation. + </p> + <p> + “We'll have another bottle, old boy,” Pen said, “by Jove we will. Hurray!—claret + goes for nothing. My uncle was telling me that he saw Sheridan drink five + bottles at Brookes's, besides a bottle of Maraschino. This is some of the + finest wine in England, he says. So it is, by Jove. There's nothing like + it. Nunc vino pellite curas—cras ingens iterabimus aeq,—fill + your glass, Old Smirke, a hogshead of it won't do you any harm.” And Mr. + Pen began to sing the drinking song out of Der Freischuetz. The + dining-room windows were open, and his mother was softly pacing on the + lawn outside, while little Laura was looking at the sunset. The sweet + fresh notes of the boy's voice came to the widow. It cheered her kind + heart to hear him sing. + </p> + <p> + “You—you are taking too much wine, Arthur,” Mr. Smirke said softly—“you + are exciting yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Pen, “women give headaches, but this don't. Fill your glass, + old fellow, and let's drink—I say, Smirke, my boy—let's drink + to her—your her, I mean, not mine, for whom I swear I'll care no + more—no, not a penny—no, not a fig—no, not a glass of + wine. Tell us about the lady, Smirke; I've often seen you sighing about + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Smirke—and his beautiful cambric shirt front and + glistening studs heaved with the emotion which agitated his gentle and + suffering bosom. + </p> + <p> + “Oh—what a sigh!” Pen cried, growing very hilarious; “fill, my boy, + and drink the toast, you can't refuse a toast, no gentleman refuses a + toast. Here's her health, and good luck to you, and may she soon be Mrs. + Smirke.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you say so?” Smirke said, all of a tremble. “Do you really say so, + Arthur?” + </p> + <p> + “Say so; of course, I say so. Down with it. Here's Mrs. Smirke's good + health: Hip, hip, hurray!” + </p> + <p> + Smirke convulsively gulped down his glass of wine, and Pen waved his over + his head, cheering so as to make his mother and Laura wonder on the lawn, + and his uncle, who was dozing over the paper in the drawing-room, start, + and say to himself, “That boy's drinking too much.” Smirke put down the + glass. + </p> + <p> + “I accept the omen,” gasped out the blushing Curate. “Oh my dear Arthur, + you—you know her——” + </p> + <p> + “What—Myra Portman? I wish you joy; she's got a dev'lish large + waist; but I wish you joy, old fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Arthur!” groaned the Curate again, and nodded his head, speechless. + </p> + <p> + “Beg your pardon—sorry I offended you—but she has got a large + waist, you know—devilish large waist,” Pen continued—the third + bottle evidently beginning to act upon the young gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “It's not Miss Portman,” the other said, in a voice of agony. + </p> + <p> + “Is it anybody at Chatteris or at Clapham? Somebody here? No—it + ain't old Pybus? it can't be Miss Rolt at the Factory—she's only + fourteen.” + </p> + <p> + “It's somebody rather older than I am, Pen,” the Curate cried, looking up + at his friend, and then guiltily casting his eyes down into his plate. + </p> + <p> + Pen burst out laughing. “It's Madame Fribsby; by Jove, it's Madame + Fribsby. Madame Frib. by the immortal Gods!” + </p> + <p> + The Curate could contain no more. “O Pen,” he cried, “how can you suppose + that any of those—of those more than ordinary beings you have named + could have an influence upon this heart, when I have been daily in the + habit of contemplating perfection! I may be insane, I may be madly + ambitious, I may be presumptuous—but for two years my heart has been + filled by one image, and has known no other idol. Haven't I loved you as a + son, Arthur?—say, hasn't Charles Smirke loved you as a son?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, old boy, you've been very good to me,” Pen said, whose liking, + however, for his tutor was not by any means of the filial kind. + </p> + <p> + “My means,” rushed on Smirke, “are at present limited, I own, and my + mother is not so liberal as might be desired; but what she has will be + mine at her death. Were she to hear of my marrying a lady of rank and good + fortune, my mother would be liberal, I am sure she would be liberal. + Whatever I have or subsequently inherit—and it's five hundred a year + at the very least—would be settled upon her and—and—and + you at my death—that is.” + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce do you mean?—and what have I to do with your money?” + cried out Pen, in a puzzle. + </p> + <p> + “Arthur, Arthur!” exclaimed the other wildly; “you say I am your dearest + friend—Let me be more. Oh, can't you see that the angelic being I + love—the purest, the best of women—is no other than your dear, + dear angel of a—mother.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother!” cried out Arthur, jumping up and sober in a minute. “Pooh! + damn it, Smirke, you must be mad—she's seven or eight years older + than you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you find that any objection?” cried Smirke piteously, and alluding, + of course, to the elderly subject of Pen's own passion. + </p> + <p> + The lad felt the hint, and blushed quite red. “The cases are not similar, + Smirke,” he said, “and the allusion might have been spared. A man may + forget his own rank and elevate any woman to it: but allow me to say our + positions are very different.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean, dear Arthur?” the Curate interposed sadly, cowering as + he felt that his sentence was about to be read. + </p> + <p> + “Mean?” said Arthur. “I mean what I say. My tutor, I say my tutor, has no + right to ask a lady of my mother's rank of life to marry him. It's a + breach of confidence. I say it's a liberty you take, Smirke—it's a + liberty. Mean, indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “O Arthur!” the Curate began to cry with clasped hands, and a scared face, + but Arthur gave another stamp with his foot and began to pull at the bell. + “Don't let's have any more of this. We'll have some coffee, if you + please,” he said with a majestic air; and the old butler entering at the + summons, Arthur bade him to serve that refreshment. + </p> + <p> + John said he had just carried coffee into the drawing-room, where his + uncle was asking for Master Arthur, and the old man gave a glance of + wonder at the three empty claret-bottles. Smirke said he thought he'd—he'd + rather not go into the drawing-room, on which Arthur haughtily said, “As + you please,” and called for Mr. Smirke's horse to be brought round. The + poor fellow said he knew the way to the stable and would get his pony + himself, and he went into the hall and sadly put on his coat and hat. + </p> + <p> + Pen followed him out uncovered. Helen was still walking up and down the + soft lawn as the sun was setting, and the Curate took off his hat and + bowed by way of farewell, and passed on to the door leading to the stable + court, by which the pair disappeared. Smirke knew the way to the stable, + as he said, well enough. He fumbled at the girths of the saddle, which Pen + fastened for him, and put on the bridle and led the pony into the yard. + The boy was touched by the grief which appeared in the other's face as he + mounted. Pen held out his hand, and Smirke wrung it silently. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Smirke,” he said in an agitated voice, “forgive me if I have said + anything harsh—for you have always been very, very kind to me. But + it can't be, old fellow, it can't be. Be a man. God bless you.” + </p> + <p> + Smirke nodded his head silently, and rode out of the lodge-gate: and Pen + looked after him for a couple of minutes, until he disappeared down the + road, and the clatter of the pony's hoofs died away. Helen was still + lingering on the lawn waiting until the boy came back—she put his + hair off his forehead and kissed it fondly. She was afraid he had been + drinking too much wine. Why had Mr. Smirke gone away without any tea? + </p> + <p> + He looked at her with a kind humour beaming in his eyes “Smirke is + unwell,” he said with a laugh. For a long while Helen had not seen the boy + looking so cheerful. He put his arm round her waist, and walked her up and + down the walk in front of the house. Laura began to drub on the + drawing-room window and nod and laugh from it. “Come along, you two + people,” cried on Major Pendennis, “your coffee is getting quite cold.” + </p> + <p> + When Laura was gone to bed, Pen, who was big with his secret, burst out + with it, and described the dismal but ludicrous scene which had occurred. + Helen heard of it with many blushes, which became her pale face very well, + and a perplexity which Arthur roguishly enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + “Confound the fellow's impudence,” Major Pendennis said as he took his + candle, “where will the assurance of these people stop?” Pen and his + mother had a long talk that night, full of love, confidence, and laughter, + and the boy somehow slept more soundly and woke up more easily than he had + done for many months before. + </p> + <p> + Before the great Mr. Dolphin quitted Chatteris, he not only made an + advantageous engagement with Miss Fotheringay, but he liberally left with + her a sum of money to pay off any debts which the little family might have + contracted during their stay in the place, and which, mainly through the + lady's own economy and management, were not considerable. The small + account with the spirit merchant, which Major Pendennis had settled, was + the chief of Captain Costigan's debts, and though the Captain at one time + talked about repaying every farthing of the money, it never appears that + he executed his menace, nor did the laws of honour in the least call upon + him to accomplish that threat. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Costigan had seen all the outstanding bills paid to the + uttermost shilling, she handed over the balance to her father, who broke + out into hospitalities to all his friends, gave the little Creeds more + apples and gingerbread than he had ever bestowed upon them, so that the + widow Creed ever after held the memory of her lodger in veneration, and + the young ones wept bitterly when he went away; and in a word managed the + money so cleverly that it was entirely expended before many days, and that + he was compelled to draw upon Mr. Dolphin for a sum to pay for travelling + expenses when the time of their departure arrived. + </p> + <p> + There was held at an inn in that county town a weekly meeting of a + festive, almost a riotous character, of a society of gentlemen who called + themselves the Buccaneers. Some of the choice spirits of Chatteris + belonged to this cheerful club. Graves, the apothecary (than whom a better + fellow never put a pipe in his mouth and smoked it), Smart, the talented + and humorous portrait-painter of High Street, Croker, an excellent + auctioneer, and the uncompromising Hicks, the able Editor for twenty-three + years of the County Chronicle and Chatteris Champion, were amongst the + crew of the Buccaneers, whom also Bingley, the manager, liked to join of a + Saturday evening, whenever he received permission from his lady. + </p> + <p> + Costigan had been also an occasional Buccaneer. But a want of punctuality + of payments had of late somewhat excluded him from the Society, where he + was subject to disagreeable remarks from the landlord, who said that a + Buccaneer who didn't pay his shot was utterly unworthy to be a Marine + Bandit. But when it became known to the 'Ears, as the Clubbists called + themselves familiarly, that Miss Fotheringay had made a splendid + engagement, a great revolution of feeling took place in the Club regarding + Captain Costigan. Solly, mine host of the Grapes (and I need not say, as + worthy a fellow as ever stood behind a bar), told the gents in the + Buccaneers' room one night how noble the Captain had behaved; having been + round and paid off all his ticks in Chatteris, including his score of + three pound fourteen here—and pronounced that Cos was a good feller, + a gentleman at bottom, and he, Solly, had always said so, and finally + worked upon the feelings of the Buccaneers to give the Captain a dinner. + </p> + <p> + The banquet took place on the last night of Costigan's stay at Chatteris, + and was served in Solly's accustomed manner. As good a plain dinner of old + English fare as ever smoked on a table was prepared by Mrs. Solly; and + about eighteen gentlemen sate down to the festive board. Mr. Jubber (the + eminent draper of High Street) was in the Chair, having the distinguished + guest of the Club on his right. The able and consistent Hicks officiated + as croupier on the occasion; most of the gentlemen of the Club were + present, and H. Foker, Esq., and Spavin, Esq., friends of Captain + Costigan, were also participators in the entertainment. The cloth having + been drawn, the Chairman said, “Costigan, there is wine, if you like,” but + the Captain preferring punch, that liquor was voted by acclamation: and + 'Non Nobis' having been sung in admirable style by Messrs. Bingley, Hicks, + and Bullby (of the Cathedral choir, than whom a more jovial spirit “ne'er + tossed off a bumper or emptied a bowl”), the Chairman gave the health of + the 'King!' which was drunk with the loyalty of Chatteris men, and then + without further circumlocution proposed their friend 'Captain Costigan.' + </p> + <p> + After the enthusiastic cheering which rang through old Chatteris had + subsided, Captain Costigan rose in reply, and made a speech of twenty + minutes, in which he was repeatedly overcome by his emotions. + </p> + <p> + The gallant Captain said he must be pardoned for incoherence, if his heart + was too full to speak. He was quitting a city celebrated for its + antiquitee, its hospitalitee, the beautee of its women, the manly + fidelitee, generositee, and jovialitee of its men. (Cheers.) He was going + from that ancient and venerable city, of which while Mimoree held her + sayt, he should never think without the fondest emotion, to a methrawpolis + where the talents of his daughther were about to have full play, and where + he would watch over her like a guardian angel. He should never forget that + it was at Chatteris she had acquired the skill which she was about to + exercise in another sphere, and in her name and his own Jack Costigan + thanked and blessed them. The gallant officer's speech was received with + tremendous cheers. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hicks, Croupier, in a brilliant and energetic manner, proposed Miss + Fotheringay's health. + </p> + <p> + Captain Costigan returned thanks in a speech full of feeling and + eloquence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jubber proposed the Drama and the Chatteris Theatre, and Mr. Bingley + was about to rise but was prevented by Captain Costigan, who, as long + connected with the Chatteris Theatre and on behalf of his daughter, + thanked the company. He informed them that he had been in garrison, at + Gibraltar, and at Malta, and had been at the taking of Flushing. The Duke + of York was a patron of the Drama; he had the honour of dining with His + Royal Highness and the Duke of Kent many times; and the former had justly + been named the friend of the soldier. (Cheers.) + </p> + <p> + The Army was then proposed, and Captain Costigan returned thanks. In the + course of the night he sang his well-known songs, 'The Deserter,' 'The + Shan Van Voght,' 'The Little Pig under the Bed,' and 'The Vale of Avoca.' + The evening was a great triumph for him—it ended. All triumphs and + all evenings end. And the next day, Miss Costigan having taken leave of + all her friends, having been reconciled to Miss Rouncy, to whom she left a + necklace and a white satin gown—the next day, he and Miss Costigan + had places in the Competitor coach rolling by the gates of Fairoaks Lodge—and + Pendennis never saw them. + </p> + <p> + Tom Smith, the coachman, pointed out Fairoaks to Mr. Costigan, who sate on + the box smelling of rum-and-water—and the Captain said it was a poor + place—and added, “Ye should see Castle Costigan, County Mayo, me + boy,”—which Tom said he should like very much to see. + </p> + <p> + They were gone and Pen had never seen them! He only knew of their + departure by its announcement in the county paper the next day: and + straight galloped over to Chatteris to hear the truth of this news. They + were gone indeed. A card of 'Lodgings to let' was placed in the dear + little familiar window. He rushed up into the room and viewed it over. He + sate ever so long in the old window-seat looking into the Dean's garden: + whence he and Emily had so often looked out together. He walked, with a + sort of terror, into her little empty bedroom. It was swept out and + prepared for new-comers. The glass which had reflected her fair face was + shining ready for her successor. The curtains lay square folded on the + little bed: he flung himself down and buried his head on the vacant + pillow. + </p> + <p> + Laura had netted a purse into which his mother had put some sovereigns, + and Pen had found it on his dressing-table that very morning. He gave one + to the little servant who had been used to wait upon the Costigans, and + another to the children, because they said they were very fond of her. It + was but a few months back, yet what years ago it seemed since he had first + entered that room! He felt that it was all done. The very missing her at + the coach had something fatal in it. Blank, weary, utterly wretched and + lonely the poor lad felt. + </p> + <p> + His mother saw She was gone by his look when he came home. He was eager to + fly too now, as were other folks round about Chatteris. Poor Smirke wanted + to go away from the sight of the syren widow. Foker began to think he had + had enough of Baymouth, and that a few supper-parties at Saint Boniface + would not be unpleasant. And Major Pendennis longed to be off, and have a + little pheasant-shooting at Stillbrook, and get rid of all annoyances and + tracasseries of the village. The widow and Laura nervously set about the + preparation for Pen's kit, and filled trunks with his books and linen. + Helen wrote cards with the name of Arthur Pendennis, Esq., which were duly + nailed on the boxes; and at which both she and Laura looked with tearful + wistful eyes. It was not until long, long after he was gone, that Pen + remembered how constant and tender the affection of these women had been, + and how selfish his own conduct was. + </p> + <p> + A night soon comes, when the mail, with echoing horn and blazing lamps, + stops at the lodge-gate of Fairoaks, and Pen's trunks and his uncle's are + placed on the roof of the carriage, into which the pair presently + afterwards enter. Helen and Laura are standing by the evergreens of the + shrubbery, their figures lighted up by the coach lamps; the guard cries + all right: in another instant the carriage whirls onward; the lights + disappear, and Helen's heart and prayers go with them. Her sainted + benedictions follow the departing boy. He has left the home-nest in which + he has been chafing, and whither, after his very first flight, he returned + bleeding and wounded; he is eager to go forth again, and try his restless + wings. + </p> + <p> + How lonely the house looks without him! The corded trunks and book-boxes + are there in his empty study. Laura asks leave to come and sleep in + Helen's room: and when she has cried herself to sleep there, the mother + goes softly into Pen's vacant chamber, and kneels down by the bed on which + the moon is shining, and there prays for her boy, as mothers only know how + to plead. He knows that her pure blessings are following him, as he is + carried miles away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. Alma Mater + </h2> + <p> + Every man, however brief or inglorious may have been his academical + career, must remember with kindness and tenderness the old university + comrades and days. The young man's life is just beginning: the boy's + leading-strings are cut, and he has all the novel delights and dignities + of freedom. He has no idea of cares yet, or of bad health, or of roguery, + or poverty, or to-morrow's disappointment. The play has not been acted so + often as to make him tired. Though the after drink, as we mechanically go + on repeating it, is stale and bitter, how pure and brilliant was that + first sparkling draught of pleasure!—How the boy rushes at the cup, + and with what a wild eagerness he drains it! But old epicures who are cut + off from the delights of the table, and are restricted to a poached egg + and a glass of water, like to see people with good appetites; and, as the + next best thing to being amused at a pantomime one's-self is to see one's + children enjoy it, I hope there may be no degree of age or experience to + which mortal may attain, when he shall become such a glum philosopher as + not to be pleased by the sight of happy youth. Coming back a few weeks + since from a brief visit to the old University of Oxbridge, where my + friend Mr. Arthur Pendennis passed some period of his life, I made the + journey in the railroad by the side of a young fellow at present a student + of Saint Boniface. He had got an exeat somehow, and was bent on a day's + lark in London: he never stopped rattling and talking from the + commencement of the journey until its close (which was a great deal too + soon for me, for I never was tired of listening to the honest young + fellow's jokes and cheery laughter); and when we arrived at the terminus + nothing would satisfy him but a hansom cab, so that he might get into town + the quicker, and plunge into the pleasures awaiting him there. Away the + young lad went whirling, with joy lighting up his honest face; and as for + the reader's humble servant, having but a small carpet-bag, I got up on + the outside of the omnibus, and sate there very contentedly between a + Jew-pedlar smoking bad cigars, and a gentleman's servant taking care of a + poodle-dog, until we got our fated complement of passengers and boxes, + when the coachman drove leisurely away. We weren't in a hurry to get to + town. Neither one of us was particularly eager about rushing into that + near smoking Babylon, or thought of dining at the Club that night, or + dancing at the Casino. Yet a few years more, and my young friend of the + railroad will be not a whit more eager. + </p> + <p> + There were no railroads made when Arthur Pendennis went to the famous + University of Oxbridge; but he drove thither in a well-appointed coach, + filled inside and out with dons, gownsmen, young freshmen about to enter, + and their guardians, who were conducting them to the university. A fat old + gentleman, in grey stockings, from the City, who sate by Major Pendennis + inside the coach, having his pale-faced son opposite, was frightened + beyond measure when he heard that the coach had been driven for a couple + of stages by young Mr. Foker, of Saint Boniface College, who was the + friend of all men, including coachmen, and could drive as well as Tom + Hicks himself. Pen sate on the roof, examining coach, passengers, and + country with great delight and curiosity. His heart jumped with pleasure + as the famous university came in view, and the magnificent prospect of + venerable towers and pinnacles, tall elms and shining river, spread before + him. + </p> + <p> + Pen had passed a few days with his uncle at the Major's lodgings, in Bury + Street, before they set out for Oxbridge. Major Pendennis thought that the + lad's wardrobe wanted renewal; and Arthur was by no means averse to any + plan which was to bring him new coats and waistcoats. There was no end to + the sacrifices which the self-denying uncle made in the youth's behalf. + London was awfully lonely. The Pall Mall pavement was deserted; the very + red jackets had gone out of town. There was scarce a face to be seen in + the bow-windows of the clubs. The Major conducted his nephew into one or + two of those desert mansions, and wrote down the lad's name on the + candidate-list of one of them; and Arthur's pleasure at this compliment on + his guardian's part was excessive. He read in the parchment volume his + name and titles, as 'Arthur Pendennis, Esquire, of Fairoaks Lodge, ——shire + and Saint Boniface College, Oxbridge; proposed by Major Pendennis, and + seconded by Viscount Colchicum,' with a thrill of intense gratification. + “You will come in for ballot in about three years, by which time you will + have taken your degree,” the guardian said. Pen longed for the three years + to be over, and surveyed the stucco-halls, and vast libraries, and + drawing-rooms as already his own property. The Major laughed slyly to see + the pompous airs of the simple young fellow as he strutted out of the + building. He and Foker drove down in the latter's cab one day to the Grey + Friars, and renewed acquaintance with some of their old comrades there. + The boys came crowding up to the cab as it stood by the Grey Friars gates, + where they were entering, and admired the chestnut horse, and the tights + and livery and gravity of Stoopid, the tiger. The bell for + afternoon-school rang as they were swaggering about the play-ground + talking to their old cronies. The awful Doctor passed into school with his + grammar in his hand. Foker slunk away uneasily at his presence, but Pen + went up blushing, and shook the dignitary by the hand. He laughed as he + thought that well-remembered Latin Grammar had boxed his ears many a time. + He was generous, good-natured, and, in a word, perfectly conceited and + satisfied with himself. + </p> + <p> + Then they drove to the parental brew-house. Foker's Entire is composed in + an enormous pile of buildings, not far from the Grey Friars, and the name + of that well-known firm is gilded upon innumerable public-house signs, + tenanted by its vassals in the neighbourhood; and the venerable junior + partner and manager did honour to the young lord of the vats and his + friend, and served them with silver flagons of brown-stout, so strong, + that you would have thought, not only the young men, but the very horse + Mr. Harry Foker drove, was affected by the potency of the drink, for he + rushed home to the west-end of the town at a rapid pace, which endangered + the pie-stalls and the women on the crossings, and brought the cab-steps + into collision with the posts at the street corners, and caused Stoopid to + swing fearfully on his board behind. + </p> + <p> + The Major was quite pleased when Pen was with his young acquaintance; + listened to Mr. Foker's artless stories with the greatest interest; gave + the two boys a fine dinner at a Covent Garden Coffee-house, whence they + proceeded to the play; but was above all happy when Mr. and Lady Agnes + Foker, who happened to be in London, requested the pleasure of Major + Pendennis and Mr. Arthur Pendennis's company at dinner in Grosvenor + Street. “Having obtained the entree into Lady Agnes Foker's house,” he + said to Pen with an affectionate solemnity which befitted the importance + of the occasion, “it behoves you, my dear boy, to keep it. You must mind + and never neglect to call in Grosvenor Street when you come to London. I + recommend you to read up carefully, in Debrett, the alliances and + genealogy of the Earls of Rosherville, and if you can, to make some + trifling allusions to the family, something historical, neat, and + complimentary, and that sort of thing, which you, who have a poetic fancy, + can do pretty well. Mr. Foker himself is a worthy man, though not of high + extraction or indeed much education. He always makes a point of having + some of the family porter served round after dinner, which you will on no + account refuse, and which I shall drink myself, though all beer disagrees + with me confoundedly.” And the heroic martyr did actually sacrifice + himself, as he said he would, on the day when the dinner took place, and + old Mr. Foker, at the head of his table, made his usual joke about Foker's + Entire. We should all of us, I am sure, have liked to see the Major's + grin, when the worthy old gentleman made his time-honoured joke. + </p> + <p> + Lady Agnes, who, wrapped up in Harry, was the fondest of mothers, and one + of the most good-natured though not the wisest of women, received her + son's friend with great cordiality: and astonished Pen by accounts of the + severe course of studies which her darling boy was pursuing, and which she + feared might injure his dear health. Foker the elder burst into a + horse-laugh at some of these speeches, and the heir of the house winked + his eye very knowingly at his friend. And Lady Agnes then going through + her son's history from the earliest time, and recounting his miraculous + sufferings in the measles and hooping-cough, his escape from drowning, the + shocking tyrannies practised upon him at that horrid school, whither Mr. + Foker would send him because he had been brought up there himself, and she + never would forgive that disagreeable Doctor, no never—Lady Agnes, + we say, having prattled away for an hour incessantly about her son, voted + the two Messieurs Pendennis most agreeable men; and when pheasants came + with the second course, which the Major praised as the very finest birds + he ever saw, her ladyship said they came from Logwood (as the Major knew + perfectly well), and hoped that they would both pay her a visit there—at + Christmas, or when dear Harry was at home for the vacations. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, my dear boy,” Pendennis said to Arthur, as they were + lighting their candles in Bury Street afterwards to go to bed. “You made + that little allusion to Agincourt, where one of the Roshervilles + distinguished himself, very neatly and well, although Lady Agnes did not + quite understand it: but it was exceedingly well for a beginner—though + you oughtn't to blush so, by the way—and I beseech you, my dear + Arthur, to remember through life, that with an entree—with a good + entree, mind—it is just as easy for you to have good society as bad, + and that it costs a man, when properly introduced, no more trouble or + soins to keep a good footing in the best houses in London than to dine + with a lawyer in Bedford Square. Mind this when you are at Oxbridge + pursuing your studies, and for Heaven's sake be very particular in the + acquaintances which you make. The premier pas in life is the most + important of all—did you write to your mother to-day?—No?—well, + do, before you go, and call and ask Mr. Foker for a frank—They like + it—Good night. God bless you.” + </p> + <p> + Pen wrote a droll account of his doings in London, and the play, and the + visit to the old Friars, and the brewery, and the party at Mr. Foker's, to + his dearest mother, who was saying her prayers at home in the lonely house + at Fairoaks, her heart full of love and tenderness unutterable for the + boy: and she and Laura read that letter and those which followed, many, + many times, and brooded over them as women do. It was the first step in + life that Pen was making—Ah! what a dangerous journey it is, and how + the bravest may stumble and the strongest fail. Brother wayfarer! may you + have a kind arm to support yours on the path, and a friendly hand to + succour those who fall beside you. May truth guide, mercy forgive at the + end, and love accompany always. Without that lamp how blind the traveller + would be, and how black and cheerless the journey! + </p> + <p> + So the coach drove up to that ancient and comfortable inn the Trencher, + which stands in Main Street, Oxbridge, and Pen with delight and eagerness + remarked, for the first time, gownsmen going about, chapel bells clinking + (bells in Oxbridge are ringing from morning-tide till even-song)—towers + and pinnacles rising calm and stately over the gables and antique + house-roofs of the homely busy city. Previous communications had taken + place between Dr. Portman on Pen's part, and Mr. Buck, Tutor of Boniface, + on whose side Pen was entered; and as soon as Major Pendennis had arranged + his personal appearance, so that it should make a satisfactory impression + upon Pen's tutor, the pair walked down Main Street, and passed the great + gate and belfry-tower of Saint George's College, and so came, as they were + directed, to Saint Boniface: where again Pen's heart began to beat as they + entered at the wicket of the venerable ivy-mantled gate of the College. It + is surmounted with an ancient dome almost covered with creepers, and + adorned with the effigy of the Saint from whom the House takes its name, + and many coats-of-arms of its royal and noble benefactors. + </p> + <p> + The porter pointed out a queer old tower at the corner of the quadrangle, + by which Mr. Buck's rooms were approached, and the two gentlemen walked + across the square, the main features of which were at once and for ever + stamped in Pen's mind—the pretty fountain playing in the centre of + the fair grass plats; the tall chapel windows and buttresses rising to the + right; the hall with its tapering lantern and oriel window; the lodge, + from the doors of which the Master issued with rustling silks; the lines + of the surrounding rooms pleasantly broken by carved chimneys, grey + turrets, and quaint gables—all these Mr. Pen's eyes drank in with an + eagerness which belongs to first impressions; and Major Pendennis surveyed + with that calmness which belongs to a gentleman who does not care for the + picturesque, and whose eyes have been somewhat dimmed by the constant + glare of the pavement of Pall Mall. + </p> + <p> + Saint George's is the great College of the University of Oxbridge, with + its four vast quadrangles, and its beautiful hall and gardens, and the + Georgians, as the men are called wear gowns of a peculiar cut, and give + themselves no small airs of superiority over all other young men. Little + Saint Boniface is but a petty hermitage in comparison of the huge + consecrated pile alongside of which it lies. But considering its size it + has always kept an excellent name in the university. Its ton is very good: + the best families of certain counties have time out of mind sent up their + young men to Saint Boniface: the college livings are remarkably good: the + fellowships easy; the Boniface men had had more than their fair share of + university honours; their boat was third upon the river; their + chapel-choir is not inferior to Saint George's itself; and the Boniface + ale the best in Oxbridge. In the comfortable old wainscoted College-Hall, + and round about Roubilliac's statue of Saint Boniface (who stands in an + attitude of seraphic benediction over the uncommonly good cheer of the + fellows' table) there are portraits of many most eminent Bonifacians. + There is the learned Doctor Griddle, who suffered in Henry VIII.'s time, + and Archbishop Bush who roasted him—there is Lord Chief Justice + Hicks—the Duke of St. David's, K.G., Chancellor of the University + and Member of this College—Sprott the Poet, of whose fame the + college is justly proud—Doctor Blogg, the late master, and friend of + Doctor Johnson, who visited him at Saint Boniface—and other lawyers, + scholars, and divines, whose portraitures look from the walls, or whose + coats-of-arms shine in emerald and ruby, gold and azure, in the tall + windows of the refectory. The venerable cook of the college is one of the + best artists in Oxbridge (his son took the highest honours in the other + University of Camford), and the wine in the fellows' room has long been + famed for its excellence and abundance. + </p> + <p> + Into this certainly not the least snugly sheltered arbour amongst the + groves of Academe, Pen now found his way, leaning on his uncle's arm, and + they speedily reached Mr. Buck's rooms, and were conducted into the + apartment of that courteous gentleman. + </p> + <p> + He had received previous information from Dr. Portman regarding Pen, with + respect to whose family, fortune, and personal merits the honest Doctor + had spoken with no small enthusiasm. Indeed Portman had described Arthur + to the tutor as “a young gentleman of some fortune and landed estate, of + one of the most ancient families in the kingdom, and possessing such a + character and genius as were sure, under the proper guidance, to make him + a credit to the college and the university.” Under such recommendations + the tutor was, of course, most cordial to the young freshman and his + guardian, invited the latter to dine in hall, where he would have the + satisfaction of seeing his nephew wear his gown and eat his dinner for the + first time, and requested the pair to take wine at his rooms after hall, + and in consequence of the highly favourable report he had received of Mr. + Arthur Pendennis, said, he should be happy to give him the best set of + rooms to be had in college—a gentleman-pensioner's set, indeed, + which were just luckily vacant. So they parted until dinner-time, which + was very near at hand, and Major Pendennis pronounced Mr. Buck to be + uncommonly civil indeed. Indeed when a College Magnate takes the trouble + to be polite, there is no man more splendidly courteous. Immersed in their + books and excluded from the world by the gravity of their occupations, + these reverend men assume a solemn magnificence of compliment in which + they rustle and swell as in their grand robes of state. Those silks and + brocades are not put on for all comers or every day. + </p> + <p> + When the two gentlemen had taken leave of the tutor in his study, and had + returned to Mr. Buck's ante-room, or lecture-room, a very handsome + apartment, turkey-carpeted, and hung with excellent prints and richly + framed pictures, they found the tutor's servant already in waiting there, + accompanied by a man with a bag full of caps and a number of gowns, from + which Pen might select a cap and gown for himself, and the servant, no + doubt, would get a commission proportionable to the service done by him. + Mr. Pen was all in a tremor of pleasure as the bustling tailor tried on a + gown and pronounced that it was an excellent fit; and then he put the + pretty college cap on, in rather a dandified manner and somewhat on one + side, as he had seen Fiddicombe, the youngest master at Grey Friars, wear + it. And he inspected the entire costume with a great deal of satisfaction + in one of the great gilt mirrors which ornamented Mr. Buck's lecture-room: + for some of these college divines are no more above looking-glasses + than a lady is, and look to the set of their gowns and caps quite as + anxiously as folks do of the lovelier sex. The Major smiled as he saw the + boy dandifying himself in the glass: the old gentleman was not displeased + with the appearance of the comely lad. + </p> + <p> + Then Davis, the skip or attendant, led the way, keys in hand, across the + quadrangle, the Major and Pen following him, the latter blushing, and + pleased with his new academical habiliments, across the quadrangle to the + rooms which were destined for the freshman; and which were vacated by the + retreat of the gentleman-pensioner, Mr. Spicer. The rooms were very + comfortable, with large cross beams, high wainscots, and small windows in + deep embrasures. Mr. Spicer's furniture was there, and to be sold at a + valuation, and Major Pendennis agreed on his nephew's behalf to take the + available part of it, laughingly however declining (as, indeed, Pen did + for his own part) six sporting prints, and four groups of opera-dancers + with gauze draperies, which formed the late occupant's pictorial + collection. + </p> + <p> + Then they went to hall, where Pen sate down and ate his commons with his + brother freshmen, and the Major took his place at the high-table along + with the college dignitaries and other fathers or guardians of youth, who + had come up with their sons to Oxbridge; and after hall they went to Mr. + Buck's to take wine; and after wine to chapel, where the Major sate with + great gravity in the upper place, having a fine view of the Master in his + carved throne or stall under the organ-loft, where that gentleman, the + learned Doctor Donne, sate magnificent, with his great prayer-book before + him, an image of statuesque piety and rigid devotion. All the young + freshmen behaved with gravity and decorum, but Pen was shocked to see that + atrocious little Foker, who came in very late, and half a dozen of his + comrades in the gentlemen-pensioners' seats, giggling and talking as if + they had been in so many stalls at the Opera. But these circumstances, it + must be remembered, took place some years back, when William the Fourth + was king. Young men are much better behaved now, and besides, Saint + Boniface was rather a fast college. + </p> + <p> + Pen could hardly sleep at night in his bedroom at the Trencher: so anxious + was he to begin his college life, and to get into his own apartments. What + did he think about, as he lay tossing and awake? Was it about his mother + at home; the pious soul whose life was bound up in his? Yes, let us hope + he thought of her a little. Was it about Miss Fotheringay, and his eternal + passion, which had kept him awake so many nights, and created such + wretchedness and such longing? He had a trick of blushing, and if you had + been in the room, and the candle had not been out, you might have seen the + youth's countenance redden more than once, as he broke out into passionate + incoherent exclamations regarding that luckless event of his life. His + uncle's lessons had not been thrown away upon him; the mist of passion had + passed from his eyes now, and he saw her as she was. To think that he, + Pendennis, had been enslaved by such a woman, and then jilted by her! that + he should have stooped so low, to be trampled on the mire! that there was + a time in his life, and that but a few months back, when he was willing to + take Costigan for his father-in-law! + </p> + <p> + “Poor old Smirke!” Pen presently laughed out—“well, I'll write and + try and console the poor old boy. He won't die of his passion, ha, ha!” + The Major, had he been awake, might have heard a score of such + ejaculations uttered by Pen as he lay awake and restless through the first + night of his residence at Oxbridge. + </p> + <p> + It would, perhaps, have been better for a youth, the battle of whose life + was going to begin on the morrow, to have passed the eve in a different sort + of vigil: but the world had got hold of Pen in the shape of his selfish + old Mentor: and those who have any interest in his character must have + perceived ere now, that this lad was very weak as well as very impetuous, + very vain as well as very frank, and if of a generous disposition, not a + little selfish in the midst of his profuseness, and also rather fickle, as + all eager pursuers of self-gratification are. + </p> + <p> + The six months' passion had aged him very considerably. There was an + immense gulf between Pen the victim of love, and Pen the innocent boy of + eighteen, sighing after it: and so Arthur Pendennis had all the experience + and superiority, besides that command which afterwards conceit and + imperiousness of disposition gave him over the young men with whom he now + began to live. + </p> + <p> + He and his uncle passed the morning with great satisfaction in making + purchases for the better comfort of the apartments which the lad was about + to occupy. Mr. Spicer's china and glass was in a dreadfully dismantled + condition, his lamps smashed, and his bookcases by no means so spacious as + those shelves which would be requisite to receive the contents of the + boxes which were lying in the hall at Fairoaks, and which were addressed + to Arthur in the hand of poor Helen. + </p> + <p> + The boxes arrived in a few days, that his mother had packed with so much + care. Pen was touched as he read the superscriptions in the dear + well-known hand, and he arranged in their proper places all the books, his + old friends, and all the linen and table-cloths which Helen had selected + from the family stock, and all the jam-pots which little Laura had bound + in straw, and the hundred simple gifts of home. Pen had another Alma Mater + now. But it is not all children who take to her kindly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. Pendennis of Boniface + </h2> + <p> + Our friend Pen was not sorry when his Mentor took leave of the young + gentleman on the second day after the arrival of the pair in Oxbridge, and + we may be sure that the Major on his part was very glad to have discharged + his duty, and to have the duty over. More than three months of precious + time had that martyr of a Major given up to his nephew—Was ever + selfish man called upon to make a greater sacrifice? Do you know many men + or Majors who would do as much? A man will lay down his head, or peril his + life for his honour, but let us be shy how we ask him to give up his ease + or his heart's desire. Very few of us can bear that trial. Say, worthy + reader, if thou hast peradventure a beard, wouldst thou do as much? I will + not say that a woman will not. They are used to it: we take care to + accustom them to sacrifices but, my good sir, the amount of self-denial + which you have probably exerted through life, when put down to your + account elsewhere, will not probably swell the balance on the credit side + much. Well, well, there is no use in speaking of such ugly matters, and + you are too polite to use a vulgar to quoque. But I wish to state once for + all that I greatly admire the Major for his conduct during the past + quarter, and think that he has quite a right to be pleased at getting a + holiday. Foker and Pen saw him off in the coach, and the former young + gentleman gave particular orders to the coachman to take care of that + gentleman inside. It pleased the elder Pendennis to have his nephew in the + company of a young fellow who would introduce him to the best set of the + university. The Major rushed off to London and thence to Cheltenham, from + which Watering-place he descended upon some neighbouring great houses, + whereof the families were not gone abroad, and where good shooting and + company was to be had. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of the space which custom has awarded to works styled the Serial + Nature, has been assigned to the account of one passage in Pen's career, + and it is manifest that the whole of his adventures cannot be treated at a + similar length, unless some descendant of the chronicler of Pen's history + should take up the pen at his decease, and continue the narrative for the + successors of the present generation of readers. We are not about to go + through the young fellow's academical career with, by any means, a similar + minuteness. Alas, the life of such boys does not bear telling altogether. + I wish it did. I ask you, does yours? As long as what we call our honour + is clear, I suppose your mind is pretty easy. Women are pure, but not men. + Women are unselfish, but not men. And I would not wish to say of poor + Arthur Pendennis that he was worse than his neighbours, only that his + neighbours are bad for the most part. Let us have the candour to own as + much at least. Can you point out ten spotless men of your acquaintance? + Mine is pretty large, but I can't find ten saints in the list. + </p> + <p> + During the first term of Mr. Pen's academical life, he attended classical + and mathematical lectures with tolerable assiduity; but discovering before + very long time that he had little taste or genius for the pursuing of the + exact sciences, and being perhaps rather annoyed that one or two very + vulgar young men, who did not even use straps to their trousers so as to + cover the abominably thick and coarse shoes and stockings which they wore, + beat him completely in the lecture-room, he gave up his attendance at that + course, and announced to his fond parent that he proposed to devote + himself exclusively to the cultivation of Greek and Roman Literature. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Pendennis was, for her part, quite satisfied that her darling boy + should pursue that branch of learning for which he had the greatest + inclination; and only besought him not to ruin his health by too much + study, for she had heard the most melancholy stories of young students + who, by over-fatigue, had brought on brain-fevers and perished untimely in + the midst of their university career. And Pen's health, which was always + delicate, was to be regarded, as she justly said, beyond all + considerations or vain honours. Pen, although not aware of any lurking + disease which was likely to end his life, yet kindly promised his mamma + not to sit up reading too late of nights, and stuck to his word in this + respect with a great deal more tenacity of resolution than he exhibited + upon some other occasions, when perhaps he was a little remiss. + </p> + <p> + Presently he began too to find that he learned little good in the + classical lecture. His fellow-students there were too dull, as in + mathematics they were too learned for him. Mr. Buck, the tutor, was no + better a scholar than many a fifth-form boy at Grey Friars; might have + some stupid humdrum notions about the metre and grammatical construction + of a passage of Aeschylus or Aristophanes, but had no more notion of the + poetry than Mrs. Binge, his bed-maker; and Pen grew weary of hearing the + dull students and tutor blunder through a few lines of a play, which he + could read in a tenth part of the time which they gave to it. After all, + private reading, as he began to perceive, was the only study which was + really profitable to a man; and he announced to his mamma that he should + read by himself a great deal more, and in public a great deal less. That + excellent woman knew no more about Homer than she did about Algebra, but + she was quite contented with Pen's arrangements regarding his course of + studies, and felt perfectly confident that her dear boy would get the + place which he merited. + </p> + <p> + Pen did not come home until after Christmas, a little to the fond mother's + disappointment, and Laura's, who was longing for him to make a fine snow + fortification, such as he had made three winters before. But he was + invited to Logwood, Lady Agnes Foker's, where there were private + theatricals, and a gay Christmas party of very fine folks, some of them + whom Major Pendennis would on no account have his nephew neglect. However, + he stayed at home for the last three weeks of the vacation, and Laura had + the opportunity of remarking what a quantity of fine new clothes he + brought with him, and his mother admired his improved appearance and manly + and decided tone. + </p> + <p> + He did not come home at Easter; but when he arrived for the long vacation, + he brought more smart clothes; appearing in the morning in wonderful + shooting jackets, with remarkable buttons; and in the evening in gorgeous + velvet waistcoats, with richly-embroidered cravats, and curious linen. And + as she pried about his room, she saw, oh, such a beautiful dressing-case, + with silver mountings, and a quantity of lovely rings and jewellery. And + he had a new French watch and gold chain, in place of the big old + chronometer, with its bunch of jingling seals, which had hung from the fob + of John Pendennis, and by the second-hand of which the defunct doctor had + felt many a patient's pulse in his time. It was but a few months back Pen + had longed for this watch, which he thought the most splendid and august + timepiece in the world; and just before he went to college, Helen had + taken it out of her trinket-box (where it had remained unwound since the + death of her husband) and given it to Pen with a solemn and appropriate + little speech respecting his father's virtues and the proper use of time. + This portly and valuable chronometer Pen now pronounced to be out of date, + and, indeed, made some comparisons between it and a warming-pan, which + Laura thought disrespectful, and he left the watch in a drawer, in the + company of soiled primrose gloves, cravats which had gone out of favour, + and of that other school watch which has once before been mentioned in + this history. Our old friend, Rebecca, Pen pronounced to be no long up to + his weight, and swapped her away for another and more powerful horse, for + which he had to pay rather a heavy figure. Mr. Pendennis gave the boy the + money for the new horse; and Laura cried when Rebecca was fetched away. + </p> + <p> + Also Pen brought a large box of cigars branded Colorados, Afrancesados, + Telescopios, Fudson Oxford Street, or by some such strange titles, and + began to consume these not only about the stables and green-houses, where + they were very good for Helen's plants, but in his own study, of which + practice his mother did not at first approve. But he was at work upon a + prize-poem, he said, and could not compose without his cigar, and quoted + the late lamented it Lord Byron's lines in favour of the custom of + smoking. As he was smoking to such good purpose, his mother could not of + course refuse permission: in fact, the good soul coming into the room one + day in the midst of Pen's labours (he was consulting a novel which had + recently appeared, for the cultivation of the light literature of his own + country as well as of foreign nations became every student)—Helen, + we say, coming into the room and finding Pen on the sofa at this work, + rather than disturb him went for a light-box and his cigar-case to his + bedroom which was adjacent, and actually put the cigar into his mouth and + lighted the match at which he kindled it. Pen laughed, and kissed his + mother's hand as it hung fondly over the back of the sofa. “Dear old + mother,” he said, “if I were to tell you to burn the house down, I think + you would do it.” And it is very likely that Mr. Pen was right, and that + the foolish woman would have done almost as much for him as he said. + </p> + <p> + Besides the works of English “light literature” which this diligent + student devoured, he brought down boxes of the light literature of the + neighbouring country of France: into the leaves of which when Helen + dipped, she read such things as caused her to open her eyes with wonder. + But Pen showed her that it was not he who made the books, though it was + absolutely necessary that he should keep up his French by an acquaintance + with the most celebrated writers of the day, and that it was as clearly + his duty to read the eminent Paul de Kock, as to study Swift or Moliere. + And Mrs. Pendennis yielded with a sigh of perplexity. But Miss Laura was + warned off the books, both by his anxious mother, and that rigid moralist + Mr. Arthur Pendennis himself, who, however he might be called upon to + study every branch of literature in order to form his mind and to perfect + his style, would by no means prescribe such a course of reading to a young + lady whose business in life was very different. + </p> + <p> + In the course of this long vacation Mr. Pen drank up the bin of claret + which his father had laid in, and of which we have heard the son remark + that there was not a headache in a hogshead; and this wine being + exhausted, he wrote for a further supply to “his wine merchants,” Messrs. + Binney and Latham of Mark Lane, London: from whom, indeed, old Doctor + Portman had recommended Pen to get a supply of port and sherry on going to + college. “You will have, no doubt, to entertain your young friends at + Boniface with wine-parties,” the honest rector had remarked to the lad. + “They used to be customary at college in my time, and I would advise you + to employ an honest and respectable house in London for your small stock + of wine, rather than to have recourse to the Oxbridge tradesmen, whose + liquor, if I remember rightly, was both deleterious in quality and + exorbitant in price.” And the obedient young gentleman took the Doctor's + advice, and patronised Messrs. Binney and Latham at the rector's + suggestion. + </p> + <p> + So when he wrote orders for a stock of wine to be sent down to the cellars + at Fairoaks, he hinted that Messrs. B. and L. might send in his university + account for wine at the same time with the Fairoaks bill. The poor widow + was frightened at the amount. But Pen laughed at her old-fashioned views, + said that the bill was moderate, that everybody drank claret and champagne + now, and, finally, the widow paid, feeling dimly that the expenses of her + household were increasing considerably, and that her narrow income would + scarce suffice to meet them. But they were only occasional. Pen merely + came home for a few weeks at the vacation. Laura and she might pinch when + he was gone. In the brief time he was with them, ought they not to make + him happy? + </p> + <p> + Arthur's own allowances were liberal all this time; indeed, much more so + than those of the sons of far more wealthy men. Years before, the thrifty + and affectionate John Pendennis, whose darling project it had ever been to + give his son a university education, and those advantages of which his own + father's extravagance had deprived him, had begun laying by a store of + money which he called Arthur's Education Fund. Year after year in his book + his executors found entries of sums vested as A. E. F., and during the + period subsequent to her husband's decease, and before Pen's entry at + college, the widow had added sundry sums to this fund, so that when Arthur + went up to Oxbridge it reached no inconsiderable amount. Let him be + liberally allowanced, was Major Pendennis's maxim. Let him make his first + entree into the world as a gentleman, and take his place with men of good + rank and station: after giving it to him, it will be his own duty to hold + it. There is no such bad policy as stinting a boy—or putting him on + a lower allowance than his fellows. Arthur will have to face the world and + fight for himself presently. Meanwhile we shall have procured for him good + friends, gentlemanly habits, and have him well backed and well trained + against the time when the real struggle comes. And these liberal opinions + the Major probably advanced both because they were just, and because he + was not dealing with his own money. + </p> + <p> + Thus young Pen, the only son of an estated country gentleman, with a good + allowance, and a gentlemanlike bearing and person, looked to be a lad of + much more consequence than he was really; and was held by the Oxbridge + authorities, tradesmen, and undergraduates, as quite a young buck and + member of the aristocracy. His manner was frank, brave, and perhaps a + little impertinent, as becomes a high-spirited youth. He was perfectly + generous and free-handed with his money, which seemed pretty plentiful. He + loved joviality, and had a good voice for a song. Boat-racing had not + risen in Pen's time to the fureur which, as we are given to understand, it + has since attained in the university; and riding and tandem-driving were + the fashions of the ingenuous youth. Pen rode well to hounds, appeared in + pink, as became a young buck, and, not particularly extravagant in + equestrian or any other amusement, yet managed to run up a fine bill at + Nile's, the livery-stable keeper, and in a number of other quarters. In + fact, this lucky young gentleman had almost every taste to a considerable + degree. He was very fond of books of all sorts: Doctor Portman had taught + him to like rare editions, and his own taste led him to like beautiful + bindings. It was marvellous what tall copies, and gilding, and marbling, + and blind-tooling, the booksellers and binders put upon Pen's bookshelves. + He had a very fair taste in matters of art, and a keen relish for prints + of a high school—none of your French Opera Dancers, or tawdry Racing + Prints, such as had delighted the simple eyes of Mr. Spicer, his + predecessor—but your Stranges, and Rembrandt etchings, and Wilkies + before the letter, with which his apartments were furnished presently in + the most perfect good taste, as was allowed in the university, where this + young fellow got no small reputation. We have mentioned that he exhibited + a certain partiality for rings, jewellery, and fine raiment of all sorts; + and it must be owned that Mr. Pen, during his time at the university, was + rather a dressy man, and loved to array himself in splendour. He and his + polite friends would dress themselves out with as much care in order to go + and dine at each other's rooms, as other folks would who were going to + enslave a mistress. They said he used to wear rings over his kid gloves, + which he always denies; but what follies will not youth perpetrate with + its own admirable gravity and simplicity? That he took perfumed baths is a + truth; and he used to say that he took them after meeting certain men of a + very low set in hall. + </p> + <p> + In Pen's second year, when Miss Fotheringay made her chief hit in London, + and scores of prints were published of her, Pen had one of these hung in + his bedroom, and confided to the men of his set how awfully, how wildly, + how madly, how passionately, he had loved that woman. He showed them in + confidence the verses that he had written to her, and his brow would + darken, his eyes roll, his chest heave with emotion as he recalled that + fatal period of his life, and described the woes and agonies which he had + suffered. The verses were copied out, handed about, sneered at, admired, + passed from coterie to coterie. There are few things which elevate a lad + in the estimation of his brother boys, more than to have a character for a + great and romantic passion. Perhaps there is something noble in it at all + times—among very young men it is considered heroic—Pen was + pronounced a tremendous fellow. They said he had almost committed suicide: + that he had fought a duel with a baronet about her. Freshmen pointed him + out to each other. As at the promenade time at two o'clock he swaggered + out of college, surrounded by his cronies, he was famous to behold. He was + elaborately attired. He would ogle the ladies who came to lionise the + university, and passed before him on the arms of happy gownsmen, and give + his opinion upon their personal charms, or their toilettes, with the + gravity of a critic whose experience entitled him to speak with authority. + Men used to say that they had been walking with Pendennis, and were as + pleased to be seen in his company as some of us would be if we walked with + a duke down Pall Mall. He and the Proctor capped each other as they met, + as if they were rival powers, and the men hardly knew which was the + greater. + </p> + <p> + In fact, in the course of his second year, Arthur Pendennis had become one + of the men of fashion in the university. It is curious to watch that + facile admiration, and simple fidelity of youth. They hang round a leader; + and wonder at him, and love him, and imitate him. No generous boy ever + lived, I suppose, that has not had some wonderment of admiration for + another boy; and Monsieur Pen at Oxbridge had his school, his faithful + band of friends and his rivals. When the young men heard at the + haberdashers' shops that Mr. Pendennis, of Boniface, had just ordered a + crimson satin-cravat, you would see a couple of dozen crimson satin + cravats in Main Street in the course of the week—and Simon, the + Jeweller, was known to sell no less than two gross of Pendennis pins, from + a pattern which the young gentleman had selected in his shop. + </p> + <p> + Now if any person with an arithmetical turn of mind will take the trouble + to calculate what a sum of money it would cost a young man to indulge + freely in all the above propensities which we have said Mr. Pen possessed, + it will be seen that a young fellow, with such liberal tastes and + amusements, must needs in the course of two or three years spend or owe a + very handsome sum of money. We have said our friend Pen had not a + calculating turn. No one propensity of his was outrageously extravagant; + and it is certain that Paddington's tailor's account; Guttlebury's cook's + bill for dinners; Dillon Tandy's bill with Finn, the print seller, for + Raphael-Morgheus and Landseer proofs, and Wormall's dealings with Parkton, + the great bookseller, for Aldine editions, black-letter folios, and richly + illuminated Missals of the XVI. Century; and Snaffle's or Foker's score + with Nile the horsedealer, were, each and all of them, incomparably + greater than any little bills which Mr. Pen might run up with the + above-mentioned tradesmen. But Pendennis of Boniface had the advantage + over all these young gentlemen, his friends and associates, of a + universality of taste: and whereas young Lord Paddington did not care + twopence for the most beautiful print, or to look into any gilt frame that + had not a mirror within it; and Guttlebury did not mind in the least how + he was dressed, and had an aversion for horse exercise, nay a terror of + it; and Snaffle never read any printed works but the 'Racing Calendar' or + 'Bell's Life,' or cared for any manuscript except his greasy little scrawl + of a betting-book:—our Catholic-minded young friend occupied himself + in every one of the branches of science or pleasure above-mentioned, and + distinguished himself tolerably in each. + </p> + <p> + Hence young Pen got a prodigious reputation in the university, and was + hailed as a sort of Crichton; and as for the English verse prize, in + competition for which we have seen him busily engaged at Fairoaks, Jones + of Jesus carried it that year certainly, but the undergraduates thought + Pen's a much finer poem, and he had his verses printed at his own expense, + and distributed in gilt morocco covers amongst his acquaintance. I found a + copy of it lately in a dusty corner of Mr. Pen's bookcases, and have it + before me this minute, bound up in a collection of old Oxbridge tracts, + university statutes, prize-poems by successful and unsuccessful + candidates, declamations recited in the college chapel, speeches delivered + at the Union Debating Society, and inscribed by Arthur with his name and + college, Pendennis—Boniface; or presented to him by his affectionate + friend Thompson or Jackson, the author. How strange the epigraphs look in + those half-boyish hands, and what a thrill the sight of the documents + gives one after the lapse of a few lustres! How fate, since that time, has + removed some, estranged others, dealt awfully with all! Many a hand is + cold that wrote those kindly memorials, and that we pressed in the + confident and generous grasp of youthful friendship. What passions our + friendships were in those old days, how artless and void of doubt! How the + arm you were never tired of having linked in yours under the fair college + avenues or by the river side, where it washes Magdalen Gardens, or Christ + Church Meadows, or winds by Trinity and King's, was withdrawn of + necessity, when you entered presently the world, and each parted to push + and struggle for himself through the great mob on the way through life! + Are we the same men now that wrote those inscriptions—that read + those poems? that delivered or heard those essays and speeches so simple, + so pompous, so ludicrously solemn; parodied so artlessly from books, and + spoken with smug chubby faces, and such an admirable aping of wisdom and + gravity? Here is the book before me: it is scarcely fifteen years old. + Here is Jack moaning with despair and Byronic misanthropy, whose career at + the university was one of unmixed milk-punch. Here is Tom's daring Essay + in defence of suicide and of republicanism in general, apropos of the + death of Roland and the Girondins—Tom's, who wears the starchest tie + in all the diocese, and would go to Smithfield rather than eat a beefsteak + on a Friday in Lent. Here is Bob of the —— Circuit, who has + made a fortune in Railroad Committees, and whose dinners are so good—bellowing + out with Tancred and Godfrey, “On to the breach, ye soldiers of the cross, + Scale the red wall and swim the choking foss. Ye dauntless archers, twang + your cross-bows well; On, bill and battle-axe and mangonel! Ply + battering-ram and hurtling catapult, Jerusalem is ours—id Deus + vult.” After which comes a mellifluous description of the gardens of + Sharon and the maids of Salem, and a prophecy that roses shall deck the + entire country of Syria, and a speedy reign of peace be established—all + in undeniably decasyllabic lines, and the queerest aping of sense and + sentiment and poetry. And there are Essays and Poems along with these + grave parodies, and boyish exercises (which are at once so frank and false + and mirthful, yet, somehow, so mournful) by youthful hands, that shall + never write more. Fate has interposed darkly, and the young voices are + silent, and the eager brains have ceased to work. This one had genius and + a great descent, and seemed to be destined for honours which now are of + little worth to him: that had virtue, learning, genius—every faculty + and endowment which might secure love, admiration, and worldly fame: an + obscure and solitary churchyard contains the grave of many fond hopes, and + the pathetic stone which bids them farewell—I saw the sun shining on + it in the fall of last year, and heard the sweet village choir raising + anthems round about. What boots whether it be Westminster or a little + country spire which covers your ashes, or if, a few days sooner or later, + the world forgets you? + </p> + <p> + Amidst these friends, then, and a host more, Pen passed more than two + brilliant and happy years of his life. He had his fill of pleasure and + popularity. No dinner- or supper-party was complete without him; and Pen's + jovial wit, and Pen's songs, and dashing courage and frank and manly + bearing, charmed all the undergraduates, and even disarmed the tutors who + cried out at his idleness, and murmured about his extravagant way of life. + Though he became the favourite and leader of young men who were much his + superiors in wealth and station, he was much too generous to endeavour to + propitiate them by any meanness or cringing on his own part, and would not + neglect the humblest man of his acquaintance in order to curry favour with + the richest young grandee in the university. His name is still remembered + at the Union Debating Club, as one of the brilliant orators of his day. By + the way, from having been an ardent Tory in his freshman's year, his + principles took a sudden turn afterwards, and he became a liberal of the + most violent order. He avowed himself a Dantonist, and asserted that Louis + the Sixteenth was served right. And as for Charles the First, he vowed + that he would chop off that monarch's head with his own right hand were he + then in the room at the Union Debating Club, and had Cromwell no other + executioner for the traitor. He and Lord Magnus Charters, the Marquis of + Runnymede's son, before-mentioned, were the most truculent republicans of + their day. + </p> + <p> + There are reputations of this sort made, quite independent of the + collegiate hierarchy, in the republic of gownsmen. A man may be famous in + the Honour-lists and entirely unknown to the undergraduates: who elect + kings and chieftains of their own, whom they admire and obey, as + negro-gangs have private black sovereigns in their own body, to whom they + pay an occult obedience, besides that which they publicly profess for + their owners and drivers. Among the young ones Pen became famous and + popular: not that he did much, but there was a general determination that + he could do a great deal if he chose. “Ah, if Pendennis of Boniface would + but try,” the men said, “he might do anything.” He was backed for the + Greek Ode won by Smith of Trinity; everybody was sure he would have the + Latin hexameter prize which Brown of St. John's, however, carried off, and + in this way one university honour after another was lost by him, until, + after two or three failures, Mr. Pen ceased to compete. But he got a + declamation prize in his own college, and brought home to his mother and + Laura at Fairoaks a set of prize-books begilt with the college arms, and + so big, well-bound, and magnificent, that these ladies thought there had + been no such prize ever given in a college before as this of Pen's, and + that he had won the very largest honour which Oxbridge was capable of + awarding. + </p> + <p> + As vacation after vacation and term after term passed away without the + desired news that Pen had sate for any scholarship or won any honour, + Doctor Portman grew mightily gloomy in his behaviour towards Arthur, and + adopted a sulky grandeur of deportment towards him, which the lad returned + by a similar haughtiness. One vacation he did not call upon the Doctor at + all, much to his mother's annoyance, who thought that it was a privilege + to enter the Rectory-house at Clavering, and listened to Dr. Portman's + antique jokes and stories, though ever so often repeated, with unfailing + veneration. “I cannot stand the Doctor's patronising air”, Pen said. “He's + too kind to me, a great deal fatherly. I have seen in the world better men + than him, and am not going to bore myself by listening to his dull old + stories and drinking his stupid old port wine.” The tacit feud between Pen + and the Doctor made the widow nervous, so that she too avoided Portman, + and was afraid to go to the Rectory when Arthur was at home. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday in the last long vacation, the wretched boy pushed his + rebellious spirit so far as not to go to church, and he was seen at the + gate of the Clavering Arms smoking a cigar, in the face of the + congregation as it issued from St. Mary's. There was an awful sensation in + the village society, Portman prophesied Pen's ruin after that, and groaned + in spirit over the rebellious young prodigal. + </p> + <p> + So did Helen tremble in her heart, and little Laura—Laura had grown + to be a fine young stripling by this time, graceful and fair, clinging + round Helen and worshipping her, with a passionate affection. Both of + these women felt that their boy was changed. He was no longer the artless + Pen of old days, so brave, so artless, so impetuous, and tender. His face + looked careworn and haggard, his voice had a deeper sound, and tones more + sarcastic. Care seemed to be pursuing him; but he only laughed when his + mother questioned him, and parried her anxious queries with some scornful + jest. Nor did he spend much of his vacations at home; he went on visits to + one great friend or another, and scared the quiet pair at Fairoaks by + stories of great houses whither he had been invited; and by talking of + lords without their titles. + </p> + <p> + Honest Harry Foker, who had been the means of introducing Arthur Pendennis + to that set of young men at the university, from whose society and + connexions Arthur's uncle expected that the lad would get so much benefit; + who had called for Arthur's first song at his first supper-party; and who + had presented him at the Barmecide Club, where none but the very best men + of Oxbridge were admitted (it consisted in Pen's time of six noblemen, + eight gentlemen-pensioners, and twelve of the most select commoners of the + university), soon found himself left far behind by the young freshman in + the fashionable world of Oxbridge, and being a generous and worthy fellow, + without a spark of envy in his composition, was exceedingly pleased at the + success of his young protege, and admired Pen quite as much as any of the + other youth did. It was he who followed Pen now, and quoted his sayings; + learned his songs, and retailed them at minor supper-parties, and was + never weary of hearing them from the gifted young poet's own mouth—for + a good deal of the time which Mr. Pen might have employed much more + advantageously in the pursuit of the regular scholastic studies, was given + up to the composition of secular ballads, which he sang about at parties + according to university wont. + </p> + <p> + It had been as well for Arthur if the honest Foker had remained for some + time at college, for, with all his vivacity, he was a prudent young man, + and often curbed Pen's propensity to extravagance: but Foker's collegiate + career did not last very long after Arthur's entrance at Boniface. + Repeated differences with the university authorities caused Mr. Foker to + quit Oxbridge in an untimely manner. He would persist in attending races + on the neighbouring Hungerford Heath, in spite of the injunctions of his + academic superiors. He never could be got to frequent the chapel of the + college with that regularity of piety which Alma Mater demands from her + children; tandems, which are abominations in the eyes of the heads and + tutors, were Foker's greatest delight, and so reckless was his driving and + frequent the accidents and upsets out of his drag, that Pen called taking + a drive with him taking the “Diversions of Purley;” finally, having a + dinner-party at his rooms to entertain some friends from London, nothing + would satisfy Mr. Foker but painting Mr. Buck's door vermilion, in which + freak he was caught by the proctors; and although young Black Strap, the + celebrated negro fighter, who was one of Mr. Foker's distinguished guests, + and was holding the can of paint while the young artist operated on the + door, knocked down two of the proctor's attendants and performed prodigies + of valour, yet these feats rather injured than served Foker, whom the + proctor knew very well and who was taken with the brush in his hand, and + who was summarily convened and sent down from the university. + </p> + <p> + The tutor wrote a very kind and feeling letter to Lady Agnes on the + subject, stating that everybody was fond of the youth; that he never meant + harm to any mortal creature; that he for his own part would have been + delighted to pardon the harmless little boyish frolic, had not its unhappy + publicity rendered it impossible to look the freak over, and breathing the + most fervent wishes for the young fellow's welfare—wishes no doubt + sincere, for Foker, as we know, came of a noble family on his mother's + side, and on the other was heir to a great number of thousand pounds a + year. + </p> + <p> + “It don't matter,” said Foker, talking over the matter with Pen,—“a + little sooner or a little later, what is the odds? I should have been + plucked for my little-go again, I know I should—that Latin I cannot + screw into my head, and my mamma's anguish would have broke out next term. + The Governor will blow like an old grampus, I know he will,—well, we + must stop till he gets his wind again. I shall probably go abroad and + improve my mind with foreign travel. Yes, parly-voo's the ticket. It'ly, + and that sort of thing. I'll go to Paris and learn to dance and complete + my education. But it's not me I'm anxious about, Pen. As long as people + drink beer I don't care,—it's about you I'm doubtful, my boy. You're + going too fast, and can't keep up the pace, I tell you. It's not the fifty + you owe me,—pay it or not when you like,—but it's the + every-day pace, and I tell you it will kill you. You're livin' as if there + was no end to the money in the stockin' at home. You oughtn't to give + dinners, you ought to eat 'em. Fellows are glad to have you. You oughtn't + to owe horse bills, you ought to ride other chaps' nags. You know no more + about betting than I do about Algebra: the chaps will win your money as + sure as you sport it. Hang me if you are not trying everything. I saw you + sit down to ecarte last week at Trumpington's, and taking your turn with + the bones after Ringwood's supper. They'll beat you at it, Pen, my boy, + even if they play on the square, which I don't say they don't, nor which + I don't say they do, mind. But I won't play with 'em. You're no match for + 'em. You ain't up to their weight. It's like little Black Strap standing + up to Tom Spring,—the Black's a pretty fighter but, Law bless you, + his arm ain't long enough to touch Tom,—and I tell you, you're going + it with fellers beyond your weight. Look here—If you'll promise me + never to bet nor touch a box nor a card, I'll let you off the two ponies.” + </p> + <p> + But Pen, laughingly, said, “that though it wasn't convenient to him to pay + the two ponies at that moment, he by no means wished to be let off any + just debts he owed;” and he and Foker parted, not without many dark + forebodings on the latter's part with regard to his friend, who Harry + thought was travelling speedily on the road to ruin. + </p> + <p> + “One must do at Rome as Rome does,” Pen said, in a dandified manner, + jingling some sovereigns in his waistcoat-pocket. “A little quiet play at + ecarte can't hurt a man who plays pretty well—I came away fourteen + sovereigns richer from Ringwood's supper, and, gad! I wanted the money.”—And + he walked off, after having taken leave of poor Foker, who went away + without any beat of drum, or offer to drive the coach out of Oxbridge, to + superintend a little dinner which he was going to give at his own rooms in + Boniface, about which dinners, the cook of the college, who had a great + respect for Mr. Pendennis, always took especial pains for his young + favourite. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. Rake's Progress + </h2> + <p> + Some short time before Mr. Foker's departure from Oxbridge, there had come + up to Boniface a gentleman who had once, as it turned out, belonged to the + other University of Camford, which he had quitted on account of some + differences with the tutors and authorities there. This gentleman, whose + name was Horace Bloundell, was of the ancient Suffolk family of + Bloundell-Bloundell, of Bloundell-Bloundell Hall, + Bloundell-Bloundellshire, as the young wags used to call it; and no doubt + it was on account of his descent, and because Dr. Donne, the Master of + Boniface, was a Suffolk man, and related perhaps to the family, that Mr. + Horace Bloundell was taken in at Boniface, after St. George's and one or + two other Colleges had refused to receive him. There was a living in the + family, which it was important for Mr. Bloundell to hold; and, being in a + dragoon regiment at the time when his third brother, for whom the living + was originally intended, sickened and died, Mr. Bloundell determined upon + quitting crimson pantaloons and sable shakos, for the black coat and white + neckcloth of the English divine. The misfortunes which occurred at + Camford, occasioned some slight disturbance to Mr. Bloundell's plans; but + although defeated upon one occasion, the resolute ex-dragoon was not + dismayed, and set to work to win a victory elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + In Pen's second year Major Pendennis paid a brief visit to his nephew, and + was introduced to several of Pen's university friends—the gentle and + polite Lord Plinlimmon, the gallant and open-hearted Magnus Charters, the + sly and witty Harland; the intrepid Ringwood, who was called Rupert in the + Union Debating Club, from his opinions and the bravery of his blunders; + Broadbent, styled Barebones Broadbent from the republican nature of his + opinions (he was of a dissenting family from Bristol and a perfect + Boanerges of debate); Mr. Bloundell-Bloundell finally, who had at once + taken his place among the select of the university. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis, though he did not understand Harland's Greek quotations, + or quite appreciate Broadbent's thick shoes and dingy hands, was + nevertheless delighted with the company assembled round his nephew, and + highly approved of all the young men with the exception of that one who + gave himself the greatest airs in the society, and affected most to have + the manners of a man of the world. + </p> + <p> + As he and Pen sate at breakfast on the morning after the party in the + rooms of the latter, the Major gave his opinions regarding the young men, + with whom he was in the greatest good-humour. He had regaled them with + some of his stories, which, though not quite so fresh in London (where + people have a diseased appetite for novelty in the way of anecdotes), were + entirely new at Oxbridge, and the lads heard them with that honest + sympathy, that eager pleasure, that boisterous laughter, or that profound + respect, so rare in the metropolis, and which must be so delightful to the + professed raconteur. Only once or twice during the telling of the anecdote + Mr. Bloundell's face wore a look of scorn, or betrayed by its expression + that he was acquainted with the tales narrated. Once he had the audacity + to question the accuracy of one of the particulars of a tale as given by + Major Pendennis, and gave his own version of the anecdote, about which he + knew he was right, for he heard it openly talked of at the Club by + So-and-so and T'other who were present at the business. The youngsters + present looked up with wonder at their associate, who dared to interrupt + the Major—few of them could appreciate that melancholy grace and + politeness with which Major Pendennis at once acceded to Mr. Bloundell's + version of the story, and thanked him for correcting his own error. They + stared on the next occasion of meeting, when Bloundell spoke in + contemptuous terms of old Pen; said everybody knew old Pen, regular old + trencherman at Gaunt House, notorious old bore, regular old fogy. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis on his side liked Mr. Bloundell not a whit. These + sympathies are pretty sure to be mutual amongst men and women, and if, for + my part, some kind friend tells me that such and such a man has been + abusing me, I am almost sure, on my own side, that I have a misliking to + such and such a man. We like or dislike each other, as folks like or + dislike the odour of certain flowers, or the taste of certain dishes or + wines, or certain books. We can't tell why—but as a general rule, + all the reasons in the world will not make us love Dr. Fell, and as sure + as we dislike him, we may be sure that he dislikes us. + </p> + <p> + So the Major said, “Pen, my boy, your dinner went off a merveille; you did + the honours very nicely—you carved well—I am glad you learned + to carve—it is done on the sideboard now in most good houses, but is + still an important point, and may aid you in middle-life—young Lord + Plinlimmon is a very amiable young man, quite the image of his dear mother + (whom I knew as Lady Aquila Brownbill); and Lord Magnus's republicanism + will wear off—it sits prettily enough on a young patrician in early + life, though nothing is so loathsome among persons of our rank—Mr. + Broadbent seems to have much eloquence and considerable reading—your + friend Foker is always delightful: but your acquaintance, Mr. Bloundell, + struck me as in all respects a most ineligible young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my soul, sir, Bloundell-Bloundell!” cried Pen, laughing; “why, sir, + he's the most popular man of the university. We elected him of the + Barmecides the first week he came up—had a special meeting on + purpose—he's of an excellent family—Suffolk Bloundells, + descended from Richard's Blondel, bear a harp in chief—and motto O + Mong Roy.” + </p> + <p> + “A man may have a very good coat-of-arms, and be a tiger, my boy,” the + Major said, chipping his egg; “that man is a tiger, mark my word—a + low man. I will lay a wager that he left his regiment, which was a good + one (for a more respectable man than my friend Lord Martingale never sate + in a saddle), in bad odour. There is the unmistakable look of slang and + bad habits about this Mr. Bloundell. He frequents low gambling-houses and + billiard-hells, sir—he haunts third-rate clubs—I know he does. + I know by his style. I never was mistaken in my man yet. Did you remark + the quantity of rings and jewellery he wore? That person has Scamp written + on his countenance, if any man ever had. Mark my words and avoid him. Let + us turn the conversation. The dinner was a leetle too fine, but I don't + object to your making a few extra frais when you receive friends. Of + course, you don't do it often, and only those whom it is your interest to + feter. The cutlets were excellent, and the souffle uncommonly light and + good. The third bottle of champagne was not necessary; but you have a good + income, and as long as you keep within it, I shall not quarrel with you, + my dear boy.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Pen! the worthy uncle little knew how often those dinners took place, + while the reckless young Amphitryon delighted to show his hospitality and + skill in gourmandise. There is no art than that (so long to learn, so + difficult to acquire, so impossible and beyond the means of many unhappy + people!) about which boys are more anxious to have an air of knowingness. + A taste and knowledge of wines and cookery appears to them to be the sign + of an accomplished roue and manly gentleman. I like to see them wink at a + glass of claret, as if they had an intimate acquaintance with it, and + discuss a salmi—poor boys—it is only when they grow old that + they know they know nothing of the science, when perhaps their conscience + whispers them that the science is in itself little worth, and that a leg + of mutton and content is as good as the dinners of pontiffs. But little + Pen, in his character of Admirable Crichton, thought it necessary to be a + great judge and practitioner of dinners; we have just said how the college + cook respected him, and shall soon have to deplore that that worthy man so + blindly trusted our Pen. In the third year of the lad's residence at + Oxbridge, his staircase was by no means encumbered with dish-covers and + desserts, and waiters carrying in dishes, and skips opening iced + champagne; crowds of different sorts of attendants, with faces sulky or + piteous, hung about the outer oak, and assailed the unfortunate lad as he + issued out of his den. + </p> + <p> + Nor did his guardian's advice take any effect, or induce Mr. Pen to avoid + the society of the disreputable Mr. Bloundell. What young men like in + their companions is, what had got Pen a great part of his own repute and + popularity, a real or supposed knowledge of life. A man who has seen the + world, or can speak of it with a knowing air—a roue, or Lovelace, + who has his adventures to relate, is sure of an admiring audience among + boys. It is hard to confess, but so it is. We respect that sort of + prowess. From our school-days we have been taught to admire it. Are there + five in the hundred, out of the hundreds and hundreds of English + school-boys, brought up at our great schools and colleges, that must not + own at one time of their lives to having read and liked Don Juan? Awful + propagation of evil!—The idea of it should make the man tremble who + holds the pen, lest untruth, or impurity, or unjust anger, or unjust + praise escape it. + </p> + <p> + One such diseased creature as this is enough to infect a whole colony, and + the tutors of Boniface began to find the moral tone of their college + lowered and their young men growing unruly, and almost ungentleman-like, + soon after Mr. Bloundell's arrival at Oxbridge. The young magnates of the + neighbouring great College of St. George's, who regarded Pen, and in whose + society he lived, were not taken in by Bloundell's flashy graces, and + rakish airs of fashion. Broadbent called him Captain Macheath, and said he + would live to be hanged. Foker, during his brief stay at the university + with Macheath, with characteristic caution declined to say anything in the + Captain's disfavour, but hinted to Pen that he had better have him for a + partner at whist than play against him, and better back him at ecarte than + bet on the other side. “You see, he plays better than you do, Pen,” was + the astute young gentleman's remark: “he plays uncommon well, the Captain + does;—and Pen, I wouldn't take the odds too freely from him, if I + was you. I don't think he's too flush of money, the Captain ain't.” But + beyond these dark suggestions and generalities, the cautious Foker could + not be got to speak. + </p> + <p> + Not that his advice would have had more weight with a headstrong young + man, than advice commonly has with a lad who is determined on pursuing his + own way. Pen's appetite for pleasure was insatiable, and he rushed at it + wherever it presented itself, with an eagerness which bespoke his fiery + constitution and youthful health. He called taking pleasure “Seeing life,” + and quoted well-known maxims from Terence, from Horace, from Shakspeare, + to show that one should do all that might become a man. He bade fair to be + utterly used up and a roue, in a few years, if he were to continue at the + pace at which he was going. + </p> + <p> + One night after a supper-party in college, at which Pen and Macheath had + been present, and at which a little quiet vingt-et-un had been played (an + amusement much pleasanter to men in their second and third year than the + boisterous custom of singing songs, which bring the proctors about the + rooms, and which have grown quite stale by this time, every man having + expended his budget)—as the men had taken their caps and were going + away, after no great losses or winnings on any side, Mr. Bloundell + playfully took up a green wine-glass from the supper-table, which had been + destined to contain iced cup, but into which he inserted something still + more pernicious, namely a pair of dice, which the gentleman took out of + his waistcoat-pocket, and put into the glass. Then giving the glass a + graceful wave which showed that his hand was quite experienced in the + throwing of dice, he called sevens the main, and whisking the ivory cubes + gently on the table, swept them up lightly again from the cloth, and + repeated this process two or three times. The other men looked on, Pen, of + course, among the number, who had never used the dice as yet, except to + play a humdrum game of backgammon at home. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bloundell, who had a good voice, began to troll out the chorus from + Robert the Devil, an Opera then in great vogue, in which chorus many of + the men joined, especially Pen, who was in very high spirits, having won a + good number of shillings and half-crowns at the vingt-et-un—and + presently, instead of going home, most of the party were seated round the + table playing at dice, the green glass going round from hand to hand until + Pen finally shivered it, after throwing six mains. + </p> + <p> + From that night Pen plunged into the delights of the game of hazard, as + eagerly as it was his custom to pursue any new pleasure. Dice can be + played of mornings as well as after dinner or supper. Bloundell would come + into Pen's rooms after breakfast, and it was astonishing how quick the + time passed as the bones were rattling. They had little quiet parties with + closed doors, and Bloundell devised a box lined with felt, so that the + dice should make no noise, and their tell-tale rattle not bring the + sharp-eared tutors up to the rooms. Bloundell, Ringwood, and Pen were once + very nearly caught by Mr. Buck, who, passing in the Quadrangle, thought he + heard the words “Two to one on the caster,” through Pen's open window; but + when the tutor got into Arthur's rooms he found the lads with three Homers + before them, and Pen said he was trying to coach the two other men, and + asked Mr. Buck with great gravity what was the present condition of the + River Scamander, and whether it was navigable or no? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Arthur Pendennis did not win much money in these transactions with Mr. + Bloundell, or indeed gain good of any kind except a knowledge of the odds + at hazard, which he might have learned out of books. + </p> + <p> + Captain Macheath had other accomplishments which he exercised for Pen's + benefit. The Captain's stories had a great and unfortunate charm for + Arthur, who was never tired of hearing Bloundell's histories of garrison + conquests, and of his feats in country-quarters.—He had been at + Paris, and had plenty of legends about the Palais Royal, and the Salon, + and Frascati's. He had gone to the Salon one night, after a dinner at the + Cafe de Paris, “when we were all devilishly cut, by Jove; and on waking in + the morning in my own rooms, I found myself with twelve thousand francs + under my pillow, and a hundred and forty-nine Napoleons in one of my + boots. Wasn't that a coup, hay?” the Captain said. Pen's eyes glistened + with excitement as he heard this story. He respected the man who could win + such a sum of money. He sighed, and said it would set him all right. + Macheath laughed, and told him to drink another drop of Maraschino. “I + could tell you stories much more wonderful than that,” he added; and so + indeed the Captain could have done, without any further trouble than that + of invention, with which portion of the poetic faculty Nature had + copiously endowed him. + </p> + <p> + He laughed to scorn Pen's love for Miss Fotheringay, when he came to hear + of that amour from Arthur, as he pretty soon did, for, we have said, Pen + was not averse to telling the story now to his confidential friends, and + he and they were rather proud of the transaction. But Macheath took away + all Pen's conceit on this head, not by demonstrating the folly of the + lad's passion for an uneducated woman much his senior in years, but by + exposing his absurd desire of gratifying his passion in a legitimate way. + “Marry her,” said he, “you might as well marry ——,” and he + named one of the most notorious actresses on the stage. + </p> + <p> + “She hadn't a shred of a character.” He knew twenty men who were openly + admirers of her, and named them, and the sums each had spent upon her. I + know no kind of calumny more frightful or frequent than this which takes + away the character of women, no men more reckless and mischievous than + those who lightly use it, and no kind of cowards more despicable than the + people who invent these slanders. + </p> + <p> + Is it, or not, a misfortune that a man, himself of a candid disposition, + and disposed, like our friend Pen, to blurt out the truth on all + occasions, begins life by believing all that is said to him? Would it be + better for a lad to be less trustful, and so less honest? It requires no + small experience of the world to know that a man, who has no especial + reason thereto, is telling you lies. I am not sure whether it is not best + to go on being duped for a certain time. At all events, our honest Pen had + a natural credulity, which enabled him to accept all statements which were + made to him, and he took every one of Captain Macheath's figments as if + they had been the most unquestioned facts of history. + </p> + <p> + So Bloundell's account about Miss Fotheringay pained and mortified Pen + exceedingly. If he had been ashamed of his passion before,—what were + his feelings regarding it now, when the object of so much pure flame and + adoration turned out to be only a worthless impostor, an impostor detected + by all but him? It never occurred to Pen to doubt the fact, or to question + whether the stories of a man who, like his new friend, never spoke well of + any woman, were likely to be true. + </p> + <p> + One Easter vacation, when Pen had announced to his mother and uncle his + intention not to go down, but stay at Oxbridge and read, Mr. Pen was + nevertheless induced to take a brief visit to London in company with his + friend Mr. Bloundell. They put up at a hotel in Covent Garden, where + Bloundell had a tick, as he called it, and took the pleasures of the town + very freely after the wont of young university men. Bloundell still + belonged to a military club, whither he took Pen to dine once or twice + (the young men would drive thither in a cab, trembling lest they should + meet Major Pendennis on his beat in Pall Mall), and here Pen was + introduced to a number of gallant young fellows with spurs and mustachios, + with whom he drank pale-ale of mornings and beat the town of a night. Here + he saw a deal of life, indeed: nor in his career about the theatres and + singing-houses which these roaring young blades frequented, was he very + likely to meet his guardian. One night, nevertheless, they were very near + to each other: a plank only separating Pen, who was in the boxes of the + Museum Theatre, from the Major, who was in Lord Steyne's box, along with + that venerated nobleman. The Fotheringay was in the pride of her glory. + She had made a hit: that is, she had drawn very good houses for nearly a + year, had starred the provinces with great eclat, had come back to shine + in London with somewhat diminished lustre, and now was acting with “ever + increasing attraction; etc.,” “triumph of the good old British drama,” as + the play-bills avowed, to houses in which there was plenty of room for + anybody who wanted to see her. + </p> + <p> + It was not the first time Pen had seen her, since that memorable day when + the two had parted in Chatteris. In the previous year, when the town was + making much of her, and the press lauded her beauty, Pen had found a + pretext for coming to London in term-time, and had rushed off to the + theatre to see his old flame. He recollected it rather than renewed it. He + remembered how ardently he used to be on the look-out at Chatteris, when + the speech before Ophelia's or Mrs. Haller's entrance on the stage was + made by the proper actor. Now, as the actor spoke, he had a sort of feeble + thrill: as the house began to thunder with applause, and Ophelia entered + with her old bow and sweeping curtsey, Pen felt a slight shock and blushed + very much as he looked at her, and could not help thinking that all the + house was regarding him. He hardly heard her for the first part of the + play: and he thought with such rage of the humiliation to which she had + subjected him, that he began to fancy he was jealous and in love with her + still. But that illusion did not last very long. He ran round to the + stage-door of the theatre to see her if possible, but he did not succeed. + She passed indeed under his nose with a female companion, but he did not + know her,—nor did she recognise him. The next night he came in late, + and stayed very quietly for the afterpiece, and on the third and last + night of his stay in London—why, Taglioni was going to dance at the + Opera,—Taglioni! and there was to be Don Giovanni, which he admired + of all things in the world: so Mr. Pen went to Don Giovanni and Taglioni. + </p> + <p> + This time the illusion about her was quite gone. She was not less + handsome, but she was not the same, somehow. The light was gone out of her + eyes which used to flash there, or Pen's no longer were dazzled by it. The + rich voice spoke as of old, yet it did not make Pen's bosom thrill as + formerly. He thought he could recognise the brogue underneath: the accents + seemed to him coarse and false. It annoyed him to hear the same emphasis + on the same words, only uttered a little louder: worse than this, it + annoyed him to think that he should ever have mistaken that loud imitation + for genius, or melted at those mechanical sobs and sighs. He felt that it + was in another life almost, that it was another man who had so madly loved + her. He was ashamed and bitterly humiliated, and very lonely. Ah, poor + Pen! the delusion is better than the truth sometimes, and fine dreams than + dismal waking. + </p> + <p> + They went and had an uproarious supper that night, and Mr. Pen had a fine + headache the next morning, with which he went back to Oxbridge, having + spent all his ready money. + </p> + <p> + As all this narrative is taken from Pen's own confessions, so that the + reader may be assured of the truth of every word of it, and as Pen himself + never had any accurate notion of the manner in which he spent his money, + and plunged himself in much deeper pecuniary difficulties, during his + luckless residence at Oxbridge University, it is, of course, impossible + for me to give any accurate account of his involvements, beyond that + general notion of his way of life, which has been sketched a few pages + back. He does not speak too hardly of the roguery of the university + tradesmen, or of those in London whom he honoured with his patronage at + the outset of his career. Even Finch, the money-lender, to whom Bloundell + introduced him, and with whom he had various transactions, in which the + young rascal's signature appeared upon stamped paper, treated him, + according to Pen's own account, with forbearance, and never mulcted him of + more than a hundred per cent. The old college-cook, his fervent admirer, + made him a private bill, offered to send him in dinners up to the very + last, and never would have pressed his account to his dying day. There was + that kindness and frankness about Arthur Pendennis, which won most people + who came in contact with him, and which, if it rendered him an easy prey + to rogues, got him, perhaps, more goodwill than he merited from many + honest men. It was impossible to resist his good-nature, or, in his worst + moments, not to hope for his rescue from utter ruin. + </p> + <p> + At the time of his full career of university pleasure, he would leave the + gayest party to go and sit with a sick friend. He never knew the + difference between small and great in the treatment of his acquaintances, + however much the unlucky lad's tastes, which were of the sumptuous order, + led him to prefer good society; he was only too ready to share his guinea + with a poor friend, and when he got money had an irresistible propensity + for paying, which he never could conquer through life. + </p> + <p> + In his third year at college, the duns began to gather awfully round about + him, and there was a levee at his oak which scandalised the tutors, and + would have scared many a stouter heart. With some of these he used to + battle, some he would bully (under Mr. Bloundell's directions, who was a + master in this art, though he took a degree in no other), and some + deprecate. And it is reported of him that little Mary Frodsham, the + daughter of a certain poor gilder and frame-maker, whom Mr. Pen had + thought fit to employ, and who had made a number of beautiful frames for + his fine prints, coming to Pendennis with a piteous tale that her father + was ill with ague, and that there was an execution in their house, Pen in + an anguish of remorse rushed away, pawned his grand watch and every single + article of jewellery except two old gold sleeve-buttons, which had + belonged to his father, and rushed with the proceeds to Frodsham's shop, + where, with tears in his eyes, and the deepest repentance and humility, he + asked the poor tradesman's pardon. + </p> + <p> + This, young gentlemen, is not told as an instance of Pen's virtue, but + rather of his weakness. It would have been much more virtuous to have had + no prints at all. He still stood for the baubles which he sold in order to + pay Frodsham's bill, and his mother had cruelly to pinch herself in order + to discharge the jeweller's account, so that she was in the end the + sufferer by the lad's impertinent fancies and follies. We are not + presenting Pen to you as a hero or a model, only as a lad, who, in the + midst of a thousand vanities and weaknesses, has as yet some generous + impulses, and is not altogether dishonest. + </p> + <p> + We have said it was to the scandal of Mr. Buck the tutor that Pen's + extravagances became known: from the manner in which he entered college, + the associates he kept, and the introductions of Doctor Portman and the + Major, Buck for a long time thought that his pupil was a man of large + property, and wondered rather that he only wore a plain gown. Once on + going up to London to the levee with an address from his Majesty's Loyal + University of Oxbridge, Buck had seen Major Pendennis at St. James's in + conversation with two knights of the garter, in the carriage of one of + whom the dazzled tutor saw the Major whisked away after the levee. He + asked Pen to wine the instant he came back, let him off from chapels and + lectures more than ever, and felt perfectly sure that he was a young + gentleman of large estate. + </p> + <p> + Thus, he was thunderstruck when he heard the truth, and received a dismal + confession from Pen. His university debts were large, and the tutor had + nothing to do, and of course Pen did not acquaint him, with his London + debts. What man ever does tell all when pressed by his friends about his + liabilities? The tutor learned enough to know that Pen was poor, that he + had spent a handsome, almost a magnificent allowance, and had raised + around him such a fine crop of debts, as it would be very hard work for + any man to mow down; for there is no plant that grows so rapidly when once + it has taken root. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was because she was so tender and good that Pen was terrified + lest his mother should know of his sins. “I can't bear to break it to + her,” he said to the tutor in an agony of grief. “O! sir, I've been a + villain to her”—and he repented, and he wished he had the time to + come over again, and he asked himself, “Why, why did his uncle insist upon + the necessity of living with great people, and in how much did all his + grand acquaintance profit him?” + </p> + <p> + They were not shy, but Pen thought they were, and slunk from them during + his last terms at college. He was as gloomy as a death's-head at parties, + which he avoided of his own part, or to which his young friends soon + ceased to invite him. Everybody knew that Pendennis was “hard up.” That + man Bloundell, who could pay nobody, and who was obliged to go down after + three terms, was his ruin, the men said. His melancholy figure might be + seen shirking about the lonely quadrangles in his battered old cap and + torn gown, and he who had been the pride of the university but a year + before, the man whom all the young ones loved to look at, was now the + object of conversation at freshmen's wine-parties, and they spoke of him + with wonder and awe. + </p> + <p> + At last came the Degree Examinations. Many a young man of his year whose + hob-nailed shoes Pen had derided, and whose face or coat he had + caricatured—many a man whom he had treated with scorn in the + lecture-room or crushed with his eloquence in the debating-club—many + of his own set who had not half his brains, but a little regularity and + constancy of occupation, took high places in the honours or passed with + decent credit. And where in the list was Pen the superb, Pen the wit and + dandy, Pen the poet and orator? Ah, where was Pen the widow's darling and + sole pride? Let us hide our heads, and shut up the page. The lists came + out; and a dreadful rumour rushed through the university, that Pendennis + of Boniface was plucked. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. Flight after Defeat + </h2> + <p> + Everybody who has the least knowledge of Heraldry and the Peerage must be + aware that the noble family of which, as we know, Helen Pendennis was a + member, bears for a crest, a nest full of little pelicans pecking at the + ensanguined bosom of a big maternal bird, which plentifully supplies the + little wretches with the nutriment on which, according to the heraldic + legend, they are supposed to be brought up. Very likely female pelicans + like so to bleed under the selfish little beaks of their young ones: it is + certain that women do. There must be some sort of pleasure, which we men + don't understand, which accompanies the pain of being scarified, and + indeed I believe some women would rather actually so suffer than not. They + like sacrificing themselves in behalf of the object which their instinct + teaches them to love. Be it for a reckless husband, a dissipated son, a + darling scapegrace of a brother, how ready their hearts are to pour out + their best treasures for the benefit of the cherished person; and what a + deal of this sort of enjoyment are we, on one side, ready to give the soft + creatures! There is scarce a man that reads this, but has administered + pleasure in this fashion to his womankind, and has treated them to the + luxury of forgiving him. They don't mind how they live themselves; but + when the prodigal comes home they make a rejoicing, and kill the fatted + calf for him: and at the very first hint that the sinner is returning, the + kind angels prepare their festival, and Mercy and Forgiveness go smiling + out to welcome him. I hope it may be so always for all: if we have only + Justice to look to, Heaven help us! + </p> + <p> + During the latter part of Pen's residence at the University of Oxbridge, + his uncle's partiality had greatly increased for the lad. The Major was + proud of Arthur, who had high spirits, frank manners, a good person, and + high gentleman-like bearing. It pleased the old London bachelor to see Pen + walking with the young patricians of his university, and he (who was never + known to entertain his friends, and whose stinginess had passed into a + sort of byword among some wags at the Club, who envied his many + engagements, and did not choose to consider his poverty) was charmed to + give his nephew and the young lords snug little dinners at his lodgings, + and to regale them with good claret, and his very best bons mots and + stories: some of which would be injured by the repetition, for the Major's + manner of telling them was incomparably neat and careful; and others, + whereof the repetition would do good to nobody. He paid his court to their + parents through the young men, and to himself as it were by their company. + He made more than one visit to Oxbridge, where the young fellows were + amused by entertaining the old gentleman, and gave parties and breakfasts + and fetes, partly to joke him and partly to do him honour. He plied them + with his stories. He made himself juvenile and hilarious in the company of + the young lords. He went to hear Pen at a grand debate at the Union, + crowed and cheered, and rapped his stick in chorus with the cheers of the + men, and was astounded at the boy's eloquence and fire. He thought he had + got a young Pitt for a nephew. He had an almost paternal fondness for Pen. + He wrote to the lad letters with playful advice and the news of the town. + He bragged about Arthur at his Clubs, and introduced him with pleasure + into his conversation; saying, that, Egad, the young fellows were putting + the old ones to the wall; that the lads who were coming up, young Lord + Plinlimmon, a friend of my boy, young Lord Magnus Charters, a chum of my + scapegrace, etc., would make a greater figure in the world than even their + fathers had done before them. He asked permission to bring Arthur to a + grand fete at Gaunt House; saw him with ineffable satisfaction dancing + with the sisters of the young noblemen before mentioned; and gave himself + as much trouble to procure cards of invitation for the lad to some good + houses, as if he had been a mamma with a daughter to marry, and not an old + half-pay officer in a wig. And he boasted everywhere of the boy's great + talents, and remarkable oratorical powers; and of the brilliant degree he + was going to take. Lord Runnymede would take him on his embassy, or the + Duke would bring him in for one of his boroughs, he wrote over and over + again to Helen; who, for her part, was too ready to believe anything that + anybody chose to say in favour of her son. + </p> + <p> + And all this pride and affection of uncle and mother had been trampled + down by Pen's wicked extravagance and idleness! I don't envy Pen's + feelings (as the phrase is), as he thought of what he had done. He had + slept, and the tortoise had won the race. He had marred at its outset what + might have been a brilliant career. He had dipped ungenerously into a + generous mother's purse; basely and recklessly spilt her little cruse. O! + it was a coward hand that could strike and rob a creature so tender. And + if Pen felt the wrong which he had done to others, are we to suppose that + a young gentleman of his vanity did not feel still more keenly the shame + he had brought upon himself? Let us be assured that there is no more cruel + remorse than that; and no groans more piteous than those of wounded + self-love. Like Joel Miller's friend, the Senior Wrangler, who bowed to + the audience from his box at the play, because he and the king happened to + enter the theatre at the same time, only with a fatuity by no means so + agreeable to himself, poor Arthur Pendennis felt perfectly convinced that + all England would remark the absence of his name from the + examination-lists, and talk about his misfortune. His wounded tutor, his + many duns, the skip and bed-maker who waited upon him, the undergraduates + of his own time and the years below him, whom he had patronised or scorned—how + could he bear to look any of them in the face now? He rushed to his rooms, + into which he shut himself, and there he penned a letter to his tutor, + full of thanks, regards, remorse, and despair, requesting that his name + might be taken off the college books, and intimating a wish and + expectation that death would speedily end the woes of the disgraced Arthur + Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + Then he slunk out, scarcely knowing whither he went, but mechanically + taking the unfrequented little lanes by the backs of the colleges, until + he cleared the university precincts, and got down to the banks of the + Camisis river, now deserted, but so often alive with the boat-races, and + the crowds of cheering gownsmen, he wandered on and on, until he found + himself at some miles' distance from Oxbridge, or rather was found by some + acquaintances leaving that city. + </p> + <p> + As Pen went up a hill, a drizzling January rain beating in his face, and + his ragged gown flying behind him—for he had not divested himself of + his academical garments since the morning—a postchaise came rattling + up the road, on the box of which a servant was seated, whilst within, or + rather half out of the carriage window, sate a young gentleman smoking a + cigar, and loudly encouraging the postboy. It was our young acquaintance + of Baymouth Mr. Spavin, who had got his degree, and was driving homewards + in triumph in his yellow postchaise. He caught a sight of the figure, + madly gesticulating as he worked up the hill, and of poor Pen's pale and + ghastly face as the chaise whirled by him. + </p> + <p> + “Wo!” roared Mr. Spavin to the postboy, and the horses stopped in their + mad career, and the carriage pulled up some fifty yards before Pen. He + presently heard his own name shouted, and beheld the upper half of the + body of Mr. Spavin thrust out of the side-window of the vehicle, and + beckoning Pen vehemently towards it. + </p> + <p> + Pen stopped, hesitated—nodded his head fiercely, and pointed + onwards, as if desirous that the postillion should proceed. He did not + speak: but his countenance must have looked very desperate, for young + Spavin, having stared at him with an expression of blank alarm, jumped out + of the carriage presently, ran towards Pen holding out his hand, and + grasping Pen's, said, “I say—hullo, old boy, where are you going, + and what's the row now?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going where I deserve to go,” said Pen, with an imprecation. + </p> + <p> + “This ain't the way,” said Mr. Spavin, smiling. “This is the Fenbury road. + I say, Pen, don't take on because you are plucked. It's nothing when you + are used to it. I've been plucked three times, old boy—and after the + first time I didn't care. Glad it's over, though. You'll have better luck + next time.” + </p> + <p> + Pen looked at his early acquaintance,—who had been plucked, who had + been rusticated, who had only, after repeated failures, learned to read + and write correctly, and who, in spite of all these drawbacks, had + attained the honour of a degree. “This man has passed,” he thought, “and I + have failed!” It was almost too much for him to bear. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Spavin,” said he; “I'm very glad you are through. Don't let me + keep you; I'm in a hurry—I'm going to town to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Gammon,” said Mr. Spavin. “This ain't the way to town; this is the + Fenbury road, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “I was just going to turn back,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “All the coaches are full with the men going down,” Spavin said. Pen + winced. “You'd not get a place for a ten-pound note. Get into my yellow; + I'll drop you at Mudford, where you have a chance of the Fenbury mail. + I'll lend you a hat and a coat; I've got lots. Come along; jump in, old + boy—go it, leathers!”—and in this way Pen found himself in Mr. + Spavin's postchaise, and rode with that gentleman as far as the Ram Inn at + Mudford, fifteen miles from Oxbridge; where the Fenbury mail changed + horses, and where Pen got a place on to London. + </p> + <p> + The next day there was an immense excitement in Boniface College, + Oxbridge, where, for some time, a rumour prevailed, to the terror of Pen's + tutor and tradesmen, that Pendennis, maddened at losing his degree, had + made away with himself—a battered cap, in which his name was almost + discernible, together with a seal bearing his crest of an eagle looking at + a now extinct sun, had been found three miles on the Fenbury road, near a + mill-stream, and, for four-and-twenty hours, it was supposed that poor Pen + had flung himself into the stream, until letters arrived from him, bearing + the London post-mark. + </p> + <p> + The mail reached London at the dreary hour of five; and he hastened to the + inn at Covent Garden, at which he was accustomed to put up, where the + ever-wakeful porter admitted him, and showed him to a bed. Pen looked hard + at the man, and wondered whether Boots knew he was plucked? When in bed he + could not sleep there. He tossed about until the appearance of the dismal + London daylight, when he sprang up desperately, and walked off to his + uncle's lodgings in Bury Street; where the maid, who was scouring the + steps, looked up suspiciously at him, as he came with an unshaven face, + and yesterday's linen. He thought she knew of his mishap, too. + </p> + <p> + “Good 'evens! Mr. Harthur, what as 'appened, sir?” Mr. Morgan, the valet, + asked, who had just arranged the well-brushed clothes and shiny boots at + the door of his master's bedroom, and was carrying in his wig to the + Major. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see my uncle,” he cried, in a ghastly voice, and flung himself + down on a chair. + </p> + <p> + Morgan backed before the pale and desperate-looking young man, with + terrified and wondering glances, and disappeared in his master's + apartment. + </p> + <p> + The Major put his head out of the bedroom door, as soon as he had his wig + on. + </p> + <p> + “What? examination over? Senior Wrangler, double First Class, hay? said + the old gentleman—I'll come directly;” and the head disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “They don't know what has happened,” groaned Pen; “what will they say when + they know all?” + </p> + <p> + Pen had been standing with his back to the window, and to such a dubious + light as Bury Street enjoys of a foggy January morning, so that his uncle + could not see the expression of the young man's countenance, or the looks + of gloom and despair which even Mr. Morgan had remarked. + </p> + <p> + But when the Major came out of his dressing-room neat and radiant, and + preceded by faint odours from Delcroix's shop, from which emporium Major + Pendennis's wig and his pocket-handkerchief got their perfume, he held out + one of his hands to Pen, and was about addressing him in his cheery + high-toned voice, when he caught sight of the boy's face at length, and + dropping his hand, said, “Good God! Pen, what's the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “You'll see it in the papers at breakfast, sir,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “See what?” + </p> + <p> + “My name isn't there, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang it, why should it be?” asked the Major, more perplexed. + </p> + <p> + “I have lost everything, sir,” Pen groaned out; “my honour's gone; I'm + ruined irretrievably; I can't go back to Oxbridge.” + </p> + <p> + “Lost your honour?” screamed out the Major. “Heaven alive! you don't mean + to say you have shown the white feather?” + </p> + <p> + Pen laughed bitterly at the word feather, and repeated it. “No, it isn't + that, sir. I'm not afraid of being shot; I wish to God anybody would. I + have not got my degree. I—I'm plucked, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The Major had heard of plucking, but in a very vague and cursory way, and + concluded that it was some ceremony performed corporally upon rebellious + university youth. “I wonder you can look me in the face after such a + disgrace, sir,” he said; “I wonder you submitted to it as a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't help it, sir. I did my classical papers well enough: it was + those infernal mathematics, which I have always neglected.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it—was it done in public, sir?” the Major said. + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “The—the plucking?” asked the guardian, looking Pen anxiously in the + face. + </p> + <p> + Pen perceived the error under which his guardian was labouring, and in the + midst of his misery the blunder caused the poor wretch a faint smile, and + served to bring down the conversation from the tragedy-key, in which Pen + had been disposed to carry it on. He explained to his uncle that he had + gone in to pass his examination, and failed. On which the Major said, that + though he had expected far better things of his nephew, there was no great + misfortune in this, and no dishonour as far as he saw, and that Pen must + try again. + </p> + <p> + “Me again at Oxbridge,” Pen thought, “after such a humiliation as that!” + He felt that, except he went down to burn the place, he could not enter + it. + </p> + <p> + But it was when he came to tell his uncle of his debts that the other felt + surprise and anger most keenly, and broke out in speeches most severe upon + Pen, which the lad bore, as best might, without flinching. He had + determined to make a clean breast, and had formed a full, true, and + complete list of all his bills and liabilities at the university, and in + London. They consisted of various items, such as: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + London Tailor. Oxbridge do. + Oxbridge do. Bill for horses. + Haberdasher, for shirts and gloves. Printseller. + Jeweller. Books. + College Cook. Binding. + Grump, for desserts. Hairdresser and Perfumery. + Bootmaker. Hotel bill in London. + Wine Merchant in London. Sundries. +</pre> + <p> + All which items the reader may fill in at his pleasure—such accounts + have been inspected by the parents of many university youth,—and it + appeared that Mr. Pen's bills in all amounted to about seven hundred + pounds; and, furthermore, it was calculated that he had had more than + twice that sum of ready money during his stay at Oxbridge. This sum he had + spent, and for it had to show—what? + </p> + <p> + “You need not press a man who is down, sir,” Pen said to his uncle, + gloomily. “I know very well, sir, how wicked and idle I have been. My + mother won't like to see me dishonoured, sir,” he continued, with his + voice failing; “and I know she will pay these accounts. But I shall ask + her for no more money.” + </p> + <p> + “As you like, sir,” the Major said. “You are of age, and my hands are + washed of your affairs. But you can't live without money, and have no + means of making it that I see, though you have a fine talent in spending + it, and it is my belief that you will proceed as you have begun, and ruin + your mother before you are five years older.—Good morning; it is + time for me to go to breakfast. My engagements won't permit me to see you + much during the time that you stay in London. I presume that you will + acquaint your mother with the news which you have just conveyed to me.” + </p> + <p> + And pulling on his hat, and trembling in his limbs somewhat, Major + Pendennis walked out of his lodgings before his nephew, and went ruefully + off to take his accustomed corner at the Club. He saw the Oxbridge + examination-lists in the morning papers, and read over the names, not + understanding the business, with mournful accuracy. He consulted various + old fogies of his acquaintance, in the course of the day, at his Clubs; + Wenham, a Dean, various Civilians; and, as it is called, “took their + opinion,” showing to some of them the amount of his nephew's debts, which + he had dotted down on the back of a card, and asking what was to be done, + and whether such debts were not monstrous, preposterous? What was to be + done?—There was nothing for it but to pay. Wenham and the others + told the Major of young men who owed twice as much—five times as + much—as Arthur, and with no means at all to pay. The consultations, + and calculations, and opinions, comforted the Major somewhat. After all, + he was not to pay. + </p> + <p> + But he thought bitterly of the many plans he had formed to make a man of + his nephew, of the sacrifices which he had made, and of the manner in + which he was disappointed. And he wrote off a letter to Doctor Portman, + informing him of the direful events which had taken place, and begging the + Doctor to break them to Helen. For the orthodox old gentleman preserved + the regular routine in all things, and was of opinion that it was more + correct to “break” a piece of bad news to a person by means of a (possibly + maladroit and unfeeling) messenger, than to convey it simply to its + destination by a note. So the Major wrote to Doctor Portman, and then went + out to dinner, one of the saddest men in any London dining-room that day. + </p> + <p> + Pen, too, wrote his letter, and skulked about London streets for the rest + of the day, fancying that everybody was looking at him and whispering to + his neighbour, “That is Pendennis of Boniface, who was plucked yesterday.” + His letter to his mother was full of tenderness and remorse: he wept the + bitterest tears over it—and the repentance and passion soothed him + to some degree. + </p> + <p> + He saw a party of roaring young blades from Oxbridge in the coffee-room of + his hotel, and slunk away from them, and paced the streets. He remembers, + he says, the prints which he saw hanging up at Ackermann's window in the + rain, and a book which he read at a stall near the Temple: at night he + went to the pit of the play, and saw Miss Fotheringay, but he doesn't in + the least recollect in what piece. + </p> + <p> + On the second day there came a kind letter from his tutor, containing many + grave and appropriate remarks upon the event which had befallen him, but + strongly urging Pen not to take his name off the university books, and to + retrieve a disaster which, everybody knew, was owing to his own + carelessness alone, and which he might repair by a month's application. He + said he had ordered Pen's skip to pack up some trunks of the young + gentleman's wardrobe, which duly arrived with fresh copies of all Pen's + bills laid on the top. + </p> + <p> + On the third day there arrived a letter from home; which Pen read in his + bedroom, and the result of which was that he fell down on his knees with + his head in the bedclothes, and then prayed out his heart and humbled + himself; and having gone downstairs and eaten an immense breakfast he + sallied forth and took his place at the Bull and Mouth, Piccadilly, by the + Chatteris coach for that evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. Prodigal's Return + </h2> + <p> + Such a letter as the Major wrote of course, sent Doctor Portman to + Fairoaks, and he went off with that alacrity which a good man shows when + he has disagreeable news to communicate. He wishes the deed were done, and done + quickly. He is sorry, but que voulez-vous? the tooth must be taken out, + and he has you in the chair, and it is surprising with what courage and + vigour of wrist he applies the forceps. Perhaps he would not be quite so + active or eager if it were his tooth; but, in fine, it is your duty to + have it out. So the doctor, having read the epistle out to Myra and Mrs. + Portman, with many damnatory comments upon the young scapegrace who was + going deeper and deeper into perdition, left those ladies to spread the + news through the Clavering society, which they did with their accustomed + accuracy and despatch, and strode over to Fairoaks to break the + intelligence to the widow. + </p> + <p> + She had the news already. She had read Pen's letter, and it had relieved + her somehow. A gloomy presentiment of evil had been hanging over her for + many, many months past. She knew the worst now, and her darling boy was + come back to her repentant and tender-hearted. Did she want more? All that + the Rector could say (and his remarks were both dictated by common-sense, + and made respectable by antiquity) could not bring Helen to feel any + indignation or particular unhappiness, except that the boy should be + unhappy. What was this degree that they made such an outcry about, and + what good would it do Pen? Why did Doctor Portman and his uncle insist + upon sending the boy to a place where there was so much temptation to be + risked, and so little good to be won? Why didn't they leave him at home + with his mother? As for his debts, of course they must be paid;—his + debts!—wasn't his father's money all his, and hadn't he a right to + spend it? In this way the widow met the virtuous Doctor, and all the + arrows of his indignation somehow took no effect upon her gentle bosom. + </p> + <p> + For some time past, an agreeable practice, known since times ever so + ancient, by which brothers and sisters are wont to exhibit their affection + towards one another, and in which Pen and his little sister Laura had been + accustomed to indulge pretty frequently in their childish days, had been + given up by the mutual consent of those two individuals. Coming back from + college after an absence from home of some months, in place of the simple + girl whom he had left behind him, Mr. Arthur found a tall, slim, handsome + young lady, to whom he could not somehow proffer the kiss which he had + been in the habit of administering previously, and who received him with a + gracious curtsey and a proffered hand, and with a great blush which rose + up to the cheek, just upon the very spot which young Pen had been used to + salute. + </p> + <p> + I am not good at descriptions of female beauty; and, indeed, do not care + for it in the least (thinking that goodness and virtue are, of course, far + more advantageous to a young lady than any mere fleeting charms of person + and face), and so shall not attempt any particular delineation of Miss + Laura Bell at the age of sixteen years. At that age she had attained her + present altitude of five feet four inches, so that she was called tall and + gawky by some, and a Maypole by others, of her own sex, who prefer littler + women. But if she was a Maypole, she had beautiful roses about her head, + and it is a fact that many swains were disposed to dance round her. She + was ordinarily pale, with a faint rose tinge in her cheeks; but they + flushed up in a minute when occasion called, and continued so blushing + ever so long, the roses remaining after the emotion had passed away which + had summoned those pretty flowers into existence. Her eyes have been + described as very large from her earliest childhood, and retained that + characteristic in later life. Good-natured critics (always females) said + that she was in the habit of making play with those eyes, and ogling the + gentlemen and ladies in her company; but the fact is, that Nature had made + them so to shine and to look, and they could no more help so looking and + shining than one star can help being brighter than another. It was + doubtless to mitigate their brightness that Miss Laura's eyes were + provided with two pairs of veils in the shape of the longest and finest + black eyelashes, so that, when she closed her eyes, the same people who + found fault with those orbs, said that she wanted to show her eyelashes + off; and, indeed, I daresay that to see her asleep would have been a + pretty sight. + </p> + <p> + As for her complexion, that was nearly as brilliant as Lady Mantrap's, and + without the powder which her ladyship uses. Her nose must be left to the + reader's imaginaton: if her mouth was rather large (as Miss Piminy avers, + who, but for her known appetite, one would think could not swallow + anything larger than a button) everybody allowed that her smile was + charming, and showed off a set of pearly teeth, whilst her voice was so + low and sweet, that to hear it was like listening to sweet music. Because + she is in the habit of wearing very long dresses, people of course say + that her feet are not small: but it may be that they are of the size + becoming her figure, and it does not follow, because Mrs. Pincher is + always putting her foot out, that all other ladies should be perpetually + bringing theirs on the tapis. In fine, Miss Laura Bell at the age of + sixteen, was a sweet young lady. Many thousands of such are to be found, + let us hope, in this country where there is no lack of goodness, and + modesty, and purity, and beauty. + </p> + <p> + Now Miss Laura, since she had learned to think for herself (and in the + past two years her mind and her person had both developed themselves + considerably) had only been half pleased with Pen's general conduct and + bearing. His letters to his mother at home had become of late very rare + and short. It was in vain that the fond widow urged how constant Arthur's + occupations and studies were and how many his engagements. “It is better + that he should lose a prize” Laura said “than forget his mother; and + indeed, mamma, I don't see that he gets many prizes. Why doesn't he come + home and stay with you, instead of passing his vacations at his great + friends' fine houses? There is nobody there will love him half so much as—as + you do.” “As I do only, Laura?” sighed out Mrs. Pendennis. Laura declared + stoutly that she did not love Pen a bit, when he did not do his duty to + his mother nor would she be convinced by any of Helen's fond arguments, + that the boy must make his way in the world; that his uncle was most + desirous that Pen should cultivate the acquaintance of persons who were + likely to befriend him in life; that men had a thousand ties and calls + which women could not understand, and so forth. Perhaps Helen no more + believed in these excuses than her adopted daughter did; but she tried to + believe that she believed them, and comforted herself with the maternal + infatuation. And that is a point whereon I suppose many a gentleman has + reflected, that, do what we will, we are pretty sure of the woman's love + that once has been ours; and that that untiring tenderness and forgiveness + never fail us. + </p> + <p> + Also, there had been that freedom, not to say audacity, in Arthur's latter + talk and ways, which had shocked and displeased Laura. Not that he ever + offended her by rudeness, or addressed to her a word which she ought not + to hear, for Mr. Pen was a gentleman, and by nature and education polite + to every woman high and low; but he spoke lightly and laxly of women in + general; was less courteous in his actions than in his words—neglectful + in sundry ways, and in many of the little offices of life. It offended + Miss Laura that he should smoke his horrid pipes in the house; that he + should refuse to go to church with his mother, or on walks or visits with + her, and be found yawning over his novel in his dressing-gown, when the + gentle widow returned from those duties. The hero of Laura's early + infancy, about whom she had passed so many, many nights talking with Helen + (who recited endless stories of the boy's virtues, and love, and bravery, + when he was away at school), was a very different person from the young + man whom now she knew; bold and brilliant, sarcastic and defiant, seeming + to scorn the simple occupations or pleasures, or even devotions, of the + women with whom he lived, and whom he quitted on such light pretexts. + </p> + <p> + The Fotheringay affair, too, when Laura came to hear of it (which she did + first by some sarcastic allusions of Major Pendennis, when on a visit to + Fairoaks, and then from their neighbours at Clavering, who had plenty of + information to give her on this head), vastly shocked and outraged Miss + Laura. A Pendennis fling himself away on such a woman as that! Helen's boy + galloping away from home, day after day, to fall on his knees to an + actress, and drink with her horrid father! A good son want to bring such a + man and such a woman into his house, and set her over his mother! “I would + have run away, mamma; I would, if I had had to walk barefoot through the + snow,” Laura said. + </p> + <p> + “And you would have left me too, then?” Helen answered; on which, of + course, Laura withdrew her previous observation, and the two women rushed + into each other's embraces with that warmth which belonged to both their + natures, and which characterises not a few of their sex. Whence came all + the indignation of Miss Laura about Arthur's passion? + Perhaps she did not know, that, if men throw themselves away upon women, + women throw themselves away upon men, too; and that there is no more + accounting for love, than for any other physical liking or antipathy: + perhaps she had been misinformed by the Clavering people and old Mrs. + Portman, who was vastly bitter against Pen, especially since his + impertinent behaviour to the Doctor and since the wretch had smoked cigars + in church-time: perhaps, finally, she was jealous; but this is a vice in + which it is said the ladies very seldom indulge. + </p> + <p> + Albeit she was angry with Pen, against his mother she had no such feeling; + but devoted herself to Helen with the utmost force of her girlish + affection—such affection as women, whose hearts are disengaged, are + apt to bestow upon the near female friend. It was devotion—it was + passion—it was all sorts of fondness and folly; it was a profusion + of caresses, tender epithets and endearments, such as it does not become + sober historians with beards to narrate. Do not let us men despise these + instincts because we cannot feel them. These women were made for our + comfort and delectation, gentlemen,—with all the rest of the minor + animals. + </p> + <p> + But as soon as Miss Laura heard that Pen was unfortunate and unhappy, all + her wrath against him straightway vanished, and gave place to the most + tender and unreasonable compassion. He was the Pen of old days once more + restored to her, the frank and affectionate, the generous and + tender-hearted. She at once took side with Helen against Doctor Portman, + when he outcried at the enormity of Pen's transgressions. Debts? what were + his debts? they were a trifle; he had been thrown into expensive society + by his uncle's order, and of course was obliged to live in the same manner + as the young gentlemen whose company he frequented. Disgraced by not + getting his degree? the poor boy was ill when he went in for the + examinations: he couldn't think of his mathematics and stuff on account of + those very debts which oppressed him; very likely some of the odious + tutors and masters were jealous of him, and had favourites of their own + whom they wanted to put over his head. Other people disliked him, and were + cruel to him, and were unfair to him, she was very sure. And so, with + flushing cheeks and eyes bright with anger, this young creature reasoned; + and she went up and seized Helen's hand, and kissed her in the Doctor's + presence, and her looks braved the Doctor, and seemed to ask how he dared + to say a word against her darling mother's Pen? + </p> + <p> + When that divine took his leave, not a little discomfited and amazed at + the pertinacious obstinacy of the women, Laura repeated her embraces and + arguments with tenfold fervour to Helen, who felt that there was a great + deal of cogency in most of the latter. There must be some jealousy against + Pen. She felt quite sure that he had offended some of the examiners, who + had taken a mean revenge of him—nothing more likely. Altogether, the + announcement of the misfortune vexed these two ladies very little indeed. + Pen, who was plunged in his shame and grief in London, and torn with great + remorse for thinking of his mother's sorrow, would have wondered, had he + seen how easily she bore the calamity. Indeed, calamity is welcome to + women if they think it will bring truant affection home again: and if you + have reduced your mistress to a crust, depend upon it that she won't + repine, and only take a very little bit of it for herself, provided you + will eat the remainder in her company. + </p> + <p> + And directly the Doctor was gone, Laura ordered fires to be lighted in Mr. + Arthur's rooms, and his bedding to be aired; and had these preparations + completed by the time Helen had finished a most tender and affectionate + letter to Pen: when the girl, smiling fondly, took her mamma by the hand, + and led her into those apartments where the fires were blazing so + cheerfully, and there the two kind creatures sate down on the bed, and + talked about Pen ever so long. Laura added a postscript to Helen's letter, + in which she called him her dearest Pen, and bade him come home instantly, + with two of the handsomest dashes under the word, and be happy with his + mother and his affectionate sister Laura. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the night—as these two ladies, after reading their + bibles a great deal during the evening, and after taking just a look into + Pen's room as they passed to their own—in the middle of the night, I + say, Laura, whose head not unfrequently chose to occupy that pillow which + the nightcap of the late Pendennis had been accustomed to press, cried out + suddenly, “Mamma, are you awake?” + </p> + <p> + Helen stirred and said, “Yes, I'm awake.” The truth is, though she had + been lying quite still and silent, she had not been asleep one instant, + but had been looking at the night-lamp in the chimney, and had been + thinking of Pen for hours and hours. + </p> + <p> + Then Miss Laura (who had been acting with similar hypocrisy, and lying, + occupied with her own thoughts, as motionless as Helen's brooch, with + Pen's and Laura's hair in it, on the frilled white pincushion on the + dressing-table) began to tell Mrs. Pendennis of a notable plan which she + had been forming in her busy little brains; and by which all Pen's + embarrassments would be made to vanish in a moment, and without the least + trouble to anybody. + </p> + <p> + “You know, mamma,” this young lady said, “that I have been living with you + for ten years, during which time you have never taken any of my money, and + have been treating me just as if I was a charity girl. Now, this + obligation has offended me very much, because I am proud and do not like + to be beholden to people. And as, if I had gone to school—only I + wouldn't—it must have cost me at least fifty pounds a year, it is + clear that I owe you fifty times ten pounds, which I know you have put in + the bank at Chatteris for me, and which doesn't belong to me a bit. Now, + to-morrow we will go to Chatteris, and see that nice old Mr. Rowdy, with + the bald head, and ask him for it,—not for his head, but for the + five hundred pounds: and I dare say he will send you two more, which we + will save and pay back; and we will send the money to Pen, who can pay all + his debts without hurting anybody and then we will live happy ever after.” + </p> + <p> + What Helen replied to this speech need not be repeated, as the widow's + answer was made up of a great number of incoherent ejaculations, embraces, + and other irrelative matter. But the two women slept well after that talk; + and when the night-lamp went out with a splutter, and the sun rose + gloriously over the purple hills, and the birds began to sing and pipe + cheerfully amidst the leafless trees and glistening evergreens on Fairoaks + lawn, Helen woke too, and as she looked at the sweet face of the girl + sleeping beside her, her lips parted with a smile, blushes on her cheeks, + her spotless bosom heaving and falling with gentle undulations, as if + happy dreams were sweeping over it—Pen's mother felt happy and + grateful beyond all power of words, save such as pious women offer up to + the Beneficent Dispenser of love and mercy—in Whose honour a chorus + of such praises is constantly rising up all round the world. + </p> + <p> + Although it was January and rather cold weather, so sincere was Mr. Pen's + remorse, and so determined his plans of economy, that he would not take an + inside place in the coach, but sate up behind with his friend the Guard, + who remembered his former liberality, and lent him plenty of great-coats. + Perhaps it was the cold that made his knees tremble as he got down at the + lodge-gate, or it may be that he was agitated at the notion of seeing the + kind creature for whose love he had made so selfish a return. Old John was + in waiting to receive his master's baggage, but he appeared in a fustian + jacket, and no longer wore his livery of drab and blue. “I'se garner and + stable man, and lives in the ladge now,” this worthy man remarked, with a + grin of welcome to Pen, and something of a blush; but instantly as Pen + turned the corner of the shrubbery and was out of eye-shot of the coach, + Helen made her appearance, her face beaming with love and forgiveness—for + forgiving is what some women love best of all. + </p> + <p> + We may be sure that the widow, having a certain other object in view, had + lost no time in writing off to Pen an account of the noble, the + magnanimous, the magnificent offer of Laura, filling up her letter with a + profusion of benedictions upon both her children. It was probably the + knowledge of this money-obligation which caused Pen to blush very much + when he saw Laura, who was in waiting in the hall, and who this time, and + for this time only, broke through the little arrangement of which we have + spoken, as having subsisted between her and Arthur for the last few years; + but the truth is, there has been a great deal too much said about kissing + in the present chapter. + </p> + <p> + So the Prodigal came home, and the fatted calf was killed for him, and he + was made as happy as two simple women could make him. No allusions were + made to the Oxbridge mishap, or questions asked as to his farther + proceedings, for some time. But Pen debated these anxiously in his own + mind, and up in his own room, where he passed much time in cogitation. + </p> + <p> + A few days after he came home, he rode to Chatteris on his horse, and came + back on the top of the coach. He then informed his mother that he had left + the horse to be sold; and when that operation was effected, he handed her + over the cheque, which she, and possibly Pen himself, thought was an act + of uncommon virtue and self-denial, but which Laura pronounced to be only + strict justice. + </p> + <p> + He rarely mentioned the loan which she had made, and which, indeed, had + been accepted by the widow with certain modifications; but once or twice, + and with great hesitation and stammering, he alluded to it, and thanked + her; but it evidently pained his vanity to be beholden to the orphan for + succour. He was wild to find some means of repaying her. + </p> + <p> + He left off drinking wine, and betook himself, but with great moderation, + to the refreshment of whisky-and-water. He gave up cigar-smoking; but it + must be confessed that of late years he had liked pipes and tobacco as + well or even better, so that this sacrifice was not a very severe one. + </p> + <p> + He fell asleep a great deal after dinner when he joined the ladies in the + drawing-room, and was certainly very moody and melancholy. He watched the + coaches with great interest, walked in to read the papers at Clavering + assiduously, dined with anybody who would ask him (and the widow was glad + that he should have any entertainment in their solitary place), and played + a good deal at cribbage with Captain Glanders. + </p> + <p> + He avoided Dr. Portman, who, in his turn, whenever Pen passed, gave him + very severe looks from under his shovel-hat. He went to church with his + mother, however, very regularly, and read prayers for her at home to the + little household. Always humble, it was greatly diminished now: a couple + of maids did the work of the house of Fairoaks: the silver dish-covers + never saw the light at all. + </p> + <p> + John put on his livery to go to church, and assert his dignity on Sundays, + but it was only for form's sake. He was gardener and out-door man, vice + Upton, resigned. There was but little fire in Fairoaks kitchen, and John + and the maids drank their evening beer there by the light, of a single + candle. All this was Mr. Pen's doing, and the state of things did not + increase his cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + For some time Pen said no power on earth could induce him to go back to + Oxbridge again, after his failure there; but one day Laura said to him, + with many blushes, that she thought, as some sort of reparation, of + punishment on himself for his—for his idleness, he ought to go back + and get his degree, if he could fetch it by doing so; and so back Mr. Pen + went. + </p> + <p> + A plucked man is a dismal being in a university; belonging to no set of + men there, and owned by no one. Pen felt himself plucked indeed of all the + fine feathers which he had won during his brilliant years, and rarely + appeared out of his college; regularly going to morning chapel, and + shutting himself up in his rooms of nights, away from the noise and + suppers of the undergraduates. There were no duns about his door, they + were all paid—scarcely any cards were left there. The men of his + year had taken their degrees, and were gone. He went into a second + examination, and passed with perfect ease. He was somewhat more easy in + his mind when he appeared in his bachelor's gown. + </p> + <p> + On his way back from Oxbridge he paid a visit to his uncle in London; but + the old gentleman received him with very cold looks, and would scarcely + give him his forefinger to shake. He called a second time, but Morgan, the + valet, said his master was from home. + </p> + <p> + Pen came back to Fairoaks, and to his books and to his idleness, and + loneliness and despair. He commenced several tragedies, and wrote many + copies of verses of a gloomy cast. He formed plans of reading and broke + them. He thought about enlisting—about the Spanish legion—about + a profession. He chafed against his captivity, and cursed the idleness + which had caused it. Helen said he was breaking his heart, and was sad to + see his prostration. As soon as they could afford it, he should go abroad—he + should go to London—he should be freed from the dull society of two + poor women. It was dull—very, certainly. The tender widow's habitual + melancholy seemed to deepen into a sadder gloom; and Laura saw with alarm + that the dear friend became every year more languid and weary, and that + her pale cheek grew more wan. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. New Faces + </h2> + <p> + The inmates of Fairoaks were drowsily pursuing this humdrum existence, + while the great house upon the hill, on the other side of the River Brawl, + was shaking off the slumber in which it had lain during the lives of two + generations of masters, and giving extraordinary signs of renewed + liveliness. + </p> + <p> + Just about the time of Pen's little mishap, and when he was so absorbed in + the grief occasioned by that calamity as to take no notice of events which + befell persons less interesting to himself than Arthur Pendennis, an + announcement appeared in the provincial journals which caused no small + sensation in the county at least, and in all the towns, villages, halls + and mansions, and parsonages for many miles round Clavering Park. At + Clavering Market; at Cackleby Fair; at Chatteris Sessions; on Gooseberry + Green, as the squire's carriage met the vicar's one-horse contrivance, and + the inmates of both vehicles stopped on the road to talk; at Tinkleton + Church gate, as the bell was tolling in the sunshine, and the white smocks + and scarlet cloaks came trooping over the green common, to Sunday worship; + in a hundred societies round about—the word was, that Clavering Park + was to be inhabited again. + </p> + <p> + Some five years before, the county papers had advertised the marriage at + Florence, at the British Legation, of Francis Clavering, Esq., only son of + Sir Francis Clavering, Bart., of Clavering Park, with Jemima Augusta, + daughter of Samuel Snell, of Calcutta, Esq., and widow of the late J. + Amory, Esq. At that time the legend in the county was that Clavering, who + had been ruined for many a year, had married a widow from India with some + money. Some of the county folks caught a sight of the newly-married pair. + The Kickleburys, travelling in Italy, had seen them. Clavering occupied + the Poggi Palace at Florence, gave parties, and lived comfortably—but + could never come to England. Another year—young Peregrine, of + Cackleby, making a Long Vacation tour, had fallen in with the Claverings + occupying Schloss Schinkenstein, on the Mummel See. At Rome, at Lucca, at + Nice, at the baths and gambling places of the Rhine and Belgium, this + worthy couple might occasionally be heard of by the curious, and rumours + of them came, as it were by gusts, to Clavering's ancestral place. + </p> + <p> + Their last place of abode was Paris, where they appear to have lived in + great fashion and splendour after the news of the death of Samuel Snell, + Esq., of Calcutta, reached his orphan daughter in Europe. + </p> + <p> + Of Sir Francis Clavering's antecedents little can be said that would be + advantageous to that respected baronet. The son of an outlaw, living in a + dismal old chateau near Bruges, this gentleman had made a feeble attempt + to start in life with a commission in a dragoon regiment, and had broken + down almost at the outset. Transactions at the gambling-table had speedily + effected his ruin; after a couple of years in the army he had been forced + to sell out, had passed some time in Her Majesty's prison of the Fleet, + and had then shipped over to Ostend to join the gouty exile, his father. + And in Belgium, France and Germany, for some years, this decayed and + abortive prodigal might be seen lurking about billiard-rooms and + watering-places, punting at gambling-houses, dancing at boarding-house + balls, and riding steeple-chases on other folks' horses. + </p> + <p> + It was at a boarding-house at Lausanne that Francis Clavering made what he + called the lucky coup of marrying the widow Amory, very lately returned + from Calcutta. His father died soon after, by consequence of whose demise + his wife became Lady Clavering. The title so delighted Mr. Snell of + Calcutta, that he doubled his daughter's allowance; and dying himself soon + after, left a fortune to her and her children the amount of which was, if + not magnified by rumour, something very splendid indeed. + </p> + <p> + Before this time there had been, not rumours unfavourable to Lady + Clavering's reputation, but unpleasant impressions regarding her ladyship. + The best English people abroad were shy of making her acquaintance; her + manners were not the most refined; her origin was lamentably low and + doubtful. The retired East Indians, who are to be found in considerable + force in most of the continental towns frequented by English, spoke with + much scorn of the disreputable old lawyer and indigo-smuggler her father, + and of Amory, her first husband, who had been mate of the Indiaman in + which Miss Snell came out to join her father at Calcutta. Neither father + nor daughter were in society at Calcutta, or had ever been heard of at + Government House. Old Sir Jasper Rogers, who had been Chief Justice of + Calcutta, had once said to his wife, that he could tell a queer story + about Lady Clavering's first husband; but greatly to Lady Rogers's + disappointment, and that of the young ladies his daughters, the old Judge + could never be got to reveal that mystery. + </p> + <p> + They were all, however, glad enough to go to Lady Clavering's parties, + when her ladyship took the Hotel Bouilli in the Rue Grenelle at Paris, and + blazed out in the polite world there in the winter of 183—. The + Faubourg St. Germain took her up. Viscount Bagwig, our excellent + ambassador, paid her marked attention. The princes of the family + frequented her salons. The most rigid and noted of the English ladies + resident in the French capital acknowledged and countenanced her; the + virtuous Lady Elderbury, the severe Lady Rockminster, the venerable + Countess of Southdown—people, in a word, renowned for austerity, and + of quite a dazzling moral purity:—so great and beneficent an + influence had the possession of ten (some said twenty) thousand a year + exercised upon Lady Clavering's character and reputation. And her + munificence and good-will were unbounded. Anybody (in society) who had a + scheme of charity was sure to find her purse open. The French ladies of + piety got money from her to support their schools and convents; she + subscribed indifferently for the Armenian patriarch; for Father + Barbarossa, who came to Europe to collect funds for his monastery on Mount + Athos; for the Baptist Mission to Quashyboo, and the Orthodox Settlement + in Feefawfoo, the largest and most savage of the Cannibal Islands. And it + is on record of her, that, on the same day on which Madame de Cricri got + five Napoleons from her in support of the poor persecuted Jesuits, who + were at that time in very bad odour in France, Lady Budelight put her down + in her subscription-list for the Rev. J. Ramshorn, who had had a vision + which ordered him to convert the Pope of Rome. And more than this, and for + the benefit of the worldly, her ladyship gave the best dinners, and the + grandest balls and suppers, which were known at Paris during that season. + </p> + <p> + And it was during this time, that the good-natured lady must have arranged + matters with her husband's creditors in England, for Sir Francis + reappeared in his native country, without fear of arrest; was announced in + the Morning Post, and the county paper, as having taken up his residence + at Mivart's Hotel; and one day the anxious old housekeeper at Clavering + House beheld a carriage and four horses drive up the long avenue, and stop + before the moss-grown steps in front of the vast melancholy portico. + </p> + <p> + Three gentlemen were in the carriage—an open one. On the back seat + was our old acquaintance, Mr. Tatham of Chatteris, whilst in the places of + honour sate a handsome and portly gentleman enveloped in mustachios, + whiskers, fur collars, and braiding, and by him a pale languid man who + descended feebly from the carriage, when the little lawyer, and the + gentleman in fur, nimbly jumped out of it. + </p> + <p> + They walked up the great moss-grown steps to the hall-door, and a foreign + attendant, with earrings and a gold-laced cap, pulled strenuously at the + great bell-handle at the cracked and sculptured gate. The bell was heard + clanging loudly through the vast gloomy mansion. Steps resounded presently + upon the marble pavement of the hall within; and the doors opened, and + finally Mrs. Blenkinsop, the housekeeper, Polly, her aide-de-camp, and + Smart, the keeper, appeared bowing humbly. + </p> + <p> + Smart, the keeper, pulled the wisp of hay-coloured hair which adorned his + sunburnt forehead, kicked out his left heel as if there were a dog biting + at his calves, and brought down his head to a bow. Old Mrs Blenkinsop + dropped a curtsey. Little Polly, her aide-de-camp, made a curtsey and + several rapid bows likewise; and Mrs. Blenkinsop, with a great deal of + emotion, quavered out, “Welcome to Clavering, Sir Francis. It du my poor + eyes good to see one of the family once more.” + </p> + <p> + The speech and the greetings were all addressed to the grand gentleman in + fur and braiding, who wore his hat so magnificently on one side, and + twirled his mustachios so royally. But he burst out laughing, and said, + “You've saddled the wrong horse, old lady—I'm not Sir Francis + Clavering what's come to revisit the halls of my ancestors. Friends and + vassals! behold your rightful lord!” + </p> + <p> + And he pointed his hand towards the pale, languid gentleman who said, + “Don't be an ass, Ned.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mrs. Blenkinsop, I'm Sir Francis Clavering; I recollect you quite + well. Forgot me, I suppose?—How dy do?” and he took the old lady's + trembling hand; and nodded in her astonished face, in a not unkind manner. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Blenkinsop declared upon her conscience that she would have known Sir + Francis anywhere, that he was the very image of Sir Francis, his father, + and of Sir John who had gone before. + </p> + <p> + “O yes—thanky—of course—very much obliged—and that + sort of thing,” Sir Francis said, looking vacantly about the hall “Dismal + old place, ain't it, Ned? Never saw it but once, when my governor + quarrelled with gwandfather in the year twenty-thwee. + </p> + <p> + “Dismal?—beautiful!—the Castle of Otranto!—the Mysteries + of Udolpho, by Jove!” said the individual addressed as Ned. “What a + fireplace! You might roast an elephant in it. Splendid carved gallery! + Inigo Jones, by Jove! I'd lay five to two it's Inigo Jones.” + </p> + <p> + “The upper part by Inigo Jones; the lower was altered by the eminent Dutch + architect, Vanderputty, in George the First his time, by Sir Richard, + fourth baronet,” said the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “O indeed,” said the Baronet “Gad, Ned, you know everything.” + </p> + <p> + “I know a few things, Frank,” Ned answered. “I know that's not a Snyders + over the mantelpiece—bet you three to one it's a copy. We'll restore + it, my boy. A lick of varnish, and it will come out wonderfully, sir. That + old fellow in the red gown, I suppose, is Sir Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “Sheriff of the county, and sate in parliament in the reign of Queen + Anne,” said the housekeeper, wondering at the stranger's knowledge; “that + on the right is Theodosia, wife of Harbottle, second baronet, by Lely, + represented in the character of Venus, the Goddess of Beauty,—her + son Gregory, the third baronet, by her side, as Cupid, God of Love, with a + bow and arrows; that on the next panel is Sir Rupert, made a knight + banneret by Charles the First, and whose property was confuscated by + Oliver Cromwell.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you—needn't go on, Mrs. Blenkinsop,” said the Baronet, “We'll + walk about the place ourselves. Frosch, give me a cigar. Have a cigar, Mr. + Tatham?” + </p> + <p> + Little Mr. Tatham tried a cigar which Sir Francis's courier handed to him, + and over which the lawyer spluttered fearfully. “Needn't come with us, + Mrs. Blenkinsop. What's—his—name—you—Smart—feed + the horses and wash their mouths. Shan't stay long. Come along, Strong,—I + know the way: I was here in twenty-thwee, at the end of my gwandfather's + time.” And Sir Francis and Captain Strong, for such was the style and + title of Sir Francis's friend, passed out of the hall into the + reception-rooms, leaving the discomfited Mrs. Blenkinsop to disappear by a + side-door which led to her apartments, now the only habitable rooms in the + long-uninhabited mansion. + </p> + <p> + It was a place so big that no tenant could afford to live in it; and Sir + Francis and his friend walked through room after room, admiring their + vastness and dreary and deserted grandeur. On the right of the hall-door + were the saloons and drawing-rooms, and on the other side the oak room, + the parlour, the grand dining-room, the library, where Pen had found books + in old days. Round three sides of the hall ran a gallery, by which, and + corresponding passages, the chief bedrooms were approached, and of which + many were of stately proportions and exhibited marks of splendour. On the + second story was a labyrinth of little discomfortable garrets, destined + for the attendants of the great folks who inhabited the mansion in the + days when it was first built: and I do not know any more cheering mark of + the increased philanthropy of our own times, than to contrast our domestic + architecture with that of our ancestors, and to see how much better + servants and poor are cared for now, than in times when my lord and my + lady slept under gold canopies, and their servants lay above them in + quarters not so airy or so clean as stables are now. + </p> + <p> + Up and down the house the two gentlemen wandered, the owner of the mansion + being very silent and resigned about the pleasure of possessing it; + whereas the Captain, his friend, examined the premises with so much + interest and eagerness that you would have thought he was the master, and + the other the indifferent spectator of the place. “I see capabilities in + it—capabilities in it, sir,” cried the Captain. “Gad, sir, leave it + to me, and I'll make it the pride of the country, at a small expense. What + a theatre we can have in the library here, the curtains between the + columns which divide the room! What a famous room for a galop!—it + will hold the whole shire. We'll hang the morning parlour with the + tapestry in your second salon in the Rue de Grenelle, and furnish the oak + room with the Moyen-age cabinets and the armour. Armour looks splendid + against black oak, and there's a Venice glass in the Quai Voltaire, which + will suit that high mantelpiece to an inch, sir. The long saloon, white + and crimson of course; the drawing-room yellow satin; and the little + drawing-room light blue, with lace over—hay?” + </p> + <p> + “I recollect my old governor caning me in that little room,” Sir Francis + said sententiously; “he always hated me, my old governor.” + </p> + <p> + “Chintz is the dodge, I suppose, for my lady's rooms—the suite in + the landing, to the south, the bedroom, the sitting-room, and the + dressing-room. We'll throw a conservatory out, over the balcony. Where + will you have your rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “Put mine in the north wing,” said the Baronet, with a yawn, “and out of + the reach of Miss Amory's confounded piano. I can't bear it. She's + scweeching from morning till night.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain burst out laughing. He settled the whole further arrangements + of the house in the course of their walk through it; and, the promenade + ended, they went into the steward's room, now inhabited by Mrs. + Blenkinsop, and where Mr. Tatham was sitting poring over a plan of the + estate, and the old housekeeper had prepared a collation in honour of her + lord and master. + </p> + <p> + Then they inspected the kitchen and stables, about both of which Sir + Francis was rather interested, and Captain Strong was for examining the + gardens; but the Baronet said, “D—— the gardens, and that sort + of thing!” and finally he drove away from the house as unconcernedly as he + had entered it; and that night the people of Clavering learned that Sir + Francis Clavering had paid a visit to the Park, and was coming to live in + the county. + </p> + <p> + When this fact came to be known at Chatteris, all the folks in the place + were set in commotion: High Church and Low Church, half-pay captains and + old maids and dowagers, sporting squireens of the viciniage, farmers, + tradesmen, and factory people—all the population in and round about + the little place. The news was brought to Fairoaks, and received by the + ladies there, and by Mr. Pen, with some excitement. “Mrs. Pybus says there + is a very pretty girl in the family, Arthur,” Laura said, who was as kind + and thoughtful upon this point as women generally are: “a Miss Amory, Lady + Clavering's daughter by her first marriage. Of course, you will fall in + love with her as soon as she arrives.” + </p> + <p> + Helen cried out, “Don't talk nonsense, Laura.” Pen laughed, and said, + “Well, there is the young Sir Francis for you.” + </p> + <p> + “He is but four years old,” Miss Laura replied. “But I shall console + myself with that handsome officer, Sir Francis's friend. He was at church + last Sunday, in the Clavering pew, and his mustachios were beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed the number of Sir Francis's family (whereof the members have all + been mentioned in the above paragraphs) was pretty soon known in his town, + and everything else, as nearly as human industry and ingenuity could + calculate, regarding his household. The Park avenue and grounds were + dotted now with town folks of the summer evenings, who made their way up + to the great house, peered about the premises, and criticised the + improvements which were taking place there. Loads upon loads of furniture + arrived in numberless vans from Chatteris and London; and numerous as the + vans are, there was not one but Captain Glanders knew what it contained, + and escorted the baggage up to the Park House. + </p> + <p> + He and Captain Edward Strong had formed an intimate acquaintance by this + time. The younger Captain occupied those very lodgings at Clavering, which + the peaceful Smirke had previously tenanted, and was deep in the good + graces of Madame Fribsby, his landlady; and of the whole town, indeed. The + Captain was splendid in person and raiment; fresh-coloured, blue-eyed, + black-whiskered, broad-chested, athletic—a slight tendency to + fulness did not take away from the comeliness of his jolly figure—a + braver soldier never presented a broader chest to the enemy. As he strode + down Clavering High Street, his hat on one side, his cane clanking on the + pavement, or waving round him in the execution of military cuts and + soldatesque manoeuvres—his jolly laughter ringing through the + otherwise silent street—he was as welcome as sunshine to the place, + and a comfort to every inhabitant in it. + </p> + <p> + On the first market-day he knew every pretty girl in the market: he joked + with all the women; had a word with the farmers about their stock, and + dined at the Agricultural Ordinary at the Clavering Arms, where he set + them all dying with laughing by his fun and jokes. “Tu be sure he be a + vine veller, tu be sure that he be,” was the universal opinion of the + gentlemen in top-boots. He shook hands with a score of them, as they rode + out of the inn-yard on their old nags, waving his hat to them splendidly + as he smoked his cigar in the inn-gate. In the course of the evening he + was free of the landlady's bar, knew what rent the landlord paid, how many + acres he farmed, how much malt he put in his strong beer; and whether he + ever ran in a little brandy unexcised by kings from Baymouth, or the + fishing villages along the coast. + </p> + <p> + He had tried to live at the great house first; but it was so dull he + couldn't stand it. “I am a creature born for society,” he told Captain + Glanders. “I'm down here to see Clavering's house set in order; for + between ourselves, Frank has no energy, sir, no energy; he's not the chest + for it, sir (and he threw out his own trunk as he spoke); but I must have + social intercourse. Old Mrs. Blenkinsop goes to bed at seven, and takes + Polly with her. There was nobody but me and the Ghost for the first two + nights at the great house, and I own it, sir, I like company. Most old + soldiers do.” + </p> + <p> + Glanders asked Strong where he had served? Captain Strong curled his + mustache, and said with a laugh, that the other might almost ask where he + had not served. “I began, sir, as cadet of Hungarian Uhlans, and when the + war of Greek independence broke out, quitted that service in consequence + of a quarrel with my governor, and was one of seven who escaped from + Missolonghi, and was blown up in one of Botzaris's fireships, at the age + of seventeen. I'll show you my Cross of the Redeemer, if you'll come over + to my lodgings and take a glass of grog with me, Captain, this evening. + I've a few of those baubles in my desk. I've the White Eagle of Poland; + Skrzynecki gave it me” (he pronounced Skrzynecki's name with wonderful + accuracy and gusto) “upon the field of Ostrolenka. I was a lieutenant of + the fourth regiment, sir, and we marched through Diebitsch's lines—bang + thro' 'em into Prussia, sir, without firing a shot. Ah, Captain, that was + a mismanaged business. I received this wound by the side of the King + before Oporto,—where he would have pounded the stock-jobbing + Pedroites, had Bourmont followed my advice; and I served in Spain with the + King's troops, until the death of my dear friend, Zumalacarreguy, when I + saw the game was over, and hung up my toasting iron, Captain. Alava + offered me a regiment, the Queen's Muleteros; but I couldn't—damme, + I couldn't—and now, sir, you know Ned Strong—the Chevalier + Strong they call me abroad—as well as he knows himself.” + </p> + <p> + In this way almost everybody in Clavering came to know Ned Strong. He told + Madame Fribsby, he told the landlord of the George, he told Baker at the + reading-rooms, he told Mrs. Glanders, and the young ones, at dinner: and, + finally, he told Mr. Arthur Pendennis, who, yawning into Clavering one + day, found the Chevalier Strong in company with Captain Glanders; and who + was delighted with his new acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Before many days were over, Captain Strong was as much at home in Helen's + drawing-room as he was in Madame Fribsby's first floor; and made the + lonely house very gay with his good-humour and ceaseless flow of talk. The + two women had never before seen such a man. He had a thousand stories + about battles and dangers to interest them—about Greek captives, + Polish beauties, and Spanish nuns. He could sing scores of songs, in half + a dozen languages, and would sit down to the piano and troll them off in a + rich manly voice. Both the ladies pronounced him to be delightful—and + so he was; though, indeed, they had not had much choice of man's society + as yet, having seen in the course of their lives but few persons, except + old Portman and the Major, and Mr. Pen, who was a genius, to be sure; but + then your geniuses are somewhat flat and moody at home. + </p> + <p> + And Captain Strong acquainted his new friends at Fairoaks, not only with + his own biography, but with the whole history of the family now coming to + Clavering. It was he who had made the marriage between his friend Frank + and the widow Amory. She wanted rank, and he wanted money. What match + could be more suitable? He organised it; he made those two people happy. + There was no particular romantic attachment between them; the widow was + not of an age or a person for romance, and Sir Francis, if he had his game + at billiards, and his dinner, cared for little besides. But they were as + happy as people could be. Clavering would return to his native place and + country, his wife's fortune would pay his encumbrances off, and his son + and heir would be one of the first men in the county. + </p> + <p> + “And Miss Amory?” Laura asked. Laura was uncommonly curious about Miss + Amory. + </p> + <p> + Strong laughed. “Oh, Miss Amory is a muse—Miss Amory is a mystery—Miss + Amory is a femme incomprise.” “What is that?” asked simple Mrs. Pendennis—but + the Chevalier gave her no answer: perhaps could not give her one. “Miss + Amory paints, Miss Amory writes poems, Miss Amory composes music, Miss + Amory rides like Diana Vernon. Miss Amory is a paragon, in a word.” + </p> + <p> + “I hate clever women,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Laura. For her part she was sure she should be charmed + with Miss Amory, and quite longed to have such a friend. And with this she + looked Pen full in the face, as if every word the little hypocrite said + was Gospel truth. + </p> + <p> + Thus, an intimacy was arranged and prepared beforehand between the + Fairoaks family and their wealthy neighbours at the Park; and Pen and + Laura were to the full as eager for their arrival, as even the most + curious of the Clavering folks. A Londoner, who sees fresh faces and yawns + at them every day may smile at the eagerness with which country people + expect a visitor. A cockney comes amongst them, and is remembered by his + rural entertainers for years after he has left them, and forgotten them + very likely—floated far away from them on the vast London sea. But + the islanders remember long after the mariner has sailed away, and can + tell you what he said and what he wore, and how he looked and how he + laughed. In fine, a new arrival is an event in the country not to be + understood by us, who don't, and had rather not, know who lives next door. + </p> + <p> + When the painters and upholsterers had done their work in the house, and + so beautified it, under Captain Strong's superintendence, that he might + well be proud of his taste, that gentleman announced that he should go to + London, where the whole family had arrived by this time, and should + speedily return to establish them in their renovated mansion. + </p> + <p> + Detachments of domestics preceded them. Carriages came down by sea, and + were brought over from Baymouth by horses which had previously arrived + under the care of grooms and coachmen. One day the 'Alacrity' coach + brought down on its roof two large and melancholy men, who were dropped at + the Park lodge with their trunks, and who were Messieurs Frederic and + James, metropolitan footmen, who had no objection to the country, and + brought with them state and other suits of the Clavering uniform. + </p> + <p> + On another day, the mail deposited at the gate a foreign gentleman, + adorned with many ringlets and chains. He made a great riot at the + lodge-gate to the keeper's wife (who, being a West-country woman, did not + understand his English or his Gascon French), because there was no + carriage in waiting to drive him to the house, a mile off, and because he + could not walk entire leagues in his fatigued state and varnished boots. + This was Monsieur Alcide Mirobolant, formerly Chef of his Highness the Duc + de Borodino, of his Eminence Cardinal Beccafico, and at present Chef of the + bouche of Sir Clavering, Baronet:—Monsieur Mirobolant's library, + pictures, and piano had arrived previously in charge of the intelligent + young Englishman, his aide-de-camp. He was, moreover, aided by a professed + female cook, likewise from London, who had inferior females under her + orders. + </p> + <p> + He did not dine in the steward's room, but took his nutriment in solitude + in his own apartments, where a female servant was affected to his private + use. It was a grand sight to behold him in his dressing-gown composing a + menu. He always sate down and played the piano for some time before that. + If interrupted, he remonstrated pathetically with his little maid. Every + great artist, he said, had need of solitude to perfectionate his works. + </p> + <p> + But we are advancing matters in the fulness of our love and respect for + Monsieur Mirobolant, and bringing him prematurely on the stage. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier Strong had a hand in the engagement of all the London + domestics, and, indeed, seemed to be the master of the house. There were + those among them who said he was the house-steward, only he dined with the + family. Howbeit, he knew how to make himself respected, and two of by no + means the least comfortable rooms of the house were assigned to his + particular use. + </p> + <p> + He was walking upon the terrace finally upon the eventful day when, amidst + an immense jangling of bells from Clavering Church, where the flag was + flying, an open carriage and one of those travelling chariots or family + arks, which only English philoprogenitiveness could invent, drove rapidly + with foaming horses through the Park gates, and up to the steps of the + Hall. The two battans of the sculptured door flew open. The superior + officers in black, the large and melancholy gentlemen, now in livery with + their hair in powder, the country menials engaged to aid them, were in + waiting in the hall, and bowed like elms when autumn winds wail in the + park. Through this avenue passed Sir Francis Clavering with a most unmoved + face: Lady Clavering, with a pair of bright black eyes, and a + good-humoured countenance, which waggled and nodded very graciously: + Master Francis Clavering, who was holding his mamma's skirt (and who + stopped the procession to look at the largest footman, whose appearance + seemed to strike the young gentleman), and Miss Blandy, governess to + Master Francis, and Miss Amory, her ladyship's daughter, giving her arm to + Captain Strong. It was summer, but fires of welcome were crackling in the + great hall chimney, and in the rooms which the family were to occupy. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur Mirobolant had looked at the procession from one of the + lime-trees in the avenue. “Elle est la,” he said, laying his jewelled hand + on his richly-embroidered velvet glass buttons, “Je t'ai vue, je te benis, + O ma sylphide, O mon ange!” and he dived into the thicket, and made his + way back to his furnaces and saucepans. + </p> + <p> + The next Sunday the same party which had just made its appearance at + Clavering Park, came and publicly took possession of the ancient pew in + the church, where so many of the Baronet's ancestors had prayed, and were + now kneeling in effigy. There was such a run to see the new folks, that + the Low Church was deserted, to the disgust of its pastor; and as the + state barouche, with the greys and coachman in silver wig, and solemn + footmen, drew up at the old churchyard-gate, there was such a crowd + assembled there as had not been seen for many a long day. Captain Strong + knew everybody, and saluted for all the company—the country people + vowed my lady was not handsome, to be sure, but pronounced her to be + uncommon fine dressed, as indeed she was—with the finest of shawls, + the finest of pelisses, the brilliantest of bonnets and wreaths, and a + power of rings, cameos, brooches, chains, bangles, and other nameless + gimcracks; and ribbons of every breadth and colour of the rainbow flaming + on her person. Miss Amory appeared meek in dove-colour, like a vestal + virgin—while Master Francis was in the costume, then prevalent, of + Rob Roy Macgregor, a celebrated Highland outlaw. The Baronet was not more + animated than ordinarily—there was a happy vacuity about him which + enabled him to face a dinner, a death, a church, a marriage, with the same + indifferent ease. + </p> + <p> + A pew for the Clavering servants was filled by these domestics, and the + enraptured congregation saw the gentlemen from London with “vlower on + their heeds,” and the miraculous coachman with his silver wig, take their + places in that pew so soon as his horses were put up at the Clavering + Arms. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the service, Master Francis began to make such a yelling + in the pew, that Frederic, the tallest of the footmen, was beckoned by his + master, and rose and went and carried out Master Francis, who roared and + beat him on the head, so that the powder flew round about, like clouds of + incense. Nor was he pacified until placed on the box of the carriage, + where he played at horses with John's whip. + </p> + <p> + “You see the little beggar's never been to church before, Miss Bell,” the + Baronet drawled out to a young lady who was visiting him; “no wonder he + should make a row: I don't go in town neither, but I think it's right in + the country to give a good example—and that sort of thing.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Bell laughed and said, “The little boy had not given a particularly + good example.” + </p> + <p> + “Gad, I don't know, and that sort of thing,” said the Baronet. “It ain't + so bad neither. Whenever he wants a thing, Frank always cwies, and + whenever he cwies he gets it.” + </p> + <p> + Here the child in question began to howl for a dish of sweetmeats on the + luncheon-table, and making a lunge across the table-cloth, upset a glass + of wine over the best waistcoat of one of the guests present, Mr. Arthur + Pendennis, who was greatly annoyed at being made to look foolish, and at + having his spotless cambric shirt front blotched with wine. + </p> + <p> + “We do spoil him so,” said Lady Clavering to Mrs. Pendennis, finally + gazing at the cherub, whose hands and face were now frothed over with the + species of lather which is inserted in the confection called meringues a + la creme. + </p> + <p> + “It is very wrong,” said Mrs. Pendennis, as if she had never done such a + thing herself as spoil a child. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma says she spoils my brother,—do you think anything could, Miss + Bell? Look at him,—isn't he like a little angel?” + </p> + <p> + “Gad, I was quite wight,” said the Baronet. “He has cwied, and he has got + it, you see. Go it, Fwank, old boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Francis is a very judicious parent,” Miss Amory whispered. Don't you + think so, Miss Bell? I shan't call you Miss Bell—I shall call you + Laura. I admired you so at church. Your robe was not well made, nor your + bonnet very fresh. But you have such beautiful grey eyes, and such a + lovely tint.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Miss Bell, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Your cousin is handsome, and thinks so. He is uneasy de sa personne. He + has not seen the world yet. Has he genius? Has he suffered? A lady, a + little woman in a rumpled satin and velvet shoes—a Miss Pybus—came + here, and said he has suffered. I, too, have suffered,—and you, + Laura, has your heart ever been touched?” + </p> + <p> + Laura said “No!” but perhaps blushed a little at the idea or the question, + so that the other said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah Laura! I see it all. It is the beau cousin. Tell me everything. I + already love you as a sister.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind,” said Miss Bell, smiling, “and—and it must be + owned that it is a very sudden attachment.” + </p> + <p> + “All attachments are so. It is electricity—spontaneity. It is + instantaneous. I knew I should love you from the moment I saw you. Do you + not feel it yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” said Laura; “but—I daresay I shall if I try.” + </p> + <p> + “Call me by my name, then.” + </p> + <p> + “But I don't know it,” Laura cried out. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Blanche—isn't it a pretty name? Call me by it.” + </p> + <p> + “Blanche—it is very pretty, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “And while mamma talks with that kind-looking lady—what relation is + she to you? She must have been pretty once, but is rather passee; she is + not well gantee, but she has a pretty hand—and while mamma talks to + her, come with me to my own room,—my own, own room. It's a darling + room, though that horrid creature, Captain Strong, did arrange it. Are you + eprise of him? He says you are, but I know better; it is the beau cousin. + Yes—il a de beaux yeux. Je n'aime pas les blonds, ordinairement. Car + je suis blonde moi—je suis Blanche et blonde,”—and she looked + at her face and made a moue in the glass; and never stopped for Laura's + answer to the questions which she had put. + </p> + <p> + Blanche was fair, and like a sylph. She had fair hair, with green + reflections in it. But she had dark eyebrows. She had long black + eyelashes, which veiled beautiful brown eyes. She had such a slim waist, + that it was a wonder to behold; and such a slim little feet, that you + would have thought the grass would hardly bend under them. Her lips were + of the colour of faint rosebuds, and her voice warbled limpidly over a set + of the sweetest little pearly teeth ever seen. She showed them very often, + for they were very pretty. She was very good-natured, and a smile not only + showed her teeth wonderfully, but likewise exhibited two lovely little + pink dimples, that nestled in either cheek. + </p> + <p> + She showed Laura her drawings, which the other thought charming. She + played her some of her waltzes, with a rapid and brilliant finger, and + Laura was still more charmed. And she then read her some poems, in French + and English, likewise of her own composition, and which she kept locked in + her own book—her own dear little book; it was bound in blue velvet, + with a gilt lock, and on it was printed in gold the title of 'Mes Larmes.' + </p> + <p> + “Mes Larmes!—isn't it a pretty name?” the young lady continued, who + was pleased with everything that she did, and did everything very well. + Laura owned that it was. She had never seen anything like it before; + anything so lovely, so accomplished, so fragile and pretty; warbling so + prettily, and tripping about such a pretty room, with such a number of + pretty books, pictures, flowers, round about her. The honest and generous + country girl forgot even jealousy in her admiration. “Indeed, Blanche,” + she said, “everything in the room is pretty; and you are the prettiest of + all.” The other smiled, looked in the glass, went up and took both of + Laura's hands, and kissed them, and sat down to the piano, and shook out a + little song, as if she had been a nightingale. + </p> + <p> + This was the first visit paid by Fairoaks to Clavering Park, in return for + Clavering Park's visit to Fairoaks, in reply to Fairoaks's cards left a + few days after the arrival of Sir Francis's family. The intimacy between + the young ladies sprang up like Jack's Bean-stalk to the skies in a single + night. The large footmen were perpetually walking with little + rose-coloured pink notes to Fairoaks; where there was a pretty house-maid + in the kitchen, who might possibly tempt those gentlemen to so humble a + place. Miss Amory sent music, or Miss Amory sent a new novel, or a picture + from the 'Journal des Modes,' to Laura; or my lady's compliments arrived + with flowers and fruit; or Miss Amory begged and prayed Miss Bell to come + to dinner; and dear Mrs. Pendennis, if she was strong enough; and Mr. + Arthur, if a humdrum party were not too stupid for him; and would send a + pony-carriage for Mrs. Pendennis; and would take no denial. + </p> + <p> + Neither Arthur nor Laura wished to refuse. And Helen, who was, indeed, + somewhat ailing, was glad that the two should have their pleasure; and + would look at them fondly as they set forth, and ask in her heart that she + might not be called away until those two beings whom she loved best in the + world should be joined together. As they went out and crossed over the + bridge, she remembered summer evenings five-and-twenty years ago, when + she, too, had bloomed in her brief prime of love and happiness. It was all + over now. The moon was looking from the purpling sky, and the stars + glittering there, just as they used in the early, well-remembered + evenings. He was lying dead far away, with the billows rolling between + them. Good God! how well she remembered the last look of his face as they + parted. It looked out at her through the vista of long years, as sad and + as clear as then. + </p> + <p> + So Mr. Pen and Miss Laura found the society at Clavering Park an + uncommonly agreeable resort of summer evenings. Blanche vowed that she + raffoled of Laura; and, very likely, Mr. Pen was pleased with Blanche. His + spirits came back: he laughed and rattled till Laura wondered to hear him. + It was not the same Pen, yawning in a shooting jacket, in the Fairoaks + parlour, who appeared alert and brisk, and smiling and well dressed, in + Lady Clavering's drawing-room. Sometimes they had music. Laura had a sweet + contralto voice, and sang with Blanche, who had had the best continental + instruction, and was charmed to be her friend's mistress. Sometimes Mr. + Pen joined in these concerts, or oftener looked sweet upon Miss Blanche as + she sang. Sometimes they had glees, when Captain Strong's chest was of + vast service, and he boomed out in a prodigious bass, of which he was not + a little proud. + </p> + <p> + “Good fellow, Strong—ain't he, Miss Bell?” Sir Francis would say to + her. “Plays at ecarte with Lady Clavering—plays anything, + pitch-and-toss, pianoforty, cwibbage if you like. How long do you think + he's been staying with me? He came for a week with a carpet-bag, and Gad, + he's been staying here thwee years. Good fellow, ain't he? Don't know how + he gets a shillin' though, begad I don't, Miss Lauwa.” + </p> + <p> + And yet the Chevalier, if he lost his money to Lady Clavering, always paid + it; and if he lived with his friend for three years, paid for that too—in + good-humour, in kindness and joviality, in a thousand little services by + which he made himself agreeable. What gentleman could want a better friend + than a man who was always in spirits, never in the way or out of it, and + was ready to execute any commission for his patron, whether it was to sing + a song or meet a lawyer, to fight a duel or to carve a capon? + </p> + <p> + Although Laura and Pen commonly went to Clavering Park together, yet + sometimes Mr. Pen took walks there unattended by her, and about which he + did not tell her. He took to fishing the Brawl, which runs through the + Park, and passes not very far from the garden-wall. And by the oddest + coincidence, Miss Amory would walk out (having been to look at her + flowers), and would be quite surprised to see Mr. Pendennis fishing. + </p> + <p> + I wonder what trout Pen caught while the young lady was looking on? or + whether Miss Blanche was the pretty little fish which played round his + fly, and which Mr. Pen was endeavouring to hook? It must be owned, he + became very fond of that healthful and invigorating pursuit of angling, + and was whipping the Brawl continually with his fly. + </p> + <p> + As for Miss Blanche she had a kind heart; and having, as she owned, + herself “suffered” a good deal in the course of her brief life and + experience—why, she could compassionate other susceptible beings + like Pen, who had suffered too. Her love for Laura and that dear Mrs. + Pendennis redoubled: if they were not at the Park, she was not easy unless + she herself was at Fairoaks. She played with Laura; she read French and + German with Laura; and Mr. Pen read French and German along with them. He + turned sentimental ballads of Schiller and Goethe into English verse for + the ladies, and Blanche unlocked 'Mes Larmes' for him, and imparted to him + some of the plaintive outpourings of her own tender Muse. + </p> + <p> + It appeared from these poems that this young creature had indeed suffered + prodigiously. She was familiar with the idea of suicide. Death she + repeatedly longed for. A faded rose inspired her with such grief that you + would have thought she must die in pain of it. It was a wonder how a young + creature (who had had a snug home or been at a comfortable + boarding-school, and had no outward grief or hardship to complain of) + should have suffered so much—should have found the means of getting + at such an ocean of despair and passion (as a runaway boy who will get to + sea), and having embarked on it should survive it. What a talent she must + have had for weeping to be able to pour out so many of Mes Larmes! + </p> + <p> + They were not particularly briny, Miss Blanche's tears, that is the truth; + but Pen, who read her verses, thought them very well for a lady—and + wrote some verses himself for her. His were very violent and passionate, + very hot, sweet and strong: and he not only wrote verses; but—O the + villain! O, the deceiver! he altered and adapted former poems in his + possession, and which had been composed for a certain Emily Fotheringay, + for the use and to the Christian name of Miss Blanche Amory. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. A Little Innocent + </h2> + <p> + Every house has its skeleton in it somewhere, and it may be a comfort to + some unhappy folks to think that the luckier and most wealthy of their + neighbours have their miseries and causes of disquiet. Our little innocent + Muse of Blanche, who sang so nicely and talked so sweetly, you would have + thought she must have made sunshine where ever she went, was the skeleton, + or the misery, or the bore, or the Nemesis of Clavering House, and of most + of the inhabitants thereof. As one little stone in your own shoe or your + horse's, suffices to put either to torture and to make your journey + miserable, so in life a little obstacle is sufficient to obstruct your + entire progress, and subject you to endless annoyance and disquiet. Who + would have guessed that such a smiling little fairy as Blanche Amory could + be the cause of discord in any family? + </p> + <p> + “I say, Strong,” one day the Baronet said, as the pair were conversing + after dinner over the billiard-table, and that great unbosomer of secrets, + a cigar; “I say, Strong, I wish to the doose your wife was dead.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I. That's a cannon, by Jove. But she won't; she'll live for ever—you + see if she don't. Why do you wish her off the hooks, Frank, my boy?” asked + Captain Strong. + </p> + <p> + “Because then you might marry Missy. She ain't bad-looking. She'll have + ten thousand, and that's a good bit of money for such a poor old devil as + you,” drawled out the other gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “And gad, Strong, I hate her worse and worse every day. I can't stand her, + Strong, by gad, I can't.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't take her at twice the figure,” Captain Strong said, laughing. + “I never saw such a little devil in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to poison her,” said the sententious Baronet; “by Jove I + should.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what has she been at now?” asked his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing particular,” answered Sir Francis; “only her old tricks. That + girl has such a knack of making everybody miserable that, hang me, it's + quite surprising. Last night she sent the governess crying away from the + dinner-table. Afterwards, as I was passing Frank's room, I heard the poor + little beggar howling in the dark, and found his sister had been + frightening his soul out of his body, by telling him stories about the + ghost that's in the house. At lunch she gave my lady a turn; and though my + wife's a fool, she's a good soul—I'm hanged if she ain't.” + </p> + <p> + “What did Missy do to her?” Strong asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, hang me, if she didn't begin talking about the late Amory, my + predecessor,” the Baronet said, with a grin. “She got some picture out of + the Keepsake, and said she was sure it was like her dear father, She + wanted to know where her father's grave was. Hang her father! Whenever + Miss Amory talks about him, Lady Clavering always bursts out crying: and + the little devil will talk about him in order to spite her mother. Today + when she began, I got in a confounded rage; said I was her father; and—and + that sort of thing, and then, sir, she took a shy at me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did she say about you, Frank?” Mr. Strong, still laughing, + inquired of his friend and patron. + </p> + <p> + “Gad, she said I wasn't her father; that I wasn't fit to comprehend her; + that her father must have been a man of genius, and fine feelings, and + that sort of thing: whereas I had married her mother for money.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, didn't you?” asked Strong. + </p> + <p> + “It don't make it any the pleasanter to hear because it's true, don't you + know,” Sir Francis Clavering answered. “I ain't a literary man and that; + but I ain't such a fool as she makes me out. I don't know how it is, but + she always manages to put me in the hole, don't you understand. She turns + all the house round her in her quiet way, and with her confounded + sentimental airs. I wish she was dead, Ned.” + </p> + <p> + “It was my wife whom you wanted dead just now,” Strong said, always in + perfect good-humour; upon which the Baron with his accustomed candour, + said, “Well; when people bore my life out, I do wish they were dead, and I + wish Missy were down a well, with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Thus it will be seen from the above report of this candid conversation + that our accomplished little friend had some peculiarities or defects of + character which rendered her not very popular. She was a young lady of + some genius, exquisite sympathies and considerable literary attainments, + living, like many another genius, with relatives who could not comprehend + her. Neither her mother nor her stepfather were persons of a literary + turn. Bell's Life and the Racing Calendar were the extent of the Baronet's + reading, and Lady Clavering still wrote like a schoolgirl of thirteen, and + with an extraordinary disregard to grammar and spelling. And as Miss Amory + felt very keenly that she was not appreciated, and that she lived with + persons who were not her equals in intellect or conversational power, she + lost no opportunity to acquaint her family circle with their inferiority + to herself, and not only was a martyr, but took care to let everybody know + that she was so. If she suffered, as she said and thought she did, + severely, are we to wonder that a young creature of such delicate + sensibilities should shriek and cry out a good deal? Without sympathy life + is nothing; and would it not have been a want of candour on her part to + affect a cheerfulness which she did not feel, or pretend a respect for + those towards whom it was quite impossible she should entertain any + reverence? If a poetess may not bemoan her lot, of what earthly use is her + lyre? Blanche struck hers only to the saddest of tunes; and sang elegies + over her dead hopes, dirges over her early frost-nipt buds of affection, + as became such a melancholy fate and Muse. + </p> + <p> + Her actual distresses, as we have said, had not been up to the present + time very considerable: but her griefs lay; like those of most of us, in + her own soul—that being sad and habitually dissatisfied, what wonder + that she should weep? So Mes Larmes dribbled out of her eyes any day at + command: she could furnish an unlimited supply of tears, and her faculty + of shedding them increased by practice. For sentiment is like another + complaint mentioned by Horace, as increasing by self-indulgence (I am + sorry to say, ladies, that the complaint in question is called the + dropsy), and the more you cry, the more you will be able and desirous to + do so. + </p> + <p> + Missy had begun to gush at a very early age. Lamartine was her favourite + bard from the period when she first could feel: and she had subsequently + improved her mind by a sedulous study of novels of the great modern + authors of the French language. There was not a romance of Balzac and + George Sand which the indefatigable little creature had not devoured—by + the time she was sixteen: and, however little she sympathised with her + relatives at home, she had friends, as she said, in the spirit-world, + meaning the tender Indiana, the passionate and poetic Lelia, the amiable + Trenmor, that high-souled convict, that angel of the galleys,—the + fiery Stenio,—and the other numberless heroes of the French + romances. She had been in love with Prince Rodolph and Prince Djalma while + she was yet at school, and had settled the divorce question, and the + rights of woman, with Indiana, before she had left off pinafores. The + impetuous little lady played at love with these imaginary worthies as a + little while before she had played at maternity with her doll. Pretty + little poetical spirits! It is curious to watch them with those + playthings. To-day the blue-eyed one is the favourite, and the black-eyed + one is pushed behind the drawers. To-morrow blue-eyes may take its turn of + neglect and it may be an odious little wretch with a burnt nose, or torn + bead of hair, and no eyes at all, that takes the first place in Miss's + affection, and is dandled and caressed in her arms. + </p> + <p> + As novelists are supposed to know everything, even the secrets of female + hearts, which the owners themselves do not perhaps know, we may state that + at eleven years of age Mademoiselle Betsi, as Miss Amory was then called, + had felt tender emotions towards a young Savoyard organ-grinder at Paris, + whom she persisted in believing to be a prince carried off from his + parents; that at twelve an old and hideous drawing-master (but, ah, what + age or personal defects are proof against woman's love?) had agitated her + young heart; and that, at thirteen, being at Madame de Caramel's + boarding-school, in the Champs Elysees, which, as everybody knows, is next + door to Monsieur Rogron's (Chevalier of the Legion of Honour) pension for + young gentlemen, a correspondence by letter took place between the + seduisante Miss Betsi and two young gentlemen of the College of + Charlemagne, who were pensioners of the Chevalier Rogron. + </p> + <p> + In the above paragraph our young friend has been called by a Christian + name different to that under which we were lately presented to her. The + fact is, that Miss Amory, called Missy at home, had really at the first + been christened Betsy—but assumed the name of Blanche of her own + will and fantasy, and crowned herself with it; and the weapon which the + Baronet, her stepfather, held in terror over her, was the threat to call + her publicly by her name of Betsy, by which menace he sometimes managed to + keep the young rebel in order. + </p> + <p> + We have spoken just now of children's dolls, and of the manner in which + those little people take up and neglect their darling toys, and very + likely this history will show that Miss Blanche assumed and put away her + live dolls with a similar girlish inconstancy. She had had hosts of dear, + dear, darling, friends ere now, and had quite a little museum of locks of + hair in her treasure-chest, which she had gathered in the course of her + sentimental progress. Some dear friends had married: some had gone to + other schools: one beloved sister she had lost from the pension, and found + again, O, horror! her darling, her Leocadie keeping the books in her + father's shop, a grocer in the Rue du Bac: in fact, she had met with a + number of disappointments, estrangements, disillusionments, as she called + them in her pretty French jargon, and had seen and suffered a great deal + for so young a woman. But it is the lot of sensibility to suffer, and of + confiding tenderness to be deceived, and she felt that she was only + undergoing the penalties of genius in these pangs and disappointments of + her young career. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, she managed to make the honest lady, her mother, as + uncomfortable as circumstances would permit; and caused her worthy + stepfather to wish she was dead. With the exception of Captain Strong, + whose invincible good-humour was proof against her sarcasms, the little + lady ruled the whole house with he tongue. If Lady Clavering talked about + Sparrowgrass instead of Asparagus, or called an object a hobject, as this + unfortunate lady would sometimes do, Missy calmly corrected her, and + frightened the good soul, her mother, into errors only the more frequent + as she grew more nervous under her daughter's eye. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed, considering the vast interest which the arrival + of the family at Clavering Park inspired in the inhabitants of the little + town, that Madame Fribsby alone, of all the folks in Clavering, should + have remained unmoved and incurious. At the first appearance of the Park + family in church, Madame noted every article of toilette which the ladies + wore, from their bonnets to their brodequins, and took a survey of the + attire of the ladies' maids in the pew allotted to them. We fear that + Doctor Portman's sermon, though it was one of his oldest and most valued + compositions, had little effect upon Madame Fribsby on that day. + </p> + <p> + In a very few days afterwards, she had managed for herself an interview + with Lady Clavering's confidential attendant in the housekeeper's room at + the Park; and her cards in French and English, stating that she received + the newest fashions from Paris from her correspondent Madame Victorine, + and that she was in the custom of making court and ball dresses for the + nobility and gentry of the shire, were in the possession of Lady Clavering + and Miss Amory, and favourably received, as she was happy to hear, by + those ladies. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bonner, Lady Clavering's lady, became soon a great frequenter of + Madame Fribsby's drawing-room, and partook of many entertainments at the + milliner's expense. A meal of green tea, scandal, hot Sally-Lunn cakes, + and a little novel reading, were always at the service of Mrs. Bonner, + whenever she was free to pass an evening in the town. And she found much + more time for these pleasures than her junior officer, Miss Amory's maid, + who seldom could be spared for a holiday, and was worked as hard as any + factory-girl by that inexorable little Muse, her mistress. + </p> + <p> + The Muse loved to be dressed becomingly, and, having a lively fancy and a + poetic desire for change, was for altering her attire every day. Her maid + having a taste in dressmaking—to which art she had been an + apprentice at Paris, before she entered into Miss Blanche's service there—was + kept from morning till night altering and remodelling Miss Amory's + habiliments; and rose very early and went to bed very late, in obedience + to the untiring caprices of her little taskmistress. The girl was of + respectable English parents. There are many of our people, colonists of + Paris, who have seen better days, who are not quite ruined, who do not + quite live upon charity, and yet cannot get on without it; and as her + father was a cripple incapable of work, and her return home would only + increase the burthen and add to the misery of the family, poor Pincott was + fain to stay where she could maintain herself, and spare a little relief + to her parents. + </p> + <p> + Our Muse, with the candour which distinguished her, never failed to remind + her attendant of the real state of matters. “I should send you away, + Pincott, for you are a great deal too weak, and your eyes are failing you, + and you are always crying and snivelling and wanting the doctor; but I + wish that your parents at home should be supported, and I go on enduring + you for their sake, mind,” the dear Blanche would say to her timid little + attendant. Or, “Pincott, your wretched appearance and slavish manner, and + red eyes, positively give me the migraine; and I think I shall make you + wear rouge, so that you may look a little cheerful;” or, “Pincott, I can't + bear, even for the sake of your starving parents, that you should tear my + hair out of my head in that manner; and I will thank you to write to them + and say that I dispense with your services.” After which sort of speeches, + and after keeping her for an hour trembling over her hair, which the young + lady loved to have combed, as she perused one of her favourite French + novels, she would go to bed at one o'clock, and say, “Pincott, you may + kiss me. Good night. I should like you to have the pink dress ready for + the morning.” And so with blessing upon her attendant, she would turn + round and go to sleep. + </p> + <p> + The Muse might lie in bed as long as she chose of a morning, and availed + herself of that privilege; but Pincott had to rise very early indeed to + get her mistress's task done; and had to appear next day with the same red + eyes and the same wan face, which displeased Miss Amory by their want of + gaiety, and caused the mistress to be so angry, because the servant + persisted in being and looking unwell and unhappy. Not that Blanche ever + thought she was a hard mistress. Indeed, she made quite a friend of + Pincott, at times, and wrote some very pretty verses about the lonely + little tiring-maid, whose heart was far away. Our beloved Blanche was a + superior being, and expected to be waited upon as such. And I do not know + whether there are any other ladies in this world who treat their servants + or dependants so, but it may be that there are such, and that the tyranny + which they exercise over their subordinates, and the pangs which they can + manage to inflict with a soft voice, and a well-bred simper, are as cruel + as those which a slave-driver administers with an oath and a whip. + </p> + <p> + But Blanche was a Muse—a delicate little creature, quite tremulous + with excitability, whose eyes filled with tears at the smallest emotion; + and who knows, but that it was the very fineness of her feelings which + caused them to be froissed so easily? You crush a butterfly by merely + touching it. Vulgar people have no idea of the sensibility of a Muse. + </p> + <p> + So little Pincott being occupied all day and night in stitching, hemming, + ripping, combing, ironing, crimping, for her mistress; reading to her when + in bed,—for the girl was mistress of the two languages, and had a + sweet voice and manner—could take no share in Madame Fribsby's + soirees, nor indeed was she much missed, or considered of sufficient + consequence to appear at their entertainments. + </p> + <p> + But there was another person connected with the Clavering establishment, + who became a constant guest of our friend, the milliner. This was the + chief of the kitchen, Monsieur Mirobolant, with whom Madame Fribsby soon + formed an intimacy. + </p> + <p> + Not having been accustomed to the appearance or society of persons of the + French nation, the rustic inhabitants of Clavering were not so favourably + impressed by Monsieur Alcide's manners and appearance, as that gentleman + might have desired that they should be. He walked among them quite + unsuspiciously upon the afternoon of a summer day, when his services were + not required at the House, in his usual favourite costume, namely, his + light green frock or paletot, his crimson velvet waistcoat, with blue + glass buttons, his pantalon Ecossais, of a very large and decided check + pattern, his orange satin neckcloth, and his jean-boots, with tips of + shiny leather,—these, with a gold-embroidered cap, and a richly gilt + cane, or other varieties of ornament of a similar tendency, formed his + usual holiday costume, in which he flattered himself there was nothing + remarkable (unless, indeed, the beauty of his person should attract + observation), and in which he considered that he exhibited the appearance + of a gentleman of good Parisian ton. + </p> + <p> + He walked then down the street, grinning and ogling every woman he met + with glances, which he meant should kill them outright, and peered over + the railings, and in at the windows, where females were, in the tranquil + summer evening. But Betsy, Mrs. Pybus's maid, shrank back with a Lor bless + us, as Alcide ogled her over the laurel-bush; the Miss Bakers, and their + mamma, stared with wonder; and presently a crowd began to follow the + interesting foreigner, of ragged urchins and children, who left their + dirt-pies in the street to pursue him. + </p> + <p> + For some time he thought that admiration was the cause which led these + persons in his wake, and walked on, pleased himself that he could so + easily confer on others so much harmless pleasure. But the little children + and dirt-pie manufacturers were presently succeeded by followers of a + larger growth, and a number of lads and girls from the factory being let + loose at this hour, joined the mob, and began laughing, jeering, hooting, + and calling opprobrious names at the Frenchman. Some cried out “Frenchy! + Frenchy!” some exclaimed “Frogs!” one asked for a lock of his hair, which + was long and in richly-flowing ringlets; and at length the poor artist + began to perceive that he was an object of derision rather than of respect + to the rude grinning mob. + </p> + <p> + It was at this juncture that Madame Fribsby spied the unlucky gentleman + with the train at his heels, and heard the scornful shouts with which they + assailed him. She ran out of her room, and across the street to the + persecuted foreigner; she held out her hand, and, addressing him in his + own language, invited him into her abode; and when she had housed him + fairly within her door, she stood bravely at the threshold before the + gibing factory girls and boys, and said they were a pack of cowards to + insult a poor man who could not speak their language, and was alone and + without protection. The little crowd, with some ironical cheers and + hootings, nevertheless felt the force of Madame Fribsby's vigorous + allocution, and retreated before her; for the old lady was rather + respected in the place, and her oddity and her kindness had made her many + friends there. + </p> + <p> + Poor Mirobolant was grateful indeed to hear the language of his country + ever so ill spoken. Frenchmen pardon our faults in their language much + more readily than we excuse their bad English; and will face our blunders + throughout a long conversation, without the least propensity to grin. The + rescued artist vowed that Madame Fribsby was his guardian angel, and that + he had not as yet met with such suavity and politeness among les + Anglaises. He was as courteous and complimentary to her as if it was the + fairest and noblest of ladies whom he was addressing: for Alcide Mirobolant + paid homage after his fashion to all womankind, and never dreamed of a + distinction of ranks in the realms of beauty, as his phrase was. + </p> + <p> + A cream, flavoured with pineapple—a mayonnaise of lobster, which he + flattered himself was not unworthy of his hand, or of her to whom he had + the honour to offer it as an homage, and a box of preserved fruits of + Provence, were brought by one of the chef's aides-de-camp, in a basket, + the next day to the milliner's, and were accompanied with a gallant note + to the amiable Madame Fribsbi. “Her kindness,” Alcide said, “had made a + green place in the desert of his existence,—her suavity would ever + contrast in memory with the grossierete of the rustic population, who were + not worthy to possess such a jewel.” An intimacy of the most confidential + nature thus sprang up between the milliner and the chief of the kitchen; + but I do not know whether it was with pleasure or mortification that + Madame received the declarations of friendship which the young Alcides + proffered to her, for he persisted in calling her “La respectable + Fribsbi,” “La vertueuse Fribsbi,”—and in stating that he should + consider her as his mother, while he hoped she would regard him as her + son. Ah! it was not very long ago, Fribsby thought, that words had been + addressed to her in that dear French language, indicating a different sort + of attachment. And she sighed as she looked up at the picture of her + Carabineer. For it is surprising how young some people's hearts remain + when their heads have need of a front or a little hair-dye,—and, at + this moment, Madame Fribsby, as she told young Alcide, felt as romantic as + a girl of eighteen. + </p> + <p> + When the conversation took this turn—and at their first intimacy + Madame Fribsby was rather inclined so to lead it—Alcide always + politely diverged to another subject: it was as his mother that he + persisted in considering the good milliner. He would recognise her in no + other capacity, and with that relationship the gentle lady was forced to + content herself, when she found how deeply the artist's heart was engaged + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + He was not long before he described to her the subject and origin of his + passion. + </p> + <p> + “I declared myself to her,” said Alcide, laying his hand on his heart, “in + a manner which was as novel as I am charmed to think it was agreeable. + Where cannot Love penetrate, respectable Madame Fribsbi? Cupid is the + father of invention!—I inquired of the domestics what were the plats + of which Mademoiselle partook with most pleasure; and built up my little + battery accordingly. On a day when her parents had gone to dine in the + world (and I am grieved to say that a grossier dinner at a restaurateur, + in the Boulevard, or in the Palais Royal seemed to form the delights of + these unrefined persons), the charming Miss entertained some comrades of + the pension; and I advised myself to send up a little repast suitable to + so delicate young palates. Her lovely name is Blanche. The name of the + maiden is white; the wreath of roses which she wears is white. I + determined that my dinner should be as spotless as the snow. At her + accustomed hour, and instead of the rude gigot a l'eau, which was + ordinarily served at her too simple table, I sent her up a little potage a + la Reine—a la Reine Blanche I called it,—as white as her own + tint—and confectioned with the most fragrant cream and almonds. I + then offered up at her shrine a filet de merlan à l'Agnes, and a delicate + plat which I designated as Eperlan a la Sainte-Therese, and of which my + charming Miss partook with pleasure. I followed this by two little entrees + of sweetbread and chicken; and the only brown thing which I permitted + myself in the entertainment was a little roast of lamb, which I lay in a + meadow of spinaches, surrounded with croustillons, representing sheep, and + ornamented with daisies and other savage flowers. After this came my + second service: a pudding a la Reine Elizabeth (who, Madame Fribsbi knows, + was a maiden princess); a dish of opal-coloured plover's eggs which I + called Nid de tourtereaux a la Roucoule; placing in the midst of them two + of those tender volatiles, billing each other, and confectioned with + butter; a basket containing little gateaux of apricots, which, I know, all + young ladies adore; and a jelly of marasquin, bland insinuating, + intoxicating as the glance of beauty. This I designated Ambroisie de + Calypso a la Souveraine de mon Coeur. And when the ice was brought in—an + ice of plombiere and cherries—how do you think I had shaped them, + Madame Fribsbi? In the form of two hearts united with an arrow, on which I + had laid, before it entered, a bridal veil in cut-paper, surmounted by a + wreath of virginal orange-flowers. I stood at the door to watch the effect + of this entry. It was but one cry of admiration. The three young ladies + filled their glasses with the sparkling Ay, and carried me in a toast. I + heard it—I heard Miss speak of me—I heard her say, 'Tell + Monsieur Mirobolant that we thank him—we admire him—we love + him!' My feet almost failed me as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Since that, can I have any reason to doubt that the young artist has made + some progress in the heart of the English Miss? I am modest, but my glass + informs me that I am not ill-looking. Other victories have convinced me of + the fact.” + </p> + <p> + “Dangerous man!” cried the milliner. + </p> + <p> + “The blond misses of Albion see nothing in the dull inhabitants of their + brumous isle, which can compare with the ardour and vivacity of the + children of the South. We bring our sunshine with us; we are Frenchmen, + and accustomed to conquer. Were it not for this affair of the heart, and + my determination to marry an Anglaise, do you think I would stop in this + island (which is not altogether ungrateful, since I have found here a + tender mother in the respectable Madame Fribsbi), in this island, in this + family? My genius would use itself in the company of these rustics—the + poesy of my art cannot be understood by these carnivorous insularies. No—the + men are odious, but the women—the women! I own, dear Fribsbi, are + seducing! I have vowed to marry one; and as I cannot go into your markets + and purchase, according to the custom of the country, I am resolved to + adopt another custom, and fly with one to Gretna Grin. The blonde Miss + will go. She is fascinated. Her eyes have told me so. The white dove wants + but the signal to fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any correspondence with her?” asked Fribsby, in amazement, and + not knowing whether the young lady or the lover might be labouring under a + romantic delusion. + </p> + <p> + “I correspond with her by means of my art. She partakes of dishes which I + make expressly for her. I insinuate to her thus a thousand hints which as + she is perfectly spiritual, she receives. But I want other intelligences + near her.” + </p> + <p> + “There is Pincott, her maid,” said Madame Fribsby, who, by aptitude or + education, seemed to have some knowledge of affairs of the heart, but the + great artist's brow darkened at this suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” he said, “there are points upon which a gallant man ought to + silence himself; though, if he break the secret, he may do so with the + least impropriety to his best friend—his adopted mother. Know then, + that there is a cause why Miss Pincott should be hostile to me—a + cause not uncommon with your sex—jealousy.” + </p> + <p> + “Perfidious monster!” said the confidante. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, no,” said the artist, with a deep bass voice, and a tragic accent + worthy of the Port St Martin and his favourite melodrames, “not + perfidious, but fatal. Yes, I am a fatal man, Madame Fribsbi. To inspire + hopeless passion is my destiny. I cannot help it that women love me. Is it + my fault that that young woman deperishes and languishes to the view of + the eye, consumed by a flame which I cannot return? Listen! There are + others in this family who are similarly unhappy. The governess of the + young Milor has encountered me in my walks, and looked at me in a way + which can bear but one interpretation. And Milady herself, who is of + mature age, but who has oriental blood, has once or twice addressed + compliments to the lonely artist which can admit of no mistake. I avoid + the household, I seek solitude, I undergo my destiny. I can marry but one, + and am resolved it shall be to a lady of your nation. And, if her fortune + is sufficient I think Miss would be the person who would be most suitable. + I wish to ascertain what her means are before I lead her to Gretna Grin.” + </p> + <p> + Whether Alcides was as irresistible a conqueror as his namesake, or + whether he was simply crazy, is a point which must be left to the reader's + judgment. But the latter if he had had the benefit of much French + acquaintance, has perhaps met with men amongst them who fancied themselves + almost as invincible; and who, if you credit them, have made equal havoc + in the hearts of les Anglaises. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. Contains both Love and Jealousy + </h2> + <p> + Our readers have already heard Sir Francis Clavering's candid opinion of + the lady who had given him her fortune and restored him to his native + country and home, and it must be owned that the Baronet was not far wrong + in his estimate of his wife, and that Lady Clavering was not the wisest or + the best educated of women. She had had a couple of years' education in + Europe, in a suburb of London, which she persisted in calling Ackney to + her dying day, whence she had been summoned to join her father at Calcutta + at the age of fifteen. And it was on her voyage thither, on board the + Ramchunder East Indiaman, Captain Bragg, in which ship she had two years + previously made her journey to Europe, that she formed the acquaintance of + her first husband, Mr. Amory, who was third mate of the vessel in + question. + </p> + <p> + We are not going to enter into the early part of Lady Clavering's history, + but Captain Bragg, under whose charge Miss Snell went out to her father, + who was one of the Captain's consignees, and part owner of the Ramchunder + and many other vessels, found reason to put the rebellious rascal of a + mate in irons, until they reached the Cape, where the Captain left his + officer behind; and finally delivered his ward to her father at Calcutta, + after a stormy and perilous voyage in which the Ramchunder and the cargo + and passengers incurred no small danger and damage. + </p> + <p> + Some months afterwards Amory made his appearance at Calcutta, having + worked his way out before the mast from the Cape—married the rich + Attorney's daughter in spite of that old speculator—set up as + indigo-planter and failed—set up as agent and failed again—set + up as editor of the Sunderbund Pilot and failed again—quarrelling + ceaselessly with his father-in-law and his wife during the progress of all + these mercantile transactions and disasters, and ending his career finally + with a crash which compelled him to leave Calcutta and go to New South + Wales. It was in the course of these luckless proceedings, that Mr. Amory + probably made the acquaintance of Sir Jasper Rogers, the respected Judge + of the Supreme Court of Calcutta, who has been mentioned before: and, as + the truth must out, it was by making an improper use of his + father-in-law's name, who could write perfectly well, and had no need of + an amanuensis, that fortune finally forsook Mr. Amory and caused him to + abandon all further struggles with her. + </p> + <p> + Not being in the habit of reading the Calcutta law-reports very + assiduously, the European public did not know of these facts as well as + people did in Bengal, and Mrs. Amory and her father finding her residence + in India not a comfortable one, it was agreed that the lady should return + to Europe, whither she came with her little daughter Betsy or Blanche, + then four years old. They were accompanied by Betsy's nurse, who has been + presented to the reader in the last chapter as the confidential maid of + Lady Clavering, Mrs. Bonner: and Captain Bragg took a house for them in + the near neighbourhood of his residence in Pocklington Street. + </p> + <p> + It was a very hard bitter summer, and the rain it rained every day for + some time after Mrs. Amory's arrival. Bragg was very pompous and + disagreeable, perhaps ashamed, perhaps anxious, to get rid of the Indian + lady. She believed that all the world in London was talking about her + husband's disaster, and that the King and Queen and the Court of Directors + were aware of her unlucky history. She had a good allowance from her + father; she had no call to live in England; and she determined to go + abroad. Away she went, then, glad to escape the gloomy surveillance of the + odious bully, Captain Bragg. People had no objection to receive her at the + continental towns where she stopped, and at the various boarding-houses, + where she royally paid her way. She called Hackney Ackney, to be sure + (though otherwise she spoke English with a little foreign twang, very + curious and not unpleasant); she dressed amazingly; she was conspicuous + for her love of eating and drinking, and prepared curries and pillaws at + every boarding-house which she frequented; but her singularities of + language and behaviour only gave a zest to her society, and Mrs. Amory was + deservedly popular. She was the most good-natured, jovial, and generous of + women. She was up to any party of pleasure by whomsoever proposed. She + brought three times more champagne and fowl and ham to the picnics than + anyone else. She took endless boxes for the play, and tickets for the + masked balls, and gave them away to everybody. She paid the boarding-house + people months beforehand; she helped poor shabby mustachiod bucks and + dowagers whose remittances had not arrived, with constant supplies from + her purse; and in this way she tramped through Europe, and appeared at + Brussels, at Paris, at Milan, at Naples, at Rome, as her fancy led her. + News of Amory's death reached her at the latter place, where Captain + Clavering was then staying, unable to pay his hotel bill, as, indeed, was + his friend, the Chevalier Strong; and the good-natured widow married the + descendant of the ancient house of Clavering—professing, indeed, no + particular grief for the scapegrace of a husband whom she had lost. We + have brought her thus up to the present time when she was mistress of + Clavering Park, in the midst of which Mr. Pinckney, the celebrated + painter, pourtrayed her with her little boy by her side. + </p> + <p> + Missy followed her mamma in most of her peregrinations, and so learned a + deal of life. She had a governess for some time; and after her mother's + second marriage, the benefit of Madame de Caramel's select pension in the + Champs Elysees. When the Claverings came to England, she of course came + with them. It was only within a few years, after the death of her + grandfather, and the birth of her little brother, that she began to + understand that her position in life was altered, and that Miss Amory, + nobody's daughter, was a very small personage in a house compared with + Master Francis Clavering, heir to an ancient baronetcy and a noble estate. + But for little Frank, she would have been an heiress, in spite of her + father: and though she knew, and cared not much about money, of which she + never had any stint, and though she was a romantic little Muse, as we have + seen, yet she could not reasonably be grateful to the persons who had so + contributed to change her condition: nor, indeed, did she understand what + the latter really was, until she had made some further progress, and + acquired more accurate knowledge in the world. + </p> + <p> + But this was clear, that her stepfather was dull and weak: that mamma + dropped her H's, and was not refined in manners or appearance; and that + little Frank was a spoiled quarrelsome urchin, always having his way, + always treading upon her feet, always upsetting his dinner on her dresses, + and keeping her out of her inheritance. None of these, as she felt, could + comprehend her: and her solitary heart naturally pined for other + attachments, and she sought around her where to bestow the precious boon + of her unoccupied affection. + </p> + <p> + This dear girl, then, from want of sympathy, or other cause, made herself + so disagreeable at home, and frightened her mother and bored her + stepfather so much, that they were quite as anxious as she could be that + she should settle for herself in life; and hence Sir Francis Clavering's + desire expressed to his friend, in the last chapter, that Mrs. Strong + should die, and that he would take Blanche to himself as a second Mrs. + Strong. + </p> + <p> + But as this could not be, any other person was welcome to win her: and a + smart young fellow, well-looking and well educated like our friend Arthur + Pendennis, was quite free to propose for her if he had a mind, and would + have been received with open arms by Lady Clavering as a son-in-law, had + he had the courage to come forward as a competitor for Miss Amory's hand. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pen, however, besides other drawbacks, chose to entertain an extreme + diffidence about himself. He was ashamed of his late failures, of his idle + and nameless condition, of the poverty which he had brought on his mother + by his folly, and there was as much of vanity as remorse in his present + state of doubt and distrust. How could he ever hope for such a prize as + this brilliant Blanche Amory, who lived in a fine park and mansion, and + was waited on by a score of grand domestics, whilst a maid-servant brought + in their meagre meal at Fairoaks, and his mother was obliged to pinch and + manage to make both ends meet? Obstacles seemed for him insurmountable, + which would have vanished had he marched manfully upon them: and he + preferred despairing, or dallying with his wishes,—or perhaps he had + not positively shaped them as yet,—to attempting to win gallantly + the object of his desire. Many a young man fails by that species of vanity + called shyness, who might, for the asking have his will. + </p> + <p> + But we do not pretend to say that Pen had, as yet, ascertained his: or + that he was doing much more than thinking about falling in love. Miss + Amory was charming and lively. She fascinated and cajoled him by a + thousand arts or natural graces or flatteries. But there were lurking + reasons and doubts, besides shyness and vanity, withholding him. In spite + of her cleverness, and her protestations, and her fascinations, Pen's + mother had divined the girl, and did not trust her. Mrs. Pendennis saw + Blanche light-minded and frivolous, detected many wants in her which + offended the pure and pious-minded lady; a want of reverence for her + parents, and for things more sacred, Helen thought: worldliness and + selfishness couched under pretty words and tender expressions. Laura and + Pen battled these points strongly at first with the widow—Laura + being as yet enthusiastic about her new friend, and Pen not far-gone + enough in love to attempt any concealment of his feelings. He would laugh + at these objections of Helen's, and say, “Psha, mother! you are jealous + about Laura—all women are jealous.” + </p> + <p> + But when, in the course of a month or two, and by watching the pair with + that anxiety with which brooding women watch over their sons' affections—and + in acknowledging which, I have no doubt there is a sexual jealousy on the + mother's part, and a secret pang—when Helen saw that the intimacy + appeared to make progress, that the two young people were perpetually + finding pretexts to meet, and that Miss Blanche was at Fairoaks or Mr. Pen + at the Park every day, the poor widow's heart began to fail her—her + darling project seemed to vanish before her; and, giving way to her + weakness, she fairly told Pen one day what her views and longings were; + that she felt herself breaking, and not long for this world, and that she + hoped and prayed before she went, that she might see her two children one. + The late events, Pen's life and career and former passion for the actress, + had broken the spirit of this tender lady. She felt that he had escaped + her, and was in the maternal nest no more; and she clung with a sickening + fondness to Laura, Laura who had been left to her by Francis in Heaven. + </p> + <p> + Pen kissed and soothed her in his grand patronising way. He had seen + something of this, he had long thought his mother wanted to make this + marriage—did Laura know anything of it? (Not she,—Mrs. + Pendennis said—not for worlds would she have breathed a word of it + to Laura)—“Well, well, there was time enough, his mother wouldn't + die,” Pen said, laughingly: “he wouldn't hear of any such thing, and as + for the Muse, she is too grand a lady to think about poor little me—and + as for Laura, who knows that she would have me? She would do anything you + told her, to be sure. But am I worthy of her?” + </p> + <p> + “O, Pen, you might be,” was the widow's reply; not that Mr. Pen ever + doubted that he was; and a feeling of indefinable pleasure and + self-complacency came over him as he thought over this proposal, and + imaged Laura to himself, as his memory remembered her for years past, + always fair and open, kindly and pious, cheerful, tender and true. He + looked at her with brightening eyes as she came in from the garden at the + end of this talk, her cheeks rather flushed, her looks frank and smiling—a + basket of roses in her hand. + </p> + <p> + She took the finest of them and brought it to Mrs. Pendennis, who was + refreshed by the odour and colour of these flowers; and hung over her + fondly and gave it to her. + </p> + <p> + “And I might have this prize for the asking!” Pen thought with a thrill of + triumph, as he looked at the kindly girl. “Why, she is as beautiful and as + generous as her roses.” The image of the two women remained for ever after + in his mind, and he never recalled it but the tears came into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Before very many weeks' intimacy with her new acquaintance, however, Miss + Laura was obliged to give in to Helen's opinion, and own that the Muse was + selfish, unkind, and inconstant. Of course Blanche confided to her bosom + friend all the little griefs and domestic annoyances; how the family could + not comprehend her and she moved among them an isolated being; how her + poor mamma's education had been neglected, and she was forced to blush for + her blunders; how Sir Francis was a weak person deplorably unintellectual, + and only happy when smoking his odious cigars; how, since the birth of her + little brother, she had seen her mother's precious affection, which she + valued more than anything in life, estranged from her once darling + daughter; how she was alone, alone, alone in the world. + </p> + <p> + But these griefs, real and heart-rending though they might be to a young + lady of exquisite sensibility, did not convince Laura of the propriety of + Blanche's conduct in many small incidents of life. Little Frank, for instance, might be very provoking, and might have deprived Blanche of her + mamma's affection, but this was no reason why Blanche should box the + child's ears because he upset a glass of water over her drawing, and why + she should call him many opprobrious names in the English and French + language; and the preference accorded to little Frank was certainly no + reason why Blanche should give herself imperial airs of command towards + the boy's governess, and send that young lady upon messages through the + house to bring her book or to fetch her pocket-handkerchief. When a + domestic performed an errand for honest Laura, she was always thankful and + pleased; whereas she could not but perceive that the little Muse had not + the slightest scruple in giving her commands to all the world round about + her, and in disturbing anybody's ease or comfort, in order to administer + to her own. It was Laura's first experience in friendship; and it pained + the kind creature's heart to be obliged to give up as delusions, one by + one, those charms and brilliant qualities in which her fancy had dressed + her new friend, and to find that the fascinating little fairy was but a + mortal, and not a very amiable mortal after all. What generous person is + there that has not been so deceived in his time?—what person, + perhaps, that has not so disappointed others in his turn? + </p> + <p> + After the scene with little Frank, in which that refractory son and heir + of the house of Clavering had received the compliments in French and + English, and the accompanying box on the ear from his sister, Miss Laura + who had plenty of humour, could not help calling to mind some very + touching and tender verses which the Muse had read to her out of Mes + Larmes, and which began, “My pretty baby brother, may angels guard thy + rest,” in which the Muse, after complimenting the baby upon the station in + life which it was about to occupy, and contrasting it with her own lonely + condition, vowed nevertheless that the angel boy would never enjoy such + affection as hers was, or find in the false world before him anything so + constant and tender as a sister's heart. “It may be,” the forlorn one + said, “it may be, you will slight it, my pretty baby sweet, You will spurn + me from your bosom, I'll cling around your feet! O let me, let me, love + you! the world will prove to you As false as 'tis to others, but I am ever + true.” And behold the Muse was boxing the darling brother's ears instead + of kneeling at his feet, and giving Miss Laura her first lesson in the + Cynical philosophy—not quite her first, however,—something + like this selfishness and waywardness, something like this contrast + between practice and poetry, between grand versified aspirations and + everyday life, she had witnessed at home in the person of our young friend + Mr. Pen. + </p> + <p> + But then Pen was different. Pen was a man. It seemed natural somehow that + he should be self-willed and should have his own way. And under his + waywardness and selfishness, indeed there was a kind and generous heart. O + it was hard that such a diamond should be changed away against such a + false stone as this. In a word, Laura began to be tired of her admired + Blanche. She had assayed her and found her not true; and her former + admiration and delight, which she had expressed with her accustomed + generous artlessness, gave way to a feeling, which we shall not call + contempt, but which was very near it; and which caused Laura to adopt + towards Miss Amory a grave and tranquil tone of superiority, which was at + first by no means to the Muse's liking. Nobody likes to be found out, or, + having held a high place, to submit to step down. + </p> + <p> + The consciousness that this event was impending did not serve to increase + Miss Blanche's good-humour, and as it made her peevish and dissatisfied + with herself, it probably rendered her even less agreeable to the persons + round about her. So there arose, one fatal day, a battle-royal between + dearest Blanche and dearest Laura, in which the friendship between them + was all but slain outright. Dearest Blanche had been unusually capricious + and wicked on this day. She had been insolent to her mother; savage with + little Frank; odiously impertinent in her behaviour to the boy's + governess; and intolerably cruel to Pincott, her attendant. Not venturing + to attack her friend (for the little tyrant was of a timid feline nature, + and only used her claws upon those who were weaker than herself), she + maltreated all these, and especially poor Pincott, who was menial, + confidante, companion (slave always), according to the caprice of her + young mistress. + </p> + <p> + This girl, who had been sitting in the room with the young ladies, being + driven thence in tears, occasioned by the cruelty of her mistress, and + raked with a parting sarcasm as she went sobbing from the door, Laura + fairly broke out into a loud and indignant invective—wondered how + one so young could forget the deference owing to her elders as well as to + her inferiors in station; and professing so much sensibility of her own, + could torture the feelings of others so wantonly. Laura told her friend + that her conduct was absolutely wicked, and that she ought to ask pardon + of Heaven on her knees for it. And having delivered herself of a hot and + voluble speech whereof the delivery astonished the speaker as much almost + as her auditor, she ran to her bonnet and shawl, and went home across the + park in a great flurry and perturbation, and to the surprise of Mrs. + Pendennis, who had not expected her until night. + </p> + <p> + Alone with Helen, Laura gave an account of the scene, and gave up her + friend henceforth. “O Mamma,” she said, “you were right; Blanche, who + seems so soft and so kind, is, as you have said, selfish and cruel. She + who is always speaking of her affections can have no heart. No honest girl + would afflict a mother so, or torture a dependant; and—and, I give + her up from this day, and I will have no other friend but you.” + </p> + <p> + On this the two ladies went through the osculatory ceremony which they + were in the habit of performing, and Mrs. Pendennis got a great secret + comfort from the little quarrel—for Laura's confession seemed to + say, “That girl can never be a wife for Pen, for she is light-minded and + heartless, and quite unworthy of our noble hero. He will be sure to find + out her unworthiness for his own part, and then he will be saved from this + flighty creature, and awake out of his delusion.” + </p> + <p> + But Miss Laura did not tell Mrs. Pendennis, perhaps did not acknowledge to + herself, what had been the real cause of the day's quarrel. Being in a + very wicked mood, and bent upon mischief everywhere, the little wicked + Muse of a Blanche had very soon begun her tricks. Her darling Laura had + come to pass a long day; and as they were sitting in her own room + together, had chosen to bring the conversation round to the subject of Mr. + Pen. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid he is sadly fickle,” Miss Blanche observed; “Mrs. Pybus, and + many more Clavering people, have told us all about the actress.” + </p> + <p> + “I was quite a child when it happened, and I don't know anything about + it,” Laura answered, blushing very much. + </p> + <p> + “He used her very ill,” Blanche said, wagging her little head. “He was + false to her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure he was not,” Laura cried out; “he acted most generously by her; + he wanted to give up everything to marry her. It was she that was false to + him. He nearly broke his heart about it: he——” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you didn't know anything about the story, dearest,” interposed + Miss Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma has said so,” said Laura. + </p> + <p> + “Well, he is very clever,” continued the other little dear, “What a sweet + poet he is! Have you ever read his poems?” + </p> + <p> + “Only the 'Fisherman and the Diver,' which he translated for us, and his + Prize Poem, which didn't get the prize; and, indeed, I thought it very + pompous and prosy,” Laura said, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Has he never written you any poems, then, love?” asked Miss Amory. + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear,” said Miss Bell. + </p> + <p> + Blanche ran up to her friend, kissed her fondly, called her my dearest + Laura at least three times, looked her archly in the face, nodded her + head, and said, “Promise to tell no-o-body, and I will show you + something.” + </p> + <p> + And tripping across the room daintily to a little mother-of-pearl inlaid + desk, she opened it with a silver key, and took out two or three papers + crumpled and rather stained with green, which she submitted to her friend. + Laura took them and read them. They were love-verses sure enough—something + about Undine—about a Naiad—about a river. She looked at them + for a long time; but in truth the lines were not very distinct before her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “And you have answered them, Blanche?” she asked, putting them back. + </p> + <p> + “O no! not for worlds, dearest,” the other said: and when her dearest + Laura had quite done with the verses, she tripped back and popped them + again into the pretty desk. + </p> + <p> + Then she went to her piano, and sang two or three songs of Rossini, whose + flourishes of music her flexible little voice could execute to perfection, + and Laura sate by, vaguely listening as she performed these pieces. What + was Miss Bell thinking about the while? She hardly knew; but sate there + silent as the songs rolled by. After this concert the young ladies were + summoned to the room where luncheon was served; and whither they of course + went with their arms round each other's waists. + </p> + <p> + And it could not have been jealousy or anger on Laura's part which had + made her silent; for, after they had tripped along the corridor and + descended the steps, and were about to open the door which leads into the + hall, Laura paused, and looking her friend kindly and frankly in the face, + kissed her with a sisterly warmth. + </p> + <p> + Something occurred after this—Master Frank's manner of eating, + probably, or mamma's blunders, or Sir Francis smelling of cigars—which + vexed Miss Blanche, and she gave way to that series of naughtinesses + whereof we have spoken, and which ended in the above little quarrel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. A House full of Visitors + </h2> + <p> + The difference between the girls did not last long. Laura was always too + eager to forgive and be forgiven, and as for Miss Blanche, her + hostilities, never very long or durable, had not been provoked by the + above scene. Nobody cares about being accused of wickedness. No vanity is + hurt by that sort of charge: Blanche was rather pleased than provoked by + her friend's indignation, which never would have been raised but for a + cause which both knew, though neither spoke of. + </p> + <p> + And so Laura, with a sigh, was obliged to confess that the romantic part + of her first friendship was at an end, and that the object of it was only + worthy of a very ordinary sort of regard. + </p> + <p> + As for Blanche, she instantly composed a copy of touching verses, setting + forth her desertion and disenchantment. It was only the old story, she + wrote, of love meeting with coldness, and fidelity returned by neglect; + and some new neighbours arriving from London about this time, in whose + family there were daughters, Miss Amory had the advantage of selecting an + eternal friend from one of these young ladies, and imparting her sorrows + and disappointments to this new sister. The tall footmen came but seldom + now with notes to the sweet Laura; the pony-carriage was but rarely + despatched to Fairoaks to be at the orders of the ladies there. Blanche + adopted a sweet look of suffering martyrdom when Laura came to see her. + The other laughed at her friend's sentimental mood, and treated it with a + good-humour that was by no means respectful. + </p> + <p> + But if Miss Blanche found new female friends to console her, the faithful + historian is also bound to say, that she discovered some acquaintances of + the other sex who seemed to give her consolation too. If ever this artless + young creature met a young man, and had ten minutes' conversation with him + in a garden walk, in a drawing-room window, or in the intervals of a + waltz, she confided in him, so to speak—made play with her beautiful + eyes—spoke in a tone of tender interest, and simple and touching + appeal, and left him, to perform the same pretty little drama in behalf of + his successor. + </p> + <p> + When the Claverings first came down to the Park, there were very few + audiences before whom Miss Blanche could perform: hence Pen had all the + benefits of her glances and confidences, and the drawing-room window or + the garden walk all to himself. In the town of Clavering, it has been + said, there were actually no young men: in the near surrounding country, only + a curate or two or a rustic young squire, with large feet and ill-made + clothes. To the dragoons quartered at Chatteris the Baronet made no + overtures: it was unluckily his own regiment: he had left it on bad terms + with some officers of the corps—an ugly business about a horse + bargain—a disputed play account—blind-Hookey—a white + feather—who need ask?—it is not our business to inquire too + closely into the bygones of our characters, except in so far as their + previous history appertains to the development of this present story. + </p> + <p> + But the autumn, and the end of the Parliamentary Session and the London + season, brought one or two county families down to their houses, and + filled tolerably the neighbouring little watering-place of Baymouth, and + opened our friend Mr. Bingley's Theatre Royal at Chatteris, and collected + the usual company at the Assizes and Race-balls there. Up to this time, + the old county families had been rather shy of our friends of Clavering + Park. The Fogeys of Drummington; the Squares of Tozely Park; the Welbores + of The Barrow, etc.: all sorts of stories were current among these folks + regarding the family at Clavering;—indeed, nobody ought to say that + people in the country have no imagination who heard them talk about new + neighbours. About Sir Francis and his Lady, and her birth and parentage, + about Miss Amory, about Captain Strong, there had been endless histories + which need not be recapitulated; and the family of the Park had been three + months in the county before the great people around began to call. + </p> + <p> + But at the end of the season, the Earl of Trehawk, Lord Lieutenant of the + County, coming to Eyrie Castle, and the Countess Dowager of Rockminster, + whose son was also a magnate of the land, to occupy a mansion on the + Marine Parade at Baymouth—these great folks came publicly, + immediately, and in state, to call upon the family of Clavering Park; and + the carriages of the county families speedily followed in the track which + had been left in the avenue by their lordly wheels. + </p> + <p> + It was then that Mirobolant began to have an opportunity of exercising + that skill which he possessed, and of forgetting, in the occupations of + his art, the pangs of love. It was then that the large footmen were too + much employed at Clavering Park to be able to bring messages, or dally + over the cup of small beer with the poor little maids at Fairoaks. It was + then that Blanche found other dear friends than Laura, and other places to + walk in besides the river-side, where Pen was fishing. He came day after + day, and whipped the stream, but the “fish, fish!” wouldn't do their duty, + nor the Peri appear. And here, though in strict confidence, and with a + request that the matter go no further, we may as well allude to a delicate + business, of which previous hint has been given. Mention has been made, in + a former page, of a certain hollow tree, at which Pen used to take his + station when engaged in his passion for Miss Fotheringay, and the cavity + of which he afterwards used for other purposes than to insert his baits + and fishing-cans in. The truth is, he converted this tree into a + post-office. Under a piece of moss and a stone, he used to put little + poems, or letters equally poetical, which were addressed to a certain + Undine, or Naiad who frequented the stream, and which, once or twice, were + replaced by a receipt in the shape of a flower, or by a modest little word + or two of acknowledgment, written in a delicate hand, in French or + English, and on pink scented paper. Certainly, Miss Amory used to walk by + this stream, as we have seen; and it is a fact that she used pink scented + paper for her correspondence. But after the great folks had invaded + Clavering Park, and the family coach passed out of the lodge-gates, + evening after evening, on their way to the other great country houses, + nobody came to fetch Pen's letters at the post-office; the white paper was + not exchanged for the pink, but lay undisturbed under its stone and its + moss, whilst the tree was reflected into the stream, and the Brawl went + rolling by. There was not much in the letters certainly; in the pink notes + scarcely anything—merely a little word or two, half jocular, half + sympathetic, such as might be written by any young lady. But oh, you silly + Pendennis, if you wanted this one, why did you not speak? Perhaps neither + party was in earnest. You were only playing at being in love, and the + sportive little Undine was humouring you at the same play. + </p> + <p> + But if a man is baulked at this game, he not unfrequently loses his + temper; and when nobody came any more for Pen's poems, he began to look + upon those compositions in a very serious light. He felt almost tragical + and romantic again, as in his first affair of the heart:—at any rate + he was bent upon having an explanation. One day he went to the Hall and + there was a roomful of visitors: on another, Miss Amory was not to be + seen; she was going to a ball that night, and was lying down to take a + little sleep. Pen cursed balls, and the narrowness of his means, and the + humility of his position in the country that caused him to be passed over + by the givers of these entertainments. On a third occasion, Miss Amory was + in the garden, and he ran thither; she was walking there in state with no + less personages than the Bishop and Bishopess of Chatteris and the + episcopal family, who scowled at him, and drew up in great dignity when he + was presented to them, and they heard his name. The Right Reverend Prelate + had heard it before, and also of the little transaction in the Dean's + garden. + </p> + <p> + “The Bishop says you're a sad young man,” good-natured Lady Clavering + whispered to him. “What have you been a doing of? Nothink, I hope, to vex + such a dear Mar as yours? How is your dear Mar? Why don't she come and me? + We an't seen her this ever such a time. We're a goin about a gaddin, so + that we don't see no neighbours now. Give my love to her and Laurar, and + come all to dinner to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Pendennis was too unwell to come out but Laura and Pen came, and + there was a great party, and Pen only got an opportunity of a hurried word + with Miss Amory. “You never come to the river now,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I can't,” said Blanche, “the house is full of people.” + </p> + <p> + “Undine has left the stream,” Mr. Pen went on, choosing to be poetical. + </p> + <p> + “She never ought to have gone there,” Miss Amory answered. “She won't go + again. It was very foolish: very wrong: it was only play. Besides, you + have other consolations at home,” she added, looking him full in the face + an instant, and dropping her eyes. + </p> + <p> + If he wanted her, why did he not speak then? She might have said “Yes” + even then. But as she spoke of other consolations at home, he thought of + Laura, so affectionate and so pure, and of his mother at home, who had + bent her fond heart upon uniting him with her adopted daughter. “Blanche!” + he began, in a vexed tone,—“Miss Amory!” + </p> + <p> + “Laura is looking at us, Mr. Pendennis,” the young lady said. “I must go + back to the company,” and she ran off, leaving Mr. Pendennis to bite his + nails in perplexity, and to look out into the moonlight in the garden. + </p> + <p> + Laura indeed was looking at Pen. She was talking with, or appearing to + listen to the talk of, Mr. Pynsent, Lord Rockminster's son, and grandson + of the Dowager Lady, who was seated in state in the place of honour, + gravely receiving Lady Clavering's bad grammar, and patronising the + vacuous Sir Francis, whose interest in the county she was desirous to + secure. Pynsent and Pen had been at Oxbridge together, where the latter, + during his heyday of good fortune and fashion, had been the superior of + the young patrician, and perhaps rather supercilious towards him. They had + met for the first time, since they parted at the University, at the table + to-day, and given each other that exceedingly impertinent and amusing + demi-nod of recognition which is practised in England only, and only to + perfection by University men,—and which seems to say, “Confound you—what + do you do here?” + </p> + <p> + “I knew that man at Oxbridge,” Mr. Pynsent said to Miss Bell—“a Mr. + Pendennis, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Miss Bell. + </p> + <p> + “He seems rather sweet upon Miss Amory,” the gentleman went on. Laura + looked at them, and perhaps thought so too, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “A man of large property in the county, ain't he? He used to talk about + representing it. He used to speak at the Union. Whereabouts do his estates + lie?” + </p> + <p> + Laura smiled. “His estates lie on the other side of the river, near the + lodge-gate. He is my cousin, and I live there.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” asked Mr. Pynsent, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Why, on the other side of the river, at Fairoaks,” answered Miss Bell. + </p> + <p> + “Many pheasants there? Cover looks rather good,” said the simple + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Laura smiled again. “We have nine hens and a cock, a pig, and an old + pointer.” + </p> + <p> + “Pendennis don't preserve, then?” continued Mr. Pynsent. + </p> + <p> + “You should come and see him,” the girl said, laughing, and greatly amused + at the notion that her Pen was a great county gentleman, and perhaps had + given himself out to be such. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I quite long to renew our acquaintance,” Mr. Pynsent said, + gallantly, and with a look which fairly said, “It is you that I would like + to come and see”—to which look and speech Miss Laura vouchsafed a + smile, and made a little bow. + </p> + <p> + Here Blanche came stepping up with her most fascinating smile and ogle, + and begged dear Laura to come and take the second in a song. Laura was + ready to do anything good-natured, and went to the piano; by which Mr. + Pynsent listened as long as the duet lasted, and until Miss Amory began + for herself, when he strode away. + </p> + <p> + “What a nice, frank, amiable, well-bred girl that is, Wagg,” said Mr. + Pynsent to a gentleman who had come over with him from Baymouth—“the + tall one, I mean, with the ringlets and red lips—monstrous red, + ain't they?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of the girl of the house?” asked Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “I think she's a lean, scraggy humbug,” said Mr. Pynsent, with great + candour. “She drags her shoulders out of her dress, she never lets her + eyes alone: and she goes simpering and ogling about like a French + waiting-maid. + </p> + <p> + “Pynsent, be civil,” cried the other, “somebody can hear.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's Pendennis of Boniface,” Mr. Pynsent said. “Fine evening, Mr. + Pendennis; we were just talking of your charming cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “Any relation to my old friend, Major Pendennis?” asked Mr. Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “His nephew. Had the pleasure of meeting you at Gaunt House,” Mr. Pen said + with his very best air—the acquaintance between the gentlemen was + made in an instant. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon of the next day, the two gentlemen who were staying at + Clavering Park were found by Mr. Pen on his return from a fishing + excursion, in which he had no sport, seated in his mother's drawing-room + in comfortable conversation with the widow and her ward. Mr. Pynsent, tall + and gaunt, with large red whiskers and an imposing tuft to his chin, was + striding over a chair in the intimate neighbourhood of Miss Laura. She was + amused by his talk, which was simple, straightforward, rather humorous and + keen, and interspersed with homely expressions of a style which is + sometimes called slang. It was the first specimen of a young London dandy + that Laura had seen or heard: for she had been but a chit at the time of + Mr. Foker's introduction at Fairoaks, nor indeed was that ingenuous + gentleman much more than a boy, and his refinement was only that of a + school and college. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wagg, as he entered the Fairoaks premises with his companion, eyed and + noted everything. “Old gardener,” he said, seeing Mr. John at the lodge—“old + red livery waistcoat—clothes hanging out to dry on the + gooseberry-bushes—blue aprons, white ducks—gad, they must be + young Pendennis's white ducks—nobody else wears 'em in the family. + Rather a shy place for a sucking county member, ay, Pynsent?” + </p> + <p> + “Snug little crib,” said Mr. Pynsent, “pretty cosy little lawn.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Pendennis at home, old gentleman?” Mr. Wagg said to the old domestic. + John answered, “No, Master Pendennis was agone out.” + </p> + <p> + “Are the ladies at home?” asked the younger visitor. Mr. John answered, + “Yes, they be;” and as the pair walked over the trim gravel, and by the + neat shrubberies, up the steps to the hall-door, which old John opened, + Mr. Wagg noted everything that he saw; the barometer and the letter-bag, + the umbrellas and the ladies' clogs, Pen's hats and tartan wrapper, and + old John opening the drawing-room door, to introduce the new-comers. Such + minutiae attracted Wagg instinctively; he seized them in spite of himself. + </p> + <p> + “Old fellow does all the work,” he whispered to Pynsent. “Caleb + Balderstone. Shouldn't wonder if he's the housemaid.” The next minute the + pair were in the presence of the Fairoaks ladies; in whom Pynsent could + not help recognising two perfectly well-bred ladies, and to whom Mr. Wagg + made his obeisance, with florid bows, and extra courtesy, accompanied with + an occasional knowing leer at his companion. Mr. Pynsent did not choose to + acknowledge these signals, except by extreme haughtiness towards Mr. Wagg, + and particular deference to the ladies. If there was one thing laughable + in Mr. Wagg's eyes, it was poverty. He had the soul of a butler who had + been brought from his pantry to make fun in the drawing-room. His jokes + were plenty, and his good-nature thoroughly genuine, but he did not seem + to understand that a gentleman could wear an old coat, or that a lady + could be respectable unless she had her carriage, or employed a French + milliner. + </p> + <p> + “Charming place, ma'am,” said he, bowing to the widow; “noble prospect—delightful + to us Cocknies, who seldom see anything but Pall Mall.” The widow said + simply, she had never been in London but once in her life—before her + son was born. + </p> + <p> + “Fine village, ma'am, fine village,” said Mr. Wagg, “and increasing every + day. It'll be quite a large town soon. It's not a bad place to live in for + those who can't get the country, and will repay a visit when you honour + it.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother, Major Pendennis, has often mentioned your name to us,” the + widow said, “and we have been very much amused by some of your droll + books, sir,” Helen continued, who never could be brought to like Mr. + Wagg's books, and detested their tone most thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + “He is my very good friend,” Mr. Wagg said, with a low bow, “and one of + the best known men about town, and where known, ma'am, appreciated—I + assure you appreciated. He is with our friend Steyne, at Aix-la-Chapelle. + Steyne has a touch of the gout and so, between ourselves, has your + brother. I am going to Stillbrook for the pheasant-shooting, and + afterwards to Bareacres, where Pendennis and I shall probably meet;” and + he poured out a flood of fashionable talk, introducing the names of a + score of peers, and rattling on with breathless spirits, whilst the simple + widow listened in silent wonder. What a man, she thought; are all the men + of fashion in London like this? I am sure Pen will never like him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pynsent was in the meanwhile engaged with Miss Laura. He named some of + the houses in the neighbourhood whither he was going, and hoped very much + that he should see Miss Bell at some of them. He hoped that her aunt would + give her a season in London. He said, that in the next parliament it was + probable that he should canvass the county, and he hoped to get + Pendennis's interest here. He spoke of Pen's triumph as an orator at + Oxbridge, and asked was he coming into parliament too? He talked on very + pleasantly, and greatly to Laura's satisfaction, until Pen himself + appeared, and, as has been said, found these gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + Pen behaved very courteously to the pair, now that they have found their + way into his quarters; and though he recollected with some twinges a + conversation at Oxbridge, when Pynsent was present, and in which after a + great debate at the Union, and in the midst of considerable excitement + produced by a supper and champagne-cup,—he had announced his + intention of coming in for his native county, and had absolutely returned + thanks in a fine speech as the future member; yet Mr. Pynsent's manner was + so frank and cordial, that Pen hoped Pynsent might have forgotten his + little fanfaronnade, and any other braggadocio speeches or actions which + he might have made. He suited himself to the tone of the visitors, then, + and talked about Plinlimmon and Magnus Charters, and the old set at + Oxbridge, with careless familiarity and high-bred ease, as if he lived + with marquises every day, and a duke was no more to him than a village + curate. + </p> + <p> + But at this juncture, and it being then six o'clock in the evening, Betsy, + the maid, who did not know of the advent of strangers, walked into the + room without any preliminary but that of flinging the door wide open + before her, and bearing in her arms a tray, containing three tea-cups, a + tea-pot, and a plate of thick bread-and-butter. All Pen's splendour and + magnificence vanished away at this—and he faltered and became quite + abashed. “What will they think of us?” he thought: and, indeed, Wagg + thrust his tongue in his cheek, thought the tea infinitely contemptible, + and leered and winked at Pynsent to that effect. + </p> + <p> + But to Mr. Pynsent the transaction appeared perfectly simple—there + was no reason present to his mind why people should not drink tea at six + if they were minded, as well as at any other hour; and he asked of Mr. + Wagg, when they went away, “What the devil he was grinning and winking at, + and what amused him?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you see how the cub was ashamed of the thick bread-and-butter? I + dare say they're going to have treacle if they are good. I'll take an + opportunity of telling old Pendennis when we get back to town,” Mr. Wagg + chuckled out. + </p> + <p> + “Don't see the fun,” said Mr. Pynsent. + </p> + <p> + “Never thought you did,” growled Wagg between his teeth; they walked home + rather sulkily. + </p> + <p> + Wagg told the story at dinner very smartly, with wonderful accuracy of + observation. He described old John, the clothes that were drying, the + clogs in the hall, the drawing-room, and its furniture and pictures;—“Old + man with a beak and bald head—feu Pendennis I bet two to one; + sticking-plaster full-length of a youth in a cap and gown—the + present Marquis of Fairoaks, of course; the widow when young in a + miniature, Mrs. Mee; she had the gown on when we came, or a dress made the + year after, and the tips cut off the fingers of her gloves which she + stitches her son's collars with; and then the sarving maid came in with + their teas so we left the Earl and the Countess to their + bread-and-butter.” + </p> + <p> + Blanche, near whom he sate as he told this story, and who adored les + hommes desprit, burst out laughing, and called him such an odd, droll + creature. But Pynsent, who began to be utterly disgusted with him, broke + out in a loud voice, and said, “I don't know, Mr. Wagg, what sort of + ladies you are accustomed to meet in your own family, but by gad, as far + as a first acquaintance can show, I never met two better-bred women in my + life, and I hope, ma'am, you'll call upon 'em,” he added, addressing Lady + Rockminster, who was seated at Sir Francis Clavering's right hand. + </p> + <p> + Sir Francis turned to the guest on his left, and whispered. “That's what I + call a sticker for Wagg.” And Lady Clavering, giving the young gentleman a + delighted tap with her fan, winked her black eyes at him, and said, “Mr. + Pynsent, you're a good feller.” + </p> + <p> + After the affair with Blanche, a difference ever so slight, a tone of + melancholy, perhaps a little bitter, might be perceived in Laura's + converse with her cousin. She seemed to weigh him and find him wanting + too; the widow saw the girl's clear and honest eyes watching the young man + at times, and a look of almost scorn pass over her face, as he lounged in + the room with the women, or lazily sauntered smoking upon the lawn, or + lolled under a tree there over a book which he was too listless to read. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened between you?” eager-sighted Helen asked of the girl. + “Something has happened. Has that wicked little Blanche been making + mischief? Tell me, Laura.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing has happened at all,” Laura said. + </p> + <p> + “Then why do you look at Pen so?” asked his mother quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Look at him, dear mother!” said the girl. “We two women are no society + for him: we don't interest him; we are not clever enough for such a genius + as Pen. He wastes his life and energies away among us, tied to our + apron-strings. He interests himself in nothing: he scarcely cares to go + beyond the garden-gate. Even Captain Glanders and Captain Strong pall upon + him,” she added with a bitter laugh; “and they are men, you know, and our + superiors. He will never be happy while he is here. Why, is he not facing + the world, and without a profession?” + </p> + <p> + “We have got enough, with great economy,” said the widow, her heart + beginning to beat violently. “Pen has spent nothing for months. I'm sure + he is very good. I am sure he might be very happy with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't agitate yourself so, dear mother,” the girl answered. “I don't like + to see you so. You should not be sad because Pen is unhappy here. All men + are so. They must work. They must make themselves names and a place in the + world. Look, the two captains have fought and seen battles; that Mr. + Pynsent, who came here, and who will be very rich, is in a public office; + he works very hard, he aspires to a name and a reputation. He says Pen was + one of the best speakers at Oxbridge, and had as great a character for + talent as any of the young gentlemen there. Pen himself laughs at Mr. + Wagg's celebrity (and indeed he is a horrid person), and says he is a + dunce, and that anybody could write his books.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure they are odious and vulgar,” interposed the widow. + </p> + <p> + “Yet he has a reputation.—You see the County Chronicle says, 'The + celebrated Mr. Wagg has been sojourning at Baymouth—let our + fashionables and eccentrics look out for something from his caustic pen.' + If Pen can write better than this gentleman, and speak better than Mr. + Pynsent, why doesn't he? Mamma, he can't make speeches to us; or + distinguish himself here. He ought to go away, indeed he ought.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Laura,” said Helen, taking the girl's hand. “Is it kind of you to + hurry him so? I have been waiting. I have been saving up money these many + months—to—to pay back your advance to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, mother!” Laura cried, embracing her friend hastily. “It was your + money, not mine. Never speak about that again. How much money have you + saved?” + </p> + <p> + Helen said there were more than two hundred pounds at the bank, and that + she would be enabled to pay off all Laura's money by the end of the next + year. + </p> + <p> + “Give it him—let him have the two hundred pounds. Let him go to + London and be a lawyer: be something, be worthy of his mother—and of + mine, dearest mamma,” said the good girl; upon which, and with her usual + tenderness and emotion, the fond widow declared that Laura was a blessing + to her and the best of girls—and I hope no one in this instance will + be disposed to contradict her. + </p> + <p> + The widow and her daughter had more than one conversation on this subject; + and the elder gave way to the superior reason of the honest and + stronger-minded girl; and indeed, whenever there was a sacrifice to be + made on her part, this kind lady was only too eager to make it. But she + took her own way, and did not loose sight of the end she had in view, in + imparting these new plans to Pen. One day she told him of these projects, + and it who it was that had formed them; how it was Laura who insisted upon his + going to London and studying; how it was Laura who would not hear of the—the + money arrangements when he came back from Oxbridge—being settled + just then: how it was Laura whom he had to thank, if indeed he thought + that he had to go. + </p> + <p> + At that news Pen's countenance blazed up with pleasure, and he hugged his + mother to his heart with an ardour that I fear disappointed the fond lady; + but she rallied when he said, “By Heaven! she is a noble girl, and may God + Almighty bless her mother! I have been wearing myself away for months + here, longing to work, and not knowing how. I've been fretting over the + thoughts of my shame, and my debts, and my past cursed extravagance and + follies. I've suffered infernally. My heart has been half broken—never + mind about that. If I can get a chance to redeem the past, and to do my + duty to myself and the best mother in the world, indeed, indeed, I will. + I'll be worthy of you yet. Heaven bless you! God bless Laura! Why isn't + she here, that I may go and thank her?” Pen went on with more incoherent + phrases; paced up and down the room, drank glasses of water, jumped about + his mother with a thousand embraces—began to laugh—began to + sing—was happier than she had seen him since he was a boy—since + he had tasted of the fruit of that awful Tree of Life, which, from the + beginning, has tempted all mankind. + </p> + <p> + Laura was not at home. Laura was on a visit to the stately Lady + Rockminster, daughter to my Lord Bareacres, sister to the late Lady + Pontypool, and by consequence a distant kinswoman of Helen's, as her + ladyship, who was deeply versed in genealogy, was graciously to point out + to the modest country lady. Mr. Pen was greatly delighted at the + relationship being acknowledged; though perhaps not over well pleased that + Lady Rockminster took Miss Bell home with her for a couple of days to + Baymouth, and did not make the slightest invitation to Mr. Arthur + Pendennis. There was to be a ball at Baymouth, and it was to be Miss + Laura's first appearance. The dowager came to fetch her in her carriage, + and she went off with a white dress in her box, happy and blushing, like + the rose to which Pen compared her. + </p> + <p> + This was the night of the ball—a public entertainment at the + Baymouth Hotel. “By Jove!” said Pen, “I'll ride over—No, I won't + ride, but I'll go too.” His mother was charmed that he should do so; and, + as he was debating about the conveyance in which he should start for + Baymouth, Captain Strong called opportunely, said he was going himself, + and that he would put his horse, The Butcher Boy, into the gig, and drive + Pen over. + </p> + <p> + When the grand company began to fill the house at Clavering Park, the + Chevalier Strong, who, as his patron said, was never in the way or out of + it, seldom intruded himself upon its society, but went elsewhere to seek + his relaxation. “I've seen plenty of grand dinners in my time,” he said, + “and dined, by Jove, in a company where there was a king and royal duke at + top and bottom, and every man along the table had six stars on his coat; + but dammy, Glanders, this finery don't suit me; and the English ladies + with their confounded buckram airs, and the squires with their politics + after dinner, send me to sleep—sink me dead if they don't. I like a + place where I can blow my cigar when the cloth is removed, and when I'm + thirsty, have my beer in its native pewter.” So on a gala-day at Clavering + Park, the Chevalier would content himself with superintending the + arrangements of the table, and drilling the major-domo and servants; and + having looked over the bill-of-fare with Monsieur Mirobolant, would not + care to take the least part in the banquet. “Send me up a cutlet and a + bottle of claret to my room,” this philosopher would say, and from the + windows of that apartment, which commanded the terrace and avenue, he + would survey the company as they arrived in their carriages, or take a + peep at the ladies in the hall through an oeil-de-boeuf which commanded it + from his corridor. And the guests being seated, Strong would cross the + park to Captain Glanders's cottage at Clavering, or to pay the landlady a + visit at the Clavering Arms, or to drop in upon Madame Fribsby over her + novel and tea. Wherever the Chevalier went he was welcome, and whenever he + came away a smell of hot brandy-and-water lingered behind him. + </p> + <p> + The Butcher Boy—not the worst horse in Sir Francis's stable—was + appropriated to Captain Strong's express use; and the old Campaigner + saddled him or brought him home at all hours of the day or night, and + drove or rode him up and down the country. Where there was a public-house + with a good tap of beer—where there was a tenant with a pretty + daughter who played on the piano—to Chatteris, to the play, or the + barracks—to Baymouth, if any fun was on foot there; to the rural + fairs or races, the Chevalier and his brown horse made their way + continually; and this worthy gentleman lived at free quarters in a + friendly country. The Butcher Boy soon took Pen and the Chevalier to + Baymouth. The latter was as familiar with the hotel and landlord there as + with every other inn round about; and having been accommodated with a + bedroom to dress, they entered the ballroom. The Chevalier was splendid. + He wore three little gold crosses in a brochette on the portly breast of + his blue coat, and looked like a foreign field-marshal. + </p> + <p> + The ball was public and all sorts of persons were admitted and encouraged + to come, young Pynsent having views upon the county and Lady Rockminster + being patroness of the ball. There was a quadrille for the aristocracy at + one end, and select benches for the people of fashion. Towards this end + the Chevalier did not care to penetrate far (as he said he did not care + for the nobs); but in the other part of the room he knew everybody—the + wine-merchants', innkeepers', tradesmen's, solicitors', squire-farmers' + daughters, their sires and brothers, and plunged about shaking hands. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man with the blue ribbon and the three-pointed star?” asked + Pen. A gentleman in black with ringlets and a tuft stood gazing fiercely + about him, with one hand in the arm-hole of his waistcoat and the other + holding his claque. + </p> + <p> + “By Jupiter, it's Mirobolant!” cried Strong, bursting out laughing. “Bon + jour, Chef!—Bon jour, Chevalier!” + </p> + <p> + “De la croix de Juillet, Chevalier!” said the Chef, laying his hand on his + decoration. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, here's some more ribbon!” said Pen, amused. + </p> + <p> + A man with very black hair and whiskers, dyed evidently with the purple of + Tyre, with twinkling eyes and white eyelashes, and a thousand wrinkles in + his face, which was of a strange red colour, with two under-vests, and + large gloves and hands, and a profusion of diamonds and jewels in his + waistcoat and stock, with coarse feet crumpled into immense shiny boots, + and a piece of parti-coloured ribbon in his button-hole, here came up and + nodded familiarly to the Chevalier. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier shook hands. “My friend Mr. Pendennis,” Strong said. + “Colonel Altamont, of the bodyguard of his Highness the Nawaub of + Lucknow.” That officer bowed to the salute of Pen; who was now looking out + eagerly to see if the person wanted had entered the room. + </p> + <p> + Not yet. But the band began presently performing 'See the Conquering Hero + comes,' and a host of fashionables—Dowager Countess of Rockminster, + Mr. Pynsent and Miss Bell, Sir Francis Clavering, Bart., of Clavering + Park, Lady Clavering and Miss Amory, Sir Horace Fogey, Bart., Lady Fogey, + Colonel and Mrs. Higgs Wagg,—Esq. (as the county paper afterwards + described them), entered the room. + </p> + <p> + Pen rushed by Blanche, ran up to Laura, and seized her hand. “God bless + you!” he said, “I want to speak to you—I must speak to you—Let + me dance with you.” “Not for three dances, dear Pen,” she said, smiling: + and he fell back, biting his nails with vexation, and forgetting to salute + Pynsent. + </p> + <p> + After Lady Rockminster's party, Lady Clavering's followed in the + procession. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Altamont eyed it hard, holding a most musky pocket-handkerchief up + to his face, and bursting with laughter behind it. + </p> + <p> + “Who's the gal in green along with 'em, Cap'n?” he asked of Strong. + </p> + <p> + “That's Miss Amory, Lady Clavering's daughter,” replied the Chevalier. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel could hardly contain himself for laughing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. Contains some Ball-practising + </h2> + <p> + Under some calico draperies in the shady embrasure of a window, Arthur + Pendennis chose to assume a very gloomy and frowning countenance, and to + watch Miss Bell dance her first quadrille with Mr. Pynsent for a partner. + That gentleman was as solemn and severe as Englishmen are upon such + occasions, and walked through the dance as he would have walked up to his + pew in church, without a smile upon his face, or allowing any outward + circumstance to interfere with his attention to the grave duty in which he + was engaged. But Miss Laura's face was beaming with pleasure and + good-nature. The lights and the crowd and music excited her. As she spread + out her white robes, and performed her part of the dance, smiling and + happy, her brown ringlets flowing back over her fair shoulders from her + honest rosy face, more than one gentleman in the room admired and looked + after her; and Lady Fogey, who had a house in London and gave herself no + small airs of fashion when in the country, asked of Lady Rockminster who + the young person was, mentioned a reigning beauty in London whom, in her + ladyship's opinion, Laura was rather like, and pronounced that she would + “do.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Rockminster would have been very much surprised if any protegee of + hers would not “do,” and wondered at Lady Fogey's impudence in judging + upon the point at all. She surveyed Laura with majestic glances through + her eyeglass. She was pleased with the girl's artless looks, and gay + innocent manner. Her manner is very good, her ladyship thought. Her arms + are rather red, but that is a defect of her youth. Her tone is far better + than that of the little pert Miss Amory, who is dancing opposite to her. + </p> + <p> + Miss Blanche was, indeed, the vis-a-vis of Miss Laura, and smiled most + killingly upon her dearest friend, and nodded to her and talked to her, + when they met during the quadrille evolutions, and patronised her a great + deal. Her shoulders were the whitest in the whole room: and they were + never easy in her frock for one single instant: nor were her eyes, which + rolled about incessantly: nor was her little figure:—it seemed to + say to all the people, “Come and look at me—not at that pink, + healthy, bouncing country lass, Miss Bell, who scarcely knew how to dance + till I taught her. This is the true Parisian manner—this is the + prettiest little foot in the room, and the prettiest little chaussure too. + Look at it, Mr. Pynsent. Look at it, Mr. Pendennis, you who are scowling + behind the curtain—I know you are longing to dance with me.” + </p> + <p> + Laura went on dancing, and keeping an attentive eye upon Mr. Pen in the + embrasure of the window. He did not quit that retirement during the first + quadrille, nor until the second, when the good-natured Lady Clavering + beckoned to him to come up to her to the dais or place of honour where the + dowagers were,—and whither Pen went blushing and exceedingly + awkward, as most conceited young fellows are. He performed a haughty + salutation to Lady Rockminster, who hardly acknowledged his bow, and then + went and paid his respects to the widow of the late Amory, who was + splendid in diamonds, velvet, lace, feathers, and all sorts of millinery + and goldsmith's ware. + </p> + <p> + Young Mr. Fogey, then in the fifth form at Eton, and ardently expecting + his beard and his commission in a dragoon regiment, was the second partner + who was honoured with Miss Bell's hand. He was rapt in admiration of that + young lady. He thought he had never seen so charming a creature. “I like + you much better than the French girl” (for this young gentleman had been + dancing with Miss Amory before), he candidly said to her. Laura laughed, + and looked more good-humoured than ever; and in the midst of her laughter + caught a sight of Pen, and continued to laugh as he, on his side, + continued to look absurdly pompous and sulky. The next dance was a waltz, + and young Fogey thought, with a sigh, that he did not know how to waltz, + and vowed he would have a master the next holidays. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pynsent again claimed Miss Bell's hand for this dance; and Pen beheld + her, in a fury, twirling round the room, her waist encircled by the arm of + that gentleman. He never used to be angry before when, on summer evenings, + the chairs and tables being removed, and the governess called downstairs + to play the piano, he and the Chevalier Strong (who was a splendid + performer, and could dance a British hornpipe, a German waltz, or a + Spanish fandango, if need were), and the two young ladies, Blanche and + Laura, improvised little balls at Clavering Park. Laura enjoyed this + dancing so much, and was so animated, that she even animated Mr. Pynsent. + Blanche, who could dance beautifully, had an unlucky partner, Captain + Broadfoot, of the Dragoons, then stationed at Chatteris. For Captain + Broadfoot, though devoting himself with great energy to the object in + view, could not get round in time: and, not having the least ear for + music, was unaware that his movements were too slow. + </p> + <p> + So, in the waltz as in the quadrille, Miss Blanche saw that her dear + friend Laura had the honours of the dance, and was by no means pleased + with the latter's success. After a couple of turns with the heavy dragoon, + she pleaded fatigue, and requested to be led back to her place, near her + mamma, to whom Pen was talking; and she asked him why he had not asked her + to waltz, and had left her for the mercies of that great odious man in + spurs and a red coat? + </p> + <p> + “I thought spurs and scarlet were the most fascinating objects in the + world to young ladies,” Pen answered. “I never should have dared to put my + black coat in competition with that splendid red jacket.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very unkind and cruel and sulky and naughty,” said Miss Amory, + with another shrug of the shoulders. “You had better go away. Your cousin + is looking at us over Mr. Pynsent's shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you waltz with me?” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Not this waltz. I can't, having just sent away that good Captain + Broadfoot. Look at Mr. Pynsent, did you ever see such a creature? But I + will dance the next waltz with you, and the quadrille too. I am promised, + but I will tell Mr. Poole that I had forgotten my engagement to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Women forget very readily,” Pendennis said. + </p> + <p> + “But they always come back, and are very repentant and sorry for what + they've done,” Blanche said. “See, here comes the Poker, and dear Laura + leaning on him. How pretty she looks!” + </p> + <p> + Laura came up, and put out her hand to Pen, to whom Pynsent made a sort of + bow, appearing to be not much more graceful than that domestic instrument + to which Miss Amory compared him. + </p> + <p> + But Laura's face was full of kindness. “I am so glad to have come, dear + Pen,” she said. “I can speak to you now. How is mamma? The three dances + are over, and I am engaged to you for the next, Pen.” + </p> + <p> + “I have just engaged myself to Miss Amory,” said Pen; and Miss Amory + nodded her head, and made her usual little curtsey. “I don't intend to + give him up, dearest Laura,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, he'll waltz with me, dear Blanche,” said the other. “Won't + you, Pen?” + </p> + <p> + “I promised to waltz with Miss Amory.” + </p> + <p> + “Provoking!” said Laura, and making a curtsey in her turn she went and + placed herself under the ample wing of Lady Rockminster. + </p> + <p> + Pen was delighted with his mischief. The two prettiest girls in the room + were quarrelling about him. He flattered himself he had punished Miss + Laura. He leaned in a dandified air, with his elbow over the wall, and + talked to Blanche: he quizzed unmercifully all the men in the room—the + heavy dragoons in their tight jackets—the country dandies in their + queer attire—the strange toilettes of the ladies. One seemed to have + a bird's nest in her head; another had six pounds of grapes in her hair, + besides her false pearls. “It's a coiffure of almonds and raisins,” said + Pen “and might be served up for dessert.” In a word, he was exceedingly + satirical and amusing. + </p> + <p> + During the quadrille he carried on this kind of conversation with + unflinching bitterness and vivacity, and kept Blanche continually + laughing, both at his wickedness and jokes, which were good, and also + because Laura was again their vis-a-vis, and could see and hear how merry + and confidential they were. + </p> + <p> + “Arthur is charming to-night,” she whispered to Laura, across Cornet + Perch's shell-jacket, as Pen was performing cavalier seul before them, + drawling through that figure with a thumb in the pocket of each waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + “Who?” said Laura. + </p> + <p> + “Arthur,” answered Blanche, in French. “Oh, it's such a pretty name!” And + now the young ladies went over to Pen's side, and Cornet Perch performed a + pas seul in his turn. He had no waistcoat pocket to put his hands into, + and they looked large and swollen as they hung before him depending from + the tight arms in the jacket. + </p> + <p> + During the interval between the quadrille and the succeeding waltz, Pen + did not take any notice of Laura, except to ask her whether her partner, + Cornet Perch, was an amusing youth, and whether she liked him so well as + her other partner, Mr. Pynsent. Having planted which two daggers in + Laura's gentle bosom, Mr. Pendennis proceeded to rattle on with Blanche + Amory, and to make jokes good or bad, but which were always loud. Laura + was at a loss to account for her cousin's sulky behaviour, and ignorant in + what she had offended him; however, she was not angry in her turn at Pen's + splenetic mood, for she was the most good-natured and forgiving of women, + and besides, an exhibition of jealousy on a man's part is not always + disagreeable to a lady. + </p> + <p> + As Pen would not dance with her, she was glad to take up with the active + Chevalier Strong, who was a still better performer than Pen; and being + very fond of dancing, as every brisk and innocent young girl should be, + when the waltz music began she set off, and chose to enjoy herself with + all her heart. Captain Broadfoot on this occasion occupied the floor in + conjunction with a lady of proportions scarcely inferior to his own; Miss + Roundle, a large young woman in a strawberry-ice coloured crape dress, the + daughter of the lady with the grapes in her head, whose bunches Pen had + admired. + </p> + <p> + And now taking his time, and with his fair partner Blanche hanging + lovingly on the arm which encircled her, Mr. Arthur Pendennis set out upon + his waltzing career, and felt, as he whirled round to the music, that he + and Blanche were performing very brilliantly indeed. Very likely he looked + to see if Miss Bell thought so too; but she did not or would not see him, + and was always engaged with her partner Captain Strong. But Pen's triumph + was not destined to last long; and it was doomed that poor Blanche was to + have yet another discomfiture on that unfortunate night. While she and Pen + were whirling round as light and brisk as a couple of opera-dancers, + honest Captain Broadfoot and the lady round whose large waist he was + clinging, were twisting round very leisurely according to their natures, + and indeed were in everybody's way. But they were more in Pendennis's way + than in anybody's else, for he and Blanche, whilst executing their rapid + gyrations, came bolt up against the heavy dragoon and his lady, and with + such force that the centre of gravity was lost by all four of the + circumvolving bodies; Captain Broadfoot and Miss Roundle were fairly + upset, as was Pen himself, who was less lucky than his partner Miss Amory, + who was only thrown upon a bench against a wall. + </p> + <p> + But Pendennis came fairly down upon the floor, sprawling in the general + ruin with Broadfoot and Miss Roundle. The Captain, though heavy, was + good-natured, and was the first to burst out into a loud laugh at his own + misfortune, which nobody therefore heeded. But Miss Amory was savage at + her mishap; Miss Roundle placed on her seant, and looking pitifully round, + presented an object which very few people could see without laughing; and + Pen was furious when he heard the people giggling about him. He was one of + those sarcastic young fellows that did not bear a laugh at his own + expense, and of all things in the world feared ridicule most. + </p> + <p> + As he got up Laura and Strong were laughing at him; everybody was + laughing; Pynsent and his partner were laughing; and Pen boiled with wrath + against the pair, and could have stabbed them both on the spot. He turned + away in a fury from them, and began blundering out apologies to Miss + Amory. It was the other couple's fault—the woman in pink had done it—Pen + hoped Miss Amory was not hurt—would she not have the courage to take + another turn? + </p> + <p> + Miss Amory in a pet said she was very much hurt indeed, and she would not + take another turn; and she accepted with great thanks a glass of water + which a cavalier, who wore a blue ribbon and a three-pointed star, rushed + to fetch for her when he had seen the deplorable accident. She drank the + water, smiled upon the bringer gracefully, and turning her white shoulder + at Mr. Pen in the most marked and haughty manner, besought the gentleman + with the star to conduct her to her mamma; and she held out her hand in + order to take his arm. + </p> + <p> + The man with the star trembled with delight at this mark of her favour; he + bowed over her hand, pressed it to his coat fervidly, and looked round him + with triumph. + </p> + <p> + It was no other than the happy Mirobolant whom Blanche had selected as an + escort. But the truth is, that the young lady had never fairly looked in + the artist's face since he had been employed in her mother's family, and + had no idea but it was a foreign nobleman on whose arm she was leaning. As + she went off, Pen forgot his humiliation in his surprise, and cried out, + “By Jove, it's the cook!” + </p> + <p> + The instant he had uttered the words, he was sorry for having spoken them—for + it was Blanche who had herself invited Mirobolant to escort her, nor could + the artist do otherwise than comply with a lady's command. Blanche in her + flutter did not hear what Arthur said; but Mirobolant heard him, and cast + a furious glance at him over his shoulder, which rather amused Mr. Pen. He + was in a mischievous and sulky humour; wanting perhaps to pick a quarrel + with somebody; but the idea of having insulted a cook, or that such an + individual should have any feeling of honour at all, did not much enter + into the mind of this lofty young aristocrat, the apothecary's son. + </p> + <p> + It had never entered that poor artist's head, that he as a man was not + equal to any other mortal, or that there was anything in his position so + degrading as to prevent him from giving his arm to a lady who asked for + it. He had seen in the fetes in his own country fine ladies, not certainly + demoiselles (but the demoiselle Anglaise he knew was a great deal more + free than the spinster in France), join in the dance with Blaise or + Pierre; and he would have taken Blanche up to Lady Clavering, and possibly + have asked her to dance too, but he heard Pen's exclamation, which struck + him as if it had shot him, and cruelly humiliated and angered him. She did + not know what caused him to start, and to grind a Gascon oath between his + teeth. + </p> + <p> + But Strong, who was acquainted with the poor fellow's state of mind, + having had the interesting information from our friend Madame Fribsby, was + luckily in the way when wanted, and saying something rapidly in Spanish, + which the other understood, the Chevalier begged Miss Amory to come and + take an ice before she went back to Lady Clavering. Upon which the unhappy + Mirobolant relinquished the arm which he had held for a minute, and with a + most profound and piteous bow, fell back. “Don't you know who it is?” + Strong asked of Miss Amory, as he led her away. “It is the chef + Mirobolant.” + </p> + <p> + “How should I know?” asked Blanche. “He has a croix; he is very distingue; + he has beautiful eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “The poor fellow is mad for your beaux yeux, I believe,” Strong said. “He + is a very good cook, but he is not quite right in the head.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you say to him in the unknown tongue?” asked Miss Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “He is a Gascon, and comes from the borders of Spain,” Strong answered. “I + told him he would lose his place if he walked with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Monsieur Mirobolant!” said Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the look he gave Pendennis?”—Strong asked, enjoying the + idea of the mischief—“I think he would like to run little Pen + through with one of his spits.” + </p> + <p> + “He is an odious, conceited, clumsy creature, that Mr. Pen,” said Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “Broadfoot looked as if he would like to kill him too, so did Pynsent,” + Strong said. “What ice will you have—water ice or cream ice?” + </p> + <p> + “Water ice. Who is that odd man staring at me—he is decore too.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my friend Colonel Altamont, a very queer character, in the + service of the Nawaub of Lucknow. Hallo! what's that noise? I'll be back + in an instant,” said the Chevalier, and sprang out of the room to the + ballroom, where a scuffle and a noise of high voices was heard. + </p> + <p> + The refreshment-room, in which Miss Amory now found herself, was a room + set apart for the purposes of supper, which Mr. Rincer the landlord had + provided for those who chose to partake, at the rate of five shillings per + head. Also, refreshments of a superior class were here ready for the + ladies and gentlemen of the county families who came to the ball; but the + commoner sort of persons were kept out of the room by a waiter who stood + at the portal, and who said that was a select room for Lady Clavering and + Lady Rockminster's parties, and not to be opened to the public till + supper-time, which was not to be until past midnight. Pynsent, who danced + with his constituents' daughters, took them and their mammas in for their + refreshment there. Strong, who was manager and master of the revels + wherever he went, had of course the entree—and the only person who + was now occupying the room was the gentleman with the black wig and the + orders in his button—hole; the officer in the service of his + Highness the Nawaub of Lucknow. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman had established himself very early in the evening in this + apartment, where, saying he was confoundedly thirsty, he called for a + bottle of champagne. At this order the waiter instantly supposed that he + had to do with a grandee, and the Colonel sate down and began to eat his + supper and absorb his drink, and enter affably into conversation with + anybody who entered the room. + </p> + <p> + Sir Francis Clavering and Mr. Wagg found him there, when they left the + ballroom, which they did pretty early—Sir Francis to go and smoke a + cigar, and look at the people gathered outside the ballroom on the shore, + which he declared was much better fun than to remain within; Mr. Wagg to + hang on to a Baronet's arm, as he was always pleased to do on the arm of + the greatest man in the company. Colonel Altamont had stared at these + gentlemen in so odd a manner, as they passed through the 'Select' room, + that Clavering made inquiries of the landlord who he was, and hinted a + strong opinion that the officer of the Nawaub's service was drunk. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pynsent, too, had had the honour of a conversation with the servant of + the Indian potentate. It was Pynsent's cue to speak to everybody (which he + did, to do him justice, in the most ungracious manner); and he took the + gentleman in the black wig for some constituent, some merchant captain, or + other outlandish man of the place. Mr. Pynsent, then, coming into the + refreshment-room with a lady, the wife of a constituent, on his arm, the + Colonel asked him if he would try a glass of Sham? Pynsent took it with + great gravity, bowed, tasted the wine, and pronounced it excellent, and + with the utmost politeness retreated before Colonel Altamont. This gravity + and decorum routed and surprised the Colonel more than any other kind of + behaviour probably would: he stared after Pynsent stupidly, and pronounced + to the landlord over the counter that he was a rum one. Mr. Rincer + blushed, and hardly knew what to say. Mr. Pynsent was a county Earl's + grandson, going to set up as a Parliament man. Colonel Altamont on the + other hand, wore orders and diamonds, jingled sovereigns constantly in his + pocket, and paid his way like a man; so not knowing what to say, Mr. + Rincer said, “Yes, Colonel—yes, ma'am, did you say tea? Cup a tea + for Mr. Jones, Mrs. R.,” and so got off that discussion regarding Mr. + Pynsent's qualities, into which the Nizam's officer appeared inclined to + enter. + </p> + <p> + In fact, if the truth must be told, Mr. Altamont, having remained at the + buffet almost all night, and employed himself very actively whilst there, + had considerably flushed his brain by drinking, and he was still going on + drinking, when Mr. Strong and Miss Amory entered the room. + </p> + <p> + When the Chevalier ran out of the apartment, attracted by the noise in the + dancing-room, the Colonel rose from his chair with his little red eyes + glowing like coals, and, with rather an unsteady gait advanced towards + Blanche, who was sipping her ice. She was absorbed in absorbing it, for it + was very fresh and good; or she was not curious to know what was going on + in the adjoining room, although the waiters were, who ran after Chevalier + Strong. So that when she looked up from her glass, she beheld this strange + man staring at her out of his little red eyes. “Who was he? It was quite + exciting.” + </p> + <p> + “And so you're Betsy Amory,” said he, after gazing at her. “Betsy Amory, + by Jove!” + </p> + <p> + “Who—who speaks to me?” said Betsy, alias Blanche. + </p> + <p> + But the noise in the ballroom is really becoming so loud, that we must + rush back thither, and see what is the cause of the disturbance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. Which is both Quarrelsome and Sentimental + </h2> + <p> + Civil war was raging, high words passing, people pushing and squeezing + together in an unseemly manner, round a window in the corner of the + ballroom, close by the door through which the Chevalier Strong shouldered + his way. Through the opened window, the crowd in the street below was + sending up sarcastic remarks, such as “Pitch into him!” “Where's the + police?” and the like; and a ring of individuals, amongst whom Madame + Fribsby was conspicuous, was gathered round Monsieur Alcide Mirobolant on + the one side; whilst several gentlemen and ladies surrounded our friend + Arthur Pendennis on the other. Strong penetrated into this assembly, + elbowing by Madame Fribsby, who was charmed at the Chevalier's appearance, + and cried, “Save him, save him!” in frantic and pathetic accents. + </p> + <p> + The cause of the disturbance, it appeared, was the angry little chef of + Sir Francis Clavering's culinary establishment. Shortly after Strong had + quitted the room, and whilst Mr. Pen, greatly irate at his downfall in the + waltz, which had made him look ridiculous in the eyes of the nation, and + by Miss Amory's behaviour to him, which had still further insulted his + dignity, was endeavouring to get some coolness of body and temper, by + looking out of window towards the sea, which was sparkling in the + distance, and murmuring in a wonderful calm—whilst he was really + trying to compose himself, and owning to himself, perhaps, that he had + acted in a very absurd and peevish manner during the night—he felt a + hand upon his shoulder; and, on looking round, beheld, to his utter + surprise and horror, that the hand in question belonged to Monsieur + Mirobolant, whose eyes were glaring out of his pale face and ringlets at + Mr. Pen. To be tapped on the shoulder by a French cook was a piece of + familiarity which made the blood of the Pendennises to boil up in the + veins of their descendant, and he was astounded, almost more than enraged, + at such an indignity. + </p> + <p> + “You speak French?” Mirobolant said in his own language to Pen. + </p> + <p> + “What is that to you, pray?” said Pen, in English. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, you understand it?” continued the other, with a bow. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Pen, with a stamp of his foot; “I understand it pretty + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Vous me comprendrez alors, Monsieur Pendennis,” replied the other, + rolling out his r with Gascon force, “quand je vous dis que vous etes un + lache. Monsieur Pendennis—un lache, entendez-vous?” + </p> + <p> + “What?” said Pen, starting round on him. + </p> + <p> + “You understand the meaning of the word and its consequences among men of + honour?” the artist said, putting his hand on his hip, and staring at Pen. + </p> + <p> + “The consequences are, that I will fling you out of window, you impudent + scoundrel,” bawled out Mr. Pen; and darting upon the Frenchman, he would + very likely have put his threat into execution, for the window was at + hand, and the artist by no means a match for the young gentleman—had + not Captain Broadfoot and another heavy officer flung themselves between + the combatants,—had not the ladies begun to scream,—had not + the fiddles stopped, had not the crowd of people come running in that + direction,—had not Laura, with a face of great alarm, looked over + their heads and asked for Heaven's sake what was wrong,—had not the + opportune Strong made his appearance from the refreshment-room, and found + Alcides grinding his teeth and jabbering oaths in his Galleon French, and + Pen looking uncommonly wicked, although trying to appear as calm as + possible, when the ladies and the crowd came up. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” Strong asked of the chef, in Spanish. + </p> + <p> + “I am Chevalier de Juillet,” said the other, slapping his breast, “and he + has insulted me.” + </p> + <p> + “What has he said to you?” asked Strong. + </p> + <p> + “Il m'a appele—Cuisinier,” hissed out the little Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + Strong could hardly help laughing. “Come away with me, poor Chevalier,” he + said. “We must not quarrel before ladies. Come away; I will carry your + message to Mr. Pendennis.—The poor fellow is not right in his head,” + he whispered to one or two people about him;—and others, and anxious + Laura's face visible amongst these, gathered round Pen and asked the cause + of the disturbance. + </p> + <p> + Pen did not know. “The man was going to give his arm to a young lady, on + which I said that he was a cook, and the man called me a coward and + challenged me to fight. I own I was so surprised and indignant, that if + you gentlemen had not stopped me, I should have thrown him out of window,” + Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “D—— him, serve him right, too,—the impudent foreign + scoundrel,” the gentlemen said. + </p> + <p> + “I—I'm very sorry if I hurt his feelings, though,” Pen added and + Laura was glad to hear him say that; although some of the young bucks + said, “No, hang the fellow,—hang those impudent foreigners—little + thrashing would do them good.” + </p> + <p> + “You will go and shake hands with him before you go to sleep—won't + you, Pen?” said Laura, coming up to him. “Foreigners may be more + susceptible than we are, and have different manners. If you hurt a poor + man's feelings, I am sure you would be the first to ask his pardon. + Wouldn't you, dear Pen?” + </p> + <p> + She looked all forgiveness and gentleness, like an angel, as she spoke; + and Pen took both her hands, and looked into her kind face, and said + indeed he would. + </p> + <p> + “How fond that girl is of me!” he thought, as she stood gazing at him. + “Shall I speak to her now? No—not now. I must have this absurd + business with the Frenchman over.” + </p> + <p> + Laura asked—Wouldn't he stop and dance with her? She was as anxious + to keep him in the room, as he to quit it. “Won't you stop and waltz with + me, Pen? I'm not afraid to waltz with you.” + </p> + <p> + This was an affectionate, but an unlucky speech. Pen saw himself prostrate + on the ground, having tumbled over Miss Roundle and the dragoon, and flung + Blanche up against the wall—saw himself on the ground, and all the + people laughing at him, Laura and Pynsent amongst them. + </p> + <p> + “I shall never dance again,” he replied, with a dark and determined face. + “Never. I'm surprised you should ask me.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it because you can't get Blanche for a partner?” asked Laura, with a + wicked, unlucky captiousness. + </p> + <p> + “Because I don't wish to make a fool of myself, for other people to laugh + at me,” Pen answered—“for you to laugh at me, Laura. I saw you and + Pynsent. By Jove! no man shall laugh at me.” + </p> + <p> + “Pen, Pen, don't be so wicked!” cried out the poor girl, hurt at the + morbid perverseness and savage vanity of Pen. He was glaring round in the + direction of Mr. Pynsent as if he would have liked to engage that + gentleman as he had done the cook. “Who thinks the worse of you for + stumbling in a waltz?” If Laura does, we don't. “Why are you so sensitive, + and ready to think evil?” + </p> + <p> + Here again, by ill luck, Mr. Pynsent came up to Laura, and said “I have it + in command from Lady Rockminster to ask whether I may take you in to + supper?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I was going in with my cousin,” Laura said. + </p> + <p> + “O—pray, no!” said Pen. “You are in such good hands, that I can't do + better than leave you: and I'm going home.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Mr. Pendennis,” Pynsent said, drily—to which speech + (which, in fact, meant, “Go to the deuce for an insolent, jealous, + impertinent jackanapes, whose ears I should like to box”) Mr. Pendennis + did not vouchsafe any reply, except a bow: and in spite of Laura's + imploring looks, he left the room. + </p> + <p> + “How beautifully calm and bright the night outside is!” said Mr. Pynsent; + “and what a murmur the sea is making! It would be pleasanter to be walking + on the beach, than in this hot room.” + </p> + <p> + “Very,” said Laura. + </p> + <p> + “What a strange congregation of people,” continued Pynsent. “I have had to + go up and perform the agreeable to most of them—the attorney's + daughters—the apothecary's wife—I scarcely know whom. There + was a man in the refreshment-room, who insisted upon treating me to + champagne—a seafaring-looking man—extraordinarily dressed, and + seeming half tipsy. As a public man one is bound to conciliate all these + people, but it is a hard task—especially when one would so very much + like to be elsewhere”—and he blushed rather as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said Laura—“I—I was not listening. Indeed—I + was frightened about that quarrel between my cousin and that—that—French + person.” + </p> + <p> + “Your cousin has been rather unlucky to-night,” Pynsent said. “There are + three or four persons whom he has not succeeded in pleasing—captain + Broadwood; what is his name—the officer—and the young lady in + red with whom he danced—and Miss Blanche—and the poor chef—and + I don't think he seemed to be particularly pleased with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't he leave me in charge to you?” Laura said, looking up into Mr. + Pynsent's face, and dropping her eyes instantly, like a guilty little + story-telling coquette. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I can forgive him a good deal for that,” Pynsent eagerly cried + out, and she took his arm, and he led off his little prize in the + direction of the supper-room. + </p> + <p> + She had no great desire for that repast, though it was served in Rincer's + well-known style, as the county paper said, giving an account of the + entertainment afterwards; indeed, she was very distraite; and exceedingly + pained and unhappy about Pen. Captious and quarrelsome; jealous and + selfish; fickle and violent and unjust when his anger led him astray; how + could her mother (as indeed Helen had by a thousand words and hints) ask + her to give her heart to such a man? and suppose she were to do so, would + it make him happy? + </p> + <p> + But she got some relief at length, when, at the end of half an hour—a + long half-hour it had seemed to her—a waiter brought her a little + note in pencil from Pen, who said, “I met Cooky below ready to fight me; + and I asked his pardon. I'm glad I did it. I wanted to speak to you + to-night, but will keep what I had to say till you come home. God bless + you. Dance away all night with Pynsent, and be very happy.—PEN.” + Laura was very thankful for this letter, and to think that there was + goodness and forgiveness still in her mother's boy. + </p> + <p> + Pen went downstairs, his heart reproaching him for his absurd behaviour to + Laura, whose gentle and imploring looks followed and rebuked him; and he + was scarcely out of the ballroom door but he longed to turn back and ask + her pardon. But he remembered that he had left her with that confounded + Pynsent. He could not apologise before him. He would compromise and forget + his wrath, and make his peace with the Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier was pacing down below in the hall of the inn when Pen + descended from the ballroom; and he came up to Pen, with all sorts of fun + and mischief lighting up his jolly face. + </p> + <p> + “I have got him in the coffee-room,” he said, “with a brace of pistols and + a candle. Or would you like swords on the beach? Mirobolant is a dead hand + with the foils, and killed four gardes-du-corps with his own point in the + barricades of July.” + </p> + <p> + “Confound it,” said Pen, in a fury, “I can't fight a cook!” + </p> + <p> + “He is a Chevalier of July,” replied the other. “They present arms to him + in his own country.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you ask me, Captain Strong, to go out with a servant?” Pen asked + fiercely; “I'll call a policeman him but—but——” + </p> + <p> + “You'll invite me to hair triggers?” cried Strong, with a laugh. “Thank + you for nothing; I was but joking. I came to settle quarrels, not to fight + them. I have been soothing down Mirobolant; I have told him that you did + not apply the word 'Cook' to him in an offensive sense: that it was + contrary to all the customs of the country that a hired officer of a + household, as I called it, should give his arm to the daughter of the + house.” And then he told Pen the grand secret which he had had from Madame + Fribsby of the violent passion under which the poor artist was labouring. + </p> + <p> + When Arthur heard this tale, he broke out into a hearty laugh, in which + Strong joined, and his rage against the poor cook vanished at once. He had + been absurdly jealous himself all the evening, and had longed for a + pretext to insult Pynsent. He remembered how jealous he had been of Oaks + in his first affair; he was ready to pardon anything to a man under a + passion like that: and he went into the coffee-room where Mirobolant was + waiting, with an outstretched hand, and made him a speech in French, in + which he declared that he was “sincerement fache d'avoir use une + expression qui avoit pu blesser Monsieur Mirobolant, et qu'il donnoit sa + parole comme un gentilhomme qu'il ne l'avoit jamais, jamais—intende,” + said Pen, who made a shot at a French word for “intended,” and was + secretly much pleased with his own fluency and correctness in speaking + that language. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, bravo!” cried Strong, as much amused with Pen's speech as pleased + by his kind manner. And the Chevalier Mirobolant of course withdraws, and + sincerely regrets the expression of which he made use. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Pendennis has disproved my words himself,” said Alcide with + great politeness; “he has shown that he is a galant homme.” + </p> + <p> + And so they shook hands and parted, Arthur in the first place despatching + his note to Laura before he and Strong committed themselves to the Butcher + Boy. + </p> + <p> + As they drove along, Strong complimented Pen upon his behaviour, as well + as upon his skill in French. “You're a good fellow, Pendennis, and you + speak French like Chateaubriand, by Jove.” + </p> + <p> + “I've been accustomed to it from my youth upwards,” said Pen; and Strong + had the grace not to laugh for five minutes, when he exploded into fits of + hilarity which Pendennis has never perhaps understood up to this day. + </p> + <p> + It was daybreak when they got to the Brawl, where they separated. By that + time the ball at Baymouth was over too. Madame Fribsby and Mirobolant were + on their way home in the Clavering fly; Laura was in bed with an easy + heart and asleep at Lady Rockminster's; and the Claverings at rest at the + inn at Baymouth, where they had quarters for the night. A short time after + the disturbance between Pen and the chef, Blanche had come out of the + refreshment-room, looking as pale as a lemon-ice. She told her maid, + having no other confidante at hand, that she had met with the most + romantic adventure—the most singular man—one who had known the + author of her being—her persecuted—her unhappy—her + heroic—her murdered father; and she began a sonnet to his manes + before she went to sleep. + </p> + <p> + So Pen returned to Fairoaks, in company with his friend the Chevalier, + without having uttered a word of the message which he had been so anxious + to deliver to Laura at Baymouth. He could wait, however, until her return + home, which was to take place on the succeeding day. He was not seriously + jealous of the progress made by Mr. Pynsent in her favour; and he felt + pretty certain that in this, as in any other family arrangement, he had + but to ask and have, and Laura, like his mother, could refuse him nothing. + </p> + <p> + When Helen's anxious looks inquired of him what had happened at Baymouth, + and whether her darling project was fulfilled, Pen, in a gay tone, told of + the calamity which had befallen; laughingly said, that no man could think + about declarations under such a mishap, and made light of the matter. + “There will be plenty of time for sentiment, dear mother, when Laura comes + back,” he said, and he looked in the glass with a killing air, and his + mother put his hair off his forehead and kissed him, and of course + thought, for her part, that no woman could resist him: and was exceedingly + happy that day. + </p> + <p> + When he was not with her, Mr. Pen occupied himself in packing books and + portmanteaus, burning and arranging papers, cleaning his gun and putting + it into its case: in fact, in making dispositions for departure. For + though he was ready to marry, this gentleman was eager to go to London + too, rightly considering that at three-and-twenty it was quite time for + him to begin upon the serious business of life, and to set about making a + fortune as quickly as possible. + </p> + <p> + The means to this end he had already shaped out for himself. “I shall take + chambers,” he said, “and enter myself at an Inn of Court. With a couple of + hundred pounds I shall be able to carry through the first year very well; + after that I have little doubt my pen will support me, as it is doing with + several Oxbridge men now in town. I have a tragedy, a comedy, and a novel, + all nearly finished, and for which I can't fail to get a price. And so I + shall be able to live pretty well, without drawing upon my poor mother, + until I have made my way at the bar. Then, some day I will come back and + make her dear soul happy by marrying Laura. She is as good and as + sweet-tempered a girl as ever lived, besides being really very + good-looking, and the engagement will serve to steady me,—won't it, + Ponto?” Thus, smoking his pipe, and talking to his dog as he sauntered + through the gardens and orchards of the little domain of Fairoaks, this + young day-dreamer built castles in the air for himself: “Yes, she'll + steady me, won't she? And you'll miss me when I've gone, won't you, old + boy?” he asked of Ponto, who quivered his tail and thrust his brown nose + into his master's fist. Ponto licked his hand and shoe, as they all did in + that house, and Mr. Pen received their homage as other folks do the + flattery which they get. + </p> + <p> + Laura came home rather late in the evening of the second day; and Mr. + Pynsent, as ill luck would have it, drove her from Clavering. The poor + girl could not refuse his offer, but his appearance brought a dark cloud + upon the brow of Arthur Pendennis. Laura saw this, and was pained by it: + the eager widow, however, was aware of nothing, and being anxious, + doubtless, that the delicate question should be asked at once, was for + going to bed very soon after Laura's arrival, and rose for that purpose to + leave the sofa where she now generally lay, and where Laura would come and + sit and work or read by her. But when Helen rose, Laura said, with a blush + and rather an alarmed voice, that she was also very tired and wanted to go + to bed: so that the widow was disappointed in her scheme for that night at + least, and Mr. Pen was left another day in suspense regarding his fate. + </p> + <p> + His dignity was offended at being thus obliged to remain in the + ante-chamber when he wanted an audience. Such a sultan as he, could not + afford to be kept waiting. However, he went to bed and slept upon his + disappointment pretty comfortably, and did not wake until the early + morning, when he looked up and saw his mother standing in his room. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Pen, rouse up,” said this lady. “Do not be lazy. It is the most + beautiful morning in the world. I have not been able to sleep since + daybreak; and Laura has been out for an hour. She is in the garden. + Everybody ought to be in the garden and out on such a morning as this.” + </p> + <p> + Pen laughed. He saw what thoughts were uppermost in the simple woman's + heart. His good-natured laughter cheered the widow. “Oh you profound + dissembler,” he said, kissing his mother. “Oh you artful creature! Can + nobody escape from your wicked tricks? and will you make your only son + your victim?” Helen too laughed, she blushed, she fluttered, and was + agitated. She was as happy as she could be—a good tender, + matchmaking woman, the dearest project of whose heart was about to be + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + So, after exchanging some knowing looks and hasty words, Helen left + Arthur; and this young hero, rising from his bed, proceeded to decorate + his beautiful person, and shave his ambrosial chin; and in half an hour he + issued out from his apartment into the garden in quest of Laura. His + reflections as he made his toilette were rather dismal. “I am going to tie + myself for life,” he thought, “to please my mother. Laura is the best of + women, and—and she has given me her money. I wish to Heaven I had + not received it; I wish I had not this duty to perform just yet. But as + both the women have set their hearts on the match, why I suppose I must + satisfy them—and now for it. A man may do worse than make happy two + of the best creatures in the world.” So Pen, now he was actually come to + the point, felt very grave, and by no means elated, and, indeed, thought + it was a great sacrifice he was going to perform. + </p> + <p> + It was Miss Laura's custom, upon her garden excursions, to wear a sort of + uniform, which, though homely, was thought by many people to be not + unbecoming. She had a large straw hat, with a streamer of broad ribbon, + which was useless probably, but the hat sufficiently protected the owner's + pretty face from the sun. Over her accustomed gown she wore a blouse or + pinafore, which, being fastened round her little waist by a smart belt, + looked extremely well, and her hands were guaranteed from the thorns of + her favourite rose-bushes by a pair of gauntlets, which gave this young + lady a military and resolute air. + </p> + <p> + Somehow she had the very same smile with which she had laughed at him on + the night previous, and the recollection of his disaster again offended + Pen. But Laura, though she saw him coming down the walk looking so gloomy + and full of care, accorded to him a smile of the most perfect and + provoking good-humour, and went to meet him, holding one of the gauntlets + to him, so that he might shake it if he liked—and Mr. Pen + condescended to do so. His face, however, did not lose its tragic + expression in consequence of this favour, and he continued to regard her + with a dismal and solemn air. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse my glove,” said Laura, with a laugh, pressing Pen's hand kindly + with it. “We are not angry again, are we, Pen?” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you laugh at me?” said Pen. “You did the other night, and made a + fool of me to the people at Baymouth.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Arthur, I meant you no wrong,” the girl answered. “You and Miss + Roundle looked so droll as you—as you met with your little accident, + that I could not make a tragedy of it. Dear Pen, it wasn't a serious fall. + And, besides, it was Miss Roundle who was the most unfortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “Confound Miss Roundle,” bellowed out Pen. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure she looked so,” said Laura, archly. “You were up in an instant; + but that poor lady sitting on the ground in her red crape dress, and + looking about her with that piteous face—can I ever forget her?”—and + Laura began to make a face in imitation of Miss Roundle's under the + disaster, but she checked herself repentantly, saying, “Well, we must not + laugh at her, but I am sure we ought to laugh at you, Pen, if you were + angry about such a trifle.” + </p> + <p> + “You should not laugh at me, Laura,” said Pen, with some bitterness; “not + you, of all people.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not? Are you such a great man?” asked Laura. + </p> + <p> + “Ah no, Laura, I'm such a poor one,” Pen answered. “Haven't you baited me + enough already?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Pen, and how?” cried Laura. “Indeed, indeed, I didn't think to + vex you by such a trifle. I thought such a clever man as you could bear a + harmless little joke from his sister,” she said, holding her hand out + again. “Dear Arthur, if I have hurt you, I beg your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “It is your kindness that humiliates me more even than your laughter, + Laura,” Pen said. “You are always my superior.” + </p> + <p> + “What! superior to the great Arthur Pendennis? How can it be possible?” + said Miss Laura, who may have had a little wickedness as well as a great + deal of kindness in her composition. “You can't mean that any woman is + your equal?” + </p> + <p> + “Those who confer benefits should not sneer,” said Pen. “I don't like my + benefactor to laugh at me, Laura; it makes the obligation very hard to + bear. You scorn me because I have taken your money, and I am worthy to be + scorned; but the blow is hard coming from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Money! Obligation! For shame, Pen; this is ungenerous,” Laura said, + flushing red. “May not our mother claim everything that belongs to us? + Don't I owe her all my happiness in this world, Arthur? What matters about + a few paltry guineas, if we can set her tender heart at rest, and ease her + mind regarding you? I would dig in the fields, I would go out and be a + servant—I would die for her. You know I would,” said Miss Laura, + kindling up; “and you call this paltry money an obligation? Oh, Pen, it's + cruel—it's unworthy of you to take it so! If my brother may not + share with me my superfluity, who may?—Mine?—I tell you it was + not mine; it was all mamma's to do with as she chose, and so is everything + I have,” said Laura; “my life is hers.” And the enthusiastic girl looked + towards the windows of the widow's room, and blessed in her heart the kind + creature within. + </p> + <p> + Helen was looking, unseen, out of that window towards which Laura's eyes + and heart were turned as she spoke, and was watching her two children with + the deepest interest and emotion, longing and hoping that the prayer of + her life might be fulfilled; and if Laura had spoken as Helen hoped, who + knows what temptations Arthur Pendennis might have been spared, or what + different trials he would have had to undergo? He might have remained at + Fairoaks all his days, and died a country gentleman. But would he have + escaped then? Temptation is an obsequious servant that has no objection to + the country, and we know that it takes up its lodging in hermitages as + well as in cities; and that in the most remote and inaccessible desert it + keeps company with the fugitive solitary. + </p> + <p> + “Is your life my mother's?” said Pen, beginning to tremble, and speak in a + very agitated manner. “You know, Laura, what the great object of hers is?” + And he took her hand once more. + </p> + <p> + “What, Arthur?” she said, dropping it, and looking at him, at the window + again, and then dropping her eyes to the ground, so that they avoided + Pen's gaze. She, too, trembled, for she felt that the crisis for which she + had been secretly preparing was come. + </p> + <p> + “Our mother has one wish above all others in the world, Laura,” Pen said; + “and I think you know it. I own to you that she has spoken to me of it; + and if you will fulfil it, dear sister, I am ready. I am but very young as + yet; but I have had so many pains and disappointments, that I am old and + weary. I think I have hardly got a heart to offer. Before I have almost + begun the race in life, I am a tired man. My career has been a failure; I + have been protected by those whom I by right should have protected. I own + that your nobleness and generosity, dear Laura, shame me, whilst they + render me grateful. When I heard from our mother what you had done for me; + that it was you who armed me and bade me go out for one struggle more; I + longed to go and throw myself at your feet, and say, 'Laura, will you come + and share the contest with me?' Your sympathy will cheer me while it + lasts. I shall have one of the tenderest and most generous creatures under + heaven to aid and bear me company. Will you take me, dear Laura, and make + our mother happy?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think mamma would be happy if you were otherwise, Arthur?” Laura + said in a low sad voice. + </p> + <p> + “And why should I not be,” asked Pen eagerly, “with so dear a creature as + you by my side? I have not my first love to give you. I am a broken man. + But indeed I would love you fondly and truly. I have lost many an illusion + and ambition, but I am not without hope still. Talents I know I have, + wretchedly as I have misapplied them: they may serve me yet: they would, + had I a motive for action. Let me go away and think that I am pledged to + return to you. Let me go and work, and hope, that you will share my + success if I gain it. You have given me so much, Laura dear, will you take + from me nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “What have you got to give, Arthur?” Laura said, with a grave sadness of + tone, which made Pen start, and see that his words had committed him. + Indeed, his declaration had not been such as he would have made it two + days earlier, when, full of hope and gratitude, he had run over to Laura, + his liberatress, to thank her for his recovered freedom. Had he been + permitted to speak then, he had spoken, and she, perhaps, had listened + differently. It would have been a grateful heart asking for hers; not a + weary one offered to her, to take or to leave. Laura was offended with the + terms in which Pen offered himself to her. He had, in fact, said that he + had no love, and yet would take no denial. “I give myself to you to please + my mother,” he had said: “take me, as she wishes that I should make this + sacrifice.” The girl's spirit would brook a husband under no such + conditions: she was not minded to run forward because Pen chose to hold + out the handkerchief, and her tone, in reply to Arthur, showed her + determination to be independent. + </p> + <p> + “No, Arthur,” she said, “our marriage would not make mamma happy, as she + fancies; for it would not content you very long. I, too, have known what + her wishes were; for she is too open to conceal anything she has at heart: + and once, perhaps, I thought—but that is over now—that I could + have made you—that it might have been as she wished.” + </p> + <p> + “You have seen somebody else,” said Pen, angry at her tone, and recalling + the incidents of the past days. + </p> + <p> + “That allusion might have been spared,” Laura replied, flinging up her + head. “A heart which has worn out love at three-and-twenty, as yours has, + you say, should have survived jealousy too. I do not condescend to say + whether I have seen or encouraged any other person. I shall neither admit + the charge, nor deny it: and beg you also to allude to it no more.” + </p> + <p> + “I ask your pardon, Laura, if I have offended you: but if I am jealous, + does it not prove that I have a heart?” + </p> + <p> + “Not for me, Arthur. Perhaps you think you love me now but it is only for + an instant, and because you are foiled. Were there no obstacle, you would + feel no ardour to overcome it. No, Arthur, you don't love me. You would + weary of me in three months, as—as you do of most things; and mamma, + seeing you tired of me, would be more unhappy than at my refusal to be + yours. Let us be brother and sister, Arthur, as heretofore—but no + more. You will get over this little disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + “I will try,” said Arthur, in a great indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Have you not tried before?” Laura said, with some anger, for she had been + angry with Arthur for a very long time, and was now determined, I suppose, + to speak her mind. “And the next time, Arthur, when you offer yourself to + a woman, do not say as you have done to me, 'I have no heart—I do + not love you; but I am ready to marry you because my mother wishes for the + match.' We require more than this in return for our love—that is, I + think so. I have had no experience hitherto, and have not had the—the + practice which you supposed me to have, when you spoke but now of my + having seen somebody else. Did you tell your first love that you had no + heart, Arthur? or your second that you did not love her, but that she + might have you if she liked?” + </p> + <p> + “What—what do you mean?” asked Arthur, blushing, and still in great + wrath. + </p> + <p> + “I mean Blanche Amory, Arthur Pendennis,” Laura said, proudly. “It is but + two months since you were sighing at her feet—making poems to her—placing + them in hollow trees by the river-side. I knew all. I watched you—that + is, she showed them to me. Neither one nor the other were in earnest + perhaps; but it is too soon now, Arthur, to begin a new attachment. Go + through the time of your—your widowhood at least, and do not think + of marrying until you are out of mourning”—(Here the girl's eyes + filled with tears, and she passed her hand across them.) “I am angry and + hurt, and I have no right to be so, and I ask your pardon in my turn now, + dear Arthur. You had a right to love Blanche. She was a thousand times + prettier and more accomplished than—than any girl near us here; and + you not could know that she had no heart; and so you were right to leave + her too. I ought not to rebuke you about Blanche Amory, and because she + deceived you. Pardon me, Pen,”—and she held the kind hand out to Pen + once more. + </p> + <p> + “We were both jealous,” said Pen. “Dear Laura, let us both forgive”—and + he seized her hand and would have drawn her towards him. He thought that + she was relenting, and already assumed the airs of a victor. + </p> + <p> + But she shrank back, and her tears passed away; and she fixed on him a + look so melancholy and severe, that the young man in his turn shrank + before it. “Do not mistake me, Arthur,” she said, “it cannot be. You do + not know what you ask, and do not be too angry with me for saying that I + think you do not deserve it. What do you offer in exchange to a woman for + her love, honour, and obedience? If ever I say these words, dear Pen, I + hope to say them in earnest, and by the blessing of God to keep my vow. + But you—what tie binds you? You do not care about many things which + we poor women hold sacred, I do not like to think or ask how far your + incredulity leads you. You offer to marry to please our mother, and own + that you have no heart to give away. Oh, Arthur, what is it you offer me? + What a rash compact would you enter into so lightly? A month ago, and you + would have given yourself to another. I pray you do not trifle with your + own or others' hearts so recklessly. Go and work; go and mend, dear + Arthur, for I see your faults, and dare speak of them now: go and get + fame, as you say that you can, and I will pray for my brother, and watch + our dearest mother at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your final decision, Laura?” Arthur cried. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Laura, bowing her head; and once more giving him her hand, she + went away. He saw her pass under the creepers of the little porch, and + disappear into the house. The curtains of his mother's window fell at the + same minute, but he did not mark that, or suspect that Helen had been + witnessing the scene. + </p> + <p> + Was he pleased, or was he angry at its termination? He had asked her, and + a secret triumph filled his heart to think that he was still free. She had + refused him, but did she not love him? That avowal of jealousy made him + still think that her heart was his own, whatever her lips might utter. + </p> + <p> + And now we ought, perhaps, to describe another scene which took place at + Fairoaks, between the widow and Laura, when the latter had to tell Helen + that she had refused Arthur Pendennis. Perhaps it was the hardest task of + all which Laura had to go through in this matter: and the one which gave + her the most pain. But as we do not like to see a good woman unjust, we + shall not say a word more of the quarrel which now befell between Helen + and her adopted daughter, or of the bitter tears which the poor girl was + made to shed. It was the only difference which she and the widow had ever + had as yet, and the more cruel from this cause. Pen left home whilst it + was as yet pending—and Helen, who could pardon almost everything, + could not pardon an act of justice in Laura. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. Babylon + </h2> + <p> + Our reader must now please to quit the woods and sea-shore of the west, + and the gossip of Clavering, and the humdrum life of poor little Fairoaks, + and transport himself with Arthur Pendennis, on the 'Alacrity' coach, to + London, whither he goes once for all to face the world and to make his + fortune. As the coach whirls through the night away from the friendly + gates of home, many a plan does the young man cast in his mind of future + life and conduct, prudence, and peradventure success and fame. He knows he + is a better man than many who have hitherto been ahead of him in the race: + his first failure has caused him remorse, and brought with it reflection; + it has not taken away his courage, or, let us add, his good opinion of + himself. A hundred eager fancies and busy hopes keep him awake. How much + older his mishaps and a year's thought and self-communion have made him, + than when, twelve months since, he passed on this road on his way to and + from Oxbridge! His thoughts turn in the night with inexpressible fondness + and tenderness towards the fond mother who blessed him when parting, and + who, in spite of all his past faults and follies, trusts him and loves him + still. Blessings be on her! he prays, as he looks up to the stars + overhead. O Heaven! give him strength to work, to endure, to be honest, to + avoid temptation, to be worthy of the loving soul who loves him so + entirely! Very likely she is awake, too, at that moment, and sending up to + the same Father purer prayers than his for the welfare of her boy. That + woman's love is a talisman by which he holds and hopes to get his safety. + And Laura's—he would have fain carried her affection with him too, + but she has denied it, as he is not worthy of it. He owns as much with + shame and remorse; confesses how much better and loftier her nature is + than his own—confesses it, and yet is glad to be free. “I am not + good enough for such a creature,” he owns to himself. He draws back before + her spotless beauty and innocence, as from something that scares him. He + feels he is not fit for such a mate as that; as many a wild prodigal who + has been pious and guiltless in early days, keeps away from a church which + he used to frequent once—shunning it, but not hostile to it—only + feeling that he has no right in that pure place. + </p> + <p> + With these thoughts to occupy him, Pen did not fall asleep until the + nipping dawn of an October morning, and woke considerably refreshed when + the coach stopped at the old breakfasting place at B——, where + he had had a score of merry meals on his way to and from school and + college many times since he was a boy. As they left that place, the sun + broke out brightly, the pace was rapid, the horn blew, the milestones flew + by, Pen smoked and joked with guard and fellow-passengers and people along + the familiar road; it grew more busy and animated at every instant; the + last team of greys came out at H——, and the coach drove into + London. What young fellow has not felt a thrill as he entered the vast + place? Hundreds of other carriages, crowded with their thousands of men, + were hastening to the great city. “Here is my place,” thought Pen; “here + is my battle beginning, in which I must fight and conquer, or fall. I have + been a boy and a dawdler as yet. Oh, I long, I long to show that I can be + a man.” And from his place on the coach-roof the eager young fellow looked + down upon the city, with the sort of longing desire which young soldiers + feel on the eve of a campaign. + </p> + <p> + As they came along the road, Pen had formed acquaintance with a cheery + fellow-passenger in a shabby cloak, who talked a great deal about men of + letters with whom he was very familiar, and who was, in fact, the reporter + of a London newspaper, as whose representative he had been to attend a + great wrestling-match in the west. This gentleman knew intimately, as it + appeared, all the leading men of letters of his day, and talked about Tom + Campbell, and Tom Hood, and Sydney Smith, and this and the other, as if he + had been their most intimate friend. As they passed by Brompton, this + gentleman pointed out to Pen Mr. Hurtle, the reviewer, walking with his + umbrella. Pen craned over the coach to have a long look at the great + Hurtle. He was a Boniface man, said Pen. And Mr. Doolan, of the Star + newspaper (for such was the gentleman's name and address upon the card + which he handed to Pen), said “Faith he was, and he knew him very well.” + Pen thought it was quite an honour to have seen the great Mr. Hurtle, + whose works he admired. He believed fondly, as yet, in authors, reviewers, + and editors of newspapers. Even Wagg, whose books did not appear to him to + be masterpieces of human intellect, he yet secretly revered as a + successful writer. He mentioned that he had met Wagg in the country, and + Doolan told him how that famous novelist received three hundred pounds a + volume for every one of his novels. Pen began to calculate instantly + whether he might not make five thousand a year. + </p> + <p> + The very first acquaintance of his own whom Arthur met, as the coach + pulled up at the Gloster Coffee-house, was his old friend Harry Foker, who + came prancing down Arlington Street behind an enormous cab-horse. He had + white kid gloves and white reins, and nature had by this time decorated + him with a considerable tuft on the chin. A very small cab-boy, vice + Stoopid retired, swung on behind Foker's vehicle; knock-kneed and in the + tightest leather breeches. Foker looked at the dusty coach, and the + smoking horses of the 'Alacrity' by which he had made journeys in former + times. “What, Foker!” cried out Pendennis—“Hullo! Pen, my boy!” said + the other, and he waved his whip by way of amity and salute to Arthur, who + was very glad to see his queer friend's kind old face. Mr. Doolan had a + great respect for Pen who had an acquaintance in such a grand cab; and Pen + was greatly excited and pleased to be at liberty and in London. He asked + Doolan to come and dine with him at the Covent Garden Coffee-house, where + he put up: he called a cab and rattled away thither in the highest + spirits. He was glad to see the bustling waiter and polite bowing landlord + again; and asked for the landlady, and missed the old Boots and would have + liked to shake hands with everybody. He had a hundred pounds in his + pocket. He dressed himself in his very best; dined in the coffee-room with + a modest pint of sherry (for he was determined to be very economical), and + went to the theatre adjoining. + </p> + <p> + The lights and the music, the crowd and the gaiety, charmed and + exhilarated Pen, as those sights will do young fellows from college and + the country, to whom they are tolerably new. He laughed at the jokes; he + applauded the songs, to the delight of some of the dreary old habitues of + the boxes, who had ceased long ago to find the least excitement in their + place of nightly resort, and were pleased to see any one so fresh, and so + much amused. At the end of the first piece, he went and strutted about the + lobbies of the theatre, as if he was in a resort of the highest fashion. + What tired frequenter of the London pave is there that cannot remember + having had similar early delusions, and would not call them back again? + Here was young Foker again, like an ardent votary of pleasure as he was. + He was walking with Grandy Tiptoff, of the Household Brigade, Lord + Tiptoff's brother, and Lord Colchicum, Captain Tiptoff's uncle, a + venerable peer, who had been a man of pleasure since the first French + Revolution. Foker rushed upon Pen with eagerness, and insisted that the + latter should come into his private box, where a lady with the longest + ringlets and the fairest shoulders, was seated. This was Miss Blenkinsop, + the eminent actress of high comedy; and in the back of the box snoozing in + a wig, sate old Blenkinsop, her papa. He was described in the theatrical + prints as the “veteran Blenkinsop”—“the useful Blenkinsop”—“that + old favourite of the public, Blenkinsop”—those parts in the drama, + which are called the heavy fathers, were usually assigned to this veteran, + who, indeed, acted the heavy father in public, as in private life. + </p> + <p> + At this time, it being about eleven o'clock, Mrs. Pendennis was gone to + bed at Fairoaks, and wondering whether her dearest Arthur was at rest + after his journey. At this time Laura, too, was awake. And at this time + yesterday night, as the coach rolled over silent commons, where cottage + windows twinkled, and by darkling woods under calm starlit skies, Pen was + vowing to reform and to resist temptation, and his heart was at home. + Meanwhile the farce was going on very successfully, and Mrs. Leary, in a + hussar jacket and braided pantaloons, was enchanting the audience with her + archness, her lovely figure, and her delightful ballads. + </p> + <p> + Pen, being new to the town, would have liked to listen to Mrs. Leary; but + the other people in the box did not care about her song or her pantaloons, + and kept up an incessant chattering. Tiptoff knew where her maillots came + from. Colchicum saw her when she came out in '14. Miss Blenkinsop said she + sang out of all tune, to the pain and astonishment of Pen, who thought + that she was as beautiful as an angel, and that she sang like a + nightingale; and when Hoppus came on as Sir Harcourt Featherby, the young + man of the piece, the gentlemen in the box declared that Hoppus was + getting too stale, and Tiptoff was for flinging Miss Blenkinsop's bouquet + to him. + </p> + <p> + “Not for the world,” cried the daughter of the veteran Blenkinsop; “Lord + Colchicum gave it to me.” + </p> + <p> + Pen remembered that nobleman's name, and with a bow and a blush said he + believed he had to thank Lord Colchicum for having proposed him at the + Megatherium Club, at the request of his uncle, Major Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “What, you're Wigsby's nephew, are you?” said the peer. “I beg your + pardon, we always call him Wigsby.” Pen blushed to hear his venerable + uncle called by such a familiar name. “We balloted you in last week, + didn't we? Yes, last Wednesday night. Your uncle wasn't there.” + </p> + <p> + Here was delightful news for Pen! He professed himself very much obliged + indeed to Lord Colchicum, and made him a handsome speech of thanks, to + which the other listened with his double opera-glass up to his eyes. Pen + was full of excitement at the idea of being a member of this polite Club. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be always looking at that box, you naughty creature,” cried Miss + Blenkinsop. + </p> + <p> + “She's a dev'lish fine woman, that Mirabel,” said Tiptoff; “though Mirabel + was a d——d fool to marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “A stupid old spooney,” said the peer. + </p> + <p> + “Mirabel!” cried out Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha!” laughed out Harry Foker. “We've heard of her before, haven't we, + Pen?” + </p> + <p> + It was Pen's first love. It was Miss Fotheringay. The year before she had + been led to the altar by Sir Charles Mirabel, G.C.B., and formerly envoy + to the Court of Pumpernickel, who had taken so active a part in the + negotiations before the Congress of Swammerdam, and signed, on behalf of + H.B.M., the Peace of Pultusk. + </p> + <p> + “Emily was always as stupid as an owl,” said Miss Blenkinsop. + </p> + <p> + “Eh! Eh! pas si bete,” the old Peer said. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, for shame!” cried the actress, who did not in the least know what he + meant. + </p> + <p> + And Pen looked out and beheld his first love once again—and wondered + how he ever could have loved her. + </p> + <p> + Thus on the very first night of his arrival in London, Mr. Arthur + Pendennis found himself introduced to a Club, to an actress of genteel + comedy and a heavy father of the Stage, and to a dashing society of jovial + blades, old and young; for my Lord Colchicum, though stricken in years, + bald of head and enfeebled in person, was still indefatigable in the + pursuit of enjoyment, and it was the venerable Viscount's boast that he + could drink as much claret as the youngest member of the society which he + frequented. He lived with the youth about town: he gave them countless + dinners at Richmond and Greenwich: an enlightened patron of the drama in + all languages and of the Terpsichorean art, he received dramatic + professors of all nations at his banquets—English from the Covent + Garden and Strand houses, Italians from the Haymarket, French from their + own pretty little theatre, or the boards of the Opera where they danced. + And at his villa on the Thames, this pillar of the State gave sumptuous + entertainments to scores of young men of fashion, who very affably + consorted with the ladies and gentlemen of the greenroom—with the + former chiefly, for Viscount Colchicum preferred their society as more + polished and gay than that of their male brethren. + </p> + <p> + Pen went the next day and paid his entrance-money at the Club, which + operation carried off exactly one-third of his hundred pounds; and took + possession of the edifice, and ate his luncheon there with immense + satisfaction. He plunged into an easy-chair in the library, and tried to + read all the magazines. He wondered whether the members were looking at + him, and that they could dare to keep on their hats in such fine rooms. He + sate down and wrote a letter to Fairoaks on the Club paper, and said, what + a comfort this place would be to him after his day's work was over. He + went over to his uncle's lodgings in Bury Street with some considerable + tremor, and in compliance with his mother's earnest desire, that he should + instantly call on Major Pendennis; and was not a little relieved to find + that the Major had not yet returned to town. His apartments were blank. + Brown hollands covered his library-table, and bills and letters lay on the + mantelpiece, grimly awaiting the return of their owner. The Major was on + the Continent, the landlady of the house said, at Badnbadn, with the + Marcus of Steyne. Pen left his card upon the shelf with the rest. Fairoaks + was written on it still. + </p> + <p> + When the Major returned to London, which he did in time for the fogs of + November, after enjoying which he proposed to spend Christmas with some + friends in the country, he found another card of Arthur's, on which Lamb + Court, Temple, was engraved, and a note from that young gentleman and from + his mother, stating that he was come to town, was entered a member of the + Upper Temple, and was reading hard for the bar. + </p> + <p> + Lamb Court, Temple:—where was it? Major Pendennis remembered that + some ladies of fashion used to talk of dining with Mr. Ayliffe, the + barrister, who was “in society,” and who lived there in the King's Bench, + of which prison there was probably a branch in the Temple, and Ayliffe was + very likely an officer. Mr. Deuceace, Lord Crabs's son, had also lived + there, he recollected. He despatched Morgan to find out where Lamb Court + was, and to report upon the lodging selected by Mr. Arthur. That alert + messenger had little difficulty in discovering Mr. Pen's abode. Discreet + Morgan had in his time traced people far more difficult to find than + Arthur. + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a place is it, Morgan?” asked the Major, out of the + bed-curtains in Bury Street the next morning, as the valet was arranging + his toilette in the deep yellow London fog. + </p> + <p> + “I should say rayther a shy place,” said Mr. Morgan. “The lawyers lives + there, and has their names on the doors. Mr. Harthur lives three pair + high, sir. Mr. Warrington lives there too, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Suffolk Warringtons! I shouldn't wonder: a good family,” thought the + Major. “The cadets of many of our good families follow the robe as a + profession. Comfortable rooms, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Honly saw the outside of the door, sir, with Mr. Warrington's name and + Mr. Arthur's painted up, and a piece of paper with 'Back at 6;' but I + couldn't see no servant, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Economical at any rate,” said the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Very, sir. Three pair, sir. Nasty black staircase as ever I see. Wonder + how a gentleman can live in such a place.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, who taught you where gentlemen should or should not live, Morgan? + Mr. Arthur, sir, is going to study for the bar, sir,” the Major said with + much dignity; and closed the conversation and began to array himself in + the yellow fog. + </p> + <p> + “Boys will be boys,” the mollified uncle thought to himself. “He has + written to me a devilish good letter. Colchicum says he has had him to + dine, and thinks him a gentlemanlike lad. His mother is one of the best + creatures in the world. If he has sown his wild oats, and will stick to + his business, he may do well yet. Think of Charley Mirabel, the old fool, + marrying that flame of his! that Fotheringay! He doesn't like to come here + until I give him leave, and puts it in a very manly nice way. I was deuced + angry with him, after his Oxbridge escapades—and showed it too when + he was here before—Gad, I'll go and see him, hang me if I don't.” + </p> + <p> + And having ascertained from Morgan that he could reach the Temple without + much difficulty, and that a city omnibus would put him down at the gate, + the Major one day after breakfast at his Club—not the Polyanthus, + whereof Mr. Pen was just elected a member, but another Club: for the Major + was too wise to have a nephew as a constant inmate of any house where he + was in the habit of passing his time—the Major one day entered one + of those public vehicles, and bade the conductor to put him down at the + gate of the Upper Temple. + </p> + <p> + When Major Pendennis reached that dingy portal it was about twelve o'clock + in the day; and he was directed by a civil personage with a badge and a + white apron, through some dark alleys, and under various melancholy + archways into courts each more dismal than the other, until finally he + reached Lamb Court. If it was dark in Pall Mail, what was it in Lamb + Court? Candles were burning in many of the rooms there—in the + pupil-room of Mr. Hodgeman, the special pleader, where six pupils were + scribbling declarations under the tallow; in Sir Hokey Walker's clerk's + room, where the clerk, a person far more gentlemanlike and cheerful in + appearance than the celebrated counsel, his master, was conversing in a + patronising manner with the managing clerk of an attorney at the door; and + in Curling the wigmaker's melancholy shop, where, from behind the feeble + glimmer of a couple of lights, large serpents' and judges' wigs were + looming drearily, with the blank blocks looking at the lamp-post in the + court. Two little clerks were playing at toss-halfpenny under that lamp. A + laundress in pattens passed in at one door, a newspaper boy issued from + another. A porter, whose white apron was faintly visible, paced up and + down. It would be impossible to conceive a place more dismal, and the + Major shuddered to think that any one should select such a residence. + “Good Ged!” he said, “the poor boy mustn't live on here.” + </p> + <p> + The feeble and filthy oil-lamps, with which the staircases of the Upper + Temple are lighted of nights, were of course not illuminating the stairs + by day, and Major Pendennis, having read with difficulty his nephew's name + under Mr. Warrington's on the wall of No. 6, found still greater + difficulty in climbing the abominable black stairs, up the banisters of + which, which contributed their damp exudations to his gloves, he groped + painfully until he came to the third story. A candle was in the passage of + one of the two sets of rooms; the doors were open, and the names of Mr. + Warrington and Mr. A. Pendennis were very clearly visible to the Major as + he went in. An Irish charwoman, with a pail and broom, opened the door for + the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Is that the beer?” cried out a great voice: “give us hold of it.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman who was speaking was seated on a table, unshorn and smoking + a short pipe; in a farther chair sate Pen, with a cigar, and his legs near + the fire. A little boy, who acted as the clerk of these gentlemen, was + grinning in the Major's face, at the idea of his being mistaken for beer. + Here, upon the third floor, the rooms were somewhat lighter, and the Major + could see place. + </p> + <p> + “Pen, my boy, it's I—it's your uncle,” he said, choking with the + smoke. But as most young men of fashion used the weed, he pardoned the + practice easily enough. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Warrington got up from the table, and Pen, in a very perturbed manner, + from his chair. “Beg your pardon for mistaking you,” said Warrington, in a + frank, loud voice. “Will you take a cigar, sir? Clear those things off the + chair, Pidgeon, and pull it round to the fire.” + </p> + <p> + Pen flung his cigar into the grate; and was pleased with the cordiality + with which his uncle shook him by the hand. As soon as he could speak for + the stairs and the smoke, the Major began to ask Pen very kindly about + himself and about his mother; for blood is blood, and he was pleased once + more to see the boy. + </p> + <p> + Pen gave his news, and then introduced Mr. Warrington—an old + Boniface man—whose chambers he shared. + </p> + <p> + The Major was quite satisfied when he heard that Mr. Warrington was a + younger son of Sir Miles Warrington of Suffolk. He had served with an + uncle of his in India and in New South Wales, years ago. + </p> + <p> + “Took a sheep-farm there, sir, made a fortune—better thing than law + or soldiering,” Warrington said. “Think I shall go there too.” And here + the expected beer coming in, in a tankard with a glass bottom, Mr. + Warrington, with a laugh, said he supposed the Major would not have any, + and took a long, deep draught himself, after which he wiped his wrist + across his beard with great satisfaction. The young man was perfectly easy + and unembarrassed. He was dressed in a ragged old shooting jacket, and had + a bristly blue beard. He was drinking beer like a coalheaver, and yet you + couldn't but perceive that he was a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + When he had sate for a minute or two after his draught he went out of the + room, leaving it to Pen and his uncle, that they might talk over family + affairs were they so inclined. + </p> + <p> + “Rough and ready, your chum seems,” the Major said. “Somewhat different + from your dandy friends at Oxbridge.” + </p> + <p> + “Times are altered,” Arthur replied, with a blush. “Warrington is only + just called, and has no business, but he knows law pretty well; and until + I can afford to read with a pleader, I use his books, and get his help.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that one of the books?” the Major asked, with a smile. A French novel + was lying at the foot of Pen's chair. + </p> + <p> + “This is not a working day, sir,” the lad said. “We were out very late at + a party last night—at Lady Whiston's,” Pen added, knowing his + uncle's weakness. “Everybody in town was there except you, sir; Counts, + Ambassadors, Turks, Stars and Garters—I don't know who—it's + all in the paper—and my name, too,” said Pen, with great glee. “I + met an old flame of mine there, sir,” he added, with a laugh. “You know + whom I mean, sir,—Lady Mirabel—to whom I was introduced over + again. She shook hands, and was gracious enough. I may thank you for being + out of that scrape, sir. She presented me to the husband, too—an old + beau in a star and a blonde wig. He does not seem very wise. She has asked + me to call on her, sir: and I may go now without any fear of losing my + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “What, we have had some new loves, have we?” the Major asked in high + good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “Some two or three,” Mr. Pen said, laughing. “But I don't put on my grand + serieux any more, sir. That goes off after the first flame.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right, my dear boy. Flames and darts and passion, and that sort of + thing, do very well for a lad: and you were but a lad when that affair + with the Fotheringill—Fotheringay—(what's her name?) came off. + But a man of the world gives up those follies. You still may do very well. + You have been bit, but you may recover. You are heir to a little + independence; which everybody fancies is a doosid deal more. You have a + good name, good wits, good manners, and a good person—and, begad! I + don't see why you shouldn't marry a woman with money—get into + Parliament—distinguish yourself, and—and, in fact, that sort + of thing. Remember, it's as easy to marry a rich woman as a poor woman: + and a devilish deal pleasanter to sit down to a good dinner, than to a + scrag of mutton in lodgings. Make up your mind to that. A woman with a + good jointure is a doosid deal easier a profession than the law, let me + tell you that. Look out; I shall be on the watch for you: and I shall die + content, my boy, if I can see you with a good ladylike wife, and a good + carriage, and a good pair of horses, living in society, and seeing your + friends, like a gentleman. Would you like to vegetate like your dear good + mother at Fairoaks? Dammy, sir! life, without money and the best society + isn't worth having.” It was thus this affectionate uncle spoke, and + expounded to Pen his simple philosophy. + </p> + <p> + “What would my mother and Laura say to this, I wonder?” thought the lad. + Indeed old Pendennis's morals were not their morals, nor was his wisdom + theirs. + </p> + <p> + This affecting conversation between uncle and nephew had scarcely + concluded, when Warrington came out of his bedroom, no longer in rags, but + dressed like a gentleman, straight and tall and perfectly frank and + good-humoured. He did the honours of his ragged sitting-room with as much + ease as if it had been the finest apartment in London. And queer rooms + they were in which the Major found his nephew. The carpet was full of + holes—the table stained with many circles of Warrington's previous + ale-pots. There was a small library of law-books, books of poetry, and of + mathematics, of which he was very fond. (He had been one of the hardest + livers and hardest readers of his time at Oxbridge, where the name of + Stunning Warrington was yet famous for beating bargemen, pulling matches, + winning prizes, and drinking milk-punch.) A print of the old college hung + up over the mantelpiece, and some battered volumes of Plato, bearing its + well-known arms, were on the book-shelves. There were two easy-chairs; a + standing reading-desk piled with bills; a couple of very meagre briefs on + a broken-legged study-table. Indeed, there was scarcely any article of + furniture that had not been in the wars, and was not wounded. “Look here, + sir, here is Pen's room. He is a dandy, and has got curtains to his bed, + and wears shiny boots, and a silver dressing-case.” Indeed, Pen's room was + rather coquettishly arranged, and a couple of neat prints of + opera-dancers, besides a drawing of Fairoaks, hung on the walls. In + Warrington's room there was scarcely any article of furniture, save a + great shower-bath, and a heap of books by the bedside: where he lay upon + straw like Margery Daw, and smoked his pipe, and read half through the + night his favourite poetry or mathematics. + </p> + <p> + When he had completed his simple toilette, Mr. Warrington came out of this + room, and proceeded to the cupboard to search for his breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “Might I offer you a mutton-chop, sir? We cook 'em ourselves hot and hot: + and I am teaching Pen the first principles of law, cooking, and morality + at the same time. He's a lazy beggar, sir, and too much of a dandy.” + </p> + <p> + And so saying, Mr. Warrington wiped a gridiron with a piece of paper, put + it on the fire, and on it two mutton-chops, and took from the cupboard a + couple of plates and some knives and silver forks, and castors. + </p> + <p> + “Say but a word, Major Pendennis,” he said; “there's another chop in the + cupboard, or Pidgeon shall go out and get you anything you like.” + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis sate in wonder and amusement, but he said he had just + breakfasted, and wouldn't have any lunch. So Warrington cooked the chops, + and popped them hissing hot upon the plates. + </p> + <p> + Pen fell to at his chop with a good appetite, after looking up at his + uncle, and seeing that gentleman was still in good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “You see, sir,” Warrington said, “Mrs. Flanagan isn't here to do 'em, and + we can't employ the boy, for the little beggar is all day occupied + cleaning Pen's boots. And now for another swig at the beer. Pen drinks + tea; it's only fit for old women.” + </p> + <p> + “And so you were at Lady Whiston's last night,” the Major said, not in + truth knowing what observation to make to this rough diamond. + </p> + <p> + “I at Lady Whiston's! not such a flat, sir. I don't care for female + society. In fact it bores me. I spent my evening philosophically at the + Back Kitchen.” + </p> + <p> + “The Back Kitchen? indeed!” said the Major. + </p> + <p> + “I see you don't know what it means,” Warrington said. “Ask Pen. He was + there after Lady Whiston's. Tell Major Pendennis about the Back Kitchen, + Pen—don't be ashamed of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + So Pen said it was a little eccentric society of men of letters and men + about town, to which he had been presented; and the Major began to think + that the young fellow had seen a good deal of the world since his arrival + in London. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. The Knights of the Temple + </h2> + <p> + Colleges, schools, and inns of courts still have some respect for + antiquity, and maintain a great number of the customs and institutions of + our ancestors, with which those persons who do not particularly regard + their forefathers, or perhaps are not very well acquainted with them; have + long since done away. A well-ordained workhouse or prison is much better + provided with the appliances of health, comfort, and cleanliness, than a + respectable Foundation School a venerable College, or a learned Inn. In + the latter place of residence men are contented to sleep in dingy closets, + and to pay for the sitting-room and the cupboard which is their dormitory, + the price of a good villa and garden in the suburbs, or of a roomy house + in the neglected squares of the town. The poorest mechanic in Spitalfields + has a cistern and an unbounded suppy of water at his command; but the + gentlemen of the inns of court, and the gentlemen of the universities, + have their supply of this cosmetic fetched in jugs by laundresses and + bedmakers, and live in abodes which were erected long before the custom of + cleanliness and decency obtained among us. There are individuals still + alive who sneer at the people and speak of them with epithets of scorn. + Gentlemen, there can be but little doubt that your ancestors were the + Great Unwashed: and in the Temple especially, it is pretty certain, that + only under the greatest difficulties and restrictions the virtue which has + been pronounced to be next to godliness could have been practised at all. + </p> + <p> + Old Grump, of the Norfolk Circuit, who had lived for more than thirty + years in the chambers under those occupied by Warrington and Pendennis, + and who used to be awakened by the roaring of the shower-baths which those + gentlemen had erected in their apartments—a part of the contents of + which occasionally trickled through the roof into Mr. Grump's room,—declared + that the practice was an absurd, newfangled, dandified folly, and daily + cursed the laundress who slopped the staircase by which he had to pass. + Grump, now much more than half a century old, had indeed never used the + luxury in question. He had done without water very well, and so had our + fathers before him. Of all those knights and baronets, lords and + gentlemen, bearing arms, whose escutcheons are painted upon the walls of + the famous hall of the Upper Temple, was there no philanthropist + good-natured enough to devise a set of Hummums for the benefit of the + lawyers, his fellows and successors? The Temple historian makes no mention + of such a scheme. There is Pump Court and Fountain Court, with their + hydraulic apparatus, but one never heard of a bencher disporting in the + fountain; and can't but think how many a counsel learned in the law of old + days might have benefited by the pump. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, those venerable Inns which have the Lamb and Flag and the + Winged Horse for their ensigns, have attractions for persons who inhabit + them, and a share of rough comforts and freedom which men always remember + with pleasure. I don't know whether the student of law permits himself the + refreshment of enthusiasm, or indulges in poetical reminiscences as he + passes by historical chambers, and says, “Yonder Eldon lived—upon + this site Coke mused upon Littleton—here Chitty toiled—here + Barnewall and Alderson joined in their famous labours—here Byles + composed his great work upon bills, and Smith compiled his immortal + leading cases—here Gustavus still toils, with Solomon to aid him:” + but the man of letters can't but love the place which has been inhabited + by so many of his brethren, or peopled by their creations as real to us at + this day as the authors whose children they were—and Sir Roger de + Coverley walking in the Temple Garden, and discoursing with Mr. Spectator + about the beauties in hoops and patches who are sauntering over the grass, + is just as lively a figure to me as old Samuel Johnson rolling through the + fog with the Scotch gentleman at his heels on their way to Dr. Goldsmith's + chambers in Brick Court; or Harry Fielding, with inked ruffles and a wet + towel round his head, dashing off articles at midnight for the Covent + Garden Journal, while the printer's boy is asleep in the passage. + </p> + <p> + If we could but get the history of a single day as it passed in any one of + those four-storied houses in the dingy court where our friends Pen and + Warrington dwelt, some Temple Asmodeus might furnish us with a queer + volume. There may be a great parliamentary counsel on the ground floor, + who drives off to Belgravia at dinner-time, when his clerk, too, becomes a + gentleman, and goes away to entertain his friends, and to take his + pleasure. But a short time since he was hungry and briefless in some + garret of the Inn; lived by stealthy literature; hoped, and waited, and + sickened, and no clients came; exhausted his own means and his friends' + kindness; had to remonstrate humbly with duns, and to implore the patience + of poor creditors. Ruin seemed to be staring him in the face, when, + behold, a turn of the wheel of fortune, and the lucky wretch in possession + of one of those prodigious prizes which are sometimes drawn in the great + lottery of the Bar. Many a better lawyer than himself does not make a + fifth part of the income of his clerk, who, a few months since, could + scarcely get credit for blacking for his master's unpaid boots. On the + first floor, perhaps, you will have a venerable man whose name is famous, + who has lived for half a century in the Inn, whose brains are full of + books, and whose shelves are stored with classical and legal lore. He has + lived alone all these fifty years, alone and for himself, amassing + learning, and compiling a fortune. He comes home now at night alone from + the club, where he has been dining freely, to the lonely chambers where he + lives a godless old recluse. When he dies, his Inn will erect a tablet to + his honour, and his heirs burn a part of his library. Would you like to + have such a prospect for your old age, to store up learning and money, and + end so? But we must not linger too long by Mr. Doomsday's door. Worthy Mr. + Grump lives over him, who is also an ancient inhabitant of the Inn, and + who, when Doomsday comes home to read Catullus, is sitting down with three + steady seniors of his standing, to a steady rubber at whist, after a + dinner at which they have consumed their three steady bottles of Port. You + may see the old boys asleep at the Temple Church of a Sunday. Attorneys + seldom trouble them, and they have small fortunes of their own. On the + other side of the third landing, where Pen and Warrington live, till long + after midnight, sits Mr. Paley, who took the highest honours, and who is a + fellow of his college, who will sit and read and note cases until two + o'clock in the morning; who will rise at seven and be at the pleader's + chambers as soon as they are open, where he will work until an hour before + dinner-time; who will come home from Hall and read and note cases again + until dawn next day, when perhaps Mr. Arthur Pendennis and his friend Mr. + Warrington are returning from some of their wild expeditions. How + differently employed Mr. Paley has been! He has not been throwing himself + away: he has only been bringing a great intellect laboriously down to the + comprehension of a mean subject, and in his fierce grasp of that, + resolutely excluding from his mind all higher thoughts, all better things, + all the wisdom of philosophers and historians, all the thoughts of poets; + all wit, fancy, reflection, art, love, truth altogether—so that he + may master that enormous legend of the law, which he proposes to gain his + livelihood by expounding. Warrington and Paley had been competitors for + university honours in former days, and had run each other hard; and + everybody said now that the former was wasting his time and energies, + whilst all people praised Paley for his industry. There may be doubts, + however, as to which was using his time best. The one could afford time to + think, and the other never could. The one could have sympathies and do + kindnesses; and the other must needs be always selfish. He could not + cultivate a friendship or do a charity, or admire a work of genius, or + kindle at the sight of beauty or the sound of a sweet song—he had no + time, and no eyes for anything but his law-books. All was dark outside his + reading-lamp. Love, and Nature, and Art (which is the expression of our + praise and sense of the beautiful world of God) were shut out from him. + And as he turned off his lonely lamp at night, he never thought but that + he had spent the day profitably, and went to sleep alike thankless and + remorseless. But he shuddered when he met his old companion Warrington on + the stairs, and shunned him as one that was doomed to perdition. + </p> + <p> + It may have been the sight of that cadaverous ambition and self-complacent + meanness, which showed itself in Paley's yellow face, and twinkled in his + narrow eyes, or it may have been a natural appetite for pleasure and + joviality, of which it must be confessed Mr. Pen was exceedingly fond, + which deterred that luckless youth from pursuing his designs upon the + Bench or the Woolsack with the ardour, or rather steadiness, which is + requisite in gentlemen who would climb to those seats of honour. He + enjoyed the Temple life with a great deal of relish: his worthy relatives + thought he was reading as became a regular student; and his uncle wrote + home congratulatory letters to the kind widow at Fairoaks, announcing that + the lad had sown his wild oats, and was becoming quite steady. The truth + is, that it was a new sort of excitement to Pen, the life in which he was + now engaged, and having given up some of the dandified pretensions, and + fine-gentleman airs which he had contracted among his aristocratic college + acquaintances, of whom he now saw but little, the rough pleasures and + amusements of a London bachelor were very novel and agreeable to him, and + he enjoyed them all. Time was he would have envied the dandies their fine + horses in Rotten Row, but he was contented now to walk in the Park and + look at them. He was too young to succeed in London society without a + better name and a larger fortune than he had, and too lazy to get on + without these adjuncts. Old Pendennis fondly thought he was busied with + law because he neglected the social advantages presented to him, and, + having been at half a dozen balls and evening parties, retreated before + their dulness and sameness; and whenever anybody made inquiries of the + worthy Major about his nephew the old gentleman said the young rascal was + reformed, and could not be got away from his books. But the Major would + have been almost as much horrified as Mr. Paley was, had he known what was + Mr. Pen's real course of life, and how much pleasure entered into his law + studies. + </p> + <p> + A long morning's reading, a walk in the park, a pull on the river, a + stretch up the hill to Hampstead, and a modest tavern dinner; a bachelor + night passed here or there, in joviality, not vice (for Arthur Pendennis + admired women so heartily that he never could bear the society of any of + them that were not, in his fancy at least, good and pure); a quiet evening + at home, alone with a friend and a pipe or two, and a humble potation of + British spirits, whereof Mrs. Flanagan, the laundress, invariably tested + the quality;—these were our young gentleman's pursuits, and it must + be owned that his life was not unpleasant. In term-time, Mr. Pen showed a + most praiseworthy regularity in performing one part of the law-student's + course of duty, and eating his dinners in Hall. Indeed, that Hall of the + Upper Temple is a sight not uninteresting, and with the exception of some + trifling improvements and anachronisms which have been introduced into the + practice there, a man may sit down and fancy that he joins in a meal of + the seventeenth century. The bar have their messes, the students their + tables apart; the benchers sit at the high table on the raised platform + surrounded by pictures of judges of the law and portraits of royal + personages who have honoured its festivities with their presence and + patronage. Pen looked about, on his first introduction, not a little + amused with the scene which he witnessed. Among his comrades of the + student class there were gentlemen of all ages, from sixty to seventeen; + stout grey-headed attorneys who were proceeding to take the superior + dignity,—dandies and men about town who wished for some reason + to be barristers of seven years' standing,—swarthy, black-eyed + natives of the Colonies, who came to be called here before they practised + in their own islands,—and many gentlemen of the Irish nation, who + make a sojourn in Middle Temple Lane before they return to the green + country of their birth. There were little squads of reading students who + talked law all dinner-time; there were rowing men, whose discourse was of + sculling matches, the Red House, Vauxhall and the Opera; there were others + great in politics, and orators of the students' debating clubs; with all + of which sets, except the first, whose talk was an almost unknown and a + quite uninteresting language to him, Mr. Pen made a gradual acquaintance, + and had many points of sympathy. + </p> + <p> + The ancient and liberal Inn of the Upper Temple provides in its Hall, and + for a most moderate price, an excellent wholesome dinner of soup, meat, + tarts, and port wine or sherry, for the barristers and students who attend + that place of refection. The parties are arranged in messes of four, each + of which quartets has its piece of beef or leg of mutton, its sufficient + apple-pie and its bottle of wine. But the honest habitues of the hall, + amongst the lower rank of students, who have a taste for good living, have + many harmless arts by which they improve their banquet, and innocent + 'dodges' (if we may be permitted to use an excellent phrase that has + become vernacular since the appearance of the last dictionaries) by which + they strive to attain for themselves more delicate food than the common + every-day roast meat of the students' tables. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a bit,” said Mr. Lowton, one of these Temple gourmands. “Wait a + bit,” said Mr. Lowton, tugging at Pen's gown—“the side-tables are + very full, and there's only three benchers to eat ten dishes—if we + wait, perhaps we shall get something from their table.” And Pen looked + with some amusement, as did Mr. Lowton with eyes of fond desire, towards + the benchers' high table, where three old gentlemen were standing up + before a dozen silver dish-covers, while the clerk was quavering out a + grace. + </p> + <p> + Lowton was great in the conduct of the dinner. His aim was to manage so as + to be the first, a captain of the mess, and to secure for himself the + thirteenth glass of the bottle of port wine. Thus he would have the + command of the joint on which he operated his favourite cuts, and made + rapid dexterous appropriations of gravy, which amused Pen infinitely. Poor + Jack Lowton! thy pleasures in life were very harmless; an eager epicure, + thy desires did not go beyond eighteen pence. + </p> + <p> + Pen was somewhat older than many of his fellow-students, and there was + that about his style and appearance, which, as we have said, was rather + haughty and impertinent, that stamped him as a man of ton—very + unlike those pale students who were talking law to one another, and those + ferocious dandies, in rowing shirts and astonishing pins and waistcoats, + who represented the idle part of the little community. The humble and + good-natured Lowton had felt attracted by Pen's superior looks and + presence—and had made acquaintance with him at the mess by opening + the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “This is boiled-beef day, I believe, sir,” said Lowton to Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, sir, I'm not aware,” said Pen, hardly able to contain his + laughter, but added, “I'm a stranger; this is my first term;” on which + Lowton began to point out to him the notabilities in the Hall. + </p> + <p> + “That's Boosey the bencher, the bald one sitting under the picture and + aving soup; I wonder whether it's turtle? They often ave turtle. Next is + Balls, the King's Counsel, and Swettenham—Hodge and Swettenham, you + know. That's old Grump, the senior of the bar; they say he's dined here + forty years. They often send 'em down their fish from the benchers to the + senior table. Do you see those four fellows seated opposite us? Those are + regular swells—tip-top fellows, I can tell you—Mr. Trail, the + Bishop of Ealing's son, Honourable Fred Ringwood, Lord Cinqbar's brother, + you know. He'll have a good place, I bet any money; and Bob Suckling, + who's always with him—a high fellow too. Ha! ha!” Here Lowton burst + into a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” said Pen, still amused. + </p> + <p> + “I say, I like to mess with those chaps,” Lowton said, winking his eye + knowingly, and pouring out his glass of wine. + </p> + <p> + “And why?” asked Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Why! they don't come down here to dine, you know, they only make believe + to dine. They dine here, Law bless you! They go to some of the swell + clubs, or else to some grand dinner-party. You see their names in the + Morning Post at all the fine parties in London. Why, I bet anything that + Ringwood has his cab, or Trail his Brougham (he's a devil of a fellow, and + makes the bishop's money spin, I can tell you) at the corner of Essex + Street at this minute. They dine! They won't dine these two hours, I dare + say.” + </p> + <p> + “But why should you like to mess with them, if they don't eat any dinner?” + Pen asked, still puzzled. “There's plenty, isn't there?” + </p> + <p> + “How green you are,” said Lowton. “Excuse me, but you are green. They + don't drink any wine, don't you see, and a fellow gets the bottle to + himself if he likes it when he messes with those three chaps. That's why + Corkoran got in with 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Mr. Lowton, I see you are a sly fellow,” Pen said, delighted with his + acquaintance: on which the other modestly replied, that he had lived in + London the better part of his life, and of course had his eyes about him; + and went on with his catalogue to Pen. + </p> + <p> + “There's a lot of Irish here,” he said; “that Corkoran's one, and I can't + say I like him. You see that handsome chap with the blue neck-cloth, and + pink shirt, and yellow waistcoat, that's another; that's Molloy Maloney of + Ballymaloney, and nephew to Major-General Sir Hector O'Dowd, he, he,” + Lowton said, trying to imitate the Hibernian accent. “He's always bragging + about his uncle; and came into Hall in silver-striped trousers the day he + had been presented. That other near him, with the long black hair, is a + tremendous rebel. By Jove, sir, to hear him at the Forum it makes your + blood freeze; and the next is an Irishman, too, Jack Finucane, reporter of + a newspaper. They all stick together, those Irish. It's your turn to fill + your glass. What? you won't have any port? Don't like port with your + dinner? Here's your health.” And this worthy man found himself not the + less attached to Pendennis because the latter disliked port wine at + dinner. + </p> + <p> + It was while Pen was taking his share of one of these dinners with his + acquaintance Lowton as the captain of his mess, that there came to join + them a gentleman in a barrister's gown, who could not find a seat, as it + appeared, amongst the persons of his own degree, and who strode over the + table and took his place on the bench where Pen sate. He was dressed in + old clothes and a faded gown, which hung behind him, and he wore a shirt + which, though clean, was extremely ragged, and very different to the + magnificent pink raiment of Mr. Molloy Maloney, who occupied a commanding + position in the next mess. In order to notify their appearance at dinner, + it is the custom of the gentlemen who eat in the Upper Temple Hall to + write down their names upon slips of paper, which are provided for that + purpose, with a pencil for each mess. Lowton wrote his name first, then + came Arthur Pendennis, and the next was that of the gentleman in the old + clothes. He smiled when he saw Pen's name, and looked at him. “We ought to + know each other,” he said. “We're both Boniface men; my name's + Warrington.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you St—— Warrington?” Pen said, delighted to see this + hero. + </p> + <p> + Warrington laughed—“Stunning Warrington—yes,” he said, “I + recollect you in your freshman's term. But you appear to have quite cut me + out.” + </p> + <p> + “The college talks about you still,” said Pen, who had a generous + admiration for talent and pluck. “The bargeman you thrashed, Bill Simes, + don't you remember, wants you up again at Oxbridge. The Miss Notleys, the + haberdashers——” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Warrington—“glad to make your acquaintance, Pendennis. + Heard a good deal about you.” + </p> + <p> + The young men were friends immediately, and at once deep in college-talk. + And Pen, who had been acting rather the fine gentleman on a previous day, + when he pretended to Lowton that he could not drink port wine at dinner, + seeing Warrington take his share with a great deal of gusto, did not + scruple about helping himself any more, rather to the disappointment of + honest Lowton. When the dinner was over, Warrington asked Arthur where he + was going. + </p> + <p> + “I thought of going home to dress, and hear Grisi in Norma,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to meet anybody there?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Pen said, “No—only to hear the music,” of which he was fond. + </p> + <p> + “You had much better come home and smoke a pipe with me,” said Warrington,—“a + very short one. Come, I live close by in Lamb Court, and we'll talk over + Boniface and old times.” + </p> + <p> + They went away; Lowton sighed after them. He knew Warrington was a + baronet's son, and he looked up with simple reverence to all the + aristocracy. Pen and Warrington became sworn friends from that night. + Warrington's cheerfulness and jovial temper, his good sense, his rough + welcome, and his never-failing pipe of tobacco, charmed Pen, who found it + more pleasant to dive into shilling taverns with him, than to dine in + solitary state amongst the silent and polite frequenters of the + Polyanthus. + </p> + <p> + Ere long Pen gave up the lodgings in St. James's, to which he had migrated + on quitting his hotel, and found it was much more economical to take up + his abode with Warrington in Lamb Court, and furnish and occupy his + friend's vacant room there. For it must be said of Pen, that no man was + more easily led than he to do a thing, when it was a novelty, or when he + had a mind to it. And Pidgeon, the youth, and Flanagan, the laundress, + divided their allegiance now between Warrington and Pen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. Old and new Acquaintances + </h2> + <p> + Elated with the idea of seeing life, Pen went into a hundred queer London + haunts. He liked to think he was consorting with all sorts of men—so + he beheld coalheavers in their tap-rooms; boxers in their inn-parlours; + honest citizens disporting in the suburbs or on the river; and he would + have liked to hob and nob with celebrated pickpockets, or drink a pot of + ale with a company of burglars and cracksmen, had chance afforded him an + opportunity of making the acquaintance of this class of society. It was + good to see the gravity with which Warrington listened to the Tutbury Pet + or the Brighton Stunner at the Champion's Arms, and behold the interest + which he took in the coalheaving company assembled at the + Fox-under-the-Hill. His acquaintance with the public-houses of the + metropolis and its neighbourhood, and with the frequenters of their + various parlours, was prodigious. He was the personal friend of the + landlord and landlady, and welcome to the bar as to the clubroom. He liked + their society, he said, better than that of his own class, whose manners + annoyed him, and whose conversation bored him. “In society,” he used to + say, “everybody is the same, wears the same dress, eats and drinks, and + says the same things; one young dandy at the club talks and looks just + like another, one Miss at a ball exactly resembles another, whereas + there's character here. I like to talk with the strongest man in England, + or the man who can drink the most beer in England, or with that tremendous + republican of a hatter, who thinks Thistlewood was the greatest character + in history. I like better gin-and-water than claret. I like a sanded floor + in Carnaby Market better than a chalked one in Mayfair. I prefer Snobs, I + own it.” Indeed, this gentleman was a social republican; and it never + entered his head while conversing with Jack and Tom that he was in any + respect their better; although, perhaps, the deference which they paid him + might secretly please him. + </p> + <p> + Pen followed him then to these various resorts of men with great glee and + assiduity. But he was considerably younger, and therefore much more + pompous and stately than Warrington, in fact a young prince in disguise, + visiting the poor of his father's kingdom. They respected him as a high + chap, a fine fellow, a regular young swell. He had somehow about him an + air of imperious good-humour, and a royal frankness and majesty, although + he was only heir-apparent to twopence-halfpenny, and but one in descent + from a gallypot. If these positions are made for us, we acquiesce in them + very easily; and are always pretty ready to assume a superiority over + those who are as good as ourselves. Pen's condescension at this time of + his life was a fine thing to witness. Amongst men of ability this + assumption and impertinence passes off with extreme youth: but it is + curious to watch the conceit of a generous and clever lad—there is + something almost touching in that early exhibition of simplicity and + folly. + </p> + <p> + So, after reading pretty hard of a morning, and, I fear, not law merely, + but politics and general history and literature, which were as necessary + for the advancement and instruction of a young man as mere dry law, after + applying with tolerable assiduity to letters, to reviews, to elemental + books of law, and, above all, to the newspaper, until the hour of dinner + was drawing nigh, these young gentlemen would sally out upon the town with + great spirits and appetite, and bent upon enjoying a merry night as they + had passed a pleasant forenoon. It was a jovial time, that of + four-and-twenty, when every muscle of mind and body was in healthy action, + when the world was new as yet, and one moved over it spurred onwards by + good spirits and the delightful capability to enjoy. If ever we feel young + afterwards, it is with the comrades of that time: the tunes we hum in our + old age, are those we learned then. Sometimes, perhaps, the festivity of + that period revives in our memory; but how dingy the pleasure-garden has + grown, how tattered the garlands look, how scant and old the company, and + what a number of the lights have gone out since that day! Grey hairs have + come on like daylight streaming in—daylight and a headache with it. + Pleasure has gone to bed with the rouge on her cheeks. Well, friend, let + us walk through the day, sober and sad, but friendly. + </p> + <p> + I wonder what Laura and Helen would have said, could they have seen, as + they might not unfrequently have done had they been up and in London, in + the very early morning when the bridges began to blush in the sunrise, and + the tranquil streets of the city to shine in the dawn, Mr. Pen and Mr. + Warrington rattling over the echoing flags towards the Temple, after one + of their wild nights of carouse—nights wild, but not so wicked as + such nights sometimes are, for Warrington was a woman-hater; and Pen, as + we have said, too lofty to stoop to a vulgar intrigue. Our young Prince of + Fairoaks never could speak to one of the sex but with respectful courtesy, + and shrank from a coarse word or gesture with instinctive delicacy—for + though we have seen him fall in love with a fool, as his betters and + inferiors have done, and as it is probable that he did more than once in + his life, yet for the time of the delusion it was always as a Goddess that + he considered her, and chose to wait upon her. Men serve women kneeling—when + they get on their feet, they go away. + </p> + <p> + That was what an acquaintance of Pen's said to him in his hard homely way;—an + old friend with whom he had fallen in again in London—no other than + honest Mr. Bows of the Chatteris Theatre, who was now employed as + pianoforte player, to accompany the eminent lyrical talent which nightly + delighted the public at the Fielding's Head in Covent Garden: and where + was held the little club called the Back Kitchen. + </p> + <p> + Numbers of Pen's friends frequented this very merry meeting. The + Fielding's Head had been a house of entertainment, almost since the time + when the famous author of 'Tom Jones' presided as magistrate in the + neighbouring Bow Street; his place was pointed out, and the chair said to + have been his, still occupied by the president of the night's + entertainment. The worthy Cutts, the landlord of the Fielding's Head, + generally occupied this post when not disabled by gout or other illness. + His jolly appearance and fine voice may be remembered by some of my male + readers: he used to sing profusely in the course of the harmonic meeting, + and his songs were of what may be called the British Brandy-and-Water + School of Song—such as 'The Good Old English Gentleman,' 'Dear Tom, + this Brown Jug,' and so forth—songs in which pathos and hospitality + are blended, and the praises of good liquor and the social affections are + chanted in a baritone voice. The charms of our women, the heroic deeds of + our naval and military commanders, are often sung in the ballads of this + school; and many a time in my youth have I admired how Cutts the singer, + after he had worked us all up to patriotic enthusiasm, by describing the + way in which the brave Abercrombie received his death-wound, or made us + join him in tears, which he shed liberally himself, as in faltering + accents he told how autumn's falling leaf “proclaimed the old man he must + die”—how Cutts the singer became at once Cutts the landlord, and, + before the applause which we were making with our fists on his table, in + compliment to his heart-stirring melody, had died away,—was calling, + “Now, gentlemen, give your orders, the waiter's in the room—John, a + champagne cup for Mr. Green. I think, sir, you said sausages and mashed + potatoes? John, attend on the gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “And I'll thank ye give me a glass of punch too, John, and take care the + wather boils,” a voice would cry not unfrequently, a well-known voice to + Pen, which made the lad blush and start when he heard it first—that + of the venerable Captain Costigan; who was now established in London, and + one of the great pillars of the harmonic meetings at the Fielding's Head. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's manners and conversation brought very many young men to the + place. He was a character, and his fame had begun to spread soon after his + arrival in the metropolis, and especially after his daughter's marriage. + He was great in his conversation to the friend for the time being (who was + the neighbour drinking by his side), about “me daughther.” He told of her + marriage, and of the events previous and subsequent to that ceremony; of + the carriages she kept; of Mirabel's adoration for her and for him; of the + hundther pounds which he was at perfect liberty to draw from his + son-in-law, whenever necessity urged him. And having stated that it was + his firm intention to “dthraw next Sathurday, I give ye me secred word and + honour next Sathurday, the fourteenth, when ye'll see the money will be + handed over to me at Coutts's, the very instant I present the cheque,” the + Captain would not unfrequently propose to borrow a half-crown of his + friend until the arrival of that day of Greek Calends, when, on the honour + of an officer and gentleman, he would repee the thrifling obligetion. + </p> + <p> + Sir Charles Mirabel had not that enthusiastic attachment to his + father-in-law, of which the latter sometimes boasted (although in other + stages of emotion Cos would inveigh, with tears in his eyes, against the + ingratitude of the child of his bosom, and the stinginess of the wealthy + old man who had married her); but the pair had acted not unkindly towards + Costigan; had settled a small pension on him, which was paid regularly, + and forestalled with even more regularity by poor Cos; and the period of + the payments was always well known by his friend at the Fielding's Head, + whither the honest Captain took care to repair, bank-notes in hand, + calling loudly for change in the midst of the full harmonic meeting. “I + think ye'll find that note won't be refused at the Bank of England, Cutts, + my boy,” Captain Costigan would say. “Bows, have a glass? Ye needn't stint + yourself to-night, anyhow; and a glass of punch will make ye play con + spirito.” For he was lavishly free with his money when it came to him, and + was scarcely known to button his breeches pocket, except when the coin was + gone, or sometimes, indeed, when a creditor came by. + </p> + <p> + It was in one of these moments of exultation that Pen found his old friend + swaggering at the singers' table at the Back Kitchen of the Fielding's + Head, and ordering glasses of brandy-and-water for any of his + acquaintances who made their appearance in the apartment. Warrington, who + was on confidential terms with the bass singer, made his way up to this + quarter of the room, and Pen walked at his friend's heels. + </p> + <p> + Pen started and blushed to see Costigan. He had just come from Lady + Whiston's party, where he had met and spoken with the Captain's daughter + again for the first time after very old old days. He came up with + outstretched hand, very kindly and warmly to greet the old man; still + retaining a strong remembrance of the time when Costigan's daughter had + been everything in the world to him. For though this young gentleman may + have been somewhat capricious in his attachments, and occasionally have + transferred his affections from one woman to another, yet he always + respected the place where Love had dwelt, and, like the Sultan of Turkey, + desired that honours should be paid to the lady towards whom he had once + thrown the royal pocket-handkerchief. The tipsy Captain returning the + clasp of Pen's hand with all the strength of a palm which had become very + shaky by the constant lifting up of weights of brandy-and-water, looked + hard in Pen's face, and said, “Grecious Heavens, is it possible? Me dear + boy, me dear fellow, me dear friend;” and then with a look of muddled + curiosity, fairly broke down with, “I know your face, me dear dear friend, + but, bedad, I've forgot your name.” Five years of constant punch had + passed since Pen and Costigan met. Arthur was a good deal changed, and the + Captain may surly be excused for forgetting him; when a man at the actual + moment sees things double, we may expect that his view of the past will be + rather muzzy. + </p> + <p> + Pen saw his condition and laughed, although, perhaps, he was somewhat + mortified. “Don't you remember me, Captain?” he said. “I am Pendennis—Arthur + Pendennis, of Chatteris.” + </p> + <p> + The sound of the young man's friendly voice recalled and steadied Cos's + tipsy remembrance, and he saluted Arthur, as soon as he knew him, with a + loud volley of friendly greetings. Pen was his dearest boy, his gallant + young friend, his noble collagian, whom he had held in his inmost heart + ever since they had parted—how was his fawther, no, his mother, and + his guardian, the General, the Major? “I preshoom, from your apparance, + you've come into your prawpertee; and, bedad, yee'll spend it like a man + of spirit—I'll go bail for that. No? not yet come into your estete? + If ye want any thrifle, heark ye, there's poor old Jack Costigan has got a + guinea or two in his pocket—and, be heavens! you shall never want, + Awthur, me dear boy. What'll ye have? John, come hither, and look aloive; + give this gentleman a glass of punch, and I'll pay for't.—Your + friend? I've seen him before. Permit me to have the honour of making + meself known to ye, sir, and requesting ye'll take a glass of punch.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't envy Sir Charles Mirabel his father-in-law,” thought Pendennis. + “And how is my old friend, Mr. Bows, Captain? Have you any news of him, + and do you see him still?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt he's very well,” said the Captain, jingling his money, and + whistling the air of a song—'The Little Doodeen'—for the + singing of which he was celebrated at the Fielding's Head. “Me dear boy—I've + forgot your name again—but my name's Costigan, Jack Costigan, and + I'd loike ye to take as many tumblers of punch in my name as ever ye + loike. Ye know my name; I'm not ashamed of it.” And so the captain went + maundering on. + </p> + <p> + “It's pay-day with the General,” said Mr. Hodgen, the bass singer, with + whom Warrington was in deep conversation: “and he's a precious deal more + than half seas over. He has already tried that 'Little Doodeen' of his, + and broke it, too, just before I sang 'King Death.' Have you heard my new + song, 'The Body Snatcher,' Mr. Warrington?—angcored at Saint + Bartholomew's the other night—composed expressly for me. Per'aps you + or your friend would like a copy of the song, sir? John, just 'ave the + kyndness to 'and over a 'Body Snatcher' 'ere, will yer?—There's a + portrait of me, sir, as I sing it—as the Snatcher—considered + rather like.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Warrington; “heard it nine times—know it by heart, + Hodgen.” + </p> + <p> + Here the gentleman who presided at the pianoforte began to play upon his + instrument, and Pen, looking in the direction of the music, beheld that + very Mr. Bows, for whom he had been asking but now, and whose existence + Costigan had momentarily forgotten. The little old man sate before the + battered piano (which had injured its constitution wofully by sitting up + so many nights, and spoke with a voice, as it were, at once hoarse and + faint), and accompanied the singers, or played with taste and grace in the + intervals of the songs. + </p> + <p> + Bows had seen and recollected Pen at once when the latter came into the + room, and had remarked the eager warmth of the young man's recognition of + Costigan. He now began to play an air, which Pen instantly remembered as + one which used to be sung by the chorus of villagers in 'The Stranger,' + just before Mrs. Haller came in. It shook Pen as he heard it. He + remembered how his heart used to beat as that air was played, and before + the divine Emily made her entry. Nobody, save Arthur, took any notice of + old Bows's playing: it was scarcely heard amidst the clatter of knives and + forks, the calls for poached eggs and kidneys, and the tramp of guests and + waiters. + </p> + <p> + Pen went up and kindly shook the player by the hand at the end of his + performance; and Bows greeted Arthur with great respect and cordiality. + “What, you haven't forgot the old tune, Mr. Pendennis?” he said; “I + thought you'd remember it. I take it, it was the first tune of that sort + you ever heard played—wasn't it, sir? You were quite a young chap + then. I fear the Captain's very bad to-night. He breaks out on a pay-day; + and I shall have the deuce's own trouble in getting home. We live + together. We still hang on, sir, in partnership, though Miss Em—though + my lady Mirabel has left the firm.—And so you remember old times, do + you? Wasn't she a beauty, sir?—Your health and my service to you,”—and + he took a sip at the pewter measure of porter which stood by his side as + he played. + </p> + <p> + Pen had many opportunities of seeing his early acquaintance afterwards, + and of renewing his relations with Costigan and the old musician. + </p> + <p> + As they sate thus in friendly colloquy, men of all sorts and conditions + entered and quitted the house of entertainment; and Pen had the pleasure + of seeing as many different persons of his race, as the most eager + observer need desire to inspect. Healthy country tradesmen and farmers, in + London for their business, came and recreated themselves with the jolly + singing and suppers of the Back Kitchen,—squads of young apprentices + and assistants, the shutters being closed over the scene of their labours, + came hither for fresh air doubtless,—rakish young medical students, + gallant, dashing, what is called “loudly” dressed, and (must it be owned?) + somewhat dirty,—were here smoking and drinking, and vociferously + applauding the songs; young university bucks were to be found here, too, + with that indescribable genteel simper which is only learned at the knees + of Alma Mater;—and handsome young guardsmen, and florid bucks from + the St. James's Street Clubs—nay, senators English and Irish; and + even members of the House of Peers. + </p> + <p> + The bass singer had made an immense hit with his song of 'The Body + Snatcher,' and the town rushed to listen to it. The curtain drew aside, + and Mr. Hodgen appeared in the character of the Snatcher, sitting on a + coffin, with a flask of gin before him, with a spade, and a candle stuck + in a skull. The song was sung with a really admirable terrific humour. The + singer's voice went down so low, that its grumbles rumbled into the + hearer's awe-stricken soul; and in the chorus he clamped with his spade, + and gave a demoniac “Ha! ha!” which caused the very glasses to quiver on + the table, as with terror. None of the other singers, not even Cutts + himself, as that high-minded man owned, could stand up before the + Snatcher, and he commonly used to retire to Mrs. Cutts's private + apartments, or into the bar, before that fatal song extinguished him. Poor + Cos's ditty, 'The Little Doodeen,' which Bows accompanied charmingly on + the piano, was sung but to a few admirers, who might choose to remain + after the tremendous resurrectionist chant. The room was commonly emptied + after that, or only left in possession of a very few and persevering + votaries of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Pen and his friend were sitting here together one night, or rather + morning, two habitues of the house entered almost together. “Mr. Hoolan + and Mr. Doolan,” whispered Warrington to Pen, saluting these gentlemen, + and in the latter Pen recognised his friend of the Alacrity coach, who + could not dine with Pen on the day on which the latter had invited him, + being compelled by his professional duties to decline dinner-engagements + on Fridays, he had stated, with his compliments to Mr. Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + Doolan's paper, the Dawn, was lying on the table much bestained by porter, + and cheek-by-jowl with Hoolan's paper, which we shall call the Day; the + Dawn was Liberal—the Day was ultra-Conservative. Many of our + journals are officered by Irish gentlemen, and their gallant brigade does + the penning among us, as their ancestors used to transact the fighting in + Europe; and engage under many a flag, to be good friends when the battle + is over. + </p> + <p> + “Kidneys, John, and a glass of stout,” says Hoolan. “How are you, Morgan? + how's Mrs. Doolan?” + </p> + <p> + “Doing pretty well, thank ye, Mick, my boy—faith she's accustomed to + it,” said Doolan. “How's the lady that owns ye? Maybe I'll step down + Sunday, and have a glass of punch, Kilburn way.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't bring Patsey with you, Mick, for our Georgy's got the measles,” + said the friendly Morgan, and they straightway fell to talk about matters + connected with their trade—about the foreign mails—about who + was correspondent at Paris, and who wrote from Madrid—about the + expense the Morning Journal was at in sending couriers, about the + circulation of the Evening Star, and so forth. + </p> + <p> + Warrington, laughing, took the Dawn which was lying before him, and + pointed to one of the leading articles in that journal, which commenced + thus— + </p> + <p> + “As rogues of note in former days who had some wicked work to perform,—an + enemy to be put out of the way, a quantity of false coin to be passed, a + lie to be told or a murder to be done—employed a professional + perjurer or assassin to do the work, which they were themselves too + notorious or too cowardly to execute: our notorious contemporary, the Day, + engages smashers out of doors to utter forgeries against individuals, and + calls in auxiliary cut-throats to murder the reputation of those who + offend him. A black-vizarded ruffian (whom we will unmask), who signs the + forged name of Trefoil, is at present one of the chief bravoes and bullies + in our contemporary's establishment. He is the eunuch who brings the + bowstring, and strangles at the order of the Day. We can convict this + cowardly slave, and propose to do so. The charge which he has brought + against Lord Bangbanagher, because he is a Liberal Irish peer, and against + the Board of Poor Law Guardians of the Bangbanagher Union, is,” etc. + </p> + <p> + “How did they like the article at your place, Mick?” asked Morgan; “when + the Captain puts his hand to it he's a tremendous hand at a smasher. He + wrote the article in two hours—in—whew—you know where, + while the boy was waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Our governor thinks the public don't mind a straw about these newspaper + rows, and has told the Docthor to stop answering,” said the other. “Them + two talked it out together in my room. The Docthor would have liked a + turn, for he says it's such easy writing, and requires no reading up of a + subject: but the governor put a stopper on him.” + </p> + <p> + “The taste for eloquence is going out, Mick,” said Morgan. + </p> + <p> + “'Deed then it is, Morgan,” said Mick. “That was fine writing when the + Docthor wrote in the Phaynix, and he and Condy Roony blazed away at each + other day after day.” + </p> + <p> + “And with powder and shot, too, as well as paper,” says Morgan, “Faith, + the Docthor was out twice, and Condy Roony winged his man.” + </p> + <p> + “They are talking about Doctor Boyne and Captain Shandon,” Warrington + said, “who are the two Irish controversialists of the Dawn and the Day, + Dr. Boyne being the Protestant champion and Captain Shandon the Liberal + orator. They are the best friends in the world, I believe, in spite of + their newspaper controversies; and though they cry out against the English + for abusing their country, by Jove they abuse it themselves more in a + single article than we should take the pains to do in a dozen volumes. How + are you, Doolan?” + </p> + <p> + “Your servant, Mr. Warrington—Mr. Pendennis, I am delighted to have + the honour of seeing ye again. The night's journey on the top of the + Alacrity was one of the most agreeable I ever enjoyed in my life, and it + was your liveliness and urbanity that made the trip so charming. I have + often thought over that happy night, sir, and talked over it to Mrs. + Doolan. I have seen your elegant young friend, Mr. Foker, too, here, sir, + not unfrequently. He is an occasional frequenter of this hostelry, and a + right good one it is. Mr. Pendennis, when I saw you I was on the Tom and + Jerry Weekly Paper; I have now the honour to be sub-editor of the Dawn, + one of the best-written papers of the empire”—and he bowed very + slightly to Mr. Warrington. His speech was unctuous and measured, his + courtesy oriental, his tone, when talking with the two Englishmen, quite + different to that with which he spoke to his comrade. + </p> + <p> + “Why the devil will the fellow compliment so?” growled Warrington, with a + sneer which he hardly took the pains to suppress. “Psha—who comes + here?—all Parnassus is abroad to-night: here's Archer. We shall have + some fun. Well, Archer, House up?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't been there. I have been,” said Archer, with an air of mystery, + “where I was wanted. Get me some supper, John—something substantial. + I hate your grandees who give you nothing to eat. If it had been at Apsley + House, it would have been quite different. The Duke knows what I like, and + says to the Groom of the Chambers, 'Martin, you will have some cold beef, + not too much done, and a pint bottle of pale ale, and some brown sherry, + ready in my study as usual;—Archer is coming here this evening.' The + Duke doesn't eat supper himself, but he likes to see a man enjoy a hearty + meal, and he knows that I dine early. A man can't live upon air, be hanged + to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me introduce you to my friend, Mr. Pendennis,” Warrington said, with + great gravity. “Pen, this is Mr Archer, whom you have heard me talk about. + You must know Pen's uncle, the Major, Archer, you who know everybody?” + </p> + <p> + “Dined with him the day before yesterday at Gaunt House,” Archer said. “We + were four—the French Ambassador, Steyne, and we two commoners.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my uncle is in Scot——” Pen was going to break out, but + Warrington pressed his foot under the table as a signal for him to be + quiet. + </p> + <p> + “It was about the same business that I have been to the palace to-night,” + Archer went on simply, “and where I've been kept four hours, in an + anteroom, with nothing but yesterday's Times, which I knew by heart, as I + wrote three of the leading articles myself; and though the Lord + Chamberlain came in four times, and once holding the royal teacup and + saucer in his hand, he did not so much as say to me, 'Archer, will you + have a cup of tea?'” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! what is in the wind now?” asked Warrington—and turning to + Pen, added, “You know, I suppose, that when there is anything wrong at + Court they always send for Archer.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something wrong,” said Mr. Archer, “and as the story will be all + over the town in a day or two I don't mind telling it. At the last + Chantilly races, where I rode Brian Boru for my old friend the Duke de + Saint Cloud—the old King said to me, Archer, I'm uneasy about Saint + Cloud. I have arranged his marriage with the Princess Marie Cunegonde; the + peace of Europe depends upon it—for Russia will declare war if the + marriage does not take place, and the young fool is so mad about Madame + Massena, Marshal Massena's wife, that he actually refuses to be a party to + the marriage. Well, Sir, I spoke to Saint Cloud, and having got him into + pretty good humour by winning the race, and a good bit of money into the + bargain, he said to me, 'Archer, tell the Governor I'll think of it.'” + </p> + <p> + “How do you say Governor in French?” asked Pen, who piqued himself on + knowing that language. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we speak in English—I taught him when we were boys, and I saved + his life at Twickenham, when he fell out of a punt,” Archer said. “I shall + never forget the Queen's looks as I brought him out of the water. She gave + me this diamond ring, and always calls me Charles to this day.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame Massena must be rather an old woman, Archer,” Warrington said. + </p> + <p> + “Dev'lish old—old enough to be his grandmother; I told him so,” + Archer answered at once. “But those attachments for old women are the + deuce and all. That's what the King feels: that's what shocks the poor + Queen so much. They went away from Paris last Tuesday night, and are + living at this present moment at Jaunay's Hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Has there been a private marriage, Archer?” asked Warrington. + </p> + <p> + “Whether there has or not I don't know,” Mr. Archer replied, “all I know + is that I was kept waiting for four hours at the palace; that I never saw + a man in such a state of agitation as the King of Belgium when he came out + to speak to me, and that I'm devilish hungry—and here comes some + supper.” + </p> + <p> + “He has been pretty well to-night,” said Warrington, as the pair went home + together: “but I have known him in much greater force, and keeping a whole + room in a state of wonder. Put aside his archery practice, that man is + both able and honest—a good man of business, an excellent friend, + admirable to his family as husband, father, and son.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it makes him pull the long bow in that wonderful manner?” + </p> + <p> + “An amiable insanity,” answered Warrington. “He never did anybody harm by + his talk, or said evil of anybody. He is a stout politician too, and would + never write a word or do an act against his party, as many of us do.” + </p> + <p> + “Of us! Who are we?” asked Pen. “Of what profession is Mr. Archer?” + </p> + <p> + “Of the Corporation of the Goosequill—of the Press, my boy,” said + Warrington; “of the fourth estate.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you, too, of the craft, then?” Pendennis said. + </p> + <p> + “We will talk about that another time,” answered the other. They were + passing through the Strand as they talked, and by a newspaper office, + which was all lighted up and bright. Reporters were coming out of the + place, or rushing up to it in cabs; there were lamps burning in the + editors' rooms, and above where the compositors were at work: the windows + of the building were in a blaze of gas. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that, Pen,” Warrington said. “There she is—the great engine—she + never sleeps. She has her ambassadors in every quarter of the world—her + couriers upon every road. Her officers march along with armies, and her + envoys walk into statesmen's cabinets. They are ubiquitous. Yonder journal + has an agent, at this minute, giving bribes at Madrid; and another + inspecting the price of potatoes in Covent Garden. Look! here comes the + Foreign Express galloping in. They will be able to give news to Downing + Street to-morrow: funds will rise or fall, fortunes be made or lost; Lord + B. will get up, and, holding the paper in his hand, and seeing the noble + marquis in his place, will make a great speech; and—and Mr. Doolan + will be called away from his supper at the Back Kitchen; for he is foreign + sub-editor, and sees the mail on the newspaper sheet before he goes to his + own.” + </p> + <p> + And so talking, the friends turned into their chambers, as the dawn was + beginning to peep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. In which the Printer's Devil comes to the Door + </h2> + <p> + Pen, in the midst of his revels and enjoyments, humble as they were, and + moderate in cost if not in kind, saw an awful sword hanging over him which + must drop down before long and put an end to his frolics and feasting. His + money was very nearly spent. His club subscription had carried away a + third part of it. He had paid for the chief articles of furniture with + which he had supplied his little bedroom: in fine, he was come to the last + five-pound note in his pocket-book, and could think of no method of + providing a successor: for our friend had been bred up like a young prince + as yet, or as a child in arms whom his mother feeds when it cries out. + </p> + <p> + Warrington did not know what his comrade's means were. An only child, with + a mother at her country house, and an old dandy of an uncle who dined with + a great man every day, Pen might have a large bank at his command for + anything that the other knew. He had gold chains and a dressing-case fit + for a lord. His habits were those of an aristocrat,—not that he was + expensive upon any particular point, for he dined and laughed over the + pint of porter and the plate of beef from the cook's shop with perfect + content and good appetite,—but he could not adopt the penny-wise + precautions of life. He could not give twopence to a waiter; he could not + refrain from taking a cab if he had a mind to do so, or if it rained, and + as surely as he took the cab he overpaid the driver. He had a scorn for + cleaned gloves and minor economies. Had he been bred to ten thousand a + year he could scarcely have been more free-handed; and for a beggar, with + a sad story, or a couple of pretty piteous-faced children, he never could + resist putting his hand into his pocket. It was a sumptuous nature, + perhaps, that could not be brought to regard money; a natural generosity + and kindness; and possibly a petty vanity that was pleased with praise, + even with the praise of waiters and cabmen. I doubt whether the wisest of + us know what our own motives are, and whether some of the actions of which + we are the very proudest will not surprise us when we trace them, as we + shall one day, to their source. + </p> + <p> + Warrington then did not know, and Pen had not thought proper to confide to + his friend, his pecuniary history. That Pen had been wild and wickedly + extravagant at college, the other was aware; everybody at college was + extravagant and wild; but how great the son's expenses had been, and how + small the mother's means, were points which had not been as yet submitted + to Mr. Warrington's examination. + </p> + <p> + At last the story came out, while Pen was grimly surveying the change for + the last five-pound note, as it lay upon the tray from the public-house by + Mr. Warrington's pot of ale. + </p> + <p> + “It is the last rose of summer,” said Pen; “its blooming companions have + gone long ago; and behold the last one of the garland has shed its + leaves;” and he told Warrington the whole story which we know of his + mother's means, of his own follies, of Laura's generosity; during which + time Warrington smoked his pipe and listened intent. + </p> + <p> + “Impecuniosity will do you good,” Pen's friend said, knocking out the + ashes at the end of the narration; “I don't know anything more wholesome + for a man—for an honest man, mind you—for another, the + medicine loses its effect—than a state of tick. It is an alterative + and a tonic; it keeps your moral man in a perpetual state of excitement: + as a man who is riding at a fence, or has his opponent's single-stick + before him, is forced to look his obstacle steadily in the face, and + braces himself to repulse or overcome it; a little necessity brings out + your pluck if you have any, and nerves you to grapple with fortune. You + will discover what a number of things you can do without when you have no + money to buy them. You won't want new gloves and varnished boots, eau de + Cologne and cabs to ride in. You have been bred up as a molly-coddle, Pen, + and spoilt by the women. A single man who has health and brains, and can't + find a livelihood in the world, doesn't deserve to stay there. Let him pay + his last halfpenny and jump over Waterloo Bridge. Let him steal a leg of + mutton and be transported and get out of the country—he is not fit + to live in it. Dixi; I have spoken. Give us another pull at the pale ale. + </p> + <p> + “You have certainly spoken; but how is one to live?” said Pen. “There is + beef and bread in plenty in England, but you must pay for it with work or + money. And who will take my work? and what work can I do?” + </p> + <p> + Warrington burst out laughing. “Suppose we advertise in the Times,” he + said, “for an usher's place at a classical and commercial academy—A + gentleman, B.A. of St. Boniface College, and who was plucked for his + degree—” + </p> + <p> + “Confound you,” cried Pen. + </p> + <p> + “—Wishes to give lessons in classics and mathematics, and the + rudiments of the French language; he can cut hair, attend to the younger + pupils, and play a second on the piano with the daughters of the + principal. Address A. P., Lamb Court, Temple.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” said Pen, growling. + </p> + <p> + “Men take to all sorts of professions. Why, there is your friend + Bloundell-Bloundell is a professional blackleg, and travels the Continent, + where he picks up young gentlemen of fashion and fleeces them. There is + Bob O'Toole, with whom I was at school, who drives the Ballynafad mail + now, and carries honest Jack Finucane's own correspondence to that city. I + know a man, sir, a doctor's son, like—well, don't be angry, I meant + nothing offensive—a doctor's son, I say, who was walking the + hospitals here, and quarrelled with his governor on questions of finance, + and what did he do when he came to his last five-pound note? he let his + mustachios grow, went into a provincial town, where he announced himself + as Professor Spineto, chiropodist to the Emperor of All the Russians, and + by a happy operation on the editor of the country newspaper, established + himself in practice, and lived reputably for three years. He has been + reconciled to his family, and has succeeded to his father's gallypots.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang gallypots,” cried Pen. “I can't drive a coach, cut corns, or cheat + at cards. There's nothing else you propose.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; there's our own correspondent,” Warrington said. “Every man has his + secrets, look you. Before you told me the story of your money-matters, I + had no idea but that you were a gentleman of fortune, for, with your + confounded airs and appearance, anybody would suppose you to be so. From + what you tell me about your mother's income, it is clear that you must not + lay any more hands on it. You can't go on spunging upon the women. You + must pay off that trump of a girl. Laura is her name?—here is your + health, Laura!—and carry a hod rather than ask for a shilling from + home.” + </p> + <p> + “But how earn one?” asked Pen. + </p> + <p> + “How do I live, think you?” said the other. “On my younger brother's + allowance, Pendennis? I have secrets of my own, my boy;” and here + Warrington's countenance fell. “I made away with that allowance five years + ago: if I had made away with myself a little time before, it would have + been better. I have played off my own bat, ever since. I don't want much + money. When my purse is out, I go to work and fill it, and then lie idle + like a serpent or an Indian, until I have digested the mass. Look, I begin + to feel empty,” Warrington said, and showed Pen a long lean purse, with + but a few sovereigns at one end of it. + </p> + <p> + “But how do you fill it?” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “I write,” said Warrington. “I don't tell the world that I do so,” he + added, with a blush. “I do not choose that questions should be asked: or, + perhaps, I am an ass, and don't wish it to be said that George Warrington + writes for bread. But I write in the Law Reviews: look here, these + articles are mine.” And he turned over some sheets. “I write in a + newspaper now and then, of which a friend of mine is editor.” And + Warrington, going with Pendennis to the club one day, called for a file of + the Dawn, and pointed with his finger silently to one or two articles, + which Pen read with delight. He had no difficulty in recognising the style + afterwards—the strong thoughts and curt periods, the sense, the + satire, and the scholarship. + </p> + <p> + “I am not up to this,” said Pen, with a genuine admiration of his friend's + powers. “I know very little about politics or history, Warrington; and + have but a smattering of letters. I can't fly upon such a wing as yours.” + </p> + <p> + “But you can on your own, my boy, which is lighter, and soars higher, + perhaps,” the other said, good-naturedly. “Those little scraps and verses + which I have seen of yours show me, what is rare in these days, a natural + gift, sir. You needn't blush, you conceited young jackanapes. You have + thought so yourself any time these ten years. You have got the sacred + flame—a little of the real poetical fire, sir, I think; and all our + oil-lamps are nothing compared to that, though ever so well trimmed. You + are a poet, Pen, my boy,” and so speaking, Warrington stretched out his + broad hand, and clapped Pen on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Arthur was so delighted that the tears came into his eyes. “How kind you + are to me, Warrington!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I like you, old boy,” said the other. “I was dev'lish lonely in chambers, + and wanted somebody, and the sight of your honest face somehow pleased me. + I liked the way you laughed at Lowton—that poor good little snob. + And, in fine, the reason why I cannot tell—but so it is, young 'un. + I'm alone in the world, sir; and I wanted some one to keep me company;” + and a glance of extreme kindness and melancholy passed out of Warrington's + dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + Pen was too much pleased with his own thoughts to perceive the sadness of + the friend who was complimenting him. “Thank you, Warrington,” he said, + “thank you for your friendship to me, and—and what you say about me. + I have often thought I was a poet. I will be one—I think I am one, + as you say so, though the world mayn't. Is it—is it the Ariadne in + Naxos which you liked (I was only eighteen when I wrote it), or the Prize + Poem?” + </p> + <p> + Warrington burst into a roar of laughter. “Why, young goose,” he yelled + out—“of all the miserable weak rubbish I ever tried, Ariadne in + Naxos is the most mawkish and disgusting. The Prize Poem is so pompous and + feeble, that I'm positively surprised, sir, it didn't get the medal. You + don't suppose that you are a serious poet, do you, and are going to cut + out Milton and Aeschylus? Are you setting up to be a Pindar, you absurd + little tom-tit, and fancy you have the strength and pinion which the + Theban eagle bear, sailing with supreme dominion through the azure fields + of air? No, my boy, I think you can write a magazine article, and turn a + pretty copy of verses; that's what I think of you.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove!” said Pen, bouncing up and stamping his foot, “I'll show you + that I am a better man than you think for.” + </p> + <p> + Warrington only laughed the more, and blew twenty-four puffs rapidly out + of his pipe by way of reply to Pen. + </p> + <p> + An opportunity for showing his skill presented itself before very long. + That eminent publisher, Mr. Bacon (formerly Bacon and Bungay) of + Paternoster Row, besides being the proprietor of the legal Review, in + which Mr. Warrington wrote, and of other periodicals of note and gravity, + used to present to the world every year a beautiful gilt volume called the + Spring Annual, edited by the Lady Violet Lebas, and numbering amongst its + contributors not only the most eminent, but the most fashionable, poets of + our time. Young Lord Dodo's poems first appeared in this miscellany—the + Honourable Percy Popjoy, whose chivalrous ballads have obtained him such a + reputation—Bedwin Sands's Eastern Ghazuls, and many more of the + works of our young nobles, were fast given to the world in the Spring + Annual, which has since shared the fate of other vernal blossoms, and + perished out of the world. The book was daintily illustrated with pictures + of reigning beauties, or other prints of a tender and voluptuous + character; and, as these plates were prepared long beforehand, requiring + much time in engraving, it was the eminent poets who had to write to the + plates, and not the painters who illustrated the poems. + </p> + <p> + One day, just when this volume was on the eve of publication, it chanced + that Mr. Warrington called in Paternoster Row to talk with Mr. Hack, Mr. + Bacon's reader and general manager of publications—for Mr. Bacon, + not having the least taste in poetry or in literature of any kind, wisely + employed the services of a professional gentleman. Warrington, then, going + into Mr. Hack's room on business of his own, found that gentleman with a + bundle of proof plates and sheets of the Spring Annual before him, and + glanced at some of them. + </p> + <p> + Percy Popjoy had written some verses to illustrate one of the pictures, + which was called The Church Porch. A Spanish damsel was hastening to + church with a large prayer-book; a youth in a cloak was hidden in a niche + watching this young woman. The picture was pretty: but the great genius of + Percy Popjoy had deserted him, for he had made the most execrable verses + which ever were perpetrated by a young nobleman. + </p> + <p> + Warrington burst out laughing as he read the poem: and Mr. Hack laughed + too but with rather a rueful face.—“It won't do,” he said, “the + public won't stand it. Bungay's people are going to bring out a very good + book, and have set up Miss Bunyan against Lady Violet. We have most titles + to be sure—but the verses are too bad. Lady Violet herself owns it; + she's busy with her own poem; what's to be done? We can't lose the plate. + The governor gave sixty pounds for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know a fellow who would do some verses, I think,” said Warrington. “Let + me take the plate home in my pocket: and send to my chambers in the + morning for the verses. You'll pay well, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Mr. Hack; and Warrington, having despatched his own + business, went home to Mr. Pen, plate in hand. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boy, here's a chance for you. Turn me off a copy of verses to this.” + </p> + <p> + “What's this? A Church Porch—A lady entering it, and a youth out of + a wine-shop window ogling her.—What the deuce am I to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Try,” said Warrington. “Earn your livelihood for once, you who long so to + do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will try,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “And I'll go out to dinner,” said Warrington, and left Mr. Pen in a brown + study. + </p> + <p> + When Warrington came home that night, at a very late hour, the verses were + done. “There they are,” said Pen. “I've screwed 'em out at last. I think + they'll do.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, they will,” said Warrington, after reading them; they ran as + follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Church Porch + + Although I enter not, + Yet round about the spot + Sometimes I hover, + And at the sacred gate, + With longing eyes I wait, + Expectant of her. + + The Minster bell tolls out + Above the city's rout + And noise and humming + They've stopp'd the chiming bell, + I hear the organ's swell + She's coming, she's coming! + + My lady comes at last, + Timid and stepping fast, + And hastening hither, + With modest eyes downcast. + She comes—she's here—she's past. + May Heaven go with her! + + Kneel undisturb'd, fair saint, + Pour out your praise or plaint + Meekly and duly. + I will not enter there, + To sully your pure prayer + With thoughts unruly. + + But suffer me to pace + Round the forbidden place, + Lingering a minute, + Like outcast spirits, who wait + And see through Heaven's gate + Angels within it. +</pre> + <p> + “Have you got any more, young fellow?” asked Warrington. “We must make + them give you a couple of guineas a page; and if the verses are liked, + why, you'll get an entree into Bacon's magazines, and may turn a decent + penny.” + </p> + <p> + Pen examined his portfolio and found another ballad which he thought might + figure with advantage in the Spring Annual, and consigning these two + precious documents to Warrington, the pair walked from the Temple to the + famous haunt of the Muses and their masters, Paternoster Row. Bacon's shop + was an ancient low-browed building, with a few of the books published by + the firm displayed in the windows, under a bust of my Lord of Verulam, and + the name of Mr. Bacon in brass on the private door. Exactly opposite to + Bacon's house was that of Mr. Bungay, which was newly painted and + elaborately decorated in the style of the seventeenth century, so that you + might have fancied stately Mr. Evelyn passing over the threshold, or + curious Mr. Pepys examining the books in the window. Warrington went into + the shop of Mr. Bacon, but Pen stayed without. It was agreed that his + ambassador should act for him entirely; and the young fellow paced up and + down the street in a very nervous condition, until he should learn the + result of the negotiation. Many a poor devil before him has trodden those + flags, with similar cares and anxieties at his heels, his bread and his + fame dependent upon the sentence of his magnanimous patrons of the Row. + Pen looked at all the wonders of all the shops, and the strange variety of + literature which they exhibit. In this were displayed black-letter volumes + and books in the clear pale types of Aldus and Elzevir: in the next, you + might see the Penny Horrific Register; the Halfpenny Annals of Crime and + History of the most celebrated murderers of all countries, The Raff's + Magazine, The Larky Swell, and other publications of the penny press; + whilst at the next window, portraits of ill-favoured individuals, with + fac-similes of the venerated signatures of the Reverend Grimes Wapshot, + the Reverend Elias Howle, and the works written and the sermons preached + by them, showed the British Dissenter where he could find mental pabulum. + Hard by would be a little casement hung with emblems, with medals and + rosaries with little paltry prints of saints gilt and painted, and books + of controversial theology, by which the faithful of the Roman opinion + might learn a short way to deal with Protestants, at a penny apiece, or + ninepence the dozen for distribution; whilst in the very next window you + might see 'Come out of Rome,' a sermon preached at the opening of the + Shepherd's Bush College, by John Thomas Lord Bishop of Ealing. Scarce an + opinion but has its expositor and its place of exhibition in this peaceful + old Paternoster Row, under the toll of the bells of Saint Paul. + </p> + <p> + Pen looked in at all the windows and shops, as a gentleman who is going to + have an interview with the dentist examines the books on the waiting-room + table. He remembered them afterwards. It seemed to him that Warrington + would never come out; and indeed the latter was engaged for some time in + pleading his friend's cause. + </p> + <p> + Pen's natural conceit would have swollen immensely if he could but have + heard the report which Warrington gave of him. It happened that Mr. Bacon + himself had occasion to descend to Mr. Hack's room whilst Warrington was + talking there, and Warrington, knowing Bacon's weaknesses, acted upon them + with great adroitness in his friend's behalf. In the first place, he put + on his hat to speak to Bacon, and addressed him from the table on which he + seated himself. Bacon liked to be treated with rudeness by a gentleman, + and used to pass it on to his inferiors as boys pass the mark. “What! not + know Mr. Pendennis, Mr. Bacon?” Warrington said. “You can't live much in + the world, or you would know him. A man of property in the West, of one of + the most ancient families in England, related to half the nobility in the + empire—he's cousin to Lord Pontypool—he was one of the most + distinguished men at Oxbridge; he dines at Gaunt House every week.” + </p> + <p> + “Law bless me, you don't say so, sir. Well—really—Law bless me + now,” said Mr. Bacon. + </p> + <p> + “I have just been showing Mr. Hack some of his verses, which he sat up + last night, at my request, to write; and Hack talks about giving him a + copy of the book—the what-d'-you-call-'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Law bless me now, does he? The what-d'-you-call-'em. Indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “'The Spring Annual' is its name,—as payment for those verses. You + don't suppose that such a man as Mr. Arthur Pendennis gives up a dinner at + Gaunt House for nothing? You know as well as anybody, that the men of + fashion want to be paid.” + </p> + <p> + “That they do, Mr. Warrington, sir,” said the publisher. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you he's a star; he'll make a name, sir. He's a new man, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “They've said that of so many of those young swells, Mr. Warrington,” the + publisher interposed, with a sigh. “There was Lord Viscount Dodo, now; I + gave his Lordship a good bit of money for his poems, and only sold eighty + copies. Mr. Popjoy's Hadgincourt, sir, fell dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I'll take my man over to Bungay,” Warrington said, and rose + from the table. This threat was too much for Mr. Bacon, who was instantly + ready to accede to any reasonable proposal of Mr. Warrington's, and + finally asked his manager what those proposals were? When he heard that + the negotiation only related as yet to a couple of ballads, which Mr. + Warrington offered for the Spring Annual, Mr. Bacon said, “Law bless you, + give him a check directly;” and with this paper Warrington went out to his + friend, and placed it, grinning, in Pen's hands. Pen was as elated as if + somebody had left him a fortune. He offered Warrington a dinner at + Richmond instantly. “What should he go and buy for Laura and his mother? + He must buy something for them.” + </p> + <p> + “They'll like the book better than anything else,” said Warrington, “with + the young one's name to the verses, printed among the swells.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God! thank God!” cried Arthur, “I needn't be a charge upon the old + mother. I can pay off Laura now. I can get my own living. I can make my + own way.” + </p> + <p> + “I can marry the grand vizier's daughter: I can purchase a house in + Belgrave Square; I can build a fine castle in the air!” said Warrington, + pleased with the other's exultation. “Well, you may get bread and cheese, + Pen: and I own it tastes well, the bread which you earn yourself.” + </p> + <p> + They had a magnum of claret at dinner at the club that day, at Pen's + charges. It was long since he had indulged in such a luxury, but + Warrington would not baulk him: and they drank together to the health of + the Spring Annual. + </p> + <p> + It never rains but it pours, according to the proverb; so very speedily + another chance occurred, by which Mr. Pen was to be helped in his scheme + of making a livelihood. Warrington one day threw him a letter across the + table, which was brought by a printer's boy, “from Captain Shandon, sir”—the + little emissary said: and then went and fell asleep on his accustomed + bench in the passage. He paid many a subsequent visit there, and brought + many a message to Pen. + </p> + <p> + F. P. Tuesday Morning. + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR SIR,—Bungay will be here to-day, about the Pall Mall + Gazette. You would be the very man to help us with a genuine West-end + article,—you understand—dashing, trenchant, and d—— + aristocratic. Lady Hipshaw will write; but she's not much you know, and + we've two lords; but the less they do the better. We must have you. We'll + give you your own terms, and we'll make a hit with the Gazette. + </p> + <p> + “Shall B. come and see you, or can you look in upon me here?—Ever + yours, + </p> + <p> + “C. S.” + </p> + <p> + “Some more opposition,” Warrington said, when Pen had read the note. + “Bungay and Bacon are at daggers drawn; each married the sister of the + other, and they were for some time the closest friends and partners. Hack + says it was Mrs. Bungay who caused all the mischief between the two; + whereas Shandon, who reads for Bungay a good deal, says Mrs. Bacon did the + business; but I don't know which is right, Peachum or Lockit. But since + they have separated, it is a furious war between the two publishers; and + no sooner does one bring out a book of travels, or poems, a magazine or + periodical, quarterly, or monthly, or weekly, or annual, but the rival is + in the field with something similar. I have heard poor Shandon tell with + great glee how he made Bungay give a grand dinner at Blackwall to all his + writers, by saying that Bacon had invited his corps to an entertainment at + Greenwich. When Bungay engaged your celebrated friend Mr. Wagg to edit the + 'Londoner,' Bacon straightway rushed off and secured Mr. Grindle to give + his name to the 'Westminster Magazine.' When Bacon brought out his comic + Irish novel of 'Barney Brallaghan,' off went Bungay to Dublin, and + produced his rollicking Hibernian story of 'Looney MacTwolter.' When + Doctor Hicks brought out his 'Wanderings in Mesopotamia' under Bacon's + auspices, Bungay produced Professor Sandiman's 'Researches in Zahara;' and + Bungay is publishing his 'Pall Mall Gazette' as a counterpoise to Bacon's + 'Whitehall Review.' Let us go and hear about the 'Gazette.' There may be a + place for you in it, Pen, my boy. We will go and see Shandon. We are sure + to find him at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he live?” asked Pen. + </p> + <p> + “In the Fleet Prison,” Warrington said. “And very much at home he is + there, too. He is the king of the place.” + </p> + <p> + Pen had never seen this scene of London life, and walked with no small + interest in at the grim gate of that dismal edifice. They went through the + anteroom, where the officers and janitors of the place were seated, and + passing in at the wicket, entered the prison. The noise and the crowd, the + life and the shouting, the shabby bustle of the place, struck and excited + Pen. People moved about ceaselessly and restless, like caged animals in a + menagerie. Men were playing at fives. Others pacing and tramping: this one + in colloquy with his lawyer in dingy black—that one walking sadly, + with his wife by his side, and a child on his arm. Some were arrayed in + tattered dressing-gowns, and had a look of rakish fashion. Everybody + seemed to be busy, humming, and on the move. Pen felt as if he choked in + the place, and as if the door being locked upon him they never would let + him out. + </p> + <p> + They went through a court up a stone staircase, and through passages full + of people, and noise, and cross lights, and black doors clapping and + banging;—Pen feeling as one does in a feverish morning dream. At + last the same little runner who had brought Shandon's note, and had + followed them down Fleet Street munching apples, and who showed the way to + the two gentlemen through the prison, said, “This is the Captain's door,” + and Mr. Shandon's voice from within bade them enter. + </p> + <p> + The room, though bare, was not uncheerful. The sun was shining in at the + window—near which sate a lady at work, who had been gay and + beautiful once, but in whose faded face kindness and tenderness still + beamed. Through all his errors and reckless mishaps and misfortunes, this + faithful creature adored her husband, and thought him the best and + cleverest, as indeed he was one of the kindest of men. Nothing ever seemed + to disturb the sweetness of his temper; not debts: not duns: not misery: + not the bottle, not his wife's unhappy position, or his children's ruined + chances. He was perfectly fond of wife and children after his fashion: he + always had the kindest words and smiles for them, and ruined them with the + utmost sweetness of temper. He never could refuse himself or any man any + enjoyment which his money could purchase; he would share his last guinea + with Jack and Tom, and we may be sure he had a score of such retainers. He + would sign his name at the back of any man's bill, and never pay any debt + of his own. He would write on any side, and attack himself or another man + with equal indifference. He was one of the wittiest, the most amiable, and + the most incorrigible of Irishmen. Nobody could help liking Charley + Shandon who saw him once, and those whom he ruined could scarcely be angry + with him. + </p> + <p> + When Pen and Warrington arrived, the Captain (he had been in an Irish + militia regiment once, and the title remained with him) was sitting on his + bed in a torn dressing-gown, with a desk on his knees, at which he was + scribbling as fast as his rapid pen could write. Slip after slip of paper + fell off the desk wet on to the ground. A picture of his children was hung + up over his bed, and the youngest of them was pattering about the room. + </p> + <p> + Opposite the Captain sate Mr. Bungay, a portly man of stolid countenance, + with whom the little child had been trying a conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Papa's a very clever man,” said she; “mamma says so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very,” said Mr. Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “And you're a very rich man, Mr. Bundy,” cried the child, who could hardly + speak plain. + </p> + <p> + “Mary!” said Mamma, from her work. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind,” Bungay roared out with a great laugh; “no harm in saying + I'm rich—he, he—I am pretty well off, my little dear.” + </p> + <p> + “If you're rich, why don't you take papa out of piz'n?” asked the child. + </p> + <p> + Mamma at this began to wipe her eyes with the work on which she was + employed. (The poor lady had hung curtains up in the room, had brought the + children's picture and placed it there, and had made one or two attempts + to ornament it.) Mamma began to cry; Mr. Bungay turned red, and looked + fiercely out of his bloodshot little eyes; Shandon's pen went on, and Pen + and Warrington arrived with their knock. + </p> + <p> + Captain Shandon looked up from his work. “How do you do, Mr. Warrington,” + he said. “I'll speak to you in a minute. Please sit down, gentlemen, if + you can find places,” and away went the pen again. + </p> + <p> + Warrington pulled forward an old portmanteau—the only available seat—and + sate down on it, with a bow to Mrs. Shandon and a nod to Bungay: the child + came and looked at Pen solemnly and in a couple of minutes the swift + scribbling ceased; and Shandon, turning the desk over on the bed, stooped + and picked up the papers. + </p> + <p> + “I think this will do,” said he. “It's the prospectus for the Pall Mall + Gazette.” + </p> + <p> + “And here's the money for it,” Mr. Bungay said, laying down a five-pound + note. “I'm as good as my word, I am. When I say I'll pay, I pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith that's more than some of us can say,” said Shandon, and he eagerly + clapped the note into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. Which is passed in the Neighbourhood of Ludgate Hill + </h2> + <p> + Our imprisoned Captain announced, in smart and emphatic language in his + prospectus, that the time had come at last when it was necessary for the + gentlemen of England to band together in defence of their common rights + and their glorious order, menaced on all sides by foreign revolutions, by + intestine radicalism, by the artful calumnies of mill-owners and + cotton-lords, and the stupid hostility of the masses whom they gulled and + led. “The ancient monarchy was insulted,” the Captain said, “by a + ferocious republican rabble. The Church was deserted by envious dissent, + and undermined by stealthy infidelity. The good institutions, which had + made our country glorious, and the name of English Gentleman the proudest + in the world, were left without defence, and exposed to assault and + contumely from men to whom no sanctuary was sacred, for they believed in + nothing holy; no history venerable, for they were too ignorant to have + heard of the past; and no law was binding which they were strong enough to + break, when their leaders gave the signal for plunder. It was because the + kings of France mistrusted their gentlemen,” Mr. Shandon remarked, “that + the monarchy of Saint Louis went down: it was because the people of + England still believed in their gentlemen, that this country encountered + and overcame the greatest enemy a nation ever met: it was because we were + headed by gentlemen, that the Eagles retreated before us from the Donro to + the Garonne: it was a gentleman who broke the line at Trafalgar, and swept + the plain of Waterloo.” + </p> + <p> + Bungay nodded his head in a knowing manner, and winked his eyes when the + Captain came to the Waterloo passage: and Warrington burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + “You see how our venerable friend Bungay is affected,” Shandon said, slily + looking up from his papers—“that's your true sort of test. I have + used the Duke of Wellington and the battle of Waterloo a hundred times, + and I never knew the Duke to fail.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain then went on to confess, with much candour, that up to the + present time the gentlemen of England, confident of their right, and + careless of those who questioned it, had left the political interest of + their order as they did the management of their estates, or the settlement + of their legal affairs, to persons affected to each peculiar service, and + had permitted their interests to be represented in the press by + professional proctors and advocates. That time Shandon professed to + consider was now gone by: the gentlemen of England must be their own + champions: the declared enemies of their order were brave, strong, + numerous, and uncompromising. They must meet their foes in the field: they + must not be belied and misrepresented by hireling advocates: they must not + have Grub Street publishing Gazettes from Whitehall; “that's a dig at + Bacon's people, Mr. Bungay,” said Shandon, turning round to the publisher. + Bungay clapped his stick on the floor. “Hang him, pitch into him, + Capting,” he said with exultation: and turning to Warrington, wagged his + dull head more vehemently than ever, and said, “For a slashing article, + sir, there's nobody like the Capting—no-obody like him.” + </p> + <p> + The prospectus-writer went on to say that some gentlemen, whose names + were, for obvious reasons, not brought before the public (at which Mr. + Warrington began to laugh again), had determined to bring forward a + journal, of which the principles were so-and-so. “These men are proud of + their order, and anxious to uphold it,” cried out Captain Shandon, + flourishing his paper with a grin. “They are loyal to their Sovereign, by + faithful conviction and ancestral allegiance; they love their Church, + where they would have their children worship, and for which their + forefathers bled; they love their country, and would keep it what the + gentlemen of England—yes, the gentlemen of England (we'll have that + in large caps, Bungay, my boy) have made it—the greatest and freest + in the world: and as the names of some of them are appended to the deed + which secured our liberties at Runnymede—” + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” asked Mr. Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “An ancestor of mine sealed it with his sword-hilt,” Pen said, with great + gravity. + </p> + <p> + “It's the Habeas Corpus, Mr. Bungay,” Warrington said, on which the + publisher answered, “All right, I dare say,” and yawned, though he said, + “Go on, Capting.” + </p> + <p> + “—at Runnymede; they are ready to defend that freedom to-day with + sword and pen, and now, as then, to rally round the old laws and liberties + of England.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo!” cried Warrington. The little child stood wondering; the lady was + working silently, and looking with fond admiration. “Come here, little + Mary,” said Warrington, and patted the child's fair curls with his large + hand. But she shrank back from his rough caress, and preferred to go and + take refuge at Pen's knee, and play with his fine watch-chain: and Pen was + very much pleased that she came to him; for he was very soft-hearted and + simple, though he concealed his gentleness under a shy and pompous + demeanour. So she clambered up on his lap, whilst her father continued to + read his programme. + </p> + <p> + “You were laughing,” the Captain said to Warrington, “about 'the obvious + reasons' which I mentioned. Now, I'll show ye what they are, ye + unbelieving heathen. 'We have said,'” he went on, “'that we cannot give + the names of the parties engaged in this undertaking, and that there were + obvious reasons for that concealment. We number influential friends in + both Houses of the Senate, and have secured allies in every diplomatic + circle in Europe. Our sources of intelligence are such as cannot, by any + possibility, be made public—and, indeed, such as no other London or + European journal could, by any chance, acquire. But this we are free to + say, that the very earliest information connected with the movement of + English and Continental politics will be found only in the columns of the + Pall Mall Gazette, The Statesman and the Capitalist, the Country Gentleman + and the Divine, will be amongst our readers, because our writers are + amongst them. We address ourselves to the higher circles of society: we + care not to disown it—the Pall Mall Gazette is written by gentlemen + for gentlemen; its conductors speak to the classes in which they live and + were born. The field-preacher has his journal, the radical free-thinker + has his journal: why should the Gentlemen of England be unrepresented in + the Press?'” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Shandon then went on with much modesty to descant upon the literary + and fashionable departments of the Pall Mall Gazette, which were to be + conducted by gentlemen of acknowledged reputation; men famous at the + Universities (at which Mr Pendennis could scarcely help laughing and + blushing), known at the Clubs, and of the Society which they described. He + pointed out delicately to advertisers that there would be no such medium + as the Pall Mall Gazette for giving publicity to their sales; and he + eloquently called upon the nobility of England, the baronetage of England, + the revered clergy of England, the bar of England, the matrons, the + daughters, the homes and hearths of England, to rally round the good old + cause; and Bungay at the conclusion of the reading woke up from a second + snooze in which he had indulged himself, and again said it was all right. + </p> + <p> + The reading of the prospectus concluded, the gentlemen present entered + into some details regarding the political and literary management of the + paper, and Mr. Bungay sate by listening and nodding his head, as if he + understood what was the subject of their conversation, and approved of + their opinions. Bungay's opinions, in truth, were pretty simple. He + thought the Captain could write the best smashing article in England. He + wanted the opposition house of Bacon smashed, and it was his opinion that + the Captain could do that business. If the Captain had written a letter of + Junius on a sheet of paper, or copied a part of the Church Catechism, Mr. + Bungay would have been perfectly contented, and have considered that the + article was a smashing article. And he pocketed the papers with the + greatest satisfaction: and he not only paid for the MS., as we have seen, + but he called little Mary to him, and gave her a penny as he went away. + </p> + <p> + The reading of the manuscript over, the party engaged in general + conversation, Shandon leading with a jaunty fashionable air in compliment + to the two guests who sate with him and, and who, by their appearance and + manner, he presumed to be persons of the beau monde. He knew very little + indeed of the great world, but he had seen it, and made the most of what + he had seen. He spoke of the characters of the day, and great personages + of the fashion, with easy familiarity and jocular allusions, as if it had + been his habit to live amongst them. He told anecdotes of their private + life, and of conversations he had had, and entertainments at which he had + been present, and at which such and such a thing occurred. Pen was amused + to hear the shabby prisoner in a tattered dressing-gown talking glibly + about the great of the land. Mrs. Shandon was always delighted when her + husband told these tales, and believed in them fondly every one. She did + not want to mingle in the fashionable world herself, she was not clever + enough; but the great Society was the very place for her Charles: he shone + in it: he was respected in it. Indeed, Shandon had once been asked to + dinner by the Earl of X; his wife treasured the invitation-card in her + workbox at that very day. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bungay presently had enough of this talk and got up to take leave, + whereupon Warrington and Pen rose to depart with the publisher, though the + latter would have liked to stay to make a further acquaintance with this + family, who interested him and touched him. He said something about hoping + for permission to repeat his visit, upon which Shandon, with a rueful + grin, said he was always to be found at home, and should be delighted to + see Mr. Pennington. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see you to my park-gate, gentlemen,” said Captain Shandon, seizing + his hat, in spite of a deprecatory look and a faint cry of “Charles” from + Mrs. Shandon. And the Captain, in shabby slippers, shuffled out before his + guests, leading the way through the dismal passages of the prison. His + hand was already fiddling with his waistcoat pocket, where Bungay's + five-pound note was, as he took leave of the three gentlemen at the + wicket; one of them, Mr. Arthur Pendennis, being greatly relieved when he + was out of the horrid place, and again freely treading the flags of + Farringdon Street. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Shandon sadly went on with her work at the window looking into the + court. She saw Shandon with a couple of men at his heels run rapidly in + the direction of the prison tavern. She had hoped to have had him to + dinner herself that day: there was a piece of meat, and some salad in a + basin, on the ledge outside of the window of their room which she had + expected that she and little Mary were to share with the child's father. + But there was no chance of that now. He would be in that tavern until the + hours for closing it; then he would go and play at cards or drink in some + other man's room and come back silent, with glazed eyes, reeling a little + on his walk, that his wife might nurse him. Oh, what varieties of pain do + we not make our women suffer! + </p> + <p> + So Mrs. Shandon went to the cupboard, and, in lieu of a dinner, made + herself some tea. And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, + what a part of confidante has that poor tea-pot played ever since the + kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried + over it, to be sure! What sick-beds it has smoked by! What fevered lips + have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by + women when she made that tea-plant; and with a little thought what a + series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round + the tea-pot and cup! Melissa and Sacharissa are talking love-secrets over + it. Poor Polly has it and her lover's letters upon the table; his letters + who was her lover yesterday, and when it was with pleasure, not despair, + she wept over them. Mary tripping noiselessly comes into her mother's + bedroom, bearing a cup of the consoler to the widow who will take no other + food, Ruth is busy concocting it for her husband, who is coming home from + the harvest-field—one could fill a page with hints for such + pictures;—finally, Mrs. Shandon and little Mary sit down and drink + their tea together, while the Captain goes out and takes his pleasure. She + cares for nothing else but that, when her husband is away. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman with whom we are already slightly acquainted, Mr. Jack + Finucane, a townsman of Captain Shandon's, found the Captain's wife and + little Mary (for whom Jack always brought a sweetmeat in his pocket) over + this meal. Jack thought Shandon the greatest of created geniuses, had had + one or two helps from the good-natured prodigal, who had always a kind + word, and sometimes a guinea for any friend in need; and never missed a + day in seeing his patron. He was ready to run Shandon's errands and + transact his money-business with publishers and newspaper editors, duns, + creditors, holders of Shandon's acceptances, gentlemen disposed to + speculate in those securities, and to transact the thousand little affairs + of an embarrassed Irish gentleman. I never knew an embarrassed Irish + gentleman yet, but he had an aide-de-camp of his own nation, likewise in + circumstances of pecuniary discomfort. That aide-de-camp has subordinates + of his own, who again may have other insolvent dependents—all + through his life our Captain marched at the head of a ragged staff, who + shared in the rough fortunes of their chieftain. + </p> + <p> + “He won't have that five-pound note very long, I bet a guinea,” Mr. Bungay + said of the Captain, as he and his two companions walked away from the + prison; and the publisher judged rightly, for when Mrs. Shandon came to + empty her husband's pockets, she found but a couple of shillings, and a + few halfpence out of the morning's remittance. Shandon had given a pound + to one follower; had sent a leg of mutton and potatoes and beer to an + acquaintance in the poor side of the prison; had paid an outstanding bill + at the tavern where he had changed his five-pound note; had had a dinner + with two friends there, to whom he lost sundry half-crowns at cards + afterwards; so that the night left him as poor as the morning had found + him. + </p> + <p> + The publisher and the two gentlemen had had some talk together after + quitting Shandon, and Warrington reiterated to Bungay what he had said to + his rival, Bacon, viz., that Pen was a high fellow, of great genius, and + what was more, well with the great world, and related to “no end” of the + peerage. Bungay replied that he should be happy to have dealings with Mr. + Pendennis, and hoped to have the pleasure of seeing both gents to cut + mutton with him before long, and so, with mutual politeness and + protestations, they parted. + </p> + <p> + “It is hard to see such a man as Shandon,” Pen said, musing, and talking + that night over the sight which he had witnessed, “of accomplishments so + multifarious, and of such an undoubted talent and humour, an inmate of a + gaol for half his time, and a bookseller's hanger-on when out of prison.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a bookseller's hanger-on—you are going to try your paces as a + hack,” Warrington said with a laugh. “We are all hacks upon some road or + other. I would rather be myself, than Paley our neighbour in chambers: who + has as much enjoyment of his life as a mole. A deuced deal of undeserved + compassion has been thrown away upon what you call your bookseller's + drudge.” + </p> + <p> + “Much solitary pipes and ale make a cynic of you,” said Pen “You are a + Diogenes by a beer-barrel, Warrington. No man shall tell me that a man of + genius, as Shandon is, ought to be driven by such a vulgar slave-driver, + as yonder Mr. Bungay, whom we have just left, who fattens on the profits + of the other's brains, and enriches himself out of his journeyman's + labour. It makes me indignant to see a gentleman the serf of such a + creature as that, of a man who can't speak the language that he lives by, + who is not fit to black Shandon's boots.” + </p> + <p> + “So you have begun already to gird at the publishers, and to take your + side amongst our order. Bravo, Pen, my be boy!” Warrington answered, + laughing still. “What have you got to say against Bungay's relations with + Shandon? Was it the publisher, think you, who sent the author to prison? + Is it Bungay who is tippling away the five-pound note which we saw just + now, or Shandon?” + </p> + <p> + “Misfortune drives a man into bad company,” Pen said. “It is easy to cry + 'Fie!' against a poor fellow who has no society but such as he finds in a + prison; and no resource except forgetfulness and the bottle. We must deal + kindly with the eccentricities of genius, and remember that the very + ardour and enthusiasm of temperament which makes the author delightful + often leads the man astray.” + </p> + <p> + “A fiddlestick about men of genius!” Warrington cried out, who was a very + severe moralist upon some points, though possibly a very bad practitioner. + “I deny that there are so many geniuses as people who whimper about the + fate of men of letters assert there are. There are thousands of clever + fellows in the world who could, if they would, turn verses, write + articles, read books, and deliver a judgment upon them; the talk of + professional critics and writers is not a whit more brilliant, or + profound, or amusing, than that of any other society of educated people. + If a lawyer, or a soldier, or a parson, outruns his income, and does not + pay his bills, he must go to gaol; and an author must go, too. If an + author fuddles himself, I don't know why he should be let off a headache + the next morning,—if he orders a coat from the tailor's, why he + shouldn't pay for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I would give him more money to buy coats,” said Pen, smiling. “I suppose + I should like to belong to a well-dressed profession. I protest against + that wretch of a middle-man whom I see between Genius and his great + landlord, the Public, and who stops more than half of the labourer's + earnings and fame.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a prose labourer,” Warrington said; “you, my boy, are a poet in a + small way, and so, I suppose, consider you are authorised to be flighty. + What is it you want? Do you want a body of capitalists that shall be + forced to purchase the works of all authors, who may present themselves, + manuscript in hand? Everybody who writes his epic, every driveller who can + or can't spell, and produces his novel or his tragedy,—are they all + to come and find a bag of sovereigns in exchange for their worthless reams + of paper? Who is to settle what is good or bad, saleable or otherwise? + Will you give the buyer leave, in fine, to purchase or not? Why, sir, when + Johnson sate behind the screen at Saint John's Gate, and took his dinner + apart, because he was too shabby and poor to join the literary bigwigs who + were regaling themselves, round Mr. Cave's best table-cloth, the tradesman + was doing him no wrong. You couldn't force the publisher to recognise the + man of genius in the young man who presented himself before him, ragged, + gaunt, and hungry. Rags are not a proof of genius; whereas capital is + absolute, as times go, and is perforce the bargain-master. It has a right + to deal with the literary inventor as with any other;—if I produce a + novelty in the book trade, I must do the best I can with it; but I can no + more force Mr. Murray to purchase my book of travels or sermons, than I + can compel Mr. Tattersall to give me a hundred guineas for my horse. I may + have my own ideas of the value of my Pegasus, and think him the most + wonderful of animals; but the dealer has a right to his opinion, too, and + may want a lady's horse, or a cob for a heavy timid rider, or a sound hack + for the road, and my beast won't suit him.” + </p> + <p> + “You deal in metaphors, Warrington,” Pen said; “but you rightly say that + you are very prosaic. Poor Shandon! There is something about the kindness + of that man, and the gentleness of that sweet creature of a wife, which + touches me profoundly. I like him, I am afraid, better than a better man.” + </p> + <p> + “And so do I,” Warrington said. “Let us give him the benefit of our + sympathy, and the pity that is due to his weakness: though I fear that + sort of kindness would be resented as contempt by a more high-minded man. + You see he takes his consolation along with his misfortune, and one + generates the other or balances it, as the way of the world. He is a + prisoner, but he is not unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “His genius sings within his prison bars,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Warrington said, bitterly; “Shandon accommodates himself to a cage + pretty well. He ought to be wretched, but he has Jack and Tom to drink + with, and that consoles him: he might have a high place, but, as he can't, + why, he can drink with Tom and Jack;—he might be providing for his + wife and children, but Thomas and John have got a bottle of brandy which + they want him to taste;—he might pay poor Snip, the tailor, the + twenty pounds which the poor devil wants for his landlord, but John and + Thomas lay their hands upon his purse;—and so he drinks whilst his + tradesman goes to gaol and his family to ruin. Let us pity the misfortunes + of genius, and conspire against the publishing tyrants who oppress men of + letters.” + </p> + <p> + “What! are you going to have another glass of brandy-and-water?” Pen said, + with a humorous look. It was at the Black Kitchen that the above + philosophical conversation took place between the two young men. + </p> + <p> + Warrington began to laugh as usual. “Video meliora proboque—I mean, + bring it me hot, with sugar, John,” he said to waiter. + </p> + <p> + “I would have some more, too, only I don't want it,” said Pen. “It does + not seem to me, Warrington, that we are much better than our neighbours.” + And Warrington's last glass having been despatched, the pair returned to + their chambers. + </p> + <p> + They found a couple of notes in the letter-box, on their return, which had + been sent by their acquaintance of the morning, Mr. Bungay. That + hospitable gentleman presented his compliments to each of the gentlemen, + and requested their pleasure of company at dinner on an early day, to meet + a few literary friends. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have a grand spread, Warrington. We shall meet all Bungay's + corps.” + </p> + <p> + “All except poor Shandon,” said Pen, nodding a good-night to his friend, + and he went into his own little room. The events and acquaintances of the + day had excited him a good deal, and he lay for some time awake thinking + over them, as Warrington's vigorous and regular snore from the + neighbouring apartment pronounced that that gentleman was engaged in deep + slumber. + </p> + <p> + Is it true, thought Pendennis, lying on his bed and gazing at a bright + moon without, that lighted up a corner of his dressing-table, and the + frame of a little sketch of Fairoaks drawn by Laura, and hung over his + drawers—is it true that I am going to earn my bread at last, and + with my pen? that I shall impoverish the dear mother no longer; and that I + may gain a name and reputation in the world, perhaps? These are welcome if + they come, thought the young visionary, laughing and blushing to himself, + though alone and in the night, as he thought how dearly he would relish + honour and fame if they could be his. If fortune favours me, I laud her; + if she frowns, I resign her. I pray Heaven I may be honest if I fail, or + if I succeed. I pray Heaven I may tell the truth as far as I know it: that + I mayn't swerve from it through flattery, or interest, or personal enmity, + or party prejudice. Dearest old mother, what a pride will you have, if I + can do anything worthy of our name I and you, Laura, you won't scorn me as + the worthless idler and spendthrift, when you see that I—when I have + achieved a—psha! what an Alnaschar I am because I have made five + pounds by my poems, and am engaged to write half a dozen articles for a + newspaper. He went on with these musings, more happy and hopeful, and in a + humbler frame of mind, than he had felt to be for many a day. He thought + over the errors and idleness, the passions, extravagances, + disappointments, of his wayward youth: he got up from the bed: threw open + the window, and looked out into the night: and then, by some impulse, + which we hope was a good one, he went up and kissed the picture of + Fairoaks, and flinging himself down on his knees by the bed, remained for + some time in that posture of hope and submission. When he rose, it was + with streaming eyes. He had found himself repeating, mechanically, some + little words which he had been accustomed to repeat as a child at his + mother's side, after the saying of which she would softly take him to his + bed and close the curtains round him, hushing him with a benediction. + </p> + <p> + The next day, Mr. Pidgeon, their attendant, brought in a large brown-paper + parcel, directed to G. Warrington, Esq., with Mr. Trotter's compliments, + and a note which Warrington read. + </p> + <p> + “Pen, you beggar!” roared Warrington to Pen, who was in his own room. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” sung out Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, you're wanted,” cried the other, and Pen came out. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Catch!” cried Warrington, and flung the parcel at Pen's head, who would + have been knocked down had he not caught it. + </p> + <p> + “It's books for review for the Pall Mall Gazette: pitch into 'em,” + Warrington said. As for Pen, he never had been so delighted in his life: + his hand trembled as he cut the string of the packet, and beheld within a + smart set of new neat calico-bound books—travels, and novels, and + poems. + </p> + <p> + “Sport the oak, Pidgeon,” said he. “I'm not at home to anybody to-day.” + And he flung into his easy-chair, and hardly gave himself time to drink + his tea, so eager was he to begin to read and to review. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. In which the History still hovers about Fleet Street + </h2> + <p> + Captain Shandon, urged on by his wife, who seldom meddled in business + matters, had stipulated that John Finucane, Esquire, of the Upper Temple, + should be appointed sub-editor of forthcoming Pall Mall Gazette, and this + post was accordingly conferred upon Mr. Finucane by the spirited + proprietor of the Journal. Indeed he deserved any kindness at the hands of + Shandon, so fondly attached was he, as we have said, to the Captain and + his family, and so eager to do him a service. It was in Finucane's + chambers that Shandon in former days used to hide when danger was near and + bailiffs abroad: until at length his hiding-place was known, and the + sheriff's officers came as regularly to wait for the Captain on Finucane's + staircase as at his own door. It was to Finucane's chambers that poor Mrs. + Shandon came often and often to explain her troubles and griefs, and + devise means of rescue for her adored Captain. Many a meal did Finucane + furnish for her and the child there. It was an honour to his little rooms + to be visited by such a lady; and as she went down the staircase with her + veil over her face, Fin would lean over the balustrade looking after her, + to see that no Temple Lovelace assailed her upon the road, perhaps hoping + that some rogue might be induced to waylay her, so that he, Fin, might + have the pleasure of rushing to her rescue, and breaking the rascal's + bones. It was a sincere pleasure to Mrs. Shandon when the arrangements + were made by which her kind honest champion was appointed her husband's + aide-de-camp in the newspaper. + </p> + <p> + He would have sate with Mrs. Shandon as late as the prison hours + permitted, and had indeed many a time witnessed the putting to bed of + little Mary, who occupied a crib in the room; and to whose evening prayers + that God might bless papa, Finucane, although of the Romish faith himself, + had said Amen with a great deal of sympathy—but he had an + appointment with Mr. Bungay regarding the affairs of the paper which they + were to discuss over a quiet dinner. So he went away at six o'clock from + Mrs. Shandon, but made his accustomed appearance at the Fleet Prison next + morning, having arrayed himself in his best clothes and ornaments, which, + though cheap as to cost, were very brilliant as to colour and appearance, + and having in his pocket four pounds two shillings, being the amount of + his week's salary at the Daily Journal, minus two shillings expended by + him in the purchase of a pair of gloves on his way to the prison. + </p> + <p> + He had cut his mutton with Mr. Bungay, as the latter gentleman phrased it, + and Mr. Trotter, Bungay's reader and literary man of business, at Dick's + Coffee-house on the previous day, and entered at large into his views + respecting the conduct of the Pall Mall Gazette. In a masterly manner he + had pointed out what should be the sub-editorial arrangements of the + paper: what should be the type for the various articles: who should report + the markets; who the turf and ring; who the Church intelligence; and who + the fashionable chit-chat. He was acquainted with gentlemen engaged in + cultivating these various departments of knowledge, and in communicating + them afterwards to the public—in fine, Jack Finucane was, as Shandon + had said of him, and as he proudly owned himself to be, one of the best + sub-editors of a paper in London. He knew the weekly earnings of every man + connected with the Press, and was up to a thousand dodges, or ingenious + economic contrivances, by which money could be saved to spirited + capitalists, who were going to set up a paper. He at once dazzled and + mystified Mr. Bungay, who was slow of comprehension, by the rapidity of + the calculations which he exhibited on paper, as they sate in the box. And + Bungay afterwards owned to his subordinate Mr. Trotter, that that Irishman + seemed a clever fellow. + </p> + <p> + And now having succeeded in making this impression upon Mr. Bungay, the + faithful fellow worked round to the point which he had very near at heart, + viz., the liberation from prison of his admired friend and chief, Captain + Shandon. He knew to a shilling the amount of the detainers which were + against the Captain at the porter's lodge of the Fleet; and, indeed, + professed to know all his debts, though this was impossible, for no man in + England, certainly not the Captain himself, was acquainted with them. He + pointed out what Shandon's engagements already were; and how much better + he would work if removed from confinement (though this Mr. Bungay denied, + for, “when the Captain's locked up,” he said, “we are sure to find him at + home; whereas, when he's free, you can never catch hold of him”); finally, + he so worked on Mr. Bungay's feelings, by describing Mrs. Shandon pining + away in the prison, and the child sickening there, that the publisher was + induced to promise that, if Mrs. Shandon would come to him in the morning, + he would see what could be done. And the colloquy ending at this time with + the second round of brandy-and-water, although Finucane, who had four + guineas in his pocket, would have discharged the tavern reckoning with + delight, Bungay said, “No, sir,—this is my affair, sir, if you + please. James, take the bill, and eighteenpence for yourself,” and he + handed over the necessary funds to the waiter. Thus it was that Finucane, + who went to bed at the Temple after the dinner at Dick's, found himself + actually with his week's salary intact upon Saturday morning. + </p> + <p> + He gave Mrs. Shandon a wink so knowing and joyful, that that kind creature + knew some good news was in store for her, and hastened to get her bonnet + and shawl, when Fin asked if he might have the honour of taking her a + walk, and giving her a little fresh air. And little Mary jumped for joy at + the idea of this holiday, for Finucane never neglected to give her a toy, + or to take her to a show, and brought newspaper orders in his pocket for + all sorts of London diversions to amuse the child. Indeed, he loved them + with all his heart, and would cheerfully have dashed out his rambling + brains to do them, or his adored Captain, a service. + </p> + <p> + “May I go, Charley? or shall I stay with you, for you're poorly, dear, + this morning? He's got a headache, Mr. Finucane. He suffers from + headaches, and I persuaded him to stay in bed,” Mrs. Shandon said. + </p> + <p> + “Go along with you, and Polly. Jack, take care of 'em. Hand me over the + Burton's Anatomy, and leave me to my abominable devices,” Shandon said, + with perfect good-humour. He was writing, and not uncommonly took his + Greek and Latin quotations (of which he knew the use as a public writer) + from that wonderful repertory of learning. + </p> + <p> + So Fin gave his arm to Mrs. Shandon, and Mary went skipping down the + passages of the prison, and through the gate into the free air. From Fleet + Street to Paternoster Row is not very far. As the three reached Mr. + Bungay's shop, Mrs. Bungay was also entering at the private door, holding + in her hand a paper parcel and a manuscript volume bound in red, and, + indeed, containing an account of her transactions with the butcher in the + neighbouring market. Mrs. Bungay was in a gorgeous shot-silk dress, which + flamed with red and purple; she wore a yellow shawl, and had red flowers + inside her bonnet, and a brilliant light blue parasol. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Shandon was in an old black watered silk; her bonnet had never seen + very brilliant days of prosperity any more than its owner, but she could + not help looking like a lady whatever her attire was. The two women + curtsied to each other, each according to her fashion. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you're pretty well, mum?” said Mrs. Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “It's a very fine day,” said Mrs. Shandon. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you step in, mum?” said Mrs. Bungay, looking so hard at the child + as almost to frighten her. + </p> + <p> + “I—I came about business with Mr. Bungay—I—I hope he's + pretty well?” said timid Mrs. Shandon. + </p> + <p> + “If you go to see him in the counting-house, couldn't you, couldn't you + leave your little gurl with me?” said Mrs. Bungay, in a deep voice, and + with a tragic look, as she held out one finger towards the child. + </p> + <p> + “I want to stay with mamma,” cried little Mary, burying her face in her + mother's dress. + </p> + <p> + “Go with this lady, Mary, my dear,” said the mother. + </p> + <p> + “I'll show you some pretty pictures,” said Mrs. Bungay, with the voice of + an ogress, “and some nice things besides; look here,”—and opening + her brown-paper parcel, Mrs. Bungay displayed some choice sweet buscuits, + such as her Bungay loved after his wine. Little Mary followed after this + attraction, the whole party entering at the private entrance, from which a + side door led into Mr. Bungay's commercial apartments. Here, however, as + the child was about to part from her mother, her courage again failed her, + and again she ran to the maternal petticoat; upon which the kind and + gentle Mrs. Shandon, seeing the look of disappointment in Mrs. Bungay's + face, good-naturedly said, “If you will let me, I will come up too, and + sit for a few minutes,” and so the three females ascended the stairs + together. A second biscuit charmed little Mary into perfect confidence, + and in a minute or two she prattled away without the least restraint. + </p> + <p> + Faithful Finucane meanwhile found Mr. Bungay in a severer mood than he had + been on the night previous, when two-thirds of a bottle of port, and two + large glasses of brandy-and-water, had warmed his soul into enthusiasm, + and made him generous in his promises towards Captain Shandon. His + impetuous wife had rebuked him on his return home. She had ordered that he + should give no relief to the Captain; he was a good-for-nothing fellow, + whom no money would help; she disapproved of the plan of the Pall Mall + Gazette, and expected that Bungay would only lose his money in it as they + were losing over the way (she always called her brother's establishment + “over the way”) by the Whitehall Journal. Let Shandon stop in prison and + do his work; it was the best place for him. In vain Finucane pleaded and + promised and implored, for his friend Bungay had had an hour's lecture in + the morning and was inexorable. + </p> + <p> + But what honest Jack failed to do below-stairs in the counting-house, the + pretty faces and manners of the mother and child were effecting in the + drawing-room, where they were melting the fierce but really soft Mrs. + Bungay. There was an artless sweetness in Mrs. Shandon's voice, and a + winning frankness of manner, which made most people fond of her, and pity + her: and taking courage by the rugged kindness with which her hostess + received her, the Captain's lady told her story, and described her + husband's goodness and virtues, and her child's failing health (she was + obliged to part with two of them, she said, and send them to school, for + she could not have them in that horrid place)—that Mrs. Bungay, + though as grim as Lady Macbeth, melted under the influence of the simple + tale, and said she would go down and speak to Bungay. Now in this + household to speak was to command, with Mrs. Bungay; and with Bungay, to + hear was to obey. + </p> + <p> + It was just when poor Finucane was in despair about his negotiation, that + the majestic Mrs. Bungay descended upon her spouse, politely requested Mr. + Finucane to step up to his friends in her drawing-room, while she held a + few minutes' conversation with Mr. B., and when the pair were alone the + publisher's better half informed him of her intentions towards the + Captain's lady. + </p> + <p> + “What's in the wind now, my dear?” Maecenas asked, surprised at his wife's + altered tone. “You wouldn't hear of my doing anything for the Captain this + morning: I wonder what has been a changing of you. + </p> + <p> + “The Capting is an Irishman,” Mrs. Bungay replied; “and those Irish I have + always said I couldn't abide. But his wife is a lady, as any one can see; + and a good woman, and a clergyman's daughter, and a West of England woman, + B., which I am myself, by my mother's side—and, O Marmaduke! didn't + you remark the little gurl?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mrs. B., I saw the little girl.” + </p> + <p> + “And didn't you see how like she was to our angel, Bessy, Mr. B.?”—and + Mrs. Bungay's thoughts flew back to a period eighteen years back, when + Bacon and Bungay had just set up in business as small booksellers in a + country town, and when she had had a child, named Bessy, something like + the little Mary who had moved her compassion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, my dear,” Mr. Bungay said, seeing the little eyes of his wife + begin to twinkle and grow red; “the Captain ain't in for much. There's + only a hundred and thirty pound against him. Half the money will take him + out of the Fleet, Finucane says, and we'll pay him half salaries till he + has made the account square. When the little 'un said, 'Why don't you take + Par out of prizn?' I did feel it, Flora, upon my honour I did, now.” And + the upshot of this conversation was, that Mr. and Mrs. Bungay both + ascended to the drawing-room, and Mr. Bungay made a heavy and clumsy + speech, in which he announced to Mrs. Shandon, that, hearing sixty-five + pounds would set her husband free, he was ready to advance that sum of + money, deducting it from the Captain's salary, and that he would give it + to her on condition that she would personally settle with the creditors + regarding her husband's liberation. + </p> + <p> + I think this was the happiest day that Mrs. Shandon and Mr. Finucane had + had for a long time. “Bedad, Bungay, you're a trump!” roared out Fin, in + an overpowering brogue and emotion. “Give us your fist, old boy: and won't + we send the Pall Mall Gazette up to ten thousand a week, that's all!” and + he jumped about the room, and tossed up little Mary, with a hundred + frantic antics. + </p> + <p> + “If I could drive you anywhere in my carriage, Mrs. Shandon—I'm sure + it's quite at your service,” Mrs. Bungay said, looking out at a one-horsed + vehicle which had just driven up, and in which this lady took the air + considerably—and the two ladies, with little Mary between them + (whose tiny hand Maecenas's wife kept fixed in her great grasp), with the + delighted Mr. Finucane on the back seat, drove away from Paternoster Row, + as the owner of the vehicle threw triumphant glances at the opposite + windows at Bacon's. + </p> + <p> + “It won't do the Captain any good,” thought Bungay, going back to his desk + and accounts, “but Mrs. B. becomes reglar upset when she thinks about her + misfortune. The child would have been of age yesterday, if she'd lived. + Flora told me so:” and he wondered how women did remember things. + </p> + <p> + We are happy to say that Mrs. Shandon sped with very good success upon her + errand. She who had had to mollify creditors when she had no money at all, + and only tears and entreaties wherewith to soothe them, found no + difficulty in making them relent by means of a bribe of ten shillings in + the pound; and the next Sunday was the last, for some time at least, which + the Captain spent in prison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. Dinner in the Row + </h2> + <p> + Upon the appointed day our two friends made their appearance at Mr. + Bungay's door in Paternoster Row; not the public entrance through which + booksellers' boys issued with their sacks full of Bungay's volumes, and + around which timid aspirants lingered with their virgin manuscripts ready + for sale to Sultan Bungay, but at the private door of the house, whence + the splendid Mrs. Bungay would come forth to step into her chaise and take + her drive, settling herself on the cushions, and casting looks of defiance + at Mrs. Bacon's opposite windows—at Mrs. Bacon, who was as yet a + chaiseless woman. + </p> + <p> + On such occasions, when very much wroth at her sister-in-law's splendour + Mrs. Bacon would fling up the sash of her drawing-room window, and look + out with her four children at the chaise, as much as to say, “Look at + these four darlings. Flora Bungay! this is why I can't drive in my + carriage; you would give a coach-and-four to have the same reason.” And it + was with these arrows out of her quiver that Emma Bacon shot Flora Bungay + as she sate in her chariot envious and childless. + </p> + <p> + As Pen and Warrington came to Bungay's door, a carriage and a cab drove up + to Bacon's. Old Dr. Slocum descended heavily from the first; the Doctor's + equipage was as ponderous as his style, but both had a fine sonorous + effect upon the publishers in the Row. A couple of dazzling white + waistcoats stepped out of the cab. + </p> + <p> + Warrington laughed. “You see Bacon has his dinner-party too. That is Dr. + Slocum, author of 'Memoirs of the Poisoners.' You would hardly have + recognised our friend Hoolan in that gallant white waistcoat. Doolan is + one of Bungay's men, and faith, here he comes.” Indeed, Messrs. Hoolan and + Doolan had come from the Strand in the same cab, tossing up by the way + which should pay the shilling; and Mr. D. stepped from the other side of + the way, arrayed in black, with a large pair of white gloves which were + spread out on his hands, and which the owner could not help regarding with + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The house porter in an evening coat, and gentlemen with gloves as large as + Doolan's, but of the famous Berlin web, were on the passage of Mr. + Bungay's house to receive the guests' hats and coats, and bawl their names + up the stair. Some of the latter had arrived when the three new visitors + made their appearance; but there was only Mrs. Bungay in red satin and a + turban to represent her own charming sex. She made curtsies to each + new-comer as he entered the drawing-room, but her mind was evidently + pre-occupied by extraneous thoughts. The fact is, Mrs. Bacon's + dinner-party was disturbing her, and as soon as she had received each + individual of her own company, Flora Bungay flew back to the embrasure of + the window, whence she could rake the carriages of Emma Bacon's friends as + they came rattling up the Row. The sight of Dr. Slocum's large carriage, + with the gaunt job-horses, crushed Flora: none but hack cabs had driven up + to her own door on that day. + </p> + <p> + They were all literary gentlemen, though unknown as yet to Pen. There was + Mr. Bole, the real editor of the magazine, of which Mr. Wagg was the + nominal chief; Mr. Trotter, who, from having broken out on the world as a + poet of a tragic and suicidial cast, had now subsided into one of Mr. + Bungay's back shops as reader for that gentleman; and Captain Sumph, an + ex-beau reader about town, and related in some indistinct manner to + Literature and the Peerage. He was said to have written a book once, to + have been a friend of Lord Byron, to be related to Lord Sumphington; in + fact, anecdotes of Byron formed his staple, and he seldom spoke but with + the name of that poet or some of his contemporaries in his mouth, as thus: + “I remember poor Shelley, at school being sent up for good for a copy of + verses, every line of which I wrote, by Jove;” or, “I recollect, when I + was at Missolonghi with Byron, offering to bet gamba,” and so forth. This + gentleman, Pen remarked, was listened to with great attention by Mrs. + Bungay; his anecdotes of the aristocracy, of which he was a middle-aged + member, delighted the publisher's lady; and he was almost a greater man + than the great Mr. Wagg himself in her eyes. Had he but come in his own + carriage, Mrs. Bungay would have made her Bungay purchase any given volume + from his pen. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bungay went about to his guests as they arrived, and did the honours + of his house with much cordiality. “How are you, sir? Fine day, sir. Glad + to see you year, sir. Flora, my love, let me ave the honour of introducing + Mr. Warrington to you. Mr. Warrington, Mrs. Bungay; Mr. Pendennis, Mrs. + Bungay. Hope you've brought good appetites with you, gentlemen. You, + Doolan, I know ave, for you've always ad a deuce of a twist.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor, Bungay!” said Mrs. Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, a man must be hard to please, Bungay, who can't eat a good dinner + in this house,” Doolan said, and he winked and stroked his lean chops with + his large gloves; and made appeals of friendship to Mrs. Bungay, which + that honest woman refused with scorn from the timid man. “She couldn't + abide that Doolan,” she said in confidence to her friends. Indeed, all his + flatteries failed to win her. + </p> + <p> + As they talked, Mrs. Bungay surveying mankind from her window, a + magnificent vision of an enormous grey cab-horse appeared, and neared + rapidly. A pair of white reins, held by small white gloves, were visible + behind it; a face pale, but richly decorated with a chin-tuft, the head of + an exiguous groom bobbing over the cab-head—these bright things were + revealed to the delighted Mrs. Bungay. “The Honourable Percy Popjoy's + quite punctual, I declare,” she said, and sailed to the door to be in + waiting at the nobleman's arrival. + </p> + <p> + “It's Percy Popjoy,” said Pen, looking out of window, and seeing an + individual, in extremely lacquered boots, descend from the swinging cab: + and, in fact, it was that young nobleman Lord Falconet's eldest son, as we + all very well know, who was come to dine with the publisher—his + publisher of the Row. + </p> + <p> + “He was my fag at Eton,” Warrington said. “I ought to have licked him a + little more.” He and Pen had had some bouts at the Oxbridge Union debates, + in which Pen had had very much the better of Percy: who presently + appeared, with his hat under his arm, and a look of indescribable + good-humour and fatuity in his round dimpled face, upon which Nature had + burst out with a chin-tuft, but, exhausted with the effort, had left the + rest of the countenance bare of hair. + </p> + <p> + The temporary groom of the chambers bawled out, “The Honourable Percy + Popjoy,” much to that gentleman's discomposure at hearing his titles + announced. + </p> + <p> + “What did the man want to take away my hat for, Bungay?” he asked of the + publisher. “Can't do without my hat—want it to make my bow to Mrs. + Bungay. How well you look. Mrs. Bungay, to-day. Haven't seen your carriage + in the Park: why haven't you been there? I missed you; indeed, I did.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid you're a sad quiz,” said Mrs. Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “Quiz! Never made a joke in my—hullo! who's here? How d'ye do, + Pendennis? How d'ye do, Warrington? These are old friends of mine, Mrs. + Bungay. I say, how the doose did you come here?” he asked of the two young + men, turnip his lacquered heels upon Mrs. Bungay, who respected her + husband's two young guests, now that she found they were intimate with a + lord's son. + </p> + <p> + “What! do they know him?” she asked rapidly of Mr. B. + </p> + <p> + “High fellers, I tell you—the young one related to all the + nobility,” said the publisher; and both ran forward, smiling and bowing, + to greet almost as great personages as the young lord—no less + characters, indeed, than the great Mr. Wenham and the great Mr. Wagg, who + were now announced. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wenham entered, wearing the usual demure look and stealthy smile with + which he commonly surveyed the tips of his neat little shining boots, and + which he but seldom brought to bear upon the person who addressed him. + Wagg's white waistcoat spread out, on the contrary, with profuse + brilliancy; his burly, red face shone resplendent over it, lighted up with + the thoughts of good jokes and a good dinner. He liked to make his entree + into a drawing-room with a laugh, and, when he went away at night, to + leave a joke exploding behind him. No personal calamities or distresses + (of which that humourist had his share in common with the unjocular part + of mankind) could altogether keep his humour down. Whatever his griefs + might be, the thought of a dinner rallied his great soul; and when he saw + a lord, he saluted him with a pun. + </p> + <p> + Wenham went up, then, with a smug smile and whisper, to Mrs. Bungay, and + looked at her from under his eyes, and showed her the tips of his shoes. + Wagg said she looked charming, and pushed on straight at the young + nobleman, whom he called Pop, and to whom he instantly related a funny + story, seasoned with what the French call gros sel. He was delighted to + see Pen, too, and shook hands with him, and slapped him on the back + cordially; for he was full of spirits and good-humour. And he talked in a + loud voice about their last place and occasion of meeting at Baymouth; and + asked how their friends of Clavering Park were, and whether Sir Francis + was not coming to London for the season; and whether Pen had been to see + Lady Rockminster, who had arrived—fine old lady, Lady Rockminster! + These remarks Wagg made not for Pen's ear so much as for the edification + of the company, whom he was glad to inform that he paid visits to + gentlemen's country seats, and was on intimate terms with the nobility. + </p> + <p> + Wenham also shook hands with our young friend—all of which scenes + Mrs. Bungay remarked with respectful pleasure, and communicated her ideas + to Bungay, afterwards, regarding the importance of Mr. Pendennis—ideas + by which Pen profited much more than he was aware. + </p> + <p> + Pen, who had read, and rather admired some of her works (and expected to + find in Miss Bunion a person somewhat resembling her own description of + herself in the 'Passion-Flower,' in which she stated that her youth + resembled— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A violet, shrinking meanly + When blows the March wind keenly; + A timid fawn, on wild-wood lawn, + Where oak-boughs rustle greenly,—” + </pre> + <p> + and that her maturer beauty was something very different, certainly, to + the artless loveliness of her prime, but still exceedingly captivating and + striking), beheld, rather to his surprise and amusement, a large and bony + woman in a crumpled satin dress, who came creaking into the room with a + step as heavy as a grenadier's. Wagg instantly noted the straw which she + brought in at the rumpled skirt of her dress, and would have stooped to + pick it up: but Miss Bunion disarmed all criticism by observing this + ornament herself, and, putting her own large foot upon it, so as to + separate it from her robe, she stooped and picked up the straw, saying to + Mrs. Bungay, that she was very sorry to be a little late, but that the + omnibus was very slow, and what a comfort it was to get a ride all the way + from Brompton for sixpence. Nobody laughed at the poetess's speech, it was + uttered so simply. Indeed, the worthy woman had not the least notion of + being ashamed of an action incidental upon her poverty. + </p> + <p> + “Is that 'Passion-Flowers?'” Pen said to Wenham, by whom he was standing. + “Why, her picture in the volume represents her as a very well-looking + young woman.” + </p> + <p> + “You know passion-flowers, like all others, will run to seed,” Wenham + said; “Miss Bunion's portrait was probably painted some years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I like her for not being ashamed of her poverty.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” said Mr. Wenham, who would have starved rather than have come + to dinner in an omnibus, “but I don't think that she need flourish the + straw about, do you, Mr. Pendennis? My dear Miss Bunion, how do you do? I + was in a great lady's drawing-room this morning, and everybody was charmed + with your new volume. Those lines on the christening of Lady Fanny Fantail + brought tears into the Duchess's eyes. I said that I thought I should have + the pleasure of meeting you to-day, and she begged me to thank you, and + say how greatly she was pleased.” + </p> + <p> + This history, told in a bland smiling manner, of a Duchess whom Wenham had + met that very morning, too, quite put poor Wagg's dowager and baronet out + of court, and placed Wenham beyond Wagg as a man of fashion. Wenham kept + this inestimable advantage, and having the conversation to himself, ran on + with a number of anecdotes regarding the aristocracy. He tried to bring + Mr. Popjoy into the conversation by making appeals to him, and saying, “I + was telling your father this morning,” or, “I think you were present at W. + house the other night when the Duke said so-and-so,” but Mr. Popjoy would + not gratify him by joining in the talk, preferring to fall back into the + window recess with Mrs. Bungay, and watch the cabs that drove up to the + opposite door. At least, if he would not talk, the hostess hoped that + those odious Bacons would see how she had secured the noble Percy Popjoy + for her party. + </p> + <p> + And now the bell of Saint Paul's tolled half an hour later than that for + which Mr. Bungay had invited his party, and it was complete with the + exception of two guests, who at last made their appearance, and in whom + Pen was pleased to recognise Captain and Mrs. Shandon. + </p> + <p> + When these two had made their greetings to the master and mistress of the + house, and exchanged nods of more or less recognition with most of the + people present, Pen and Warrington went up, and shook hands very warmly + with Mrs. Shandon, who, perhaps, was affected to meet them, and think + where it was she had seen them but a few days before. Shandon was brushed + up, and looked pretty smart, in a red velvet waistcoat, and a frill, into + which his wife had stuck her best brooch. In spite of Mrs. Bungay's + kindness, perhaps in consequence of it, Mrs. Shandon felt great terror and + timidity in approaching her: indeed, she was more awful than ever in her + red satin and bird of paradise, and it was not until she had asked in her + great voice about the dear little gurl, that the latter was somewhat + encouraged, and ventured to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Nice-looking woman,” Popjoy whispered to Warrington. “Do introduce me to + Captain Shandon, Warrington. I'm told he's a tremendous clever fellow; + and, dammy, I adore intellect, by Jove I do!” This was the truth: Heaven + had not endowed young Mr. Popjoy with much intellect of his own, but had + given him a generous faculty for admiring, if not for appreciating, the + intellect of others. “And introduce me to Miss Bunion. I'm told she's very + clever too. She's rum to look at, certainly, but that don't matter. Dammy, + I consider myself a literary man, and I wish to know all the clever + fellows.” So Mr. Popjoy and Mr. Shandon had the pleasure of becoming + acquainted with one another; and now the doors of the adjoining + dining-room being flung open, the party entered and took their seats at + table. Pen found himself next to Bunion on one side, and to Mr. Wagg—the + truth is, Wagg fled alarmed from the vacant place by the poetess, and Pen + was compelled to take it. + </p> + <p> + The gifted being did not talk much during dinner, but Pen remarked that + she ate with a vast appetite, and never refused any of the supplies of + wine which were offered to her by the butler. Indeed, Miss Bunion having + considered Mr. Pendennis for a minute, who gave himself rather grand airs, + and who was attired in an extremely fashionable style, with his very best + chains, shirt studs, and cambric fronts, he was set down, and not without + reason, as a prig by the poetess; who thought it was much better to attend + to her dinner than to take any notice of him. She told him as much in + after days with her usual candour. “I took you for one of the little + Mayfair dandies,” she said to Pen. “You looked as solemn as a little + undertaker; and as I disliked, beyond measure, the odious creature who was + on the other side of me, I thought it was best to eat my dinner and hold + my tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “And you did both very well, my dear Miss Bunion,” Pen said with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Well, so I do, but I intend to talk to you the next time a great deal: + for you are neither so solemn, nor so stupid, nor so pert as you look.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Miss Bunion, how I pine for that 'next time' to come,” Pen said with + an air of comical gallantry:—But we must return to the day, and the + dinner at Paternoster Row. + </p> + <p> + The repast was of the richest description—“What I call of the florid + Gothic style,” Wagg whispered to Penn, who sate beside the humourist, in + his side-wing voice. The men in creaking shoes and Berlin gloves were + numerous and solemn, carrying on rapid conversations behind the guests, as + they moved to and fro with the dishes. Doolan called out, “Waither,” to + one of them, and blushed when he thought of his blunder. Mrs. Bungay's + footboy was lost amidst those large and black-coated attendants. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that very bow-windowed man,” Wagg said. “He's an undertaker in + Amen Corner, and attends funerals and dinners. Cold meat and hot, don't + you perceive? He's the sham butler here, and I observe, my dear Mr. + Pendennis, as you will through life, that wherever there is a sham butler + at a London dinner there is sham wine—this sherry is filthy. Bungay, + my boy, where did you get this delicious brown sherry?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you like it, Mr. Wagg; glass with you,” said the publisher. + “It's some I got from Alderman Benning's store, and gave a good figure for + it, I can tell you. Mr. Pendennis, will you join us? Your 'ealth, + gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “The old rogue, where does he expect to go to? It came from the + public-house,” Wagg said. “It requires two men to carry off that sherry, + 'tis so uncommonly strong. I wish I had a bottle of old Steyne's wine + here, Pendennis: your uncle and I have had many a one. He sends it about + to people where he is in the habit of dining. I remember at poor Rawdon + Crawley's, Sir Pitt Crawley's brother—he was Governor of Coventry + Island—Steyne's chef always came in the morning, and the butler + arrived with the champagne from Gaunt House, in the ice-pails ready.” + </p> + <p> + “How good this is!” said Popjoy, good-naturedly. “You must have a cordon + bleu in your kitchen.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes,” Mrs. Bungay said, thinking he spoke of a jack-chain very likely. + </p> + <p> + “I mean a French chef,” said the polite guest. + </p> + <p> + “O yes, your lordship,” again said the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Does your artist say he's a Frenchman, Mrs. B.?” called out Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm sure I don't know,” answered the publisher's lady. + </p> + <p> + “Because, if he does, he's a quizzin yer,” cried Mr. Wagg; but nobody saw + the pun, which disconcerted somewhat the bashful punster. “The dinner is + from Griggs, in St. Paul's Churchyard; so is Bacon's,” he whispered Pen. + “Bungay writes to give half-a-crown a head more than Bacon, so does Bacon. + They would poison each other's ices if they could get near them; and as + for the made-dishes—they are poison. This—hum—ha—this + Brimborion a la Sevigne is delicious, Mrs. B.,” he said, helping himself + to a dish which the undertaker handed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm glad you like it,” Mrs. Bungay answered, blushing and not + knowing whether the name of the dish was actually that which Wagg gave to + it, but dimly conscious that that individual was quizzing her. Accordingly + she hated Mr. Wagg with female ardour; and would have deposed him from his + command over Mr. Bungay's periodical, but that his name was great in the + trade, and his reputation in the land considerable. + </p> + <p> + By the displacement of persons, Warrington had found himself on the right + hand of Mrs. Shandon, who sate in plain black silk and faded ornaments by + the side of the florid publisher. The sad smile of the lady moved his + rough heart to pity. Nobody seemed to interest himself about her: she sate + looking at her husband, who himself seemed rather abashed in the presence + of some of the company. Wenham and Wagg both knew him and his + circumstances. He had worked with the latter, and was immeasurably his + superior in wit, genius, and acquirement; but Wagg's star was brilliant in + the world, and poor Shandon was unknown there. He could not speak before + the noisy talk of the coarser and more successful man; but drank his wine + in silence, and as much of it as the people would give him. He was under + surveillance. Bungay had warned the undertaker not to fill the Captain's + glass too often or too full. It was a melancholy precaution that, and the + more melancholy that it was necessary. Mrs. Shandon, too, cast alarmed + glances across the table to see that her husband did not exceed. + </p> + <p> + Abashed by the failure of his first pun, for he was impudent and easily + disconcerted, Wagg kept his conversation pretty much to Pen during the + rest of dinner, and of course chiefly spoke about their neighbours. “This + is one of Bungay's grand field-days,” he said. “We are all Bungavians + here.—Did you read Popjoy's novel? It was an old magazine story + written by poor Buzzard years ago, and forgotten here until Mr. Trotter + (that is Trotter with the large shirt collar) fished it out and bethought + him that it was applicable to the late elopement; so Bob wrote a few + chapters a propos—Popjoy permitted the use of his name, and I dare + say supplied a page here and there—and 'Desperation, or the Fugitive + Duchess' made its appearance. The great fun is to examine Popjoy about his + own work, of which he doesn't know a word.—I say, Popjoy, what a + capital passage that is in Volume Three,—where the Cardinal in + disguise, after being converted by the Bishop of London, proposes marriage + to the Duchess's daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad you like it,” Popjoy answered; “it's a favourite bit of my own.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no such thing in the whole book,” whispered Wagg to Pen. + “Invented it myself. Gad! it wouldn't be a bad plot for a high-church + novel.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember poor Byron, Hobhouse, Trelawney, and myself, dining with + Cardinal Mezzocaldo at Rome,” Captain Sumph began, “and we had some + Orvieto wine for dinner, which Byron liked very much. And I remember how + the Cardinal regretted that he was a single man. We went to Civita Vecchia + two days afterwards, where Byron's yacht was—and, by Jove, the + Cardinal died within three weeks; and Byron was very sorry, for he rather + liked him.” + </p> + <p> + “A devilish interesting story, Sumph, indeed,” Wagg said. + </p> + <p> + “You should publish some of those stories, Captain Sumph, you really + should. Such a volume would make our friend Bungay's fortune,” Shandon + said. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you ask Sumph to publish 'em in your new paper—the + what-d'ye-call-'em—hay, Shandon?” bawled out Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you ask him to publish 'em in your old magazine, the + Thingumbob?” Shandon replied. + </p> + <p> + “Is there going to be a new paper?” asked Wenham, who knew perfectly well, + but was ashamed of his connection with the press. + </p> + <p> + “Bungay going to bring out a paper?” cried Popjoy, who, on the contrary, + was proud of his literary reputation and acquaintances. “You must employ + me. Mrs. Bungay, use your influence with him, and make him employ me. + Prose or verse—what shall it be? Novels, poems, travels, or leading + articles, begad. Anything or everything—only let Bungay pay me, and + I'm ready—I am now my dear Mrs. Bungay, begad now.” + </p> + <p> + “It's to be called the Small Beer Chronicle,” growled Wagg, “and little + Popjoy is to be engaged for the infantine department.” + </p> + <p> + “It is to be called the Pall Mall Gazette, sir, and we shall be very happy + to have you with us,” Shandon said. + </p> + <p> + “Pall Mall Gazette—why Pall Mall Gazette?” asked Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “Because the editor was born at Dublin, the sub-editor at Cork, because + the proprietor lives in Paternoster Row;—and the paper is published + in Catherine Street, Strand. Won't that reason suffice you, Wagg?” Shandon + said; he was getting rather angry. “Everything must have a name. My dog + Ponto has got a namee. You've got a name, and a name which you deserve, + more or less, indeed. Why d'ye grudge the name to our paper?” + </p> + <p> + “By any other name it would smell as sweet,” said Wagg. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have ye remember its name's not what-d'ye-call-'em, Mr. Wagg,” said + Shandon. “You know its name well enough, and—and you know mine.” + </p> + <p> + “And I know your address too,” said Wagg; but this was spoken in an + undertone, and the good-natured Irishman was appeased almost in an instant + after his ebullition of spleen, and asked Wagg to drink wine with him in a + friendly voice. + </p> + <p> + When the ladies retired from the table, the talk grew louder still; and + presently Wenham, in a courtly speech, proposed that everybody should + drink to the health of the new Journal, eulogising highly the talents, + wit, and learning of its editor, Captain Shandon. It was his maxim never + to lose the support of a newspaper man, and in the course of that evening + he went round and saluted every literary gentleman present with a privy + compliment specially addressed to him; informing this one how great an + impression had been made in Downing Street by his last article, and + telling that one how profoundly his good friend, the Duke of So-and-So, + had been struck by the ability of the late numbers. + </p> + <p> + The evening came to a close, and in spite of all the precautions to the + contrary, poor Shandon reeled in his walk, and went home to his new + lodgings, with his faithful wife by his side, and the cabman on his box + jeering at him. Wenham had a chariot of his own, which he put at Popjoy's + seat; and the timid Miss Bunion seeing Mr. Wagg, who was her neighbour, + about to depart, insisted upon a seat in his carriage, much to that + gentleman's discomfiture. + </p> + <p> + Pen and Warrington walked home together in the moonlight. “And now,” + Warrington said, “that you have seen the men of letters, tell me, was I + far wrong in saying that there are thousands of people in this town, who + don't write books, who are, to the full, as clever and intellectual as + people who do?” + </p> + <p> + Pen was forced to confess that the literary personages with whom he had + become acquainted had not said much, in the course of the night's + conversation, that was worthy to be remembered or quoted. In fact not one + word about literature had been said during the whole course of the night:—and + it may be whispered to those uninitiated people who are anxious to know + the habits and make the acquaintance of men of letters, that there are no + race of people who talk about books, or, perhaps, who read books, so + little as literary men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. The Pall Mall Gazette + </h2> + <p> + Considerable success at first attended the new journal. It was generally + stated, that an influential political party supported the paper; and great + names were cited amongst the contributors to its columns. Was there any + foundation for these rumours? We are not at liberty to say whether they + were ill-founded; but this much we may divulge, that an article upon + foreign policy, which was generally attributed to a noble Lord, whose + connexion with the Foreign Office is very well known, was in reality + composed by Captain Shandon, in the parlour of the Bear and Staff + public-house near Whitehall Stairs, whither the printer's boy had tracked + him, and where a literary ally of his, Mr. Bludyer, had a temporary + residence; and that a series of papers on finance questions, which were + universally supposed to be written by a great Statesman of the House of + Commons, were in reality composed by Mr. George Warrington of the Upper + Temple. + </p> + <p> + That there may have been some dealings between the Pall Mall Gazette and + this influential party, is very possible, Percy Popjoy (whose father, Lord + Falconet, was a member of the party) might be seen not unfrequently + ascending the stairs to Warrington's chambers; and some information + appeared in the paper which it gave a character, and could only be got + from very peculiar sources. Several poems, feeble in thought, but loud and + vigorous in expression, appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette, with the + signature of “P. P.”; and it must be owned that his novel was praised in + the new journal in a very outrageous manner. + </p> + <p> + In the political department of the paper Mr. Pen did not take any share; + but he was a most active literary contributor. The Pall Mall Gazette had + its offices, as we have heard, in Catherine Street, in the Strand, and + hither Pen often came with his manuscripts in his pocket, and with a great + deal of bustle and pleasure; such as a man feels at the outset of his + literary career, when to see himself in print is still a novel sensation, + and he yet pleases himself to think that his writings are creating some + noise in the world. + </p> + <p> + Here it was that Mr. Jack Finucane, the sub-editor, compiled with paste + and scissors the Journal of which he was supervisor. With an eagle eye he + scanned all the paragraphs of all the newspapers which had anything to do + with the world of fashion over which he presided. He didn't let a death or + a dinner-party of the aristocracy pass without having the event recorded + in the columns of his Journal; and from the most recondite provincial + prints, and distant Scotch and Irish newspapers, he fished out astonishing + paragraphs and intelligence regarding the upper classes of society. It was + a grand, nay, a touching sight, for a philosopher, to see Jack Finucane, + Esquire, with a plate of meat from the cookshop and glass of porter from + the public-house, for his meal, recounting the feasts of the great as if he + had been present at them; and in tattered trousers and dingy + shirt-sleeves, cheerfully describing and arranging the most brilliant + fetes of the world of fashion. The incongruity of Finucane's avocation, + and his manners and appearance amused his new friend Pen. Since he left + his own native village, where his rank probably was not very, lofty Jack + had seldom seen any society but such as used the parlour of the taverns + which he frequented, whereas from his writing you would have supposed that + he dined with ambassadors, and that his common lounge was the bow-window + of White's. Errors of description, it is true, occasionally slipped from + his pen; but the Ballinafad Sentinel, of which he was own correspondent, + suffered by these, not the Pall Mall Gazette, in which Jack was not + permitted to write much, his London chiefs thinking that the scissors and + the paste were better wielded by him than the pen. + </p> + <p> + Pen took a great deal of pains with the writing of his reviews, and having + a pretty fair share of desultory reading, acquired in the early years of + his life an eager fancy and a keen sense of fun, his articles pleased his + chief and the public, and he was proud to think that he deserved the money + which he earned. We may be sure that the Pall Mall Gazette was taken in + regularly at Fairoaks, and read with delight by the two ladies there. It + was received at Clavering Park, too, where we know there was a young lady + of great literary tastes; and old Doctor Portman himself, to whom the + widow sent her paper after she had got her son's articles by heart, + signified his approval of Pen's productions, saying that the lad had + spirit, taste, and fancy, and wrote, if not like a scholar, at any rate + like a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + And what was the astonishment and delight of our friend Major Pendennis, + on walking into one of his clubs, the Regent, where Wenham, Lord Falconet, + and some other gentlemen of good reputation and fashion were assembled, to + hear them one day talking over a number of the Pall Mall Gazette, and of + an article which appeared in its columns, making some bitter fun of the + book recently published by the wife of a celebrated member of the + opposition party. The book in question was a Book of Travels in Spain and + Italy, by the Countess of Muffborough, in which it was difficult to say + which was the most wonderful, the French or the English, in which + languages her ladyship wrote indifferently, and upon the blunders of which + the critic pounced with delightful mischief. The critic was no other than + Pen: he jumped and danced round about his subject with the greatest + jocularity and high spirits: he showed up the noble lady's faults with + admirable mock gravity and decorum. There was not a word in the article + which was not polite and gentlemanlike; and the unfortunate subject of the + criticism was scarified and laughed at during the operation. Wenham's + bilious countenance was puckered up with malign pleasure as he read the + critique. Lady Muffborough had not asked him to her parties during the + last year. Lord Falconet giggled and laughed with all his heart; Lord + Muffborough and he had been rivals ever since they began life; and these + complimented Major Pendennis, who until now had scarcely paid any + attention to some hints which his Fairoaks correspondence threw out of + “dear Arthur's constant and severe literary occupations, which I fear may + undermine the poor boy's health,” and had thought any notice of Mr. Pen + and his newspaper connexions quite below his dignity as a Major and a + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + But when the oracular Wenham praised the boy's production; when Lord + Falconet, who had had the news from Percy Popjoy, approved of the genius + of young Pen; when the great Lord Steyne himself, to whom the Major + referred the article, laughed and sniggered over it, swore it was capital, + and that the Muffborough would writhe under it, like a whale under a + harpoon, the Major, as in duty bound, began to admire his nephew very + much, said, “By gad, the young rascal had some stuff in him, and would do + something; he had always said he would do something;” and with a hand + quite tremulous with pleasure, the old gentleman sate down to write to the + widow at Fairoaks all that the great folks had said in praise of Pen; and + he wrote to the young rascal, too, asking when he would come and eat a + chop with his old uncle, and saying that he was commissioned to take him + to dinner at Gaunt House, for Lord Steyne liked anybody who could + entertain him, whether by his folly, wit, or by his dulness, by his + oddity, affectation, good spirits, or any other quality. Pen flung his + letter across the table to Warrington: perhaps he was disappointed that + the other did not seem to be much affected by it. + </p> + <p> + The courage of young critics is prodigious: they clamber up to the + judgment-seat, and, with scarce a hesitation, give their opinion upon + works the most intricate or profound. Had Macaulay's History or Herschel's + Astronomy been put before Pen at this period, he would have looked through + the volumes, meditated his opinion over a cigar, and signified his august + approval of either author, as if the critic had been their born superior + and indulgent master and patron. By the help of the Biographie Universelle + or the British Museum, he would be able to take a rapid resume of a + historical period, and allude to names, dates, and facts, in such a + masterly, easy way, as to astonish his mamma at home, who wondered where + her boy could have acquired such a prodigious store of reading and + himself, too, when he came to read over his articles two or three months + after they had been composed, and when he had forgotten the subject and + the books which he had consulted. At that period of his life, Mr. Pen owns + that he would not have hesitated, at twenty-four hours' notice, to pass + his opinion upon the greatest scholars, or to give a judgment upon the + Encyclopaedia. Luckily he had Warrington to laugh at him and to keep down + his impertinence by a constant and wholesome ridicule, or he might have + become conceited beyond all sufferance; for Shandon liked the dash and + flippancy of his young aide-de-camp, and was, indeed, better pleased with + Pen's light and brilliant flashes, than with the heavier metal which his + elder coadjutor brought to bear. + </p> + <p> + But though he might justly be blamed on the score of impertinence and a + certain prematurity of judgment, Mr. Pen was a perfectly honest critic; a + great deal too candid for Mr. Bungay's purposes, indeed, who grumbled + sadly at his impartiality. Pen and his chief, the Captain, had a dispute + upon this subject one day. “In the name of common-sense, Mr. Pendennis,” + Shandon asked, “what have you been doing—praising one of Mr. Bacon's + books? Bungay has been with me in a fury this morning at seeing a + laudatory article upon one of the works of the odious firm over the way.” + </p> + <p> + Pen's eyes opened with wide astonishment. “Do you mean to say,” he asked, + “that we are to praise no books that Bacon publishes: or that, if the + books are good, we are to say they are bad?” + </p> + <p> + “My good young friend—for what do you suppose a benevolent publisher + undertakes a critical journal, to benefit his rival?” Shandon inquired. + </p> + <p> + “To benefit himself certainly, but to tell the truth too,” Pen said, “ruat + coelum, to tell the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “And my prospectus,” said Shandon, with a laugh and a sneer; “do you + consider that was a work of mathematical accuracy of statement?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, that is not the question,” Pen said “and I don't think you + very much care to argue it. I had some qualms of conscience about that + same prospectus, and debated the matter with my friend Warrington. We + agreed, however,” Pen said, laughing “that because the prospectus was + rather declamatory and poetical, and the giant was painted upon the + show-board rather larger than the original, who was inside the caravan; we + need not be too scrupulous about this trifling inaccuracy, but might do + our part of the show, without loss of character or remorse of conscience. + We are the fiddlers, and play our tunes only; you are the showman.” + </p> + <p> + “And leader of the van,” said Shandon. “Well, I am glad that your + conscience gave you leave to play for us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but,” said Pen, with a fine sense of the dignity of his position, + “we are all party men in England, and I will stick to my party like a + Briton. I will be as good-natured as you like to our own side, he is a + fool who quarrels with his own nest; and I will hit the enemy as hard as + you like—but with fair play, Captain, if you please. One can't tell + all the truth, I suppose; but one can tell nothing but the truth; and I + would rather starve, by Jove, and never earn another penny by my pen” + (this redoubted instrument had now been in use for some six weeks, and Pen + spoke of it with vast enthusiasm and respect) “than strike an opponent an + unfair blow, or, if called upon to place him, rank him below his honest + desert.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Pendennis, when we want Bacon smashed, we must get some other + hammer to do it,” Shandon said, with fatal good-nature; and very likely + thought within himself, “A few years hence perhaps the young gentleman + won't be so squeamish.” The veteran Condottiere himself was no longer so + scrupulous. He had fought and killed on so many a side for many a year + past, that remorse had long left him. “Gad,” said he, “you've a tender + conscience, Mr. Pendennis. It's the luxury of all novices, and I may have + had one once myself; but that sort of bloom wears off with the rubbing of + the world, and I'm not going to the trouble myself of putting on an + artificial complexion, like our pious friend Wenham, or our model of + virtue, Wagg.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether some people's hypocrisy is not better, Captain, than + other's cynicism.” + </p> + <p> + “It's more profitable, at any rate,” said the Captain, biting his nails. + “That Wenham is as dull a quack as ever quacked: and you see the carriage + in which he drove to dinner. Faith, it'll be a long time before Mrs. + Shandon will take a drive in her own chariot. God help her, poor thing!” + And Pen went away from his chief, after their little dispute and colloquy, + pointing his own moral to the Captain's tale, and thinking to himself, + “Behold this man, stored with genius, wit, learning, and a hundred good + natural gifts: see how he has wrecked them, by paltering with his honesty, + and forgetting to respect himself. Wilt thou remember thyself, O Pen? thou + art conceited enough! Wilt thou sell thy honour for a bottle? No, by + heaven's grace, we will be honest, whatever befalls, and our mouths shall + only speak the truth when they open.” + </p> + <p> + A punishment, or, at least, a trial, was in store for Mr. Pen. In the very + next number of the Pall Mall Gazette, Warrington read out, with roars of + laughter, an article which by no means amused Arthur Pendennis, who was + himself at work with a criticism for the next week's number of the same + journal; and in which the Spring Annual was ferociously maltreated by some + unknown writer. The person of all most cruelly mauled was Pen himself. His + verses had not appeared with his own name in the Spring Annual, but under + an assumed signature. As he had refused to review the book, Shandon had + handed it over to Mr. Bludyer, with directions to that author to dispose + of it. And he had done so effectually. Mr. Bludyer, who was a man of very + considerable talent, and of a race which, I believe, is quite extinct in + the press of our time, had a certain notoriety in his profession, and + reputation for savage humour. He smashed and trampled down the poor spring + flowers with no more mercy than a bull would have on a parterre; and + having cut up the volume to his heart's content, went and sold it at a + bookstall, and purchased a pint of brandy with the proceeds of the volume. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. Where Pen appears in Town and Country + </h2> + <p> + Let us be allowed to pass over a few months of the history of Mr. Arthur + Pendennis's lifetime, during the which, many events may have occurred + which were more interesting and exciting to himself, than they would be + likely to prove to the reader of his present memoirs. We left him, in his + last chapter, regularly entered upon his business as a professional + writer, or literary hack, as Mr. Warrington chooses to style himself and + his friend; and we know how the life of any hack, legal or literary, in a + curacy, or in a marching regiment, or at a merchant's desk, is dull of + routine, and tedious of description. One day's labour resembles another + much too closely. A literary man has often to work for his bread against + time, or against his will, or in spite of his health, or of his indolence, + or of his repugnance to the subject on which he is called to exert + himself, just like any other daily toiler. When you want to make money by + Pegasus (as he must, perhaps, who has no other saleable property), + farewell poetry and aerial flights: Pegasus only rises now like Mr. + Green's balloon, at periods advertised beforehand, and when the + spectator's money has been paid. Pegasus trots in harness, over the stony + pavement, and pulls a cart or a cab behind him. Often Pegasus does his + work with panting sides and trembling knees, and not seldom gets a cut of + the whip from his driver. + </p> + <p> + Do not let us, however, be too prodigal of our pity upon Pegasus. There is + no reason why this animal should be exempt from labour, or illness, or + decay, any more than any of the other creatures of God's world. If he gets + the whip, Pegasus often deserves it, and I for one am quite ready to + protest my friend, George Warrington, against the doctrine which poetical + sympathisers are inclined to put forward, viz., that of letters, and what + is called genius, are to be exempt from prose duties of this daily, + bread-wanting, tax-paying life, and not to be made to work and pay like + their neighbours. + </p> + <p> + Well, then, the Pall Mall Gazette being duly established and Arthur + Pendennis's merits recognised as a flippant, witty, and amusing critic, he + worked away hard every week, preparing reviews of such works as came into + his department, and writing his reviews with flippancy certainly, but with + honesty, and to the best of his power. It might be that a historian of + threescore, who had spent a quarter of a century in composing a work of + which our young gentleman disposed in the course of a couple of days' + reading at the British Museum, was not altogether fairly treated by such a + facile critic; or that a poet who had been elaborating sublime sonnets and + odes until he thought them fit for the public and for fame, was annoyed by + two or three dozen pert lines in Mr. Pen's review, in which the poet's + claims were settled by the critic, as if the latter were my lord on the + bench and the author a miserable little suitor trembling before him. The + actors at the theatres complained of him wofully, too, and very likely he + was too hard upon them. But there was not much harm done after all. It is + different now, as we know; but there were so few great historians, or + great poets, or great actors, in Pen's time, that scarce any at all came + up for judgment before his critical desk. Those who got a little whipping, got + what in the main was good for them; not that the judge was any better or + wiser than the persons whom he sentenced, or indeed ever fancied himself + so. Pen had a strong sense of humour and justice, and had not therefore an + overweening respect for his own works; besides, he had his friend + Warrington at his elbow—a terrible critic if the young man was + disposed to be conceited, and more savage over Pen than ever he was to + those whom he tried at his literary assize. + </p> + <p> + By these critical labours, and by occasional contributions to leading + articles of the journal, when, without wounding his paper, this eminent + publicist could conscientiously speak his mind, Mr. Arthur Pendennis + gained the sum of four pounds four shillings weekly, and with no small + pains and labour. Likewise be furnished Magazines and Reviews with + articles of his composition, and is believed to have been (though on this + score he never chooses to speak) London correspondent of the Chatteris + Champion, which at that time contained some very brilliant and eloquent + letters from the metropolis. By these labours the fortunate youth was + enabled to earn a sum very nearly equal to four hundred pounds a year; and + on the second Christmas after his arrival in London, he actually brought a + hundred pounds to his mother, as a dividend upon the debt which he owed to + Laura. That Mrs. Pendennis read every word of her son's works, and + considered him to be the profoundest thinker and most elegant writer of + the day; that she thought his retribution of the hundred pounds an act of + angelic virtue; that she feared he was ruining his health by his labours, + and was delighted when he told her of the society which he met, and of the + great men of letters and fashion whom he saw, will be imagined by all + readers who have seen son-worship amongst mothers, and that charming + simplicity of love with which women in the country watch the career of + their darlings in London. If John has held such and such a brief; if Tom + has been invited to such and such a ball; or George has met this or that + great and famous man at dinner; what a delight there is in the hearts of + mothers and sisters at home in Somersetshire! How young Hopeful's letters + are read and remembered! What a theme for village talk they give, and + friendly congratulation! In the second winter, Pen came for a very brief + space, and cheered the widow's heart, and lightened up the lonely house at + Fairoaks. Helen had her son all to herself; Laura was away on a visit to + old Lady Rockminster; the folks of Clavering Park were absent; the very + few old friends of the house, Doctor Portman at their head, called upon + Mr. Pen, and treated him with marked respect; between mother and son, it + was all fondness, confidence, and affection. It was the happiest fortnight + of the widow's whole life; perhaps in the lives of both of them. The + holiday was gone only too quickly; and Pen was back in the busy world, and + the gentle widow alone again. She sent Arthur's money to Laura: I don't + know why this young lady took the opportunity of leaving home when Pen was + coming thither, or whether he was the more piqued or relieved by her + absence. + </p> + <p> + He was by this time, by his own merits and his uncle's introductions, + pretty well introduced into London, and known both in literary and polite + circles. Amongst the former his fashionable reputation stood him in no + little stead; he was considered to be a gentleman of good present means + and better expectations, who wrote for his pleasure, than which there + cannot be a greater recommendation to a young literary aspirant. Bacon, + Bungay and Co. were proud to accept his articles; Mr. Wenham asked him to + dinner; Mr. Wagg looked upon him with a favourable eye; and they reported + how they met him at the houses of persons of fashion, amongst whom he was + pretty welcome, as they did not trouble themselves about his means, + present or future; as his appearance and address were good; and as he had + got a character for being a clever fellow. Finally, he was asked to one + house, because he was seen at another house: and thus no small varieties + of London life were presented to the young man: he was made familiar with + all sorts of people from Paternoster Row to Pimlico, and was as much at + home at Mayfair dining-tables as at those tavern boards where some of his + companions of the pen were accustomed to assemble. + </p> + <p> + Full of high spirits and curiosity, easily adapting himself to all whom he + met, the young fellow pleased himself in this strange variety and jumble + of men, and made himself welcome, or at ease at least, wherever he went. + He would breakfast, for instance, at Mr. Plover's of a morning, in company + with a Peer, a Bishop, a parliamentary orator, two blue ladies of fashion, + a popular preacher, the author of the last new novel, and the very latest + lion imported from Egypt or from America: and would quit this + distinguished society for the back room at the newspaper office, where + pens and ink and the wet proof-sheets were awaiting him. Here would be + Finucane, the sub-editor, with the last news from the Row: and Shandon + would come in presently, and giving a nod to Pen, would begin scribbling + his leading article at the other end of the table, flanked by the pint of + sherry, which, when the attendant boy beheld him, was always silently + brought for the Captain: or Mr. Bludyer's roaring voice would be heard in + the front room, where that truculent critic would impound the books on the + counter in spite of the timid remonstrances of Mr. Midge, the publisher, + and after looking through the volumes would sell them at his accustomed + bookstall, and having drunken and dined upon the produce of the sale in a + tavern box, would call for ink and paper, and proceed to “smash” the + author of his dinner and the novel. Towards evening Mr. Pen would stroll + in the direction of his club, and take up Warrington there for a + constitutional walk. This exercise freed the lungs, and gave an appetite + for dinner, after which Pen had the privilege to make his bow at some very + pleasant houses which were opened to him; or the town before him for + amusement. There was the Opera; or the Eagle Tavern; or a ball to go to in + Mayfair; or a quiet night with a cigar and a book and a long talk with + Warrington; or a wonderful new song at the Back Kitchen;—at this + time of his life Mr. Pen beheld all sorts of places and men; and very + likely did not know how much he enjoyed himself until long after, when + balls gave him no pleasure, neither did farces make him laugh; nor did the + tavern joke produce the least excitement in him; nor did the loveliest + dancer that ever showed her ankles cause him to stir from his chair after + dinner. At his present mature age all these pleasures are over: and the + times have passed away too. It is but a very very few years since—but + the time is gone, and most of the men. Bludyer will no more bully authors + or cheat landlords of their score. Shandon, the learned and thriftless, + the witty and unwise, sleeps his last sleep. They buried honest Doolan the + other day: never will he cringe or flatter, never pull long-bow or empty + whisky-noggin any more. + </p> + <p> + The London season was now blooming in its full vigour, and the fashionable + newspapers abounded with information regarding the grand banquets, routs, + and balls which were enlivening the polite world. Our gracious Sovereign + was holding levees and drawing-rooms at St. James's: the bow-windows of + the clubs were crowded with the heads of respectable red-faced + newspaper-reading gentlemen: along the Serpentine trailed thousands of + carriages: squadrons of dandy horsemen trampled over Rotten Row, everybody + was in town, in a word; and of course Major Arthur Pendennis, who was + somebody, was not absent. + </p> + <p> + With his head tied up in a smart bandana handkerchief and his meagre + carcass enveloped in a brilliant Turkish dressing-gown, the worthy + gentleman sate on a certain morning by his fireside letting his feet + gently simmer in a bath, whilst he took his early cup of tea, and perused + his Morning Post. He could not have faced the day without his two hours' + toilet, without his early cup of tea, without his Morning Post. I suppose + nobody in the world except Morgan, not even Morgan's master himself, knew + how feeble and ancient the Major was growing, and what numberless little + comforts he required. + </p> + <p> + If men sneer, as our habit is, at the artifices of an old beauty, at her + paint, perfumes, ringlets; at those innumerable, and to us unknown, + stratagems with which she is said to remedy the ravages of time and + reconstruct the charms whereof years have bereft her; the ladies, it is to + be presumed, are not on their side altogether ignorant that men are vain + as well as they, and that the toilets of old bucks are to the full as + elaborate as their own. How is it that old Blushington keeps that constant + little rose-tint on his cheeks; and where does old Blondel get the + preparation which makes his silver hair pass for golden? Have you ever + seen Lord Hotspur get off his horse when he thinks nobody is looking? + Taken out of his stirrups, his shiny boots can hardly totter up the steps + of Hotspur House. He is a dashing young nobleman still as you see the back + of him in Rotten Row; when you behold him on foot, what an old, old + fellow! Did you ever form to yourself any idea of Dick Lacy (Dick has been + Dick these sixty years) in a natural state, and without his stays? All + these men are objects whom the observer of human life and manners may + contemplate with as much profit as the most elderly Belgravian Venus, or + inveterate Mayfair Jezebel. An old reprobate daddy-longlegs, who has never + said his prayers (except perhaps in public) these fifty years: an old buck + who still clings to as many of the habits of youth as his feeble grasp of + health can hold by: who has given up the bottle, but sits with young + fellows over it, and tells naughty stories upon toast-and-water—who + has given up beauty, but still talks about it as wickedly as the youngest + roue in company—such an old fellow, I say, if any parson in Pimlico + or St. James's were to order the beadles to bring him into the middle + aisle, and there set him in an armchair, and make a text of him, and + preach about him to the congregation, could be turned to a wholesome use + for once in his life, and might be surprised to find that some good + thoughts came out of him. But we are wandering from our text, the honest + Major, who sits all this while with his feet cooling in the bath: Morgan + takes them out of that place of purification, and dries them daintily, and + proceeds to set the old gentleman on his legs, with waistband and wig, + starched cravat, and spotless boots and gloves. + </p> + <p> + It was during these hours of the toilet that Morgan and his employer had + their confidential conversations, for they did not meet much at other + times of the day—the Major abhorring the society of his own chairs + and tables in his lodgings; and Morgan, his master's toilet over and + letters delivered, had his time very much on his own hands. + </p> + <p> + This spare time the active and well-mannered gentleman bestowed among the + valets and butlers of the nobility, his acquaintance; and Morgan + Pendennis, as he was styled, for, by such compound names, gentlemen's + gentlemen are called in their private circles, was a frequent and welcome + guest at some of the very highest tables in this town. He was a member of + two influential clubs in Mayfair and Pimlico; and he was thus enabled to + know the whole gossip of the town, and entertain his master very agreeably + during the two hours' toilet conversation. He knew a hundred tales and + legends regarding persons of the very highest ton, whose valets canvass + their august secrets, just, my dear Madam, as our own parlour-maids and + dependants in the kitchen discuss our characters, our stinginess and + generosity, our pecuniary means or embarrassments, and our little domestic + or connubial tiffs and quarrels. If I leave this manuscript open on my + table, I have not the slightest doubt Betty will read it, and they will + talk it over in the lower regions to-night; and to-morrow she will bring + in my breakfast with a face of such entire imperturbable innocence, that + no mortal could suppose her guilty of playing the spy. If you and the + Captain have high words upon any subject, which is just possible, the + circumstances of the quarrel, and the characters of both of you, will be + discussed with impartial eloquence over the kitchen tea-table; and if Mrs. + Smith's maid should by chance be taking a dish of tea with yours, her + presence will not undoubtedly act as a restraint upon the discussion in + question; her opinion will be given with candour; and the next day her + mistress will probably know that Captain and Mrs. Jones have been a + quarrelling as usual. Nothing is secret. Take it as a rule that John knows + everything: and as in our humble world so in the greatest: a duke is no + more a hero to his valet-de-chambre than you or I; and his Grace's Man at + his club, in company doubtless with other Men of equal social rank, talks + over his master's character and affairs with the ingenuous truthfulness + which befits gentlemen who are met together in confidence. Who is a + niggard and screws up his money-boxes: who is in the hands of the + money-lenders, and is putting his noble name on the back of bills of + exchange: who is intimate with whose wife: who wants whom to marry her + daughter, and which he won't, no not at any price:—all these facts + gentlemen's confidential gentlemen discuss confidentially, and are known + and examined by every person who has any claim to rank in genteel society. + In a word, if old Pendennis himself was said to know everything, and was + at once admirably scandalous and delightfully discreet; it is but justice + to Morgan to say, that a great deal of his master's information was + supplied to that worthy man by his valet, who went out and foraged + knowledge for him. Indeed, what more effectual plan is there to get a + knowledge of London society, than to begin at the foundation—that + is, at the kitchen floor? + </p> + <p> + So Mr. Morgan and his employer conversed as the latter's toilet proceeded. + There had been a drawing-room on the previous day, and the Major read + among the presentations that of Lady Clavering by Lady Rockminster, and of + Miss Amory by her mother Lady Clavering,—and in a further part of + the paper their dresses were described, with a precision and in a jargon + which will puzzle and amuse the antiquary of future generations. The sight + of these names carried Pendennis back to the country. “How long have the + Claverings been in London?” he asked; “pray, Morgan, have you seen any of + their people?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Francis have sent away his foring man, sir,” Mr. Morgan replied; “and + have took a friend of mine as own man, sir. Indeed he applied on my + reckmendation. You may recklect Towler, sir,—tall red-aired man—but + dyes his air. Was groom of the chambers in Lord Levant's family till his + Lordship broke hup. It's a fall for Towler, sir; but pore men can't be + particklar,” said the valet, with a pathetic voice. + </p> + <p> + “Devilish hard on Towler, by gad!” said the Major, amused, “and not + pleasant for Lord Levant—he, he!” + </p> + <p> + “Always knew it was coming, sir. I spoke to you of it Michaelmas was four + years: when her Ladyship put the diamonds in pawn. It was Towler, sir, + took 'em in two cabs to Dobree's—and a good deal of the plate went + the same way. Don't you remember seeing of it at Blackwall, with the + Levant arms and coronick, and Lord Levant settn oppsit to it at the + Marquis of Steyne's dinner? Beg your pardon; did I cut you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Morgan was now operating upon the Major's chin—he continued the + theme while strapping the skilful razor. “They've took a house in + Grosvenor Place, and are coming out strong, sir. Her Ladyship's going to + give three parties, besides a dinner a week, sir. Her fortune won't stand + it—can't stand it.” + </p> + <p> + “Gad, she had a devilish good cook when I was at Fairoaks,” the Major + said, with very little compassion for the widow Amory's fortune. + </p> + <p> + “Marobblan was his name, sir; Marobblan's gone away, sir,” Morgan said,—and + the Major, this time, with hearty sympathy, said, “he was devilish sorry + to lose him.” + </p> + <p> + “There's been a tremenjuous row about that Mosseer Marobblan,” Morgan + continued “At a ball at Baymouth, sir, bless his impadence, he challenged + Mr. Harthur to fight a jewel, sir, which Mr. Arthur was very near knocking + him down, and pitchin' him outawinder, and serve him right; but Chevalier + Strong, sir, came up and stopped the shindy—I beg pardon, the + holtercation, sir—them French cooks has as much pride and hinsolence + as if they was real gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard something of that quarrel,” said the Major; “but Mirobolant was + not turned off for that?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir—that affair, sir, which Mr. Harthur forgave it him and + beayved most handsome, was hushed hup: it was about Miss Hamory, sir, that + he ad is dismissial. Those French fellers, they fancy everybody is in love + with 'em; and he climbed up the large grape vine to her winder, sir, and + was a trying to get in, when he was caught, sir; and Mr. Strong came out, + and they got the garden-engine and played on him, and there was no end of + a row, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Confound his impudence! You don't mean to say Miss Amory encouraged him,” + cried the Major, amazed at a peculiar expression in Mr. Morgan's + countenance. + </p> + <p> + Morgan resumed his imperturbable demeanour. “Know nothing about it, sir. + Servants don't know them kind of things the least. Most probbly there was + nothing in it—so many lies is told about families—Marobblan + went away, bag and baggage, saucepans, and pianna, and all—the + feller ad a pianna, and wrote potry in French, and he took a lodging at + Clavering, and he hankered about the primises, and it was said that Madam + Fribsy, the milliner, brought letters to Miss Hamory, though I don't + believe a word about it; nor that he tried to pison hisself with charcoal, + which it was all a humbug betwigst him and Madam Fribsy; and he was nearly + shot by the keeper in the park.” + </p> + <p> + In the course of that very day, it chanced that the Major had stationed + himself in the great window of Bays's Club in Saint James's Street, at the + hour in the afternoon when you see a half-score of respectable old bucks + similarly recreating themselves (Bays's is rather an old-fashioned place + of resort now, and many of its members more than middle-aged; but in the + time of the Prince Regent, these old fellows occupied the same window, and + were some of the very greatest dandies in this empire)—Major + Pendennis was looking from the great window, and spied his nephew Arthur + walking down the street in company with his friend Mr. Popjoy. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” said Popjoy to Pen, as they passed, “did you ever pass Bays's at + four o'clock, without seeing that collection of old fogies? It's a regular + museum. They ought to be cast in wax, and set up at Madame Tussaud's—” + </p> + <p> + “—In a chamber of old horrors by themselves,” Pen said, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “—In the chamber of horrors! Gad, doosid good!” Pop cried. “They are + old rogues, most of 'em, and no mistake. There's old Blondel; there's my + Uncle Colchicum, the most confounded old sinner in Europe; there's—hullo! + there's somebody rapping the window and nodding at us.” + </p> + <p> + “It's my uncle, the Major,” said Pen. “Is he an old sinner too?” + </p> + <p> + “Notorious old rogue,” Pop said, wagging his head. (“Notowious old wogue,” + he pronounced the words, thereby rendering them much more emphatic.)—“He's + beckoning you in; he wants to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in too,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “—Can't,” replied the other. “Cut uncle Col. two years ago, about + Mademoiselle Frangipane—Ta, ta,” and the young sinner took leave of + Pen, and the club of the elder criminals, and sauntered into Blacquiere's, + an adjacent establishment, frequented by reprobates of his own age. + </p> + <p> + Colchicum, Blondel, and the senior bucks had just been conversing about + the Clavering family, whose appearance in London had formed the subject of + Major Pendennis's morning conversation with his valet. Mr. Blondel's house + was next to that of Sir Francis Clavering, in Grosvenor Place: giving very + good dinners himself, he had remarked some activity in his neighbour's + kitchen. Sir Francis, indeed, had a new chef, who had come in more than + once and dressed Mr. Blondel's dinner for him; that gentleman having only + a remarkably expert female artist permanently engaged in his + establishment, and employing such chiefs of note as happened to be free on + the occasion of his grand banquets. “They go to a devilish expense and see + devilish bad company as yet, I hear,” Mr. Blondel said, “they scour the + streets, by gad, to get people to dine with 'em. Champignon says it breaks + his heart to serve up a dinner to their society. What a shame it is that + those low people should have money at all,” cried Mr. Blondel, whose + grandfather had been a reputable leather-breeches maker, and whose father + had lent money to the Princes. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had fallen in with the widow myself” sighed Lord Colchicum, “and + not been laid up with that confounded gout at Leghorn—I would have + married the woman myself.—I'm told she has six hundred thousand + pounds in the Threes.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite so much as that,—I knew her family in India,”—Major + Pendennis said, “I knew her family in India; her father was an enormously + rich old indigo-planter,—know all about her;—Clavering has the + next estate to ours in the country.—Ha! there's my nephew walking + with”—“With mine,—the infernal young scamp,” said Lord + Colchicum glowering at Popjoy out of his heavy eyebrows; and he turned + away from the window as Major Pendennis tapped upon it. + </p> + <p> + The Major was in high good-humour. The sun was bright, the air brisk and + invigorating. He had determined upon a visit to Lady Clavering on that + day, and bethought him that Arthur would be a good companion for the walk + across the Green Park to her ladyship's door. Master Pen was not + displeased to accompany his illustrious relative, who pointed out a dozen + great men in that brief transit through St. James's Street, and got bows + from a Duke at a crossing, a Bishop (on a cob), and a Cabinet Minister + with an umbrella. The Duke gave the elder Pendennis a finger of a + pipe-clayed glove to shake, which the Major embraced with great + veneration; and all Pen's blood tingled as he found himself in actual + communication, as it were, with this famous man (for Pen had possession of + the Major's left arm, whilst the gentleman's other wing was engaged with + his Grace's right) and he wished all Grey Friars' School, all Oxbridge + University, all Paternoster Row and the Temple and Laura and his mother at + Fairoaks, could be standing on each side of the street, to see the meeting + between him and his uncle, and the most famous duke in Christendom. + </p> + <p> + “How do, Pendennis?—fine day,” were his Grace's remarkable words, + and with a nod of his august head he passed on—in a blue frock-coat + and spotless white duck trousers, in a white stock, with a shining buckle + behind. + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis, whose likeness to his Grace has been remarked, began to + imitate him unconsciously, after they had parted, speaking with curt + sentences, after the manner of the great man. We have all of us, no doubt, + met with more than one military officer who has so imitated the manner of + a certain great Captain of the Age; and has, perhaps, changed his own + natural character and disposition, because Fate had endowed him with an + aquiline nose. In like manner have we not seen many another man pride + himself on having a tall forehead and a supposed likeness to Mr. Canning? + many another go through life swelling with self-gratification on account + of an imagined resemblance (we say “imagined,” because that anybody should + be really like that most beautiful and perfect of men is impossible) to + the great and revered George IV.: many third parties, who wore low necks + to their dresses because they fancied that Lord Byron and themselves were + similar in appearance: and has not the grave closed but lately upon poor + Tom Bickerstaff, who having no more imagination than Mr. Joseph Hume, + looked in the glass and fancied himself like Shakspeare? shaved his + forehead so as farther to resemble the immortal bard, wrote tragedies + incessantly, and died perfectly crazy—actually perished of his + forehead? These or similar freaks of vanity most people who have + frequented the world must have seen in their experience. Pen laughed in + his roguish sleeve at the manner in which his uncle began to imitate the + great man from whom they had just parted but Mr. Pen was as vain in his + own way, perhaps, as the elder gentleman, and strutted, with a very + consequential air of his own, by the Major's side. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear boy,” said the old bachelor, as they sauntered through the + Green Park, where many poor children were disporting happily, and + errand-boys were playing at toss-halfpenny, and black sheep were grazing + in the sunshine, and an actor was learning his part on a bench, and + nursery-maids and their charges sauntered here and there, and several + couples were walking in a leisurely manner; “yes, depend on it, my boy; + for a poor man, there is nothing like having good acquaintances. Who were + those men, with whom you saw me in the bow-window at Bays's? Two were + Peers of the realm. Hobananob will be a Peer, as soon as his grand-uncle + dies, and he has had his third seizure; and of the other four, not one has + less than his seven thousand a year. Did you see that dark blue brougham, + with that tremendous stepping horse, waiting at the door of the club? + You'll know it again. It is Sir Hugh Trumpington's; he was never known to + walk in his life; never appears in the streets on foot—never: and if + he is going two doors off, to see his mother, the old dowager (to whom I + shall certainly introduce you, for she receives some of the best company + in London), gad, sir—he mounts his horse at No. 23, and dismounts + again at No. 25 A. He is now upstairs, at Bays's, playing picquet with + Count Punter: he is the second-best player in England—as well he may + be; for he plays every day of his life, except Sundays (for Sir Hugh is an + uncommonly religious man) from half-past three till half-past seven, when + he dresses for dinner. + </p> + <p> + “A very pious manner of spending his time,” Pen said, laughing and + thinking that his uncle was falling into the twaddling state. + </p> + <p> + “Gad, sir, that is not the question. A man of his estate may employ his + time as he chooses. When you are a baronet, a county member, with ten + thousand acres of the best land in Cheshire, and such a place as + Trumpington (though he never goes there), you may do as you like.” + </p> + <p> + “And so that was his brougham, sir, was it?” the nephew said with almost a + sneer. + </p> + <p> + “His brougham—O ay, yes!—and that brings me back to my point—revenons + a nos moutons. Yes, begad! revenons a nous moutons. Well, that brougham is + mine if I choose, between four and seven. Just as much mine as if I jobbed + it from Tilbury's, begad, for thirty pound a month. Sir Hugh is the best + natured fellow in the world; and if it hadn't been so fine an afternoon as + it is, you and I would have been in that brougham at this very minute on + our way to Grosvenor Place. That is the benefit of knowing rich men;—I + dine for nothing, sir;—I go into the country, and I'm mounted for + nothing. Other fellows keep hounds and gamekeepers for me. Sic vos, non + vobis, as we used to say at Grey Friars, hey? I'm of the opinion of my old + friend Leech, of the Forty-fourth; and a devilish good shrewd fellow he + was, as most Scotchmen are. Gad, sir, Leech used to say, 'He was so poor + that he couldn't afford to know a poor man.'” + </p> + <p> + “You don't act up to your principles, uncle,” Pen said good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + “Up to my principles; how, sir?” the Major asked, rather testily. + </p> + <p> + “You would have cut me in Saint James's Street, sir,” Pen said, “were your + practice not more benevolent than your theory; you who live with dukes and + magnates of the land, and would take no notice of a poor devil like me.” + By which speech we may see that Mr. Pen was getting on in the world, and + could flatter as well as laugh in his sleeve. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis was appeased instantly, and very much pleased. He tapped + affectionately his nephew's arm on which he was leaning, and said,—“you, + sir, you are my flesh and blood! Hang it, sir, I've been very proud of you + and very fond of you, but for your confounded follies and extravagances—and + wild oats, sir, which I hope you've sown 'em. I hope you've sown 'em; + begad! My object, Arthur, is to make a man of you—to see you well + placed in the world, as becomes one of your name and my own, sir. You have + got yourself a little reputation by your literary talents, which I am very + far from undervaluing, though in my time, begad, poetry and genius and + that sort of thing were devilish disreputable. There was poor Byron, for + instance, who ruined himself, and contracted the worst habits by living + with poets and newspaper-writers, and people of that kind: But the times + are changed now—there's a run upon literature—clever fellows + get into the best houses in town, begad! Tempora mutantur, sir; and by + Jove, I suppose whatever is is right, as Shakspeare says.” + </p> + <p> + Pen did not think fit to tell his uncle who was the author who had made + use of that remarkable phrase, and here descending from the Green Park, + the pair made their way into Grosvenor Place, and to the door of the + mansion occupied there by Sir Francis and Lady Clavering. + </p> + <p> + The dining-room shutters of this handsome mansion were freshly gilded; the + knockers shone gorgeous upon the newly painted door; the balcony before + the drawing-room bloomed with a portable garden of the most beautiful + plants, and with flowers, white, and pink, and scarlet; the windows of the + upper room (the sacred chamber and dressing-room of my lady, doubtless), + and even a pretty little casement of the third story, which keen-sighted + Mr. Pen presumed to belong to the virgin bedroom of Miss Blanche Amory, + were similarly adorned with floral ornaments, and the whole exterior face + of the house presented the most brilliant aspect which fresh new paint, + shining plate-glass, newly cleaned bricks, and spotless mortar, could + offer to the beholder. + </p> + <p> + “How Strong must have rejoiced in organising all this splendour,” thought + Pen. He recognised the Chevalier's genius in the magnificence before him. + </p> + <p> + “Lady Clavering is going out for her drive,” the Major said. “We shall + only have to leave our pasteboards, Arthur.” He used the word + 'pasteboards,' having heard it from some of the ingenuous youth of the + nobility about town, and as a modern phrase suited to Pen's tender years. + Indeed, as the two gentlemen reached the door, a landau drove up, a + magnificent yellow carriage, lined with brocade or satin of a faint cream + colour, drawn by wonderful grey horses, with flaming ribbons, and harness + blazing all over with crests: no less than three of these heraldic emblems + surmounted the coats-of-arms on the panels, and these shields contained a + prodigious number of quarterings, betokening the antiquity and splendour + of the house of Clavering and Snell. A coachman in a tight silver wig + surmounted the magnificent hammer-cloth (whereon the same arms were worked + in bullion), and controlled the prancing greys—a young man still, + but of a solemn countenance, with a laced waistcoat and buckles in his + shoes—little buckles, unlike those which John and Jeames, the + footmen, wear, and which we know are large, and spread elegantly over the + foot. + </p> + <p> + One of the leaves of the hall door was opened, and John—one of the + largest of his race—was leaning against the door-pillar with his + ambrosial hair powdered, his legs crossed; beautiful, silk-stockinged; in + his hand his cane, gold-headed, dolichoskion. Jeames was invisible, but + near at hand, waiting in the hall, with the gentleman who does not wear + livery, and ready to fling down the roll of hair-cloth over which her + ladyship was to step to her carriage. These things and men, the which to + tell of demands time, are seen in the glance of a practised eye: and, in + fact, the Major and Pen had scarcely crossed the street, when the second + battant of the door flew open; the horse-hair carpet tumbled down the + door-steps to those of the carriage; John was opening it on one side of + the emblazoned door, and Jeames on the other, the two ladies, attired in + the highest style of fashion, and accompanied by a third, who carried a + Blenheim spaniel, yelping in a light blue ribbon, came forth to ascend the + carriage. + </p> + <p> + Miss Amory was the first to enter, which she did with aerial lightness, + and took the place which she liked best. Lady Clavering next followed, but + her ladyship was more mature of age and heavy of foot, and one of those + feet, attired in a green satin boot, with some part of a stocking, which + was very fine, whatever the ankle might be which it encircled, might be + seen swaying on the carriage-step, as her ladyship leaned for support on + the arm of the unbending Jeames, by the enraptured observer of female + beauty who happened to be passing at the time of this imposing ceremonial. + </p> + <p> + The Pendennises senior and junior beheld those charms as they came up to + the door—the Major looking grave and courtly, and Pen somewhat + abashed at the carriage and its owners; for he thought of sundry little + passages at Clavering, which made his heart beat rather quick. + </p> + <p> + At that moment Lady Clavering, looking round the pair,—she was on + the first carriage-step, and would have been in the vehicle in another + second, but she gave a start backwards (which caused some of the powder to + fly from the hair of ambrosial Jeames), and crying out, “Lor, if it isn't + Arthur Pendennis and the old Major!” jumped back to terra firma directly, + and holding out two fat hands, encased in tight orange-coloured gloves, + the good-natured woman warmly greeted the Major and his nephew. + </p> + <p> + “Come in both of you.—Why haven't you been before?—Get out, + Blanche, and come and see your old friends.—O, I'm so glad to see + you. We've been waitin and waitin for you ever so long. Come in, luncheon + ain't gone down,” cried out this hospitable lady, squeezing Pen's hand in + both hers (she had dropped the Major's after a brief wrench of + recognition), and Blanche, casting up her eyes towards the chimneys, + descended from the carriage presently, with a timid, blushing, appealing + look, and gave a little hand to Major Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + The companion with the spaniel looked about irresolute, and doubting + whether she should not take Fido his airing; but she too turned right + about face and entered the house, after Lady Clavering, her daughter, and + the two gentlemen. And the carriage, with the prancing greys, was left + unoccupied, save by the coachman in the silver wig. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. In which the Sylph reappears + </h2> + <p> + Better folks than Morgan, the valet, were not so well instructed as that + gentleman, regarding the amount of Lady Clavering's riches; and the legend + in London, upon her Ladyship's arrival in the polite metropolis, was, that + her fortune was enormous. Indigo factories, opium clippers, banks + overflowing with rupees, diamonds and jewels of native princes, and vast + sums of interest paid by them for loans contracted by themselves or their + predecessors to Lady Clavering's father, were mentioned as sources of her + wealth. Her account at her London banker's was positively known, and the + sum embraced so many cyphers as to create as many O's of admiration in the + wondering hearer. It was a known fact that an envoy from an Indian Prince, + a Colonel Altamont, the Nawaub of Lucknow's prime favourite, an + extraordinary man, who had, it was said, embraced Mahometanism, and + undergone a thousand wild and perilous adventures was at present in this + country, trying to negotiate with the Begum Clavering, the sale of the + Nawaub's celebrated nose-ring diamond, 'the light of the Dewan.' + </p> + <p> + Under the title of the Begum, Lady Clavering's fame began to spread in + London before she herself descended upon the Capital, and as it has been + the boast of Delolme, and Blackstone, and all panegyrists of the British + Constitution, that we admit into our aristocracy merit of every kind, and + that the lowliest-born man, if he but deserve it, may wear the robes of a + peer, and sit alongside of a Cavendish or a Stanley: so it ought to be the + boast of our good society, that haughty though it be, naturally jealous of + its privileges, and careful who shall be admitted into its circle, yet, if + an individual be but rich enough, all barriers are instantly removed, and + he or she is welcomed, as from his wealth he merits to be. This fact shows + our British independence and honest feeling—our higher orders are + not such mere haughty aristocrats as the ignorant represent them: on the + contrary, if a man have money they will hold out their hands to him, eat + his dinners, dance at his balls, marry his daughters, or give their own + lovely girls to his sons, as affably as your commonest roturier would do. + </p> + <p> + As he had superintended the arrangements of the country mansion, our + friend, the Chevalier Strong, gave the benefit of his taste and advice to + the fashionable London upholsterers, who prepared the town house for the + reception of the Clavering family. In the decoration of this elegant + abode, honest Strong's soul rejoiced as much as if he had been himself its + proprietor. He hung and re-hung the pictures, he studied the positions of + sofas, he had interviews with wine merchants and purveyors who were to + supply the new establishment; and at the same time the Baronet's factotum + and confidential friend took the opportunity of furnishing his own + chambers, and stocking his snug little cellar: his friends complimented + him upon the neatness of the former; and the select guests who came in to + share Strong's cutlet now found a bottle of excellent claret to accompany + the meal. The Chevalier was now, as he said, “in clover:” he had a very + comfortable set of rooms in Shepherd's Inn. He was waited on by a former + Spanish Legionary and comrade of his whom he had left at a breach of a + Spanish fort, and found at a crossing in Tottenham-court Road, and whom he + had elevated to the rank of body-servant to himself and to the chum who, + at present, shared his lodgings. This was no other than the favourite of + the Nawaub of Lucknow, the valiant Colonel Altamont. + </p> + <p> + No man was less curious, or at any rate, more discreet, than Ned Strong, + and he did not care to inquire into the mysterious connexion which, very + soon after their first meeting at Baymouth was established between Sir + Francis Clavering and the envoy of the Nawaub. The latter knew some secret + regarding the former, which put Clavering into his power, somehow; and + Strong, who knew that his patron's early life had been rather irregular, + and that his career with his regiment in India had not been brilliant, + supposed that the Colonel, who swore he knew Clavering well at Calcutta, + had some hold upon Sir Francis, to which the latter was forced to yield. + In truth, Strong had long understood Sir Francis Clavering's character, as + that of a man utterly weak in purpose, in principle, and intellect, a + moral and physical trifler and poltroon. + </p> + <p> + With poor Clavering, his Excellency had had one or two interviews after + their Baymouth meeting, the nature of which conversations the Baronet did + not confide to Strong: although he sent letters to Altamont by that + gentleman, who was his ambassador in all sorts of affairs. On one of these + occasions the Nawaub's envoy must have been in an exceeding ill humour; + for he crushed Clavering's letter in his hand, and said with his own + particular manner and emphasis:— + </p> + <p> + “A hundred, be hanged. I'll have no more letters nor no more + shilly-shally. Tell Clavering I'll have a thousand, or by Jove I'll split, + and burst him all to atoms. Let him give me a thousand and I'll go abroad, + and I give you my honour as a gentleman, I'll not ask him for no more for + a year. Give him that message from me, Strong, my boy; and tell him if the + money ain't here next Friday at twelve o'clock, as sure as my name's what + it is, I'll have a paragraph in the newspaper on Saturday, and next week + I'll blow up the whole concern.” + </p> + <p> + Strong carried back these words to his principal, on whom their effect was + such that actually on the day and hour appointed, the Chevalier made his + appearance once more at Altamont's hotel at Baymouth, with the sum of + money required. Altamont was a gentleman, he said, and behaved as such; he + paid his bill at the Inn, and the Baymouth paper announced his departure + on a foreign tour. Strong saw him embark at Dover. “It must be forgery at + the very least,” he thought, “that has put Clavering into this fellow's + power, and the Colonel has got the bill.” + </p> + <p> + Before the year was out, however, this happy country saw the Colonel once + more upon its shores. A confounded run on the red had finished him, he + said, at Baden Baden: no gentleman could stand against a colour coming up + fourteen times. He had been obliged to draw upon Sir Francis Clavering for + means of returning home: and Clavering, though pressed for money (for he + had election expenses, had set up his establishment in the country and was + engaged in furnishing his London house), yet found means to accept Colonel + Altamont's bill, though evidently very much against his will; for in + Strong's hearing, Sir Francis wished to heaven, with many curses, that the + Colonel could have been locked up in a debtor's goal in Germany for life, + so that he might never be troubled again. + </p> + <p> + These sums for the Colonel Sir Francis was obliged to raise without the + knowledge of his wife; for though perfectly liberal, nay, sumptuous in her + expenditure, the good lady had inherited a tolerable aptitude for business + along with the large fortune of her father, Snell, and gave to her husband + only such a handsome allowance as she thought befitted a gentleman of his + rank. Now and again she would give him a present, or pay an outstanding + gambling debt; but she always exacted a pretty accurate account of the + moneys so required; and respecting the subsidies to the Colonel, Clavering + fairly told Strong that he couldn't speak to his wife. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART" id="link2H_PART"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Part of Mr. Strong's business in life was to procure this money and + </h2> + <p> + other sums, for his patron. And in the Chevalier's apartments, in + Shepherd's Inn, many negotiations took place between gentlemen of the + moneyed world and Sir Francis Clavering, and many valuable bank-notes and + pieces of stamped paper were passed between them. When a man has been in + the habit of getting in debt from his early youth, and of exchanging his + promises to pay at twelve months against present sums of money, it would + seem as if no piece of good fortune ever permanently benefited him: a + little while after the advent of prosperity, the money-lender is pretty + certain to be in the house again, and the bills with the old signature in + the market. Clavering found it more convenient to see these gentry at + Strong's lodgings than at his own; and such was the Chevalier's friendship + for the Baronet that although he did not possess a shilling of his own, + his name might be seen as the drawer of almost all the bills of exchange + which Sir Francis Clavering accepted. Having drawn Clavering's bills, he + got them discounted “in the City.” When they became due he parleyed with + the bill-holders, and gave them instalments of their debt, or got time in + exchange for fresh acceptances. Regularly or irregularly, gentlemen must + live somehow: and as we read how, the other day, at Comorn, the troops + forming that garrison were gay and lively, acted plays, danced at balls, + and consumed their rations; though menaced with an assault from the enemy + without the walls, and with a gallows if the Austrians were successful,—so + there are hundreds of gallant spirits in this town, walking about in good + spirits, dining every day in tolerable gaiety and plenty, and going to + sleep comfortably; with a bailiff always more or less near, and a rope of + debt round their necks—the which trifling inconveniences, Ned + Strong, the old soldier, bore very easily. + </p> + <p> + But we shall have another opportunity of making acquaintance with these + and some other interesting inhabitants of Shepherd's Inn, and in the + meanwhile are keeping Lady Clavering and her friends too long waiting on + the door-steps of Grosvenor Place. + </p> + <p> + First they went into the gorgeous dining-room, fitted up, Lady Clavering + couldn't for goodness gracious tell why, in the middle-aged style, + “unless,” said her good-natured ladyship, laughing, “because me and + Clavering are middle-aged people;”—and here they were offered the + copious remains of the luncheon of which Lady Clavering and Blanche had + just partaken. When nobody was near, our little Sylphide, who scarcely ate + at dinner more than the six grains of rice of Amina, the friend of the + Ghouls in the Arabian Nights, was most active with her knife and fork, and + consumed a very substantial portion of mutton cutlets: in which piece of + hypocrisy it is believed she resembled other young ladies of fashion. Pen + and his uncle declined the refection, but they admired the dining-room + with fitting compliments, and pronounced it “very chaste,” that being the + proper phrase. There were, indeed, high-backed Dutch chairs of the + seventeenth century; there was a sculptured carved buffet of the + sixteenth; there was a sideboard robbed out of the carved work of a church + in the Low Countries, and a large brass cathedral lamp over the round oak + table; there were old family portraits from Wardour Street and tapestry + from France, bits of armour, double-handed swords and battle-axes made of + carton-pierre, looking-glasses, statuettes of saints, and Dresden china—nothing, + in a word, could be chaster. Behind the dining-room was the library, + fitted with busts and books all of a size, and wonderful easy-chairs, and + solemn bronzes in the severe classic style. Here it was that, guarded by + double doors, Sir Francis smoked cigars, and read Bell's Life in London, + and went to sleep after dinner, when he was not smoking over the + billiard-table at his clubs, or punting at the gambling-houses in Saint + James's. + </p> + <p> + But what could equal the chaste splendour of the drawing-rooms?—the + carpets were so magnificently fluffy that your foot made no more noise on + them than your shadow: on their white ground bloomed roses and tulips as + big as warming-pans: about the room were high chairs and low chairs, + bandy-legged chairs, chairs so attenuated that it was a wonder any but a + sylph could sit upon them, marquetterie-tables covered with marvellous + gimcracks, china ornaments of all ages and countries, bronzes, gilt + daggers, Books of Beauty, yataghans, Turkish papooshes and boxes of + Parisian bonbons. Wherever you sate down there were Dresden shepherds and + shepherdesses convenient at your elbow; there were, moreover, light blue + poodles and ducks and cocks and hens in porcelain; there were nymphs by + Boucher, and shepherdesses by Greuze, very chaste indeed; there were + muslin curtains and brocade curtains, gilt cages with parroquets and + love-birds, two squealing cockatoos, each out-squealing and out-chattering + the other; a clock singing tunes on a console-table, and another booming + the hours like Great Tom, on the mantelpiece—there was, in a word, + everything that comfort could desire, and the most elegant taste devise. A + London drawing-room, fitted up without regard to expense, is surely one of + the noblest and most curious sights of the present day. The Romans of the + Lower Empire, the dear Marchionesses and Countesses of Louis XV., could + scarcely have had a finer taste than our modern folks exhibit; and + everybody who saw Lady Clavering's reception rooms, was forced to confess + that they were most elegant; and that the prettiest rooms in London—Lady + Harley Quin's, Lady Hanway Wardour's, or Mrs. Hodge-Podgson's own; the + great Railroad Croesus' wife, were not fitted up with a more consummate + “chastity.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Lady Clavering, meanwhile, knew little regarding these things, and + had a sad want of respect for the splendours around her. “I only know they + cost a precious deal of money, Major,” she said to her guest, “and that I + don't advise you to try one of them gossamer gilt chairs: I came down on + one the night we gave our second dinner-party. Why didn't you come and see + us before? We'd have asked you to it.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have liked to see Mamma break a chair, wouldn't you, Mr. + Pendennis?” dear Blanche said with a sneer. She was angry because Pen was + talking and laughing with Mamma, because Mamma had made a number of + blunders in describing the house—for a hundred other good reasons. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to have been by to give Lady Clavering my arm if she had + need of it,” Pen answered, with a bow and a blush. + </p> + <p> + “Quel preux Chevalier!” cried the Sylphide, tossing up her little head. + </p> + <p> + “I have a fellow-feeling with those who fall, remember,” Pen said. “I + suffered myself very much from doing so once.” + </p> + <p> + “And you went home to Laura to console you,” said Miss Amory. Pen winced. + He did not like the remembrance of the consolation which Laura had given + to him, nor was he very well pleased to find that his rebuff in that + quarter was known to the world; so as he had nothing to say in reply, he + began to be immensely interested in the furniture round about him, and to + praise Lady Clavering's taste with all his might. + </p> + <p> + “No, don't praise me,” said honest Lady Clavering, “it's all the + upholsterer's doings and Captain Strong's, they did it all while we was at + the Park—and—and—Lady Rockminster has been here and says + the salongs are very well,” said Lady Clavering, with an air and tone of + great deference. + </p> + <p> + “My cousin Laura has been staying with her,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “It's not the dowager: it is the Lady Rockminster.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” cried Major Pendennis, when he heard this great name of fashion. + “If you have her ladyship's approval, Lady Clavering, you cannot be far + wrong. No, no, you cannot be far wrong. Lady Rockminster, I should say, + Arthur, is the very centre of the circle of fashion and taste. The rooms + are beautiful indeed!” and the Major's voice hushed as he spoke of this + great lady, and he looked round and surveyed the apartments awfully and + respectfully, as if he had been at church. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Lady Rockminster has took us up,” said Lady Clavering. + </p> + <p> + “Taken us up, Mamma,” cried Blanche, in a shrill voice. + </p> + <p> + “Well, taken us up, then,” said my lady; “it's very kind of her, and I + dare say we shall like it when we git used to it, only at first one don't + fancy being took—well, taken up, at all. She is going to give our + balls for us; and wants to invite all our dinners. But I won't stand that. + I will have my old friends and I won't let her send all the cards out, and + sit mum at the head of my own table. You must come to me, Arthur and Major—come, + let me see, on the 14th.—It ain't one of our grand dinners, + Blanche,” she said, looking round at her daughter, who bit her lips and + frowned very savagely for a sylphide. + </p> + <p> + The Major, with a smile and a bow, said he would much rather come to a + quiet meeting than to a grand dinner. He had had enough of those large + entertainments, and preferred the simplicity of the home circle. + </p> + <p> + “I always think a dinner's the best the second day,” said Lady Clavering, + thinking to mend her first speech. “On the 14th we'll be quite a snug + little party;” at which second blunder, Miss Blanche clasped her hands in + despair, and said “O, mamma, vous etes incorrigible.” Major Pendennis + vowed that he liked snug dinners of all things in the world, and + confounded her ladyship's impudence for daring to ask such a man as him to + a second day's dinner. But he was a man of an economical turn of mind, and + bethinking himself that he could throw over these people if anything + better should offer, he accepted with the blandest air. As for Pen, he was + not a diner-out of thirty years' standing as yet, and the idea of a fine + feast in a fine house was still perfectly welcome to him. + </p> + <p> + “What was that pretty little quarrel which engaged itself between your + worship and Miss Amory?” the Major asked of Pen, as they walked away + together. “I thought you used to au mieux in that quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Used to be,” answered Pen, with a dandified air “is a vague phrase + regarding a woman. Was and is are two very different terms, sir, as + regards women's hearts especially. + </p> + <p> + “Egad, they change as we do,” cried the elder. “When we took the Cape of + Good Hope, I recollect there was a lady who talked poisoning herself for + your humble servant; and, begad, in three months she ran away from her + husband with somebody else. Don't get yourself entangled with that Miss + Amory, She is forward, affected, and under-bred; and her character is + somewhat—never mind what. But don't think of her; ten thousand pound + won't do for you. What, my good fellow, is ten thousand pound? I would + scarcely pay that girl's milliner's bill with the interest of the money.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be a connoisseur in millinery, Uncle” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “I was, sir, I was,” replied the senior; “and the old war-horse, you know, + never hears the sound of a trumpet, but he begins to he, he!—you + understand,”—and he gave a killing and somewhat superannuated leer + and bow to a carriage that passed them and entered the Park. + </p> + <p> + “Lady Catherine Martingale's carriage” he said “mons'ous fine girls the + daughters, though, gad, I remember their mother a thousand times + handsomer. No, Arthur, my dear fellow, with your person and expectations, + you ought to make a good coup in marriage some day or other; and though I + wouldn't have this repeated at Fairoaks, you rogue, ha! ha! a reputation + for a little wickedness, and for being an homme dangereux, don't hurt a + young fellow with the women. They like it, sir, they hate a milksop—young + men must be young men, you know. But for marriage,” continued the veteran + moralist, “that is a very different matter. Marry a woman with money. I've + told you before it is as easy to get a rich wife as a poor one; and a + doosed deal more comfortable to sit down to a well-cooked dinner, with + your little entrees nicely served, than to have nothing but a damned cold + leg of mutton between you and your wife. We shall have a good dinner on + the 14th, when we dine with Sir Francis Clavering: stick to that, my boy, + in your relations with the family. Cultivate 'em, but keep 'em for dining. + No more of your youthful follies and nonsense about love in a cottage.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be a cottage with a double coach-house, a cottage of gentility, + sir,” said Pen, quoting the hackneyed ballad of the Devil's Walk: but his + Uncle did not know that poem (though, perhaps, he might be leading Pen + upon the very promenade in question), and went on with his philosophical + remarks, very much pleased with the aptness of the pupil to whom he + addressed them. Indeed Arthur Pendennis was a clever fellow, who took his + colour very readily from his neighbour, and found the adaptation only too + easy. + </p> + <p> + Warrington, the grumbler, growled out that Pen was becoming such a puppy + that soon there would be no bearing him. But the truth is, the young man's + success and dashing manners pleased his elder companion. He liked to see + Pen gay and spirited, and brimful of health, and life, and hope; as a man + who has long since left off being amused with clown and harlequin, still + gets a pleasure in watching a child at a pantomime. Mr. Pen's former + sulkiness disappeared with his better fortune: and he bloomed as the sun + began to shine upon him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. Colonel Altamont appears and disappears + </h2> + <p> + On the day appointed, Major Pendennis, who had formed no better + engagement, and Arthur who desired none, arrived together to dine with Sir + Francis Clavering. The only tenants of the drawing-room when Pen and his + uncle reached it, were Sir Francis and his wife, and our friend Captain + Strong, whom Arthur was very glad to see, though the Major looked very + sulkily at Strong, being by no means well pleased to sit down to dinner + with Clavering's d—— house-steward, as he irreverently called + Strong. But Mr. Welbore Welbore, Clavering's country neighbour and brother + member of Parliament, speedily arriving, Pendennis the elder was somewhat + appeased, for Welbore, though perfectly dull, and taking no more part in + the conversation at dinner than the footman behind his chair, was a + respectable country gentleman of ancient family and seven thousand a year: + and the Major felt always at ease in such society. To these were added + other persons of note: the Dowager Lady Rockminster, who had her reasons + for being well with the Clavering family, and the Lady Agnes Foker, with + her son Mr. Harry, our old acquaintance. Mr. Pynsent could not come, his + parliamentary duties keeping him at the House, duties which sate upon the + two other senators very lightly. Miss Blanche Amory was the last of the + company who made her appearance. She was dressed in a killing white silk + dress which displayed her pearly shoulders to the utmost advantage. Foker + whisped to Pen, who regarded her with eyes of evident admiration, that he + considered her “a stunner.” She chose to be very gracious to Arthur upon + this day, and held out her hand most cordially, and talked about dear + Fairoaks, and asked for dear Laura and his mother, and said she was + longing to go back to the country, and in fact was entirely simple, + affectionate, and artless. + </p> + <p> + Harry Foker thought he had never seen anybody so amiable and delightful, + Not accustomed much to the society of ladies, and ordinarily being dumb to + their presence, he found that he could speak before Miss Amory, and became + uncommonly lively and talkative, even before the dinner was announced and + the party descended to the lower rooms. He would have longed to give his + arm to the fair Blanche, and conduct her down the broad carpeted stair; + but she fell to the lot of Pen upon this occasion, Mr. Foker being + appointed to escort Mrs. Welbore Welbore, in consequence of his superior + rank as an earl's grandson. + </p> + <p> + But though he was separated from the object of his desire during the + passage downstairs, the delighted Foker found himself by Miss Amory's side + at the dinner-table, and flattered himself that he had manoeuvred very + well in securing that happy place. It may be that the move was not his, + but that it was made by another person. Blanche had thus the two young + men, one on each side of her, and each tried to render himself gallant and + agreeable. + </p> + <p> + Foker's mamma, from her place, surveying her darling boy, was surprised at + his vivacity. Harry talked constantly to his fair neighbour about the + topics of the day. + </p> + <p> + “Seen Taglioni in the Sylphide, Miss Amory? Bring me that souprame of + Volile again if you please (this was addressed to the attendant near him), + very good: can't think where the souprames come from; what becomes of the + legs of the fowls, I wonder? She's clipping in the Sylphide, ain't she?” + and he began very kindly to hum the pretty air which pervades that + prettiest of all ballets, now faded into the past with that most beautiful + and gracious of all dancers. Will the young folks ever see anything so + charming, anything so classic, anything like Taglioni? + </p> + <p> + “Miss Amory is a sylph herself,” said Mr. Pen. + </p> + <p> + “What a delightful tenor voice you have, Mr. Foker,” said the young lady. + “I am sure you have been well taught. I sing a little myself. I should + like to sing with you.” + </p> + <p> + Pen remembered that words very similar had been addressed to himself by + the young lady, and that she had liked to sing with him in former days. + And sneering within himself, he wondered with how many other gentlemen she + had sung duets since his time? But he did not think fit to put this + awkward question aloud: and only said, with the very tenderest air which + he could assume, “I should like to hear you sing again, Miss Blanche. I + never heard a voice I liked so well as yours, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you liked Laura's,” said Miss Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “Laura's is a contralto: and that voice is very often out, you know,” Pen + said, bitterly. “I have heard a great deal of music, in London,” he + continued. “I'm tired of those professional people—they sing too + loud—or I have grown too old or too blase. One grows old very soon, + in London, Miss Amory. And like all old fellows, I only care for the songs + I heard in my youth.” + </p> + <p> + “I like English music best. I don't care for foreign songs much. Get me + some saddle of mutton,” said Mr. Foker. + </p> + <p> + “I adore English ballads, of all things,” said Miss Amory. + </p> + <p> + “Sing me one of the old songs after dinner, will you?” said Pen, with an + imploring voice. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I sing you an English song, after dinner?” asked the Sylphide, + turning to Mr. Foker. “I will, if you will promise to come up soon:” and + she gave him a perfect broadside of her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I'll come up after dinner, fast enough,” he said, simply. “I don't care + about much wine afterwards—I take my whack at dinner—I mean my + share, you know; and when I have had as much as I want I toddle up to tea. + I'm a domestic character, Miss Amory—my habits are simple—and + when I'm pleased I'm generally in a good-humour, ain't I, Pen?—that + jelly, if you please—not that one, the other with the cherries + inside. How the doose do they get those cherries inside the jellies?” In + this way the artless youth prattled on: and Miss Amory listened to him + with inexhaustible good-humour. When the ladies took their departure for + the upper regions, Blanche made the two young men promise faithfully to + quit the table soon, and departed with kind glances to each. She dropped + her gloves on Foker's side of the table and her handkerchief on Pen's. + Each had had some little attention paid to him: her politeness to Mr. + Foker was perhaps a little more encouraging than her kindness to Arthur: + but the benevolent little creature did her best to make both the gentlemen + happy. Foker caught her last glance as she rushed out of the door; that + bright look passed over Mr. Strong's broad white waistcoat and shot + straight at Harry Foker's. The door closed on the charmer: he sate down + with a sigh, and swallowed a bumper of claret. + </p> + <p> + As the dinner at which Pen and his uncle took their places was not one of + our grand parties, it had been served at a considerably earlier hour than + those ceremonial banquets of the London season, which custom has ordained + shall scarcely take place before nine o'clock; and, the company being + small, and Miss Blanche anxious to betake herself to her piano in the + drawing-room, giving constant hints to her mother to retreat,—Lady + Clavering made that signal very speedily, so that it was quite daylight + yet when the ladies reached the upper apartments, from the + flower-embroidered balconies of which they could command a view of the two + Parks, of the poor couples and children still sauntering in the one, and + of the equipages of ladies and the horses of dandies passing through the + arch of the other. The sun, in a word had not set behind the elms of + Kensington Gardens, and was still gilding the statue erected by the ladies + of England in honour of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, when Lady + Clavering and her female friends left the gentlemen drinking wine. + </p> + <p> + The windows of the dining-room were opened to let in the fresh air, and + afforded to the passers-by in the street a pleasant, or perhaps, + tantalising view of six gentlemen in white waistcoats with a quantity of + decanters and a variety of fruits before them—little boys, as they + passed and jumped up at the area-railings and took a peep, said to one + another, “Hi hi, Jim, shouldn't you like to be there and have a cut of + that there pineapple?”—the horses and carriages of the nobility and + gentry passed by conveying them to Belgravian toilets: the policeman, with + clamping feet patrolled up and down before the mansion: the shades of + evening began to fall: the gasman came and lighted the lamps before Sir + Francis's door: the butler entered the dining-room, and illuminated the + antique gothic chandelier over the antique carved oak dining-table: so + that from outside the house you looked inwards upon a night-scene of + feasting and wax-candles; and from within you beheld a vision of a calm + summer evening, and the wall of Saint James's Park, and the sky above, in + which a star or two was just beginning to twinkle. + </p> + <p> + Jeames, with folded legs, leaning against the door-pillar of his master's + abode, looked forth musingly upon the latter tranquil sight: whilst a + spectator clinging to the railings examined the former scene. Policeman X + passing, gave his attention to neither, but fixed it upon the individual + holding by the railings, and gazing into Sir Francis Clavering's + dining-room, where Strong was laughing and talking away, making the + conversation for the party. + </p> + <p> + The man at the railing was very gorgeously attired with chains, jewellery, + and waistcoats, which the illumination from the house lighted up to great + advantage; his boots were shiny; he had brass buttons to his coat, and + large white wristbands over his knuckles; and indeed looked so grand, that + X imagined he beheld a member of parliament, or a person of consideration + before him. Whatever his rank, however, the M.P., or person of + consideration, was considerably excited by wine; for he lurched and reeled + somewhat in his gait, and his hat was cocked over his wild and bloodshot + eyes in a manner which no sober hat ever could assume. His copious black + hair was evidently surreptitious, and his whiskers of the Tyrian purple. + </p> + <p> + As Strong's laughter, following after one of his own gros mots, came + ringing out of window, this gentleman without laughed and sniggered in the + queerest way likewise, and he slapped his thigh and winked at Jeames + pensive in the portico, as much as to say, “Plush, my boy, isn't that a + good story?” + </p> + <p> + Jeames's attention had been gradually drawn from the moon in the heavens + to this sublunary scene; and he was puzzled and alarmed by the appearance + of the man in shiny boots. “A holtercation,” he remarked afterwards, in + the servants'-hall—a “holtercation with a feller in the streets is + never no good; and indeed he was not hired for any such purpose.” So, + having surveyed the man for some time, who went on laughing, reeling, + nodding his head with tipsy knowingness, Jeames looked out of the portico, + and softly called “Pleaceman,” and beckoned to that officer. + </p> + <p> + X marched up resolute, with one Berlin glove stuck in his belt-side, and + Jeames simply pointed with his index finger to the individual who was + laughing against the railings. Not one single word more than “Pleaceman” + did he say, but stood there in the calm summer evening, pointing calmly: a + grand sight. + </p> + <p> + X advanced to the individual and said, “Now, sir, will you have the + kindness to move hon?” + </p> + <p> + The individual, who was in perfect good-humour, did not appear to hear one + word which Policeman X uttered, but nodded and waggled his grinning head + at Strong, until his hat almost fell from his head over the area railings. + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir, move on, do you hear?” cries X, in a much more peremptory tone, + and he touched the stranger gently with one of the fingers enclosed in the + gauntlets of the Berlin woof. + </p> + <p> + He of the many rings instantly started, or rather staggered back, into + what is called an attitude of self-defence, and in that position began the + operation which is entitled 'squaring' at Policeman X, and showed himself + brave and warlike, if unsteady. “Hullo! keep your hands off a gentleman,” + he said, with an oath which need not be repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Move on out of this,” said X, “and don't be a blocking up the pavement, + staring into gentlemen's dining-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Not stare—ho, ho,—not stare—that is a good one,” + replied the other with a satiric laugh and sneer—“Who's to prevent + me from staring, looking at my friends, if I like? not you, old highlows.” + </p> + <p> + “Friends! I dessay. Move on,” answered X. + </p> + <p> + “If you touch me, I'll pitch into you, I will,” roared the other. “I tell + you I know 'em all—That's Sir Francis Clavering, Baronet, M.P.—I + know him, and he knows me—and that's Strong, and that's the young + chap that made the row at the ball. I say, Strong, Strong!” + </p> + <p> + “It's that d—— Altamont,” cried Sir Francis within, with a + start and a guilty look; and Strong also, with a look of annoyance, got up + from the table, and ran out to the intruder. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman in a white waistcoat, running out from a dining-room + bareheaded, a policeman, and an individual decently attired, engaged in + almost fisticuffs on the pavement, were enough to make a crowd, even in + that quiet neighbourhood, at half-past eight o'clock in the evening, and a + small mob began to assemble before Sir Francis Clavering's door. “For + God's sake, come in,” Strong said, seizing his acquaintance's arm. “Send + for a cab, James, if you please,” he added in an under voice to that + domestic; and carrying the excited gentleman out of the street, the outer + door was closed upon him, and the small crowd began to move away. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Strong had intended to convey the stranger into Sir Francis's private + sitting-room, where the hats of the male guests were awaiting them, and + having there soothed his friend by bland conversation, to have carried him + off as soon as the cab arrived—but the new-comer was in a great + state of wrath at the indignity which had been put upon him; and when + Strong would have led him into the second door, said in a tipsy voice, + “That ain't the door—that's the dining-room door—where the + drink's going on—and I'll go and have some, by Jove; I'll go and + have some.” At this audacity the butler stood aghast in the hall, and + placed himself before the door: but it opened behind him, and the master + of the house made his appearance, with anxious looks. + </p> + <p> + “I will have some,—by —— I will,” the intruder was + roaring out, as Sir Francis came forward. “Hullo! Clavering, I say I'm + come to have some wine with you; hay! old boy—hay, old corkscrew? + Get us a bottle of the yellow seal, you old thief—the very best—a + hundred rupees a dozen, and no mistake.” + </p> + <p> + The host reflected a moment over his company. There is only Welbore, + Pendennis, and those two lads, he thought—and with a forced laugh + and a piteous look, he said,—“Well, Altamont, come in. I am very + glad to see you, I'm sure.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Altamont, for the intelligent reader has doubtless long ere this + discovered in the stranger His Excellency the Ambassador of the Nawaub of + Lucknow, reeled into the dining-room, with a triumphant look towards + Jeames, the footman, which seemed to say, “There, sir, what do you think + of that? Now, am I a gentleman or no?” and sank down into the first vacant + chair. Sir Francis Clavering timidly stammered out the Colonel's name to + his guest Mr. Welbore Welbore, and his Excellency began drinking wine + forthwith and gazing round upon the company, now with the most wonderful + frowns, and anon with the blandest smiles, and hiccupped remarks + encomiastic of the drink which he was imbibing. + </p> + <p> + “Very singular man. Has resided long in a native court in India,” Strong + said, with great gravity, the Chevalier's presence of mind never deserting + him—“in those Indian courts they get very singular habits.” + </p> + <p> + “Very,” said Major Pendennis, drily, and wondering what in goodness' name + was the company into which he had got. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Foker was pleased with the new-comer. “It's the man who would sing the + Malay song at the Back Kitchen,” he whispered to Pen. “Try this pine, + sir,” he then said to Colonel Altamont, “it's uncommonly fine.” + </p> + <p> + “Pines—I've seen 'em feed pigs on pines,” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “All the Nawaub of Lucknow's pigs are fed on pines,” Strong whispered to + Major Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course,” the Major answered. Sir Francis Clavering was, in the + meanwhile, endeavouring to make an excuse to his brother-guest for the + new-comer's condition, and muttered something regarding Altamont, that he + was an extraordinary character, very eccentric, very—had Indian + habits—didn't understand the rules of English society—to which + old Welbore, a shrewd old gentleman, who drank his wine with great + regularity, said, “that seemed pretty clear.” + </p> + <p> + Then the Colonel, seeing Pen's honest face, regarded it for a while with + as much steadiness as became his condition; and said, “I know you, too, + young fellow. I remember you. Baymouth ball, by Jingo. Wanted to fight the + Frenchman. I remember you;” and he laughed, and he squared with his fists, + and seemed hugely amused in the drunken depths of his mind, as these + recollections passed, or, rather, reeled across it. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Pendennis, you remember Colonel Altamont, at Baymouth?” Strong said: + upon which Pen, bowing rather stiffly, said, “he had the pleasure of + remembering that circumstance perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “What's his name?” cried the Colonel. Strong named Mr. Pendennis again. + </p> + <p> + “Pendennis!—Pendennis be hanged!” Altamont roared out to the + surprise of every one, and thumping with his fist on the table. + </p> + <p> + “My name is also Pendennis, sir,” said the Major, whose dignity was + exceedingly mortified by the evening's events—that he, Major + Pendennis, should have been asked to such a party, and that a drunken man + should have been introduced to it. “My name is Pendennis, and I will be + obliged to you not to curse it too loudly.” + </p> + <p> + The tipsy man turned round to look at him, and as he looked, it appeared + as if Colonel Altamont suddenly grew sober. He put his hand across his + forehead, and in doing so, displaced somewhat the black wig which he wore; + and his eyes stared fiercely at the Major, who, in his turn, like a + resolute old warrior as he was, looked at his opponent very keenly and + steadily. At the end of the mutual inspection, Altamont began to button up + his brass-buttoned coat, and rising up from his chair, suddenly, and to + the company's astonishment, reeled towards the door, and issued from it, + followed by Strong: all that the latter heard him utter was—“Captain + Beak! Captain Beak, by jingo!” + </p> + <p> + There had not passed above a quarter of an hour from his strange + appearance to his equally sudden departure. The two young men and the + baronet's other guest wondered at the scene, and could find no explanation + for it. Clavering seemed exceedingly pale and agitated, and turned with + looks of almost terror towards Major Pendennis. The latter had been eyeing + his host keenly for a moment or two. “Do you know him?” asked Sir Francis + of the Major. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I have seen the fellow,” the Major replied, looking as if he, + too, was puzzled. “Yes, I have it. He was a deserter from the Horse + Artillery who got into the Nawaub's service. I remember his face quite + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Clavering, with a sigh which indicated immense relief of mind, + and the Major looked at him with a twinkle of his sharp old eyes. The cab + which Strong had desired to be called, drove away with the Chevalier and + Colonel Altamont; coffee was brought to the remaining gentlemen, and they + went upstairs to the ladies in the drawing-room, Foker declaring + confidentially to Pen that “this was the rummest go he ever saw,” which + decision Pen said, laughing, “Showed great discrimination on Mr. Foker's + part.” + </p> + <p> + Then, according to her promise, Miss Amory made music for the young men. + Foker was enraptured with her performance, and kindly joined in the airs + which she sang, when he happened to be acquainted with them. Pen affected + to talk aside with others of the party, but Blanche brought him quickly to + the piano, by singing some of his own words, those which we have given in + a previous number, indeed, and which the Sylphide had herself, she said, + set to music. I don't know whether the air was hers, or how much of it was + arranged for her by Signor Twankidillo, from whom she took lessons: but + good or bad, original or otherwise, it delighted Mr. Pen, who remained by + her side, and turned the leaves now for her most assiduously—“Gad! + how I wish I could write verses like you, Pen,” Foker sighed afterwards to + his companion. “If I could do 'em, wouldn't I, that's all? But I never was + a dab at writing, you see, and I'm sorry I was so idle when I was at + school.” + </p> + <p> + No mention was made before the ladies of the curious little scene which + had been transacted below-stairs; although Pen was just on the point of + describing it to Miss Amory, when that young lady inquired for Captain + Strong, who she wished should join her in a duet. But chancing to look up + towards Sir Francis Clavering, Arthur saw a peculiar expression of alarm + in the baronet's ordinarily vacuous face, and discreetly held his tongue. + It was rather a dull evening. Welbore went to sleep as he always did at + music and after dinner: nor did Major Pendennis entertain the ladies with + copious anecdotes and endless little scandalous stories, as his wont was, + but sate silent for the most part, and appeared to be listening to the + music, and watching the fair young performer. + </p> + <p> + The hour of departure having arrived the Major rose, regretting that so + delightful an evening should have passed away so quickly, and addressed a + particularly fine compliment to Miss Amory upon her splendid talents as a + singer. “Your daughter, Lady Clavering,” he said to that lady, “is a + perfect nightingale—a perfect nightingale, begad! I have scarcely + ever heard anything equal to her, and her pronunciation of every language—begad, + of every language—seems to me to be perfect; and the best houses in + London must open before a young lady who has such talents, and, allow an + old fellow to say, Miss Amory, such a face.” + </p> + <p> + Blanche was as much astonished by these compliments as Pen was, to whom + his uncle, a little time since, had been speaking in very disparaging + terms of the Sylph. The Major and the two young men walked home together, + after Mr. Foker had placed his mother in her carriage, and procured a + light for an enormous cigar. + </p> + <p> + The young gentleman's company or his tobacco did not appear to be + agreeable to Major Pendennis, who eyed him askance several times, and with + a look which plainly indicated that he wished Mr. Foker would take his + leave; but Foker hung on resolutely to the uncle and nephew, even until + they came to the former's door in Bury Street, where the Major wished the + lads good night. + </p> + <p> + “And I say, Pen,” he said in a confidential whisper, calling his nephew + back, “mind you make a point of calling in Grosvenor Place to-morrow. + They've been uncommonly civil; mons'ously civil and kind.” + </p> + <p> + Pen promised and wondered, and the Major's door having been closed upon + him by Morgan, Foker took Pen's arm, and walked with him for some time + silently puffing his cigar. At last, when they had reached Charing Cross + on Arthur's way home to the Temple, Harry Foker relieved himself, and + broke out with that eulogium upon poetry, and those regrets regarding a + misspent youth which have just been mentioned. And all the way along the + Strand, and up to the door of Pen's very staircase, in Lamb Court, Temple, + young Harry Foker did not cease to speak about singing and Blanche Amory. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. Relates to Mr. Harry Foker's Affairs + </h2> + <p> + Since that fatal but delightful night in Grosvenor Place, Mr. Harry + Foker's heart had been in such a state of agitation as you would hardly + have thought so great a philosopher could endure. When we remember what + good advice he had given to Pen in former days, how an early wisdom and + knowledge of the world had manifested itself in this gifted youth; how a + constant course of self-indulgence, such as becomes a gentleman of his + means and expectations, ought by right to have increased his cynicism, and + made him, with every succeeding day of his life, care less and less for + every individual in the world, with the single exception of Mr. Harry + Foker, one may wonder that he should fall into the mishap to which most of + us are subject once or twice in our lives, and disquiet his great mind + about a woman. But Foker, though early wise, was still a man. He could no + more escape the common lot than Achilles, or Ajax, or Lord Nelson, or Adam + our first father, and now, his time being come, young Harry became a + victim to Love, the All-conqueror. + </p> + <p> + When he went to the Back Kitchen that night after quitting Arthur + Pendennis at his staircase-door in Lamb Court, the gin-twist and devilled + turkey had no charms for him, the jokes of his companions fell flatly on + his ear; and when Mr. Hodgen, the singer of 'The Body Snatcher,' had a new + chant even more dreadful and humorous than that famous composition, Foker, + although he appeared his friend, and said “Bravo, Hodgen,” as common + politeness and his position as one of the chiefs of the Back Kitchen bound + him to do, yet never distinctly heard one word of the song, which under + its title of 'The Cat in the Cupboard,' Hodgen has since rendered so + famous. Late and very tired, he slipped into his private apartments at + home and sought the downy pillow, but his slumbers were disturbed by the + fever of his soul, and the very instant that he woke from his agitated + sleep, the image of Miss Amory presented itself to him, and said, “Here I + am, I am your princess and beauty, you have discovered me, and shall care + for nothing else hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + Heavens, how stale and distasteful his former pursuits and friendships + appeared to him! He had not been, up to the present time, much accustomed + to the society of females of his own rank in life. When he spoke of such, + he called them “modest women.” That virtue which, let us hope, they + possessed, had not hitherto compensated to Mr. Foker for the absence of + more lively qualities which most of his own relatives did not enjoy, and + which he found in Mesdemoiselles, the ladies of the theatre. His mother, + though good and tender, did not amuse her boy; his cousins, the daughters + of his maternal uncle, the respectable Earl of Rosherville, wearied him + beyond measure. One was blue, and a geologist; one was a horsewoman, and + smoked cigars; one was exceedingly Low Church, and had the most heterodox + views on religious matters; at least, so the other said, who was herself + of the very Highest Church faction, and made the cupboard in her room into + an oratory, and fasted on every Friday in the year. Their paternal house + of Drummington, Foker could very seldom be got to visit. He swore he had + rather go on the treadmill than stay there. He was not much beloved by the + inhabitants. Lord Erith, Lord Rosherville's heir, considered his cousin a + low person, of deplorably vulgar habits and manners; while Foker, and with + equal reason, voted Erith a prig and a dullard, the nightcap of the House + of Commons, the Speaker's opprobrium, the dreariest of philanthropic + spouters. Nor could George Robert, Earl of Gravesend and Rosherville, ever + forget that on one evening when he condescended to play at billiards with + his nephew, that young gentleman poked his lordship in the side with his + cue, and said, “Well, old cock, I've seen many a bad stroke in my life, + but I never saw such a bad one as that there.” He played the game out with + angelic sweetness of temper, for Harry was his guest as well as his + nephew; but he was nearly having a fit in the night; and he kept to his + own rooms until young Harry quitted Drummington on his return to Oxbridge, + where the interesting youth was finishing his education at the time when + the occurrence took place. It was an awful blow to the venerable earl; the + circumstance was never alluded to in the family; he shunned Foker whenever + he came to see them in London or in the country, and could hardly be + brought to gasp out a “How d'ye do?” to the young blasphemer. But he would + not break his sister Agnes's heart, by banishing Harry from the family + altogether; nor, indeed, could he afford to break with Mr. Foker, senior, + between whom and his lordship there had been many private transactions, + producing an exchange of bank-cheques from Mr. Foker, and autographs from + the earl himself, with the letters I O U written over his illustrious + signature. + </p> + <p> + Besides the four daughters of Lord Gravesend whose various qualities have + been enumerated in the former paragraph, his lordship was blessed with a + fifth girl, the Lady Ana Milton, who, from her earliest years and nursery, + had been destined to a peculiar position in life. It was ordained between + her parents and her aunt, that when Mr Harry Foker attained a proper age, + Lady Ann should become his wife. The idea had been familiar to her mind + when she yet wore pinafores, and when Harry the dirtiest of little boys, + used to come back with black eyes from school to Drummington, or to his + father's house of Logwood, where Lady Ann lived, much with her aunt. Both + of the young people coincided with the arrangement proposed by the elders, + without any protests or difficulty. It no more entered Lady Ann's mind to + question the order of her father, than it would have entered Esther's to + dispute the commands of Ahasuerus. The heir-apparent of the house of Foker + was also obedient, for when the old gentleman said, “Harry, your uncle and + I have agreed that when you're of a proper age, you'll marry Lady Ann. She + won't have any money, but she's good blood, and a good one to look at, and + I shall make you comfortable. If you refuse, you'll have your mother's + jointure, and two hundred a year during my life”—Harry, who knew + that his sire, though a man of few words, was yet implicitly to be + trusted, acquiesced at once in the parental decree, and said, “Well, sir, + if Ann's agreeable, I say ditto. She's not a bad-looking girl.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has the best blood in England, sir. Your mother's blood, your own + blood, sir,” said the Brewer. “There's nothing like it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, as you like it,” Harry replied. “When you want me, please ring + the bell. Only there's no hurry, and I hope you'll give us a long day. I + should like to have my fling out before I marry.” + </p> + <p> + “Fling away, Harry,” answered the benevolent father. “Nobody prevents you, + do they?” And so very little more was said upon this subject, and Mr. + Harry pursued those amusements in life which suited him best; and hung up + a little picture of his cousin in his sitting-room, amidst the French + prints, the favourite actresses and dancers, the racing and coaching works + of art, which suited his taste and formed his gallery. It was an + insignificant little picture, representing a simple round face with + ringlets; and it made, as it must be confessed, a very poor figure by the + side of Mademoiselle Petitot, dancing over a rainbow, or Mademoiselle + Redowa, grinning in red boots and a lancer's cap. + </p> + <p> + Being engaged and disposed of, Lady Ann Milton did not go out so much in + the world as her sisters: and often stayed at home in London at the + parental house in Gaunt Square, when her mamma with the other ladies went + abroad. They talked and they danced with one man after another, and the + men came and went, and the stories about them were various. But there was + only this one story about Ann: she was engaged to Harry Foker: she never + was to think about anybody else. It was not a very amusing story. + </p> + <p> + Well, the instant Foker awoke on the day after Lady Clavering's dinner, + there was Blanche's image glaring upon him with its clear grey eyes, and + winning smile. There was her tune ringing in his ears, “Yet round about + the spot, ofttimes I hover, ofttimes I hover,” which poor Foker began + piteously to hum, as he sat up in his bed under the crimson silken + coverlet. Opposite him was a French Print, of a Turkish lady and her Greek + lover, surprised by a venerable Ottoman, the lady's husband; on the other + wall was a French print of a gentleman and lady, riding and kissing each + other at full gallop; all round the chaste bedroom were more French + prints, either portraits of gauzy nymphs of the Opera, or lovely + illustrations of the novels; or mayhap, an English chef-d'oeuvre or two, + in which Miss Calverley of T. R. E. O. would be represented in tight + pantaloons in her favourite page part; or Miss Rougemont as Venus; their + value enhanced by the signatures of these ladies, Maria Calverley, or + Frederica Rougemont, inscribed underneath the prints in an exquisite + facsimile. Such were the pictures in which honest Harry delighted. He was + no worse than many of his neighbours; he was an idle jovial kindly fast + man about town; and if his rooms were rather profusely decorated with + works of French art, so that simple Lady Agnes, his mamma on entering the + apartments where her darling sate enveloped in fragrant clouds of Latakia, + was often bewildered by the novelties which she beheld there, why, it must + be remembered, that he was richer than most young men, and could better + afford to gratify his taste. + </p> + <p> + A letter from Miss Calverley written in a very degage style of spelling + and handwriting, scrawling freely over the filagree paper, and commencing + by calling Mr. Harry, her dear Hokey-pokey-fokey, lay on his bed table by + his side, amidst keys, sovereigns, cigar-cases, and a bit of verbena, + which Miss Amory had given him, and reminding him of the arrival of the + day when he was 'to stand that dinner at the Elefant and Castle, at + Richmond, which he had promised;' a card for a private box at Miss + Rougemont's approaching benefit, a bundle of tickets for 'Ben Budgeon's + night, the North Lancashire Pippin, at Martin Faunce's, the Three-cornered + Hat, in St. Martin's Lane; where Conkey Sam, Dick the Nailor, and Deadman + (the Worcestershire Nobber), would put on the gloves, and the lovers of + the good old British sport were invited to attend'—these and sundry + other memoirs of Mr. Foker's pursuits and pleasure lay on the table by his + side when he woke. + </p> + <p> + Ah! how faint all these pleasures seemed now. What did he care for Conkey + Sam or the Worcestershire Nobber? What for the French prints ogling him + from all sides of the room; those regular stunning slap-up out-and-outers? + And Calverley spelling bad, and calling him Hokey-fokey, confound her + impudence! The idea of being engaged to a dinner at the Elephant and + Castle at Richmond with that old woman (who was seven-and-thirty years + old, if she was a day) filled his mind with dreary disgust now, instead of + that pleasure which he had only yesterday expected to find from the + entertainment. + </p> + <p> + When his fond mamma beheld her boy that morning, she remarked on the + pallor of his cheek, and the general gloom of his aspect. “Why do you go + on playing billiards at that wicked Spratt's?” Lady Agnes asked. “My + dearest child, those billiards will kill you, I'm sure they will.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't the billiards,” Harry said, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “Then it's the dreadful Back Kitchen,” said the Lady Agnes. “I've often + thought, d'you know, Harry, of writing to the landlady, and begging that + she would have the kindness to put only very little wine in the negus + which you take, and see that you have your shawl on before you get into + your brougham.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, ma'am. Mrs Cutts is a most kind motley woman,” Harry said. “But it + isn't the Back Kitchen, neither,” he added, with a ghastly sigh. + </p> + <p> + As Lady Agnes never denied her son anything, and fell into all his ways + with the fondest acquiescence, she was rewarded by a perfect confidence on + young Harry's part, who never thought to disguise from her a knowledge of + the haunts which he frequented; and, on the contrary, brought her home + choice anecdotes from the clubs and billiard-rooms, which the simple lady + relished, if she did not understand. “My son goes to Spratt's,” she would + say to her confidential friends. “All the young men go to Spratt's after + their balls. It is de rigueur, my dear; and they play billiards as they + used to play macao and hazard in Mr. Fox's time. Yes, my dear father often + told me that they sate up always until nine o'clock the next morning with + Mr. Fox at Brookes's, whom I remember at Drnmmington, when I was a little + girl, in a buff waistcoat and black satin small-clothes. My brother Erith + never played as a young man, nor sate up late—he had no health for + it; but my boy must do as everybody does, you know. Yes, and then he often + goes to a place called the Back Kitchen, frequented by all the wits and + authors, you know, whom one does not see in society, but whom it is a + great privilege and pleasure for Harry to meet, and there he hears the + questions of the day discussed; and my dear father often said that it was + our duty to encourage literature, and he had hoped to see the late Dr. + Johnson at Drummington, only Dr. Johnson died. Yes, and Mr. Sheridan came + over, and drank a great deal of wine,—everybody drank a great deal + of wine in those days,—and papa's wine-merchant's bill was ten times + as much as Erith's is, who gets it as he wants it from Fortnum and Mason's + and doesn't keep any stock at all.” + </p> + <p> + “That was an uncommon good dinner we had yesterday, ma'am,” the artful + Harry broke out. “Their clear soup's better than ours. Moufflet will put + too much taragon into everything. The supreme de volaille was very good—uncommon, + and the sweets were better than Moufflet's sweets. Did you taste the + plombiere, ma'am, and the maraschino jelly? Stunningly good that + maraschino jelly!” + </p> + <p> + Lady Agnes expressed her agreement in these, as in almost all other + sentiments of her son, who continued the artful conversation, saying— + </p> + <p> + “Very handsome house that of the Claverings. Furniture, I should say, got + up regardless of expense. Magnificent display of plate, ma'am.” The lady + assented to all these propositions. + </p> + <p> + “Very nice people the Claverings.” + </p> + <p> + “H'm!” said Lady Agnes. + </p> + <p> + “I know what you mean. Lady C. ain't distangy exactly, but she is very + good-natured.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very,” mamma said, who was herself one of the most good-natured of + women. + </p> + <p> + “And Sir Francis, he don't talk much before ladies; but after dinner he + comes out uncommon strong, ma'am—a highly agreeable, well-informed + man. When will you ask them to dinner? Look out for an early day, ma'am;” + and looking into Lady Agnes's pocket-book, he chose a day only a fortnight + hence (an age that fortnight seemed to the young gentleman), when the + Claverings were to be invited to Grosvenor-street. + </p> + <p> + The obedient Lady Agnes wrote the required invitation. She was accustomed + to do so without consulting her husband, who had his own society and + habits, and who left his wife to see her own friends alone. Harry looked + at the card; but there was an omission in the invitation which did not + please him. + </p> + <p> + “You have not asked Miss Whatdyecallem—Miss Emery, Lady Clavering's + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that little creature!” Lady Agnes cried. “No! I think not, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “We must ask Miss Amory,” Foker said. “I—I want to ask Pendennis; + and—and he's very sweet upon her. Don't you think she sings very + well, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought her rather forward, and didn't listen to her singing. She only + sang at you and Mr. Pendennis, it seemed to me. But I will ask her if you + wish, Harry,” and so Miss Amory's name was written on the card with her + mother's. + </p> + <p> + This piece of diplomacy being triumphantly executed Harry embraced his + fond parent with the utmost affection, and retired to his own apartments + where he stretched himself on his ottoman, and lay brooding silently, + sighing for the day which was to bring the fair Miss Amory under his + paternal roof, and devising a hundred wild schemes for meeting her. + </p> + <p> + On his return from making the grand tour, Mr. Foker, Junior, had brought + with him a polyglot valet, who took the place of Stoopid, and condescended + to wait at dinner, attired in shirt fronts of worked muslin, with many + gold studs and chains, upon his master and the elders of the family. This + man, who was of no particular country, and spoke all languages + indifferently ill, made himself useful to Mr. Harry in a variety of ways,—read + all the artless youth's correspondence, knew his favourite haunts and the + addresses of his acquaintance, and officiated at the private dinners which + the young gentleman gave. As Harry lay upon his sofa after his interview + with his mamma, robed in a wonderful dressing-gown, and puffing his pipe + in gloomy silence, Anatole, too, must have remarked that something + affected his master's spirits; though he did not betray any ill-bred + sympathy with Harry's agitation of mind. When Harry began to dress himself + in his out-of-door morning costume, he was very hard indeed to please, and + particularly severe and snappish about his toilet: he tried, and cursed, + pantaloons of many different stripes, checks, and colours: all the boots + were villainously varnished; the shirts too “loud” in pattern. He scented + his linen and person with peculiar richness this day; and what must have + been the valet's astonishment, when, after some blushing and hesitation on + Harry's part, the young gentleman asked, “I say, Anatole, when I engaged + you, didn't you—hem—didn't you say that you could dress—hem—dress + hair?” + </p> + <p> + The valet said, “Yes, he could.” + </p> + <p> + “Cherchy alors une paire de tongs,—et—curly moi un peu,” Mr. + Foker said, in an easy manner; and the valet, wondering whether his master + was in love or was going masquerading, went in search of the articles,—first + from the old butler who waited upon Mr. Foker, senior, on whose bald pate + the tongs would have scarcely found a hundred hairs to seize, and finally + of the lady who had the charge of the meek auburn fronts of the Lady + Agnes. And the tongs being got, Monsieur Anatole twisted his young + master's locks until he had made Harry's head as curly as a negro's; after + which the youth dressed himself with the utmost care and splendour, and + proceeded to sally out. + </p> + <p> + “At what dime sall I order de drag, sir, to be to Miss Calverley's door, + sir?” the attendant whispered as his master was going forth. + </p> + <p> + “Confound her!—Put the dinner off—I can't go!” said Foker. + “No, hang it—I must go. Poyntz and Rougemont, and ever so many more + are coming. The drag at Pelham Corner at six o'clock, Anatole.” + </p> + <p> + The drag was not one of Mr. Foker's own equipages, but was hired from a + livery-stable for festive purposes; Foker, however, put his own carriage + into requisition that morning, and for what purpose does the kind reader + suppose? Why, to drive down to Lamb Court, Temple, taking Grosvenor Place + by the way (which lies in the exact direction of the Temple from Grosvenor + Street, as everybody knows), where he just had the pleasure of peeping + upwards at Miss Amory's pink window-curtains, having achieved which + satisfactory feat, he drove off to Pen's chambers. Why did he want to see + his dear friend Pen so much? Why did he yearn and long after him; and did + it seem necessary to Foker's very existence that he should see Pen that + morning, having parted with him in perfect health on the night previous? + Pen had lived two years in London, and Foker had not paid half a dozen + visits to his chambers. What sent him thither now in such a hurry? + </p> + <p> + What?—If any young ladies read this page, I have only to inform them + that, when the same mishap befalls them, which now had for more than + twelve hours befallen Harry Foker, people will grow interesting to them + for whom they did not care sixpence on the day before; as on the other + hand persons of whom they fancied themselves fond will be found to have + become insipid and disagreeable. Then you dearest Eliza, or Maria of the + other day, to whom you wrote letters and sent locks of hair yards long, + will on a sudden be as indifferent to you as your stupidest relation + whilst, on the contrary, about his relations you will begin to feel such a + warm interest! such a loving desire to ingratiate yourself with his mamma; + such a liking for that dear kind old man his father! If He is in the habit + of visiting at any house, what advances you will make in order to visit + there too. If He has a married sister you will like to spend long mornings + with her. You will fatigue your servant by sending notes to her, for which + there will be the most pressing occasion, twice or thrice in a day. You + will cry if your mamma objects to your going too often to see His family. + The only one of them you will dislike, is perhaps his younger brother, who + is at home for the holidays, and who will persist in staying in the room + when you come to see your dear new-found friend, his darling second + sister. Something like this will happen to you, young ladies, or, at any + rate, let us hope it may. Yes, you must go through the hot fits and the + cold fits of that pretty fever. Your mothers, if they would acknowledge + it, have passed through it before you were born, your dear papa being the + object of the passion, of course,—who could it be but he? And as you + suffer it, so will your brothers, in their way,—and after their + kind. More selfish than you: more eager and headstrong than you: they will + rush on their destiny when the doomed charmer makes her appearance. Or if + they don't, and you don't, Heaven help you! As the gambler said of his + dice, to love and win is the best thing, to love and lose is the next + best. You don't die of the complaint: or very few do. The generous wounded + heart suffers and survives it. And he is not a man, or she a woman, who is + not conquered by it, or who does not conquer it in his time.——Now, + then, if you ask why Henry Foker, Esquire, was in such a hurry to see + Arthur Pendennis, and felt such a sudden value and esteem for him, there + is no difficulty in saying it was because Pen had become really valuable + in Mr. Foker's eyes: because if Pen was not the rose, he yet had been near + that fragrant flower of love. Was not he in the habit of going to her + house in London? Did he not live near her in the country?—know all + about the enchantress? What, I wonder, would Lady Ann Milton, Mr. Foker's + cousin and pretendue, have said, if her ladyship had known all that was + going on in the bosom of that funny little gentleman? + </p> + <p> + Alas! when Foker reached Lamb Court, leaving his carriage for the + admiration of the little clerks who were lounging in the archway that + leads thence into Flag Court which leads into Upper Temple Lane, + Warrington was in the chambers but Pen was absent. Pen was gone to the + printing-office to see his proofs. “Would Foker have a pipe and should the + laundress go to the Cock and get him some beer?”—Warrington asked, + remarking with a pleased surprise the splendid toilet of this scented and + shiny-booted young aristocrat; but Foker had not the slightest wish for + beer or tobacco: he had very important business: he rushed away to the + Pall Mall Gazette office, still bent upon finding Pen. Pen had quitted + that pace. Foker wanted him that they might go together to call upon Lady + Clavering. Foker went away disconsolate, and whiled away an hour or two + vaguely at clubs: and when it was time to pay a visit, he thought it would + be but decent and polite to drive to Grosvenor Place and leave a card upon + Lady Clavering. He had not the courage to ask to see her when the door was + opened, he only delivered two cards, with Mr. Henry Foker engraved upon + them, to Jeames, in a speechless agony. Jeames received the tickets bowing + his powdered head. The varnished doors closed upon him. The beloved object + was as far as ever from him, though so near. He thought he heard the tones + of a piano and of a syren singing, coming from the drawing-room and + sweeping over the balcony-shrubbery of geraniums. He would have liked to + stop and listen, but it might not be. “Drive to Tattersall's,” he said to + the groom, in a voice smothered with emotion,—“And bring my pony + round,” he added, as the man drove rapidly away. + </p> + <p> + As good luck would have it, that splendid barouche of Lady Clavering's, + which has been inadequately described in a former chapter, drove up to her + ladyship's door just as Foker mounted the pony which was in waiting for + him. He bestrode the fiery animal, and dodged about the arch of the Green + Park, keeping the carriage well in view, until he saw Lady Clavering + enter, and with her—whose could be that angel form, but the + enchantress's, clad in a sort of gossamer, with a pink bonnet and a + light-blue parasol,—but Miss Amory? + </p> + <p> + The carriage took its fair owners to Madame Rigodon's cap and lace shop, + to Mrs Wolsey's Berlin worsted shop,—who knows to what other resorts + of female commerce? Then it went and took ices at Hunter's, for Lady + Clavering was somewhat florid in her tastes and amusements, and not only + liked to go abroad in the most showy carriage in London, but that the + public should see her in it too. And so, in a white bonnet with a yellow + feather, she ate a large pink ice in the sunshine before Hunter's door, + till Foker on his pony, and the red jacket who accompanied him, were + almost tired of dodging. + </p> + <p> + Then at last she made her way into the Park, and the rapid Foker made his + dash forward. What to do? Just to get a nod of recognition from Miss Amory + and her mother; to cross them a half-dozen times in the drive; to watch + and ogle them from the other side of the ditch, where the horsemen + assemble when the band plays in Kensington Gardens. What is the use of + looking at a woman in a pink bonnet across a ditch? What is the earthly + good to be got out of a nod of the head? Strange that men will be + contented with such pleasures, or if not contented, at least that they + will be so eager in seeking them. Not one word did Harry, he so fluent of + conversation ordinarily, change with his charmer on that day. Mutely he + beheld her return to her carriage, and drive away among rather ironical + salutes from the young men in the Park. One said that the Indian widow was + making the paternal rupees spin rapidly; another said that she ought to + have burned herself alive, and left the money to her daughter. This one + asked who Clavering was?—and old Tom Eales, who knew everybody, and + never missed a day in the Park on his grey cob, kindly said that Clavering + had come into an estate over head and heels in mortgage: that there were + dev'lish ugly stories about him when he was a young man, and that it was + reported of him that he had a share in a gambling-house, and had certainly + shown the white feather in his regiment. “He plays still; he is in a hell + every night almost,” Mr. Eales added. + </p> + <p> + “I should think so, since his marriage,” said a wag. + </p> + <p> + “He gives devilish good dinners,” said Foker, striking up for the honour + of his host of yesterday. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, and I daresay he doesn't ask Eales,” the wag said. “I say, + Eales, do you dine at Clavering's,—at the Begum's?” + </p> + <p> + “I dine there?” said Mr. Eales, who would have dined with Beelzebub if + sure of a good cook, and when he came away, would have painted his host + blacker than fate had made him. + </p> + <p> + “You might, you know, although you do abuse him so,” continued the wag. + “They say it's very pleasant. Clavering goes to sleep after dinner; the + Begum gets tipsy with cherry-brandy, and the young lady sings songs to the + young gentlemen. She sings well, don't she, Fo?” + </p> + <p> + “Slap up,” said Fo. “I tell you what, Poyntz, she sings like a + whatdyecallum—you know what I mean—like a mermaid, you know, + but that's not their name.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard a mermaid sing,” Mr. Poyntz, the wag, replied. “Whoever + heard a mermaid? Eales, you are an old fellow, did you?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't make a lark of me, hang it, Poyntz,” said Foker, turning red, and + with tears almost in his eyes, “you know what I mean: it's those + what's-his-names—in Homer, you know. I never said I was a good + scholar.” + </p> + <p> + “And nobody ever said it of you, my boy,” Mr. Poyntz remarked, and Foker + striking spurs into his pony, cantered away down Rotten Row, his mind + agitated with various emotions, ambitions, mortifications. He was sorry + that he had not been good at his books in early life—that he might + have cut out all those chaps who were about her, and who talked the + languages, and wrote poetry, and painted pictures in her album, and—and + that—“What am I,” thought little Foker, “compared to her? She's all + soul, she is, and can write poetry or compose music, as easy as I could + drink a glass of beer. Beer?—damme, that's all I'm fit for, is beer. + I am a poor, ignorant little beggar, good for nothing but Foker's Entire. + I misspent my youth, and used to get the chaps to do my exercises. And + what's the consequences now? Oh, Harry Foker, what a confounded little + fool you have been!” + </p> + <p> + As he made this dreary soliloquy, he had cantered out of Rotten Row into + the Park, and there was on the point of riding down a large old roomy + family carriage, of which he took no heed, when a cheery voice cried out, + “Harry, Harry!” and looking up, he beheld his aunt, the Lady Rosherville, + and two of her daughters, of whom the one who spoke was Harry's betrothed, + the Lady Ann. + </p> + <p> + He started back with a pale, scared look, as a truth about which he had + not thought during the whole day, came across him. There was his fate, + there, in the back seat of that carriage. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, Harry? why are you so pale? You have been raking and + smoking too much, you wicked boy,” said Lady Ann. + </p> + <p> + Foker said, “How do, aunt,” “How do, Ann,” in a perturbed manner—muttered + something about a pressing engagement,—indeed he saw by the Park + clock that he must have been keeping his party in the drag waiting for + nearly an hour—and waved a good-bye. The little man and the little + pony were out of sight in an instant—the great carriage rolled away. + Nobody inside was very much interested about his coming or going; the + Countess being occupied with her spaniel, the Lady Lucy's thoughts and + eyes being turned upon a volume of sermons, and those of the Lady Ann upon + a new novel, which the sisters had just procured from the library. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. Carries the Reader both to Richmond and Greenwich + </h2> + <p> + Poor Foker found the dinner at Richmond to be the most dreary + entertainment upon which ever mortal man wasted his guineas. “I wonder how + the deuce I could ever have liked these people,” he thought in his own + mind. “Why, I can see the crow's-feet under Rougemont's eyes, and the + paint on her cheeks is laid on as thick as Clown's in a pantomime! The way + in which that Calverley talks slang, is quite disgusting. I hate chaff in + a woman. And old Colchicum! that old Col, coming down here in his + brougham, with his coronet on it, and sitting bodkin between Mademoiselle + Coralie and her mother! It's too bad. An English peer, and a horse-rider + of Franconi's!—It won't do; by Jove, it won't do. I ain't proud; but + it will not do!” + </p> + <p> + “Twopence-halfpenny for your thoughts, Fokey!” cried out Miss Rougemont, + taking her cigar from her truly vermilion lips, as she beheld the young + fellow lost in thought, seated at the head of his table, amidst melting + ices, and cut pineapples, and bottles full and empty, and cigar-ashes + scattered on fruit, and the ruins of a dessert which had no pleasure for + him. + </p> + <p> + “Does Foker ever think?” drawled out Mr. Poyntz. “Foker, here is a + considerable sum of money offered by a fair capitalist at this end of the + table for the present emanations of your valuable and acute intellect, old + boy!” + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce is that Poyntz a talking about?” Miss Calverley asked of + her neighbour. “I hate him. He's a drawlin', sneerin' beast.” + </p> + <p> + “What a droll of a little man is that little Fokare, my lor',” + Mademoiselle Coralie said, in her own language, and with the rich twang of + that sunny Gascony in which her swarthy cheeks and bright black eyes had + got their fire. “What a droll of a man! He does not look to have twenty + years.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I were of his age,” said the venerable Colchicum, with a sigh, as + he inclined his purple face towards a large goblet of claret. + </p> + <p> + “C'te Jeunesse. Peuh! je m'en fiche” said Madame Brack, Coralie's mamma, + taking a great pinch out of Lord Colchicum's delicate gold snuff-box. “Je + m'aime que les hommes faits, moi. Comme milor. Coralie! n'est-ce pas que + tu n'aimes que les hommes faits, ma bichette?” + </p> + <p> + My lord said, with a grin, “You flatter me, Madame Brack.” + </p> + <p> + “Taisez-vous, Maman, vous n'etes qu'une bete,” Coralie cried, with a shrug + of her robust shoulders; upon which, my lord said that she did not flatter + at any rate; and pocketed his snuff-box, not desirous that Madame Brack's + dubious fingers should plunge too frequently into his Mackabaw. + </p> + <p> + There is no need to give a prolonged detail of the animated conversation + which ensued during the rest of the banquet; a conversation which would + not much edify the reader. And it is scarcely necessary to say, that all + ladies of the corps de dance are not like Miss Calverley, any more than + that all peers resemble that illustrious member of their order, the late + lamented Viscount Colchicum. But there have been such in our memories who + have loved the society of riotous youth better than the company of men of + their own age and rank, and have given the young ones the precious benefit + of their experience and example; and there have been very respectable men + too who have not objected so much to the kind of entertainment as to the + publicity of it. I am sure, for instance, that our friend Major Pendennis + would have made no sort of objection to join a party of pleasure, + provided that it were en petit comite, and that such men as my Lord Steyne + and my Lord Colchicum were of the society. “Give the young men their + pleasures,” this worthy guardian said to Pen more than once. “I'm not one + of your strait-laced moralists, but an old man of the world, begad; and I + know that as long as it lasts young men will be young men.” And there were + some young men to whom this estimable philosopher accorded about seventy + years as the proper period for sowing their wild oats: but they were men + of fashion. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Foker drove his lovely guests home to Brompton in the drag that night; + but he was quite thoughtful and gloomy during the whole of the little + journey from Richmond; neither listening to the jokes of the friends + behind him and on the box by his side nor enlivening them as was his wont, + by his own facetious sallies. And when the ladies whom he had conveyed + alighted at the door of their house, and asked their accomplished coachman + whether he would not step in and take something to drink, he declined with + so melancholy an air, that they supposed that the Governor and he had had + a difference or that some calamity had befallen him; and he did not tell + these people what the cause of his grief was, but left Mesdames Rougemont + and Calverley, unheeding the cries of the latter, who hung over her + balcony like Jezebel, and called out to him to ask him to give another + party soon. + </p> + <p> + He sent the drag home under the guidance of one of the grooms, and went on + foot himself; his hands in his pockets, plunged in thought. The stars and + moon shining tranquilly overhead, looked down upon Mr. Foker that night, + as he in his turn sentimentally regarded them. And he went and gazed + upwards at the house in Grosvenor Place, and at the windows which he + supposed to be those of the beloved object; and he moaned and he sighed in + a way piteous and surprising to witness, which Policeman X did, who + informed Sir Francis Clavering's people, as they took the refreshment of + beer on the coach-box at the neighbouring public-house, after bringing + home their lady from the French play, that there had been another chap + hanging about the premises that evening—a little chap, dressed like + a swell. + </p> + <p> + And now with that perspicuity and ingenuity and enterprise which only + belongs to a certain passion, Mr. Foker began to dodge Miss Amory through + London, and to appear wherever he could meet her. If Lady Clavering went + to the French play, where her ladyship had a box, Mr. Foker, whose + knowledge of the language, as we have heard, was not conspicuous, appeared + in a stall. He found out where her engagements were (it is possible that + Anatole, his man, was acquainted with Sir Francis Clavering's gentleman, + and so got a sight of her ladyship's engagement-book), and at many of + these evening parties Mr. Foker made his appearance—to the surprise + of the world, and of his mother especially, whom he ordered to apply for + cards to these parties, for which until now he had shown a supreme + contempt. He told the pleased and unsuspicious lady that he went to + parties because it was right for him to see the world: he told her that he + went to the French play because he wanted to perfect himself in the + language, and there was no such good lesson as a comedy or vaudeville,—and + when one night the astonished Lady Agnes saw him stand up and dance, and + complimented him upon his elegance and activity, the mendacious little + rogue asserted that he had learned to dance in Paris, whereas Anatole knew + that his young master used to go off privily to an academy in Brewer + Street, and study there for some hours in the morning. The casino of our + modern days was not invented, or was in its infancy as yet; and gentlemen + of Mr. Foker's time had not the facilities of acquiring the science of + dancing which are enjoyed by our present youth. + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis seldom missed going to church. He considered it to be his + duty as a gentleman to patronise the institution of public worship and + that it was quite a correct thing to be seen at church of a Sunday. One + day it chanced that he and Arthur went thither together: the latter, who + was now in high favour, had been to breakfast with his uncle, from whose + lodging they walked across the park to a church not far from Belgrave + Square. There was a charity sermon at Saint James's, as the Major knew by + the bills posted on the pillars of his parish church, which probably + caused him, for he was a thrifty man, to forsake it for that day: besides + he had other views for himself and Pen. “We will go to church, sir, across + the Park; and then, begad, we will go to the Claverings' house and ask + them for lunch in a friendly way. Lady Clavering likes to be asked for + lunch, and is uncommonly kind, and monstrous hospitable.” + </p> + <p> + “I met them at dinner last week, at Lady Agnes Foker's, sir,” Pen said, + “and the Begum was very kind indeed. So she was in the country: so she is + everywhere. But I share your opinion about Miss Amory; one of your + opinions, that is, uncle, for you were changing the last time we spoke + about her.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think of her now?” the elder said. + </p> + <p> + “I think her the most confounded little flirt in London,” Pen answered, + laughing “She made a tremendous assault upon Harry Foker, who sat next to + her; and to whom she gave all the talk, though I took her down.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! Henry Foker is engaged to his cousin all the world knows it: not a + bad coup of Lady Rosherville's, that. I should say, that the young man at + his father's death, and old Foker's life's devilish bad: you know he had a + fit at Arthur's, last year: I should say, that young Foker won't have less + than fourteen thousand a year from the brewery, besides Logwood and + Norfolk property. I've no pride about me, Pen. I like a man of birth + certainly, but dammy, I like a brewery which brings in a man fourteen + thousand a year; hey, Pen? Ha, ha, that's the sort of man for me. And I + recommend you now that you are lanced in the world, to stick to fellows of + that sort, to fellows who have a stake in the country, begad.” + </p> + <p> + “Foker sticks to me, sir,” Arthur answered. “He has been at our chambers + several times lately. He has asked me to dinner. We are almost as great + friends, as we used to be in our youth: and his talk is about Blanche + Amory from morning till night. I'm sure he's sweet upon her.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure he is engaged to his cousin, and that they will keep the young + man to his bargain,” said the Major. “The marriages in these families are + affairs of state. Lady Agnes was made to marry old Foker by the late Lord, + although she was notoriously partial to her cousin who was killed at + Albuera afterwards, and who saved her life out of the lake at Drummington. + I remember Lady Agnes, sir, an exceedingly fine woman. But what did she + do?—of course she married her father's man. Why, Mr. Foker sate for + Drummington till the Reform Bill, and paid dev'lish well for his seat, + too. And you may depend upon this, sir, that Foker senior, who is a + parvenu, and loves a great man, as all parvenus do, has ambitious views + for his son as well as himself, and that your friend Harry must do as his + father bids him. Lord bless you! I've known a hundred cases of love in + young men and women: hey, Master Arthur, do you take me? They kick, sir, + they resist, they make a deuce of a riot and that sort of thing, but they + end by listening to reason, begad.” + </p> + <p> + “Blanche is a dangerous girl, sir,” Pen said. “I was smitten with her + myself once, and very far gone, too,” he added; “but that is years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Were you? How far did it go? Did she return it?” asked the Major, looking + hard at Pen. + </p> + <p> + Pen, with a laugh, said “that at one time he did think he was pretty well + in Miss Amory's good graces. But my mother did not like her, and the + affair went off.” Pen did not think it fit to tell his uncle all the + particulars of that courtship which had passed between himself and the + young lady. + </p> + <p> + “A man might go farther and fare worse, Arthur,” the Major said, still + looking queerly at his nephew. + </p> + <p> + “Her birth, sir; her father was the mate of a ship, they say: and she has + not money enough,” objected Pen, in a dandified manner. “What's ten + thousand pound and a girl bred up like her?” + </p> + <p> + “You use my own words, and it is all very well. But, I tell you in + confidence, Pen,—in strict honour, mind,—that it's my belief + she has a devilish deal more than ten thousand pound: and from what I saw + of her the other day, and—and have heard of her—I should say + she was a devilish accomplished, clever girl: and would make a good wife + with a sensible husband.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know about her money?” Pen asked, smiling. “You seem to have + information about everybody, and to know about all the town.” + </p> + <p> + “I do know a few things, sir, and I don't tell all I know. Mark that,” the + uncle replied. “And as for that charming Miss Amory,—for charming, + begad! she is,—if I saw her Mrs. Arthur Pendennis, I should neither + be sorry nor surprised, begad! and if you object to ten thousand pound, + what would you say, sir, to thirty, or forty, or fifty?” and the Major + looked still more knowingly, and still harder at Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” he said to his godfather and namesake, “make her Mrs. Arthur + Pendennis. You can do it as well as I.” + </p> + <p> + “Psha! you are laughing at me, sir,” the other replied rather peevishly, + “and you ought not to laugh so near a church gate. Here we are at St. + Benedict's. They say Mr. Oriel is a beautiful preacher.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the bells were tolling, the people were trooping into the handsome + church, the carriages of the inhabitants of the lordly quarter poured + forth their pretty loads of devotees, in whose company Pen and his uncle, + ending their edifying conversation, entered the fane. I do not know + whether other people carry their worldly affairs to the church door. + Arthur, who, from habitual reverence and feeling, was always more than + respectful in a place of worship, thought of the incongruity of their + talk, perhaps; whilst the old gentleman at his side was utterly + unconscious of any such contrast. His hat was brushed: his wig was trim: + his neckcloth was perfectly tied. He looked at every soul in the + congregation, it is true: the bald heads and the bonnets, the flowers and + the feathers: but so demurely that he hardly lifted up his eyes from his + book—from his book which he could not read without glasses. As for + Pen's gravity, it was sorely put to the test when, upon looking by chance + towards the seats where the servants were collected, he spied out, by the + side of a demure gentleman in plush, Henry Foker, Esquire, who had + discovered this place of devotion. Following the direction of Harry's eye, + which strayed a good deal from his book, Pen found that it alighted upon a + yellow bonnet and a pink one: and that these bonnets were on the heads of + Lady Clavering and Blanche Amory. If Pen's uncle is not the only man who + has talked about his worldly affairs up to the church door, is poor Harry + Foker the only one who has brought his worldly love into the aisle? + </p> + <p> + When the congregation issued forth at the conclusion of the service, Foker + was out amongst the first, but Pen came up with him presently, as he was + hankering about the entrance, which he was unwilling to leave, until my + lady's barouche, with the bewigged coachman, had borne away its mistress + and her daughter from their devotions. + </p> + <p> + When the two ladies came out, they found together the Pendennises, uncle + and nephew, and Harry Foker, Esquire, sucking the crook of his stick, + standing there in the sunshine. To see and to ask to eat were simultaneous + with the good-natured Begum, and she invited the three gentlemen to + luncheon straightway. + </p> + <p> + Blanche was, too, particularly gracious. “O! do come,” she said to Arthur, + “if you are not too great a man. I want so to talk to you about—but + we mustn't say what, here, you know. What would Mr. Oriel say?” And the + young devotee jumped into the carriage after her mamma.—“I've read + every word of it. It's adorable,” she added, still addressing herself to + Pen. + </p> + <p> + “I know who is,” said Mr. Arthur, making rather a pert bow. + </p> + <p> + “What's the row about?” asked Mr. Foker, rather puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose Miss Clavering means 'Walter Lorraine,'” said the Major, + looking knowing, and nodding at Pen. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so, sir. There was a famous review in the Pall Mall this + morning. It was Warrington's doing though, and I must not be too proud.” + </p> + <p> + “A review in Pall Mall?—Walter Lorraine? What the doose do you + mean?” Foker asked. “Walter Lorraine died of the measles, poor little + beggar, when we were at Grey Friars. I remember his mother coming up.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not a literary man, Foker,” Pen said, laughing, and hooking his + arm into his friend's. “You must know I have been writing a novel, and + some of the papers have spoken very well of it. Perhaps you don't read the + Sunday Papers?” + </p> + <p> + “I read Bell's Life regular, old boy,” Mr Foker answered: at which Pen + laughed again, and the three gentlemen proceeded in great good-humour to + Lady Clavering's house. + </p> + <p> + The subject of the novel was resumed after luncheon by Miss Amory, who + indeed loved poets and men of letters if she loved anything, and was + sincerely an artist in feeling. “Some of the passages in the book made me + cry, positively they did,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Pen said, with some fatuity, “I am happy to think I have a part of vos + larmes, Miss Blanche,”—and the Major (who had not read more than six + pages of Pen's book) put on his sanctified look, saying, “Yes, there are + some passages quite affecting, mons'ous affecting:” and,—“Oh, if it + makes you cry,”—Lady Amory declared she would not read it, “that she + wouldn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't, mamma,” Blanche said, with a French shrug of her shoulders; and + then she fell into a rhapsody about the book, about the snatches of poetry + interspersed in it about the two heroines, Leonora and Neaera; about the + two heroes, Walter Lorraine and his rival the young Duke—“and what + good company you introduce us to,” said the young lady archly “quel ton! + How much of your life have you passed at court, and are you a prime + minister's son, Mr. Arthur?” + </p> + <p> + Pen began to laugh—“It is as cheap for a novelist to create a Duke + as to make a Baronet,” he said. “Shall I tell you a secret, Miss Amory? I + promoted all my characters at the request of the publisher. The young Duke + was only a young Baron when the novel was first written; his false friend, + the Viscount, was a simple commoner and so on with all the characters of + the story.” + </p> + <p> + “What a wicked, satirical, pert young man you have become! Comme vous + voila forme!” said the young lady. “How different from Arthur Pendennis of + the country! Ah! I think I like Arthur Pendennis of the country best, + though!” and she gave him the full benefit of her eyes,—both of the + fond appealing glance into his own, and of the modest look downwards + towards the carpet, which showed off her dark eyelids and long fringed + lashes. + </p> + <p> + Pen of course protested that he had not changed in the least, to which the + young lady replied by a tender sigh; and thinking that she had done quite + enough to make Arthur happy or miserable (as the case might be), she + proceeded to cajole his companion, Mr. Harry Foker, who during the + literary conversation had sate silently imbibing the head of his cane, and + wishing that he was a clever chap like that Pen. + </p> + <p> + If the Major thought that by telling Miss Amory of Mr. Foker's engagement + to his cousin, Lady Ann Milton (which information the old gentleman neatly + conveyed to the girl as he sate by her side at luncheon below-stairs),—if, + we say, the Major thought that the knowledge of this fact would prevent + Blanche from paying any further attention to the young heir of Foker's + Entire, he was entirely mistaken. She became only the more gracious to + Foker: she praised him, and everything belonging to him; she praised his + mamma; she praised the pony which he rode in the Park; she praised the + lovely breloques or gimcracks which the young gentleman wore at his + watch-chain, and that dear little darling of a cane, and those dear little + delicious monkeys' heads with ruby eyes, which ornamented Harry's shirt, + and formed the buttons of his waistcoat. And then, having praised and + coaxed the weak youth until he blushed and tingled with pleasure, and + until Pen thought she really had gone quite far enough, she took another + theme. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid Mr. Foker is a very sad young man,” she said, turning round + to Pen. + </p> + <p> + “He does not look so,” Pen answered with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “I mean we have heard sad stories about him. Haven't we, mamma? What was + Mr. Poyntz saying here, the other day, about that party at Richmond? O you + naughty creature!” But here, seeing that Harry's countenance assumed a + great expression of alarm, while Pen's wore a look of amusement, she + turned to the latter and said, “I believe you are just as bad: I believe + you would have liked to have been there,—wouldn't you? I know you + would: yes—and so should I.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor, Blanche!” mamma cried. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I would. I never saw an actress in my life. I would give anything + to know one; for I adore talent. And I adore Richmond, that I do; and I + adore Greenwich, and I say, I should like to go there.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should not we three bachelors,” the Major here broke out, gallantly, + and to his nephew's special surprise, “beg these ladies to honour us with + their company at Greenwich? Is Lady Clavering to go on for ever being + hospitable to us, and may we make no return? Speak for yourselves, young + men,—eh, begad! Here is my nephew, with his pockets full of money—his + pockets full, begad! and Mr. Henry Foker, who, as I have heard say, is + pretty well to do in the world,—how is your lovely cousin, Lady Ann, + Mr. Foker?—here are these two young ones,—and they allow an + old fellow like me to speak. Lady Clavering, will you do me the favour to + be my guest? and Miss Blanche shall be Arthur's, if she will be so good.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, delightful!” cried Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “I like a bit of fun too,” said Lady Clavering; and we will take some day + when Sir Francis——” + </p> + <p> + “When Sir Francis dines out,—yes, mamma,” the daughter said, “it + will be charming.” + </p> + <p> + And a charming day it was. The dinner was ordered at Greenwich, and Foker, + though he did not invite Miss Amory, had some delicious opportunities of + conversation with her during the repast, and afterwards on the balcony of + their room at the hotel, and again during the drive home in her ladyship's + barouche. Pen came down with his uncle, in Sir Hugh Trumpington's + brougham, which the Major borrowed for the occasion. “I am an old soldier, + begad,” he said, “and I learned in early life to make myself comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + And, being an old soldier, he allowed the two young men to pay for the + dinner between them, and all the way home in the brougham he rallied Pen, + about Miss Amory's evident partiality for him: praised her good looks, + spirits, and wit: and again told Pen in the strictest confidence, that she + would be a devilish deal richer than people thought. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. Contains a novel Incident + </h2> + <p> + Some account has been given, in a former part of this story, how Mr. Pen, + during his residence at home, after his defeat at Oxbridge, had occupied + himself with various literary compositions, and amongst other works, had + written the greater part of a novel. This book, written under the + influence of his youthful embarrassments, amatory and pecuniary, was of a + very fierce, gloomy, and passionate sort,—the Byronic despair, the + Wertherian despondency, the mocking bitterness of Mephistopheles of Faust, + were all reproduced and developed in the character of the hero; for our + youth had just been learning the German language, and imitated, as almost + all clever lads do, his favourite poets and writers. Passages in the + volumes once so loved, and now read so seldom, still bear the mark of the + pencil with which he noted them in those days. Tears fell upon the leaf of + the book, perhaps, or blistered the pages of his manuscript as the + passionate young man dashed his thoughts down. If he took up the books + afterwards he had no ability or wish to sprinkle the leaves with that + early dew of former times: his pencil was no longer eager to score its + marks of approval: but as he looked over the pages of his manuscript, he + remembered what had been overflowing feelings which had caused him to blot + it, and the pain which had inspired the line. If the secret history of + books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and meanings + noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become + interesting, and dull tales excite the reader! Many a bitter smile passed + over Pen's face as he read his novel, and recalled the time and feelings + which gave it birth. How pompous some of the grand passages appeared; and + how weak were others in which he thought he had expressed his full heart! + This page was imitated from a then favourite author, as he could now + clearly see and confess, though he had believed himself to be writing + originally then. As he mused over certain lines he recollected the place + and hour where he wrote them: the ghost of the dead feeling came back as + he mused, and he blushed to review the faint image. And what meant those + blots on the page? As you come in the desert to a ground where camels' + hoofs are marked in the clay, and traces of withered herbage are yet + visible, you know that water was there once; so the place in Pen's mind + was no longer green, and the fons lacrymarum was dried up. + </p> + <p> + He used this simile one morning to Warrington, as the latter sate over his + pipe and book, and Pen, with much gesticulation according to his wont when + excited, and with a bitter laugh, thumped his manuscript down on the + table, making the tea-things rattle, and, the blue milk dance in the jug. + On the previous night he had taken the manuscript out of a long-neglected + chest, containing old shooting jackets, old Oxbridge scribbling-books, his + old surplice, and battered cap and gown, and other memorials of youth, + school, and home. He read in the volume in bed until he fell asleep, for + the commencement of the tale was somewhat dull, and he had come home tired + from a London evening party. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove!” said Pen, thumping down his papers, “when I think that these + were written but very few years ago, I am ashamed of my memory. I wrote + this when I believed myself be eternally in love with that little + coquette, Miss Amory. I used to carry down verses to her, and put them + into the hollow of a tree, and dedicate them 'Amori.'” + </p> + <p> + “That was a sweet little play upon words,” Warrington remarked, with a + puff “Amory—Amori. It showed proof of scholarship. Let us hear a bit + of the rubbish.” And he stretched over from his easy-chair, and caught + hold of Pen's manuscript with the fire-tongs, which he was just using in + order to put a coal into his pipe. Thus, in possession of the volume, he + began to read out from the 'Leaves from the Life-book of Walter Lorraine.' + </p> + <p> + “'False as thou art beautiful! heartless as thou art fair! mockery of + Passion!' Walter cried, addressing Leonora; 'what evil spirit hath sent + thee to torture me so? O Leonora.——'” + </p> + <p> + “Cut that part,” cried out Pen, making a dash at the book, which, however, + his comrade would not release. “Well! don't read it out at any rate. + That's about my other flame, my first—Lady Mirabel that is now. I + saw her last night at Lady Whiston's. She asked me to a party at her + house, and said that, as old friends, we ought to meet oftener. She has + been seeing me any time these two years in town, and never thought of + inviting me before; but seeing Wenham talking to me, and Monsieur Dubois, + the French literary man, who had a dozen orders on, and might have passed + for a Marshal of France, she condescended to invite me. The Claverings are + to be there on the same evening. Won't it be exciting to meet one's two + flames at the same table?” + </p> + <p> + “Two flames!—two heaps of burnt-out cinders,” Warrington said. “Are + both the beauties in this book?” + </p> + <p> + “Both, or something like them,” Pen said. “Leonora, who marries the Duke, + is the Fotheringay. I drew the Duke from Magnus Charters, with whom I was + at Oxford; it's a little like him; and Miss Amory is Neaera. By gad, that + first woman! I thought of her as I walked home from Lady Whiston's in the + moonlight; and the whole early scenes came back to me as if they had been + yesterday. And when I got home, I pulled out the story which I wrote about + her and the other three years ago: do you know, outrageous as it is, it + has some good stuff in it, and if Bungay won't publish it, I think Bacon + will.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the way of poets,” said Warrington. “They fall in love, jilt, or + are jilted; they suffer and they cry out that they suffer more than any + other mortals: and when they have experienced feelings enough they note + them down in a book, and take the book to market. All poets are humbugs, + all literary men are humbugs; directly a man begins to sell his feelings + for money he's a humbug. If a poet gets a pain in his side from too good a + dinner, he bellows Ai Ai louder than Prometheus.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose a poet has a greater sensibility than another man,” said Pen, + with some spirit. “That is what makes him a poet. I suppose that he sees + and feels more keenly: it is that which makes him speak, of what he feels + and sees. You speak eagerly enough in your leading articles when you espy + a false argument in an opponent, or detect a quack in the House. Paley, + who does not care for anything else in the world, will talk for an hour + about a question of law. Give another the privilege which you take + yourself, and the free use of his faculty, and let him be what nature has + made him. Why should not a man sell his sentimental thoughts as well as + you your political ideas, or Paley his legal knowledge? Each alike is a + matter of experience and practice. It is not money which causes you to + perceive a fallacy, or Paley to argue a point; but a natural or acquired + aptitude for that kind of truth: and a poet sets down his thoughts and + experiences upon paper as a painter does a landscape or a face upon + canvas, to the best of his ability, and according to his particular gift. + If ever I think I have the stuff in me to write an epic, by Jove I will + try If I only feel that I am good enough to crack a joke or tell a story, + I will do that.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bad speech, young one,” Warrington said, “but that does not prevent + all poets from being humbugs.” + </p> + <p> + “What—Homer, Aeschylus, Shakspeare and all?” + </p> + <p> + “Their names are not to be breathed in the same sense with you pigmies,” + Mr. Warrington said: “there are men and men, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Shakspeare was a man who wrote for money, just as you and I do,” + Pen answered, at which Warrington confounded his impudence, and resumed + his pipe and his manuscript. + </p> + <p> + There was not the slightest doubt then that this document contained a + great deal of Pen's personal experiences, and that 'Leaves from the + Life-book of Walter Lorraine' would never have been written but for Arthur + Pendennis's own private griefs, passions, and follies. As we have become + acquainted with these in the first volume of his biography, it will not be + necessary to make large extracts from the novel of 'Walter Lorraine,' in + which the young gentleman had depicted such of them as he thought were + likely to interest the reader, or were suitable for the purpose of his + story. + </p> + <p> + Now, though he had kept it in his box for nearly half of the period during + which, according to the Horatian maxim, a work of art ought to lie + ripening (a maxim, the truth of which may, by the way, be questioned + altogether), Mr. Pen had not buried his novel for this time, in order that + the work might improve, but because he did not know where else to bestow + it, or had no particular desire to see it. A man who thinks of putting + away a composition for ten years before he shall give it to the world, or + exercise his own maturer judgment upon it, had best be very sure of the + original strength and durability of the work; otherwise on withdrawing it + from its crypt he may find, that like small wine it has lost what flavour + it once had, and is only tasteless when opened. There are works of all + tastes and smacks, the small and the strong, those that improve by age, + and those that won't bear keeping at all, but are pleasant at the first + draught, when they refresh and sparkle. + </p> + <p> + Now Pen had never any notion, even in the time of his youthful + inexperience and fervour of imagination, that the story he was writing was + a masterpiece of composition, or that he was the equal of the great + authors whom he admired; and when he now reviewed his little performance, + he was keenly enough alive to its faults, and pretty modest regarding its + merits. It was not very good, he thought; but it was as good as most books + of the kind that had the run of circulating libraries and the career of + the season. He had critically examined more than one fashionable novel by + the authors of the day then popular, and he thought that his intellect was + as good as theirs and that he could write the English language as well as + those ladies or gentlemen; and as he now ran over his early performance, + he was pleased to find here and there passages exhibiting both fancy and + vigour, and traits, if not of genius, of genuine passion and feeling. + This, too, was Warrington's verdict, when that severe critic, after half + an hour's perusal of the manuscript, and the consumption of a couple of + pipes of tobacco, laid Pen's book down, yawning portentously. “I can't + read any more of that balderdash now,” he said; “but it seems to me there + is some good stuff in it, Pen, my boy. There's a certain greenness and + freshness in it which I like somehow. The bloom disappears off the face of + poetry after you begin to shave. You can't get up that naturalness and + artless rosy tint in after days. Your cheeks are pale, and have got faded + by exposure to evening parties, and you are obliged to take curling-irons, + and macassar, and the deuce-knows-what to your whiskers; they curl + ambrosially, and you are very grand and genteel, and so forth; but, ah! + Pen, the spring-time was the best.” + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce have my whiskers to do with the subject in hand?” Pen said + (who, perhaps, may have been nettled by Warrington's allusion to those + ornaments, which, to say the truth, the young man coaxed, and curled, and + oiled, and perfumed, and petted, in rather an absurd manner). “Do you + think we can do anything with 'Walter Lorraine'? Shall we take him to the + publishers, or make an auto-da-fe of him?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see what is the good of incremation,” Warrington said, “though I + have a great mind to put him into the fire, to punish your atrocious + humbug and hypocrisy. Shall I burn him indeed? You have much too great a + value for him to hurt a hair of his head.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I? Here goes,” said Pen, and 'Walter Lorraine' went off the table, + and was flung on to the coals. But the fire having done its duty of + boiling the young man's breakfast-kettle, had given up work for the day, + and had gone out, as Pen knew very well; Warrington with a scornful smile, + once more took up the manuscript with the tongs from out of the harmless + cinders. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Pen, what a humbug you are!” Warrington said; “and what is worst of + all, sir, a clumsy humbug. I saw you look to see that the fire was out + before you sent 'Walter Lorraine' behind the bars. No, we won't burn him: + we will carry him to the Egyptians, and sell him. We will exchange him + away for money, yea, for silver and gold, and for beef and for liquors, + and for tobacco and for raiment. This youth will fetch some price in the + market; for he is a comely lad, though not over strong; but we will fatten + him up and give him the bath, and curl his hair, and we will sell him for + a hundred piasters to Bacon or to Bungay. The rubbish is saleable enough, + sir; and my advice to you is this: the next time you go home for a + holiday, take 'Walter Lorraine' in your carpet-bag—give him a more + modern air, prune away, though sparingly, some of the green passages, and + add a little comedy, and cheerfulness, and satire, and that sort of thing, + and then we'll take him to market, and sell him. The book is not a wonder + of wonders, but it will do very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so, Warrington?” said Pen, delighted, for this was great + praise from his cynical friend. + </p> + <p> + “You silly young fool! I think it's uncommonly clever,” Warrington said in + a kind voice. “So do you, sir.” And with the manuscript which he held in + his hand he playfully struck Pen on the cheek. That part of Pen's + countenance turned as red as it had ever done in the earliest days of his + blushes: he grasped the other's hand and said, “Thank you, Warrington,” + with all his might: and then he retired to his own room with his book, and + passed the greater part of the day upon his bed re-reading it; and he did + as Warrington had advised, and altered not a little, and added a great + deal, until at length he had fashioned 'Walter Lorraine' pretty much into + the shape in which, as the respected novel-reader knows, it subsequently + appeared. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he was at work upon this performance, the good-natured Warrington + artfully inspired the two gentlemen who “read” for Messrs. Bacon and + Bungay with the greatest curiosity regarding 'Walter Lorraine,' and + pointed out the peculiar merits of its distinguished author. It was at the + period when the novel, called 'The Fashionable,' was in vogue among us; + and Warrington did not fail to point out, as before, how Pen was a man of + the very first fashion himself, and received at the houses of some of the + greatest personages in the land. The simple and kind-hearted Percy Popjoy + was brought to bear upon Mrs. Bungay, whom he informed that his friend + Pendennis was occupied upon a work of the most exciting nature; a work + that the whole town would run after, full of wit, genius, satire, pathos, + and every conceivable good quality. We have said before, that Bungay knew + no more about novels than he did about Hebrew or Algebra, and neither read + nor understood any of the books which he published and paid for; but he + took his opinions from his professional advisers and from Mrs. B., and, + evidently with a view to a commercial transaction, asked Pendennis and + Warrington to dinner again. + </p> + <p> + Bacon, when he found that Bungay was about to treat, of course, began to + be anxious and curious, and desired to outbid his rival. Was anything + settled between Mr. Pendennis and the odious house “over the way” about + the new book? Mr. Hack, the confidential reader, was told to make + inquiries, and see if any thing was to be done, and the result of the + inquiries of that diplomatist was, that one morning, Bacon himself toiled + up the staircase of Lamb Court and to the door on which the names of Mr. + Warrington, and Mr. Pendennis, were painted. + </p> + <p> + For a gentleman of fashion as poor Pen was represented to be, it must be + confessed, that the apartments he and his friend occupied were not very + suitable. The ragged carpet had grown only more ragged during the two + years of joint occupancy: a constant odour of tobacco perfumed the + sitting-room: Bacon tumbled over the laundress's buckets in the passage + through which he had to pass; Warrington's shooting-jacket was as tattered + at the elbows as usual; and the chair which Bacon was requested to take on + entering, broke down with the publisher. Warrington burst out laughing, + said that Bacon had got the game chair, and bawled out to Pen to fetch a + sound one from his bedroom. And seeing the publisher looking round the + dingy room with an air of profound pity and wonder, asked him whether he + didn't think the apartments were elegant, and if he would like, for Mrs. + Bacon's drawing-room, any of the articles of furniture? Mr. Warrington's + character as a humourist was known to Mr. Bacon: “I never can make that + chap out,” the publisher was heard to say, “or tell whether he is in + earnest or only chaffing.” + </p> + <p> + It is very possible that Mr. Bacon would have set the two gentlemen down + as impostors altogether, but that there chanced to be on the + breakfast-table certain cards of invitation which the post of the morning + had brought in for Pen, and which happened to come from some very exalted + personage of the beau-monde, into which our young man had his + introduction. Looking down upon these, Bacon saw that the Marchioness of + Steyne would be at home to Mr. Arthur Pendennis upon a given day, and that + another lady of distinction proposed to have dancing at her house upon a + certain future evening. Warrington saw the admiring publisher eyeing these + documents. “Ah,” said he, with an air of simplicity, “Pendennis is one of + the most affable young men I ever knew, Mr. Bacon. Here is a young fellow + that dines with all the men in London, and yet he'll take his mutton-chop + with you and me quite contentedly. There's nothing like the affability of + the old English gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, nothing,” said Mr. Bacon. + </p> + <p> + “And you wonder why he should go on living up three pair of stairs with + me, don't you now? Well, it is a queer taste. But we are fond of each + other; and as I can't afford to live in a great house, he comes and stays + in these rickety old chambers with me. He's a man that can afford to live + anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy it don't cost him much here,” thought Mr. Bacon, and the object + of these praises presently entered the room from his adjacent sleeping + apartment. + </p> + <p> + Then Mr. Bacon began to speak upon the subject of his visit; said he heard + that Mr. Pendennis had a manuscript novel; professed himself anxious to + have a sight of that work, and had no doubt that they could come to terms + respecting it. What would be his price for it? would he give Bacon the + refusal of it? he would find our house a liberal house, and so forth. The + delighted Pen assumed an air of indifference, and said that he was already + in treaty with Bungay, and could give no definite answer. This piqued the + other into such liberal, though vague offers, that Pen began to fancy + Eldorado was opening to him, and that his fortune was made from that day. + </p> + <p> + I shall not mention what was the sum of money which Mr. Arthur Pendennis + finally received for the first edition of his novel of 'Walter Lorraine,' + lest other young literary aspirants should expect to be as lucky as he + was, and unprofessional persons forsake their own callings, whatever they + may be, for the sake of supplying the world with novels, whereof there is + already a sufficiency. Let no young people be misled and rush fatally into + romance-writing: for one book which succeeds let them remember the many + that fail, I do not say deservedly or otherwise, and wholesomely abstain + or if they venture, at least let them do so at their own peril. As for + those who have already written novels, this warning is not addressed, of + course, to them. Let them take their wares to market; let them apply to + Bacon and Bungay, and all the publishers in the Row, or the metropolis, + and may they be happy in their ventures. This world is so wide, and the + tastes of mankind happily so various, that there is always a chance for + every man, and he may win the prize by his genius or by his good fortune. + But what is the chance of success or failure; of obtaining popularity, or + of holding it when achieved? One man goes over the ice, which bears him, + and a score who follow flounder in. In fine, Mr. Pendennis's was an + exceptional case, and applies to himself only and I assert solemnly, and + will to the last maintain, that it is one thing to write a novel, and + another to get money for it. + </p> + <p> + By merit, then, or good fortune, or the skilful playing off of Bungay + against Bacon which Warrington performed (and which an amateur novelist is + quite welcome to try upon any two publishers in the trade), Pen's novel + was actually sold for a certain sum of money to one of the two eminent + patrons of letters whom we have introduced to our readers. The sum was so + considerable that Pen thought of opening an account at a banker's, or of + keeping a cab and horse, or of descending into the first floor of Lamb + Court into newly furnished apartments, or of migrating to the fashionable + end of the town. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis advised the latter move strongly; he opened his eyes with + wonder when he heard of the good luck that had befallen Pen; and which the + latter, as soon as it occurred, hastened eagerly to communicate to his + uncle. The Major was almost angry that Pen should have earned so much + money. “Who the doose reads this kind of thing?” he thought to himself + when he heard of the bargain which Pen had made. “I never read your novels + and rubbish. Except Paul de Kock, who certainly makes me laugh, I don't + think I've looked into a book of the sort these thirty years. Gad! Pen's a + lucky fellow. I should think he might write one of these in a month now,—say + a month,—that's twelve in a year. Dammy, he may go on spinning this + nonsense for the next four to five years, and make a fortune. In the + meantime I should wish him to live properly, take respectable apartments, + and keep a brougham.” And on this simple calculation it was that the Major + counselled Pen. + </p> + <p> + Arthur, laughing, told Warrington what his uncle's advice had been but he + luckily had a much more reasonable counsellor than the old gentleman in + the person of his friend, and in his own conscience, which said to him, + “Be grateful for this piece of good fortune; don't plunge into any + extravagancies. Pay back Laura!” And he wrote a letter to her, in which he + told her his thanks and his regard; and enclosed to her such an instalment + of his debt as nearly wiped it off. The widow and Laura herself might well + be affected by the letter. It was written with genuine tenderness and + modesty; and old Dr. Portman when he read a passage in the letter, in + which Pen, with an honest heart full of gratitude, humbly thanked Heaven + for his present prosperity, and for sending him such dear and kind friends + to support him in his ill fortune,—when Doctor Portman read this + portion of the letter, his voice faltered, and his eyes twinkled behind + his spectacles, and when he had quite finished reading the same, and had + taken his glasses off his nose, and had folded up the paper and given it + back to the widow, I am constrained to say, that after holding Mrs. + Pendennis's hand for a minute, the Doctor drew that lady towards him and + fairly kissed her: at which salute, of course, Helen burst out crying on + the Doctor's shoulder, for her heart was too full to give any other reply: + and the Doctor blushing at great deal after his feat, led the lady, with a + bow, to the sofa, on which he seated himself by her; and he mumbled out, + in a low voice, some words of a Great Poet whom he loved very much, and + who describes how in the days of his prosperity he had made “the widow's + heart to sing for joy.” + </p> + <p> + “The letter does the boy very great honour, very great honour, my dear,” + he said, patting it as it lay on Helen's knee—“and I think we have + all reason to be thankful for it—very thankful. I need not tell you + in what quarter, my dear, for you are a sainted woman: yes, Laura, my + love, your mother is a sainted woman. And Mrs. Pendennis, ma'am, I shall + order a copy of the book for myself, and another at the Book Club.” + </p> + <p> + We may be sure that the widow and Laura walked out to meet the mail which + brought them their copy of Pen's precious novel, as soon as that work was + printed and ready for delivery to the public and that they read it to each + other: and that they also read it privately and separately, for when the + widow came out of her room in her dressing-gown at one o'clock in the + morning with volume two, which she had finished, she found Laura devouring + volume three in bed. Laura did not say much about the book, but Helen + pronounced that it was a happy mixture of Shakspeare, and Byron, and + Walter Scott, and was quite certain that her son was the greatest genius, + as he was the best son, in the world. + </p> + <p> + Did Laura not think about the book and the author, although she said so + little? At least she thought about Arthur Pendennis. Kind as his tone was, + it vexed her. She did not like his eagerness to repay that money. She + would rather that her brother had taken her gift as she intended it: and + was pained that there should be money calculations between them. His + letters from London, written with the good-natured wish to amuse his + mother, were full of descriptions of the famous people and the + entertainments and magnificence of the great city. Everybody was + flattering him and spoiling him, she was sure. Was he not looking to some + great marriage, with that cunning uncle for a Mentor (between whom and + Laura there was always an antipathy), that inveterate worldling, whose + whole thoughts were bent upon pleasure and rank and fortune? He never + alluded to—to old times, when he spoke of her. He had forgotten them + and her, perhaps had he not forgotten other things and people? + </p> + <p> + These thoughts may have passed in Miss Laura's mind, though she did not, + she could not, confide them to Helen. She had one more secret, too, from + that lady, which she could not divulge, perhaps because she knew how the + widow would have rejoiced to know it. This regarded an event which had + occurred during that visit to Lady Rockminster, which Laura had paid in + the last Christmas holidays: when Pen was at home with his mother, and + when Mr. Pynsent, supposed to be so cold and so ambitious, had formally + offered his hand to Miss Bell. No one except herself and her admirer knew + of this proposal: or that Pynsent had been rejected by her, and probably + the reasons she gave to the mortified young man himself were not those + which actuated her refusal, or those which she chose to acknowledge to + herself. “I never,” she told Pynsent, “can accept such an offer as that + which you make me, which you own is unknown to your family as I am sure it + would be unwelcome to them. The difference of rank between us is too + great. You are very kind to me here—too good and kind, dear Mr. + Pynsent—but I am little better than a dependant.” + </p> + <p> + “A dependant! who ever so thought of you? You are the equal of all the + world,” Pynsent broke out. + </p> + <p> + “I am a dependant at home, too,” Laura said, sweetly, “and indeed I would + not be otherwise. Left early a poor orphan, I have found the kindest and + tenderest of mothers, and I have vowed never to leave her—never. + Pray do not speak of this again—here, under your relative's roof, or + elsewhere. It is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “If Lady Rockminster asks you herself, will you listen to her?” Pynsent + cried eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “No,” Laura said. “I beg you never to speak of this any more. I must go + away if you do”—and with this she left him. + </p> + <p> + Pynsent never asked for Lady Rockminster's intercession; he knew how vain + it was to look for that: and he never spoke again on that subject to Laura + or to any person. + </p> + <p> + When at length the famous novel appeared it not only met with applause + from more impartial critics than Mrs. Pendennis, but, luckily for Pen it + suited the taste of the public, and obtained a quick and considerable + popularity before two months were over, Pen had the satisfaction and + surprise of seeing the second edition of 'Walter Lorraine' advertised in + the newspapers; and enjoyed the pleasure of reading and sending home the + critiques of various literary journals and reviewers upon his book. Their + censure did not much affect him; for the good-natured young man was + disposed to accept with considerable humility the dispraises of others. + Nor did their praise elate him over much; for, like most honest persons he + had his own opinion about his own performance, and when a critic praised + him in the wrong place he was rather hurt than pleased by the compliment. + But if a review of his work was very laudatory, it was a great pleasure to + him to send it home to his mother at Fairoaks, and to think of the joy + which it would give there. There are some natures, and perhaps, as we have + said, Pendennis's was one, which are improved and softened by prosperity + and kindness, as there are men of other dispositions, who become arrogant + and graceless under good fortune. Happy he, who can endure one or the + other with modesty and good-humour! Lucky he who has been educated to bear + his fate, whatsoever it may be, by an early example of uprightness, and a + childish training in honour! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. Alsatia + </h2> + <p> + Bred up, like a bailiff or a shabby attorney, about the purlieus of the + Inns of Court, Shepherd's Inn is always to be found in the close + neighbourhood of Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and the Temple. Some where behind + the black gables and smutty chimney-stacks of Wych Street, Holywell + Street, Chancery Lane, the quadrangle lies, hidden from the outer world; + and it is approached by curious passages and ambiguous smoky alleys, on + which the sun has forgotten to shine. Slop-sellers, brandy-ball and + hard-bake vendors, purveyors of theatrical prints for youth, dealers in + dingy furniture and bedding suggestive of anything but sleep, line the + narrow walls and dark casements with their wares. The doors are + many-belled: and crowds of dirty children form endless groups about the + steps: or around the shell-fish dealers' trays in these courts; whereof + the damp pavements resound with pattens, and are drabbled with a + never-failing mud. Ballad-singers come and chant here, in deadly guttural + tones, satirical songs against the Whig administration, against the + bishops and dignified clergy, against the German relatives of an august + royal family: Punch sets up his theatre, sure of an audience, and + occasionally of a halfpenny from the swarming occupants of the houses: + women scream after their children for loitering in the gutter, or, worse + still, against the husband who comes reeling from the gin-shop;—there + is a ceaseless din and life in these courts out of which you pass into the + tranquil, old-fashioned quadrangle of Shepherd's Inn. In a mangy little + grass-plat in the centre rises up the statue of Shepherd, defended by iron + railings from the assaults of boys. The hall of the Inn, on which the + founder's arms are painted, occupies one side of the square, the tall and + ancient chambers are carried round other two sides, and over the central + archway, which leads into Oldcastle Street, and so into the great London + thoroughfare. + </p> + <p> + The Inn may have been occupied by lawyers once: but the laity have long + since been admitted into its precincts, and I do not know that any of the + principal legal firms have their chambers here. The offices of the + Polwheedle and Tredyddlum Copper Mines occupy one set of the ground-floor + chambers; the Registry of Patent Inventions and Union of Genius and + Capital Company, another;—the only gentleman whose name figures + here, and in the “Law List,” is Mr. Campion, who wears mustachios, and who + comes in his cab twice or thrice in a week; and whose West End offices are + in Curzon Street, Mayfair, where Mrs. Campion entertains the nobility and + gentry to whom her husband lends money. There, and on his glazed cards, he + is Mr. Somerset Campion; here he is Campion and Co.; and the same tuft + which ornaments his chin, sprouts from the under lip of the rest of the + firm. It is splendid to see his cab-horse harness blazing with heraldic + bearings, as the vehicle stops at the door leading to his chambers: The + horse flings froth off his nostrils as he chafes and tosses under the + shining bit. The reins and the breeches of the groom are glittering white,—the + lustre of that equipage makes a sunshine in that shady place. + </p> + <p> + Our old friend, Captain Costigan, has examined Campion's cab and horse + many an afternoon, as he trailed about the court in his carpet slippers + and dressing-gown, with his old hat cocked over his eye. He suns himself + there after his breakfast when the day is suitable; and goes and pays a + visit to the porter's lodge, where he pats the heads of the children, and + talks to Mrs. Bolton about the thayatres and me daughther Leedy Mirabel. + Mrs. Bolton was herself in the profession once, and danced at the Wells in + early days as the thirteenth of Mr. Serle's forty pupils. + </p> + <p> + Costigan lives in the third floor at No. 4, in the rooms which were Mr. + Podmore's, and whose name is still on the door—(somebody else's + name, by the way, is on almost all the doors in Shepherd's Inn). When + Charley Podmore (the pleasing tenor singer, T.R.D.L., and at the Back + Kitchen Concert Rooms) married, and went to live at Lambeth, he ceded his + chambers to Mr. Bows and Captain Costigan, who occupy them in common now, + and you may often hear the tones of Mr. Bows's piano of fine days when the + windows are open, and when he is practising for amusement, or for the + instruction of a theatrical pupil, of whom he has one or two. Fanny Bolton + is one, the porteress's daughter, who has heard tell of her mother's + theatrical glories, which she longs to emulate. She has a good voice and a + pretty face and figure for the stage; and she prepares the rooms and makes + the beds and breakfasts for Messrs. Costigan and Bows, in return for which + the latter instructs her in music and singing. But for his unfortunate + propensity to liquor (and in that excess she supposes that all men of + fashion indulge), she thinks the Captain the finest gentleman in the + world, and believes in all the versions of all his stories, and she is + very fond of Mr. Bows too, and very grateful to him, and this shy queer + old gentleman has a fatherly fondness for her too, for in truth his heart + is full of kindness, and he is never easy unless he loves somebody. + </p> + <p> + Costigan has had the carriages of visitors of distinction before his + humble door in Shepherd's Inn: and to hear him talk of a morning (for his + evening song is of a much more melancholy nature) you would fancy that Sir + Charles and Lady Mirabel were in the constant habit of calling at his + chambers, and bringing with them the select nobility to visit the “old + man, the honest old half-pay Captain, poor old Jack Costigan,” as Cos + calls himself. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that Lady Mirabel has left her husband's card (which has + been stuck in the little looking-glass over the mantelpiece of the + sitting-room at No. 4, for these many months past), and has come in person + to see her father, but not of late days. A kind person, disposed to + discharge her duties gravely, upon her marriage with Sir Charles she + settled a little pension upon her father, who occasionally was admitted to + the table of his daughter and son-in-law. At first poor Cos's behaviour + “in the hoight of poloit societee,” as he denominated Lady Mirabel's + drawing-room table, was harmless, if it was absurd. As he clothed his + person in his best attire, so he selected the longest and richest words in + his vocabulary to deck his conversation, and adopted a solemnity of + demeanour which struck with astonishment all those persons in whose + company he happened to be.—“Was your Leedyship in the Pork to dee?” + he would demand of his daughter. “I looked for your equipage in veen:—the + poor old man was not gratified by the soight of his daughther's choriot. + Sir Chorlus, I saw your neem at the Levee; many's the Levee at the Castle + at Dublin that poor old Jack Costigan has attended in his time. Did the + Juke look pretty well? Bedad, I'll call at Apsley House and lave me cyard + upon 'um. I thank ye, James, a little dthrop more champeane.” Indeed, he + was magnificent in his courtesy to all, and addressed his observations not + only to the master and the guests, but to the domestics who waited at the + table, and who had some difficulty in maintaining their professional + gravity while they waited on Captain Costigan. + </p> + <p> + On the first two or three visits to his son-in-law, Costigan maintained a + strict sobriety, content to make up for his lost time when he got to the + Back Kitchen, where he bragged about his son-in-law's dart and burgundee, + until his own utterance began to fail him, over his sixth tumbler of + whisky-punch. But with familiarity his caution vanished, and poor Cos + lamentably disgraced himself at Sir Charles Mirabel's table, by premature + inebriation. A carriage was called for him: the hospitable door was shut + upon him. Often and sadly did he speak to his friends at the Kitchen of + his resemblance to King Lear in the plee—of his having a thankless + choild, bedad—of his being a pore worn-out lonely old man, dthriven + to dthrinking by ingratitude, and seeking to dthrown his sorrows in punch. + </p> + <p> + It is painful to be obliged to record the weaknesses of fathers, but it + must be furthermore told of Costigan, that when his credit was exhausted + and his money gone, he would not unfrequently beg money from his daughter, + and made statements to her not altogether consistent with strict truth. On + one day a bailiff was about to lead him to prison, he wrote, “unless the—to + you insignificant—sum of three pound five can be forthcoming to + liberate a poor man's grey hairs from gaol.” And the good-natured Lady + Mirabel despatched the money necessary for her father's liberation, with a + caution to him to be more economical for the future. On a second occasion + the Captain met with a frightful accident, and broke a plate-glass window + in the Strand, for which the proprietor of the shop held him liable. The + money was forthcoming on this time too, to repair her papa's disaster, and + was carried down by Lady Mirabel's servant to the slipshod messenger and + aide-de-camp of the Captain, who brought the letter announcing his mishap. + If the servant had followed the Captain's aide-de-camp who carried the + remittance, he would have seen that gentleman, a person of Costigan's + country too (for have we not said, that however poor an Irish gentleman + is, he always has a poorer Irish gentleman to run on his errands and + transact his pecuniary affairs?), call a cab from the nearest stand, and + rattle down to the Roscius Head, Harlequin Yard, Drury Lane, where the + Captain was indeed in pawn, and for several glasses containing + rum-and-water, or other spirituous refreshment, of which he and his staff + had partaken. On a third melancholy occasion he wrote that he was attacked + by illness, and wanted money to pay the physician whom he was compelled to + call in; and this time Lady Mirabel, alarmed about her father's safety, + and perhaps reproaching herself that she had of late lost sight of her + father, called for her carriage and drove to Shepherd's Inn, at the gate + of which she alighted, whence she found the way to her father's chambers, + “No. 4, third floor, name of Podmore over the door,” the porteress said, + with many curtsies, pointing towards the door of the house, into which the + affectionate daughter entered and mounted the dingy stair. Alas! the door, + surmounted by the name of Podmore, was opened to her by poor Cos in his + shirt-sleeves, and prepared with the gridiron to receive the mutton-chops + which Mrs. Bolton had gone to purchase. + </p> + <p> + Also, it was not pleasant for Sir Charles Mirabel to have letters + constantly addressed to him at Brookes's, with the information that + Captain Costigan was in the hall, waiting for an answer; or when he went + to play his rubber at the Travellers', to be obliged to shoot out of his + brougham and run up the steps rapidly, lest his father-in-law should seize + upon him; and to think that while he read his paper or played his whist, + the Captain was walking on the opposite side of Pall Mall, with that + dreadful cocked hat, and the eye beneath it fixed steadily upon the + windows of the club. Sir Charles was a weak man; he was old, and had many + infirmities: he cried about his father-in-law to his wife, whom he adored + with senile infatuation: he said he must go abroad,—he must go and + live in the country—he should die or have another fit if he saw that + man again—he knew he should. And it was only by paying a second + visit to Captain Costigan, and representing to him, that if he plagued Sir + Charles by letters or addressed him in the street, or made any further + applications for loans, his allowance would be withdrawn altogether, that + Lady Mirabel was enabled to keep her papa in order, and to restore + tranquillity to her husband. And on occasion of this visit, she sternly + rebuked Bows for not keeping a better watch over the Captain; desired that + he should not be allowed to drink in that shameful way; and that the + people at the horrid taverns which he frequented should be told, upon no + account to give him credit. “Papa's conduct is bringing me to the grave,” + she said (though she looked perfectly healthy), “and you, as an old man, + Mr. Bows, and one that pretended to have a regard for us, ought to be + ashamed of abetting him in it.” Those were the thanks which honest Bows + got for his friendship and his life's devotion. And I do not suppose that + the old philosopher was much worse off than many other men, or had greater + reason to grumble. + </p> + <p> + On the second floor of the next house to Bows's, in Shepherd's Inn, at No. + 3, live two other acquaintances of ours: Colonel Altamont, agent to the + Nawaub of Lucknow, and Captain Chevalier Edward Strong. No name at all is + over their door. The Captain does not choose to let all the world know + where he lives and his cards bear the address of a Jermyn Street hotel; + and as for the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Indian potentate, he is + not an envoy accredited to the Courts of St. James's or Leadenhall Street + but is here on a confidential mission quite independent of the East India + Company or the Board of Control. “In fact,” Strong says, “Colonel + Altamont's object being financial, and to effectuate a sale of some of the + principal diamonds and rubies of the Lucknow crown, his wish is not to + report himself at the India House or in Cannon Row, but rather to + negotiate with private capitalists—with whom he has had important + transactions both in this country and on the Continent.” + </p> + <p> + We have said that these anonymous chambers of Strong's had been very + comfortably furnished since the arrival of Sir Francis Clavering in + London, and the Chevalier might boast with reason to the friends who + visited him, that few retired Captains were more snugly quartered than he, + in his crib in Shepherd's Inn. There were three rooms below: the office + where Strong transacted his business—whatever that might be—and + where still remained the desk and railings of the departed officials who + had preceded him, and the Chevalier's own bedroom and sitting-room; and a + private stair led out of the office to two upper apartments, the one + occupied by Colonel Altamont, and the other serving as the kitchen of the + establishment, and the bedroom of Mr. Grady, the attendant. These rooms + were on a level with the apartments of our friends Bows and Costigan next + door at No. 4; and by reaching over the communicating leads, Grady could + command the mignonette-box which bloomed in Bows's window. + </p> + <p> + From Grady's kitchen casement often came odours still more fragrant. The + three old soldiers who formed the garrison of No. 3 were all skilled in + the culinary art. Grady was great at an Irish stew; the Colonel was famous + for pillaus and curries; and as for Strong he could cook anything. He made + French dishes and Spanish dishes, stews, fricassees, and omelettes, to + perfection; nor was there any man in England more hospitable than he when + his purse was full or his credit was good. At those happy periods, he + could give a friend, as he said, a good dinner, a good glass of wine, and + a good song afterwards; and poor Cos often heard with envy the roar of + Strong's choruses, and the musical clinking of the glasses, as he sate in + his own room, so far removed and yet so near to those festivities. It was + not expedient to invite Mr. Costigan always: his practice of inebriation + was lamentable; and he bored Strong's guests with his stories when sober, + and with his maudlin tears when drunk. + </p> + <p> + A strange and motley set they were, these friends of the Chevalier; and + though Major Pendennis would not much have relished their company, Arthur + and Warrington liked it not a little, and Pen thought it as amusing as the + society of the finest gentlemen in the finest houses which he had the + honour to frequent. There was a history about every man of the set: they + seemed all to have had their tides of luck and bad fortune. Most of them + had wonderful schemes and speculations in their pockets, and plenty for + making rapid and extraordinary fortunes. Jack Holt had been in Don + Carlos's army, when Ned Strong had fought on the other side; and was now + organising a little scheme for smuggling tobacco into London, which must + bring thirty thousand a year to any man who would advance fifteen hundred, + just to bribe the last officer of the Excise who held out, and had wind of + the scheme. Tom Diver, who had been in the Mexican navy, knew of a + specie-ship which had been sunk in the first year of the war, with three + hundred and eighty thousand dollars on board, and a hundred and eighty + thousand pounds in bars and doubloons. “Give me eighteen hundred pounds,” + Tom said, “and I'm off tomorrow. I take out four men, and a diving-bell + with me; and I return in ten months to take my seat in Parliament, by + Jove! and to buy back my family estate.” Keightley, the manager of the + Tredyddlum and Polwheedle Copper Mines (which were as yet under water), + besides singing as good a second as any professional man, and besides the + Tredyddlum Office, had a Smyrna Sponge Company, and a little quicksilver + operation in view, which would set him straight with the world yet. Filby + had been everything a corporal of dragoons, a field-preacher, and + missionary-agent for converting the Irish; an actor at a Greenwich + fair-booth, in front of which his father's attorney found him when the old + gentleman died and left him that famous property, from which he got no + rents now, and of which nobody exactly knew the situation. Added to these + was Sir Francis Clavering, Bart., who liked their society, though he did + not much add to its amusements by his convivial powers. But he was made + much of by the company now, on account of his wealth and position in the + world. He told his little story and sang his little song or two with great + affability; and he had had his own history, too, before his accession to + good fortune; and had seen the inside of more prisons than one, and + written his name on many a stamped paper. + </p> + <p> + When Altamont first returned from Paris, and after he had communicated + with Sir Francis Clavering from the hotel at which he had taken up his + quarters (and which he had reached in a very denuded state, considering + the wealth of diamonds and rubies with which this honest man was + entrusted), Strong was sent to his patron by the Baronet; paid his little + bill at the inn, and invited him to come and sleep for a night or two at + the chambers, where he subsequently took up his residence. To negotiate + with this man was very well, but to have such a person settled in his + rooms, and to be constantly burthened with such society, did not suit the + Chevalier's taste much; and he grumbled not a little to his principal. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would put this bear into somebody else's cage,” he said to + Clavering. “The fellow's no gentleman. I don't like walking with him. He + dresses himself like a nigger on a holiday. I took him to the play the + other night; and, by Jove, sir, he abused the actor who was doing the part + of villain in the play, and swore at him so, that the people in the boxes + wanted to turn him out. The after-piece was the 'Brigand,' where Wallack + comes in wounded, you know, and dies. When he died, Altamont began to cry + like a child, and said it was a d——d shame, and cried and + swore so, that there was another row, and everybody laughing. Then I had + to take him away, because he wanted to take his coat off to one fellow who + laughed at him; and bellowed to him to stand up like a man.—Who is + he? Where the deuce does he come from? You had best tell me the whole + story. Frank; you must one day. You and he have robbed a church together, + that's my belief. You had better get it off your mind at once, Clavering, + and tell me what this Altamont is, and what hold he has over you.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang him! I wish he was dead!” was the Baronet's only reply; and his + countenance became so gloomy, that Strong did not think fit to question + his patron any further at that time; but resolved, if need were, to try + and discover for himself what was the secret tie between Altamont and + Clavering. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. In which the Colonel narrates some of his Adventures + </h2> + <p> + Early in the forenoon of the day after the dinner in Grosvenor Place, at + which Colonel Altamont had chosen to appear, the Colonel emerged from his + chamber in the upper story at Shepherd's Inn, and entered into Strong's + sitting-room, where the Chevalier sate in his easy-chair with the + newspaper and his cigar. He was a man who made his tent comfortable + wherever he pitched it, and long before Altamont's arrival, had done + justice to a copious breakfast of fried eggs and broiled rashers, which + Mr. Grady had prepared secundum artem. Good-humoured and talkative, he + preferred any company rather than none; and though he had not the least + liking for his fellow-lodger, and would not have grieved to hear that the + accident had befallen him which Sir Francis Clavering desired so + fervently, yet kept on fair terms with him. He had seen Altamont to bed + with great friendliness on the night previous, and taken away his candle + for fear of accidents; and finding a spirit-bottle empty, upon which he + had counted for his nocturnal refreshment, had drunk a glass of water with + perfect contentment over his pipe, before he turned into his own crib and + to sleep. That enjoyment never failed him: he had always an easy temper, a + faultless digestion, and a rosy cheek; and whether he was going into + action the next morning or to prison (and both had been his lot), in the + camp or the Fleet, the worthy Captain snored healthfully through the + night, and woke with a good heart and appetite, for the struggles or + difficulties or pleasures of the day. + </p> + <p> + The first act of Colonel Altamont was to bellow to Grady for a pint of + pale ale, the which he first poured into a pewter flagon, whence he + transferred it to his own lips. He put down the tankard empty, drew a + great breath, wiped his mouth in his dressing-gown (the difference of the + colour of his beard from his dyed whiskers had long struck Captain Strong, + who had seen too that his hair was fair under his black wig, but made no + remarks upon these circumstances)—the Colonel drew a great breath, + and professed himself immensely refreshed by his draught. “Nothing like + that beer,” he remarked, “when the coppers are hot. Many a day I've drunk + a dozen of Bass at Calcutta, and—and——” + </p> + <p> + “And at Lucknow, I suppose,” Strong said with a laugh. “I got the beer for + you on purpose: knew you'd want it after last night.” And the Colonel + began to talk about his adventures of the preceding evening. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot help myself,” the Colonel said, beating his head with his big + hand. “I'm a madman when I get the liquor on board me; and ain't fit to be + trusted with a spirit-bottle. When I once begin I can't stop till I've + emptied it; and when I've swallowed it, Lord knows what I say or what I + don't say. I dined at home here quite quiet. Grady gave me just my two + tumblers, and I intended to pass the evening at the Black and Red as sober + as a parson. Why did you leave that confounded sample-bottle of Hollands + out of the cupboard, Strong? Grady must go out too, and leave me the + kettle a-boiling for tea. It was of no use, I couldn't keep away from it. + Washed it all down, sir, by Jove. And it's my belief I had some more, too, + afterwards at that infernal little thieves' den.” + </p> + <p> + “What, were you there too?” Strong asked, “and before you came to + Grosvenor Place? That was beginning betimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Early hours to be drunk and cleared out before nine o'clock, eh? But so + it was. Yes, like a great big fool, I must go there; and found the fellows + dining, Blackland and young Moss, and two or three more of the thieves. If + we'd gone to Rouge et Noir, I must have won. But we didn't try the black + and red. No, hang 'em, they know'd I'd have beat 'em at that—I must + have beat 'em—I can't help beating 'em, I tell you. But they was too + cunnin for me. That rascal Blackland got the bones out, and we played + hazard on the dining-table. And I dropped all the money I had from you in + the morning, be hanged to my luck. It was that that set me wild, and I + suppose I must have been very hot about the head, for I went off thinking + to get some more money from Clavering, I recollect; and then—and + then I don't much remember what happened till I woke this morning, and + heard old Bows at No. 4 playing on his pianner.” + </p> + <p> + Strong mused for a while as he lighted his cigar with a coal, “I should + like to know how you always draw money from Clavering, Colonel,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel burst out with a laugh—“Ha, ha! he owes it me,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that that's a reason with Frank for paying,” Strong + answered. “He owes plenty besides you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he gives it me because he is so fond of me,” the other said with + the same grinning sneer. “He loves me like a brother; you know he does, + Captain.—No?—He don't?—Well, perhaps he don't; and if + you ask me no questions, perhaps I'll tell you no lies, Captain Strong—put + that in your pipe and smoke it, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'll give up that confounded brandy-bottle,” the Colonel continued, + after a pause. “I must give it up, or it'll be the ruin of me.” + </p> + <p> + “It makes you say queer things,” said the Captain, looking Altamont hard + in the face. “Remember what you said last night, at Clavering's table.” + </p> + <p> + “Say? What did I say?” asked the other hastily. “Did I split anything? + Dammy, Strong, did I split anything?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask me no questions, and I will tell you no lies,” the Chevalier replied + on his part. Strong thought of the words Mr. Altamont had used, and his + abrupt departure from the Baronet's dining-table and house as soon as he + recognised Major Pendennis, or Captain Beak, as he called the Major. But + Strong resolved to seek an explanation of these words otherwise than from + Colonel Altamont, and did not choose to recall them to the other's memory. + “No,” he said then, “you didn't split as you call it, Colonel; it was only + a trap of mine to see if I could make you speak; but you didn't say a word + that anybody could comprehend—you were too far gone for that.” + </p> + <p> + So much the better, Altamont thought; and heaved a great sigh, as if + relieved. Strong remarked the emotion, but took no notice, and the other + being in a communicative mood, went on speaking. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I own to my faults,” continued the Colonel. “There is some things I + can't, do what I will, resist: a bottle of brandy, a box of dice, and a + beautiful woman. No man of pluck and spirit, no man as was worth his salt + ever could, as I know of. There's hardly p'raps a country in the world in + which them three ain't got me into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” said Strong. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, from the age of fifteen, when I ran away from home, and went + cabin-boy on board an Indiaman, till now, when I'm fifty year old, pretty + nigh, them women have always been my ruin. Why, it was one of 'em, and + with such black eyes and jewels on her neck, and Battens and ermine like a + duchess, I tell you—it was one of 'em at Paris that swept off the + best part of the thousand pound as I went off with. Didn't I ever tell you + of it? Well, I don't mind. At first I was very cautious and having such a + lot of money kept it close and lived like a gentleman—Colonel + Altamont, Meurice's hotel, and that sort of thing—never played, + except at the public tables, and won more than I lost. Well, sir, there + was a chap that I saw at the hotel and the Palace Royal too, a regular + swell fellow, with white kid gloves and a tuft to his chin, + Bloundell-Bloundell his name was, as I made acquaintance with somehow, and + he asked me to dinner, and took me to Madame the Countess de Foljambe's + soirees—such a woman, Strong!—such an eye! such a hand at the + pianner. Lor bless you, she'd sit down and sing to you, and gaze at you, + until she warbled your soul out of your body a'most. She asked me to go to + her evening parties every Toosday; and didn't I take opera-boxes and give + her dinners at the restauranteur's, that's all? But I had a run of luck at + the tables, and it was not in the dinners and opera-boxes that poor + Clavering's money went. No, be hanged to it, it was swept off in another + way. One night, at the Countess's, there was several of us at supper—Mr. + Bloundell-Bloundell, the Honourable Deuceace, the Marky de la Tour de + Force—all tip-top nobs, sir, and the height of fashion, when we had + supper, and champagne you may be sure in plenty, and then some of that + confounded brandy. I would have it—I would it go on at it—the + Countess mixed the tumblers of punch for me, and we had cards as well as + grog after supper, and I played and drank until I don't know what I did. I + was like I was last night. I was taken away and put to bed somehow, and + never woke until the next day, to a roaring headache, and to see my + servant, who said the Honourable Deuceace wanted to see me, and was + waiting in the sitting-room. 'How are you, Colonel?' says he, a coming + into my bedroom. 'How long did you stay last night after I went away? The + play was getting too high for me, and I'd lost enough to you for one + night.'” + </p> + <p> + “'To me,' says I, 'how's that, my dear feller? (for though he was an + Earl's son, we was as familiar as you and me). How's that, my dear + feller?' says I, and he tells me, that he had borrowed thirty louis of me + at vingt-et-un, that he gave me an I.O.U. for it the night before, which I + put into my pocket-book before he left the room. I takes out my card-case—it + was the Countess as worked it for me—and there was the I.O.U. sure + enough, and he paid me thirty louis in gold down upon the table at my + bedside. So I said he was a gentleman, and asked him if he would like to + take anything, when my servant should get it for him; but the Honourable + Deuceace don't drink of a morning, and he went away to some business which + he said he had. + </p> + <p> + “Presently there's another ring at my outer door; and this time it's + Bloundell-Bloundell and the Marky that comes in. 'Bong jour, Marky,' says + I. 'Good morning—no headache?' says he. So I said I had one; and how + I must have been uncommon queer the night afore; but they both declared I + didn't show no signs of having had too much, but took my liquor as grave + as a judge. + </p> + <p> + “'So,' says the Marky, 'Deuceace has been with you; we met him in the + Palais Royal as we were coming from breakfast. Has he settled with you? + Get it while you can: he's a slippery card; and as he won three ponies of + Bloundell, I recommend you to get your money while he has some.' + </p> + <p> + “'He has paid me,' says I; 'but I knew no more than the dead that he owed + me anything, and don't remember a bit about lending him thirty louis.' + </p> + <p> + “The Marky and Bloundell looks and smiles at each other at this; and + Bloundell says, 'Colonel, you are a queer feller. No man could have + supposed, from your manners, that you had tasted anything stronger than + tea all night, and yet you forget things in the morning. Come, come,—tell + that to the marines, my friend,—we won't have it at any price.' + </p> + <p> + “'En efet,' says the Marky, twiddling his little black mustachios in the + chimney-glass, and making a lunge or two as he used to do at the + fencing-school. (He was a wonder at the fencing-school, and I've seen him + knock down the image fourteen times running, at Lepage's.) 'Let us speak + of affairs. Colonel, you understand that affairs of honour are best + settled at once: perhaps it won't be inconvenient to you to arrange our + little matters of last night.' + </p> + <p> + “'What little matters?' says I. 'Do you owe me any money, Marky?' + </p> + <p> + “'Bah!' says he; 'do not let us have any more jesting. I have your note of + hand for three hundred and forty louis. La voia!' says he, taking out a + paper from his pocket-book. + </p> + <p> + “'And mine for two hundred and ten,' says Bloundell-Bloundell, and he + pulls out his bit of paper. + </p> + <p> + “I was in such a rage of wonder at this, that I sprang out of bed, and + wrapped my dressing-gown round me. 'Are you come here to make a fool of + me?' says I. 'I don't owe you two hundred, or two thousand, or two louis; + and I won't pay you a farthing. Do you suppose you can catch me with your + notes of hand? I laugh at 'em and at you; and I believe you to be a couple——.' + </p> + <p> + “'A couple of what?' says Mr. Bloundell. 'You, of course, are aware that + we are a couple of men of honour, Colonel Altamont, and not come here to + trifle or to listen to abuse from you. You will either pay us or we will + expose you as a cheat, and chastise you as a cheat, too,' says Bloundell. + </p> + <p> + “'Oui, parbleu,' says the Marky,—but I didn't mind him, for I could + have thrown the little fellow out of the window; but it was different with + Bloundell,—he was a large man, that weighs three stone more than me, + and stands six inches higher, and I think he could have done for me. + </p> + <p> + “'Monsieur will pay, or Monsieur will give me the reason why. I believe + you're little better than a polisson, Colonel Altamont,'—that was + the phrase he used—Altamont said with a grin—and I got plenty + more of this language from the two fellows, and was in the thick of the + row with them, when another of our party came in. This was a friend of + mine—a gent I had met at Boulogne, and had taken to the Countess's + myself. And as he hadn't played at all on the previous night, and had + actually warned me against Bloundell and the others, I told the story to + him, and so did the other two. + </p> + <p> + “'I am very sorry,' says he. 'You would go on playing: the Countess + entreated you to discontinue. These gentlemen offered repeatedly to stop. + It was you that insisted on the large stakes, not they.' In fact he + charged dead against me: and when the two others went away, he told me how + the Marky would shoot me as sure as my name was—was what it is. 'I + left the Countess crying, too,' said he. 'She hates these two men; she has + warned you repeatedly against them' (which she actually had done, and + often told me never to play with them), 'and now, Colonel, I have left her + in hysterics almost, lest there should be any quarrel between you, and + that confounded Marky should put a bullet through your head. I'ts my + belief,' says my friend, 'that that woman is distractedly in love with + you.' + </p> + <p> + “'Do you think so?' says I; upon which my friend told me how she had + actually gone down on her knees to him and 'Save Colonel Altamont!' + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I was dressed, I went and called upon that lovely woman. She + gave a shriek and pretty near fainted when she saw me. She called me + Ferdinand,—I'm blest if she didn't.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought your name was Jack,” said Strong, with a laugh; at which the + Colonel blushed very much behind his dyed whiskers. + </p> + <p> + “A man may have more names than one, mayn't he, Strong?” Altamont asked. + “When I'm with a lady, I like to take a good one. She called me by my + Christian name. She cried fit to break your heart. I can't stand seeing a + woman cry—never could—not whilst I'm fond of her. She said she + could bear not to think of my losing so much money in her house. Wouldn't + I take her diamonds and necklaces, and pay part? + </p> + <p> + “I swore I wouldn't touch a farthing's worth of her jewellery, which + perhaps I did not think was worth a great deal,—but what can a woman + do more than give you her all? That's the sort I like, and I know there's + plenty of 'em. And I told her to be easy about the money, for I would not + pay one single farthing. + </p> + <p> + “'Then they'll shoot you,' says she; 'they'll kill my Ferdinand.'” + </p> + <p> + “They'll kill my Jack wouldn't have sounded well in French,” Strong said, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about names,” said the other, sulkily; “a man of honour may + take any name he chooses, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on with your story,” said Strong. “She said they would kill + you.” + </p> + <p> + “'No,' says I, 'they won't: for I will not let that scamp of a Marquis + send me out of the world; and if he lays a hand on me, I'll brain him, + Marquis as he is.' + </p> + <p> + “At this the Countess shrank back from me as if I had said something very + shocking. 'Do I understand Colonel Altamont aright?' says she: 'and that a + British officer refuses to meet any person who provokes him to the field + of honour?' + </p> + <p> + “'Field of honour be hanged, Countess,' says I. 'You would not have me be + a target for that little scoundrel's pistol practice.' + </p> + <p> + “'Colonel Altamont,' says the Countess, 'I thought you were a man of + honour—I thought, I—but no matter. Good-bye, sir.'—And + she was sweeping out of the room, her voice regular choking in her + pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + “'Countess!' says I, rushing after her and seizing her hand. + </p> + <p> + “'Leave me, Monsieur le Colonel,' says she, shaking me off, 'my father was + a General of the Grand Army. A soldier should know how to pay all his + debts of honour.' + </p> + <p> + “What could I do? Everybody was against me. Caroline said I had lost the + money: though I didn't remember a syllable about the business. I had taken + Deuceace's money too; but then it was because he offered it to me you + know, and that's a different thing. Every one of these chaps was a man of + fashion and honour; and the Marky and the Countess of the first families + in France. And, by Jove, sir, rather than offend her, I paid the money up + five hundred and sixty gold Napoleons, by Jove: besides three hundred + which I lost when I had my revenge. + </p> + <p> + “And I can't tell you at this minute whether I was done or not,” concluded + the Colonel, musing. “Sometimes I think I was: but then Caroline was so + fond of me. That woman would never have seen me done: never, I'm sure she + wouldn't: at least, if she would, I'm deceived in woman.” + </p> + <p> + Any further revelations of his past life which Altamont might have been + disposed to confide to his honest comrade the Chevalier, were interrupted + by a knocking at the outer door of their chambers; which, when opened by + Grady the servant, admitted no less a person than Sir Francis Clavering + into the presence of the two worthies. + </p> + <p> + “The Governor, by Jove,” cried Strong, regarding the arrival of his patron + with surprise. “What's brought you here?” growled Altamont, looking + sternly from under his heavy eyebrows at the Baronet. “It's no good, I + warrant.” And indeed, good very seldom brought Sir Francis Clavering into + that or any other place. + </p> + <p> + Whenever he came into Shepherd's Inn it was money that brought the unlucky + baronet into those precincts; and there was commonly a gentleman of the + money-dealing world in waiting for him at Strong's chambers, or at + Campion's below; and a question of bills to negotiate or to renew. + Claverng was a man who had never looked his debts fairly in the face, + familiar as he had been with them all his life; as long as he could renew + a bill, his mind was easy regarding it; and he would sign almost anything + for to-morrow, provided to-day could be left unmolested. He was a man whom + scarcely any amount of fortune could have benefited permanently, and who + was made to be ruined to cheat small tradesmen, to be the victim of + astuter sharpers: to be niggardly and reckless, and as destitute of + honesty as the people who cheated him, and a dupe, chiefly because he was + too mean to be a successful knave. He had told more lies in his time, and + undergone more baseness of stratagem in order to stave off a small debt, + or to swindle a poor creditor, than would have sufficed to make a fortune + for a braver rogue. He was abject and a shuffler in the very height of his + prosperity. Had he been a Crown Prince—he could not have been more + weak, useless, dissolute or ungrateful. He could not move through life + except leaning on the arm of somebody: and yet he never had an agent but + he mistrusted him; and marred any plans which might be arranged for his + benefit, and secretly acting against the people whom he employed. Strong + knew Clavering and judged him quite correctly. It was not as friends that + this pair met: but the Chevalier worked for his principal, as he would + when in the army have pursued a harassing march, or undergone his part in + the danger and privations of a siege; because it was his duty, and because + he had agreed to it. “What is it he wants?” thought the officers of the + Shepherd's Inn garrison when the Baronet came among them. + </p> + <p> + His pale face expressed extreme anger and irritation. “So sir,” he said, + addressing Altamont, “you've been at your old tricks.” + </p> + <p> + “Which of 'um?” asked Altamont, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “You have been at the Rouge et Noir: you were there last night,” cried the + Baronet. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know,—were you there?” the other said. “I was at the + Club but it wasn't on the colours I played,—ask the Captain,—I've + been telling him of it. It was with the bones. It was at hazard, Sir + Francis, upon my word and honour it was;” and he looked at the Baronet + with a knowing humorous mock humility, which only seemed to make the other + more angry. + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce do I care, sir, how a man like you loses his money, and + whether it is at hazard or roulette?” screamed the Baronet, with a + multiplicity of oaths, and at the top of his voice. “What I will not have, + sir, is that you should use my name, or couple it with yours.—Damn + him, Strong, why don't you keep him in better order? I tell you he has + gone and used my name again, sir,—drawn a bill upon me, and lost the + money on the table—I can't stand it—I won't stand it. Flesh + and blood won't bear it—Do you know how much I have paid for you, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “This was only a very little 'un, Sir Francis—only fifteen pound, + Captain Strong, they wouldn't stand another: and it oughtn't to anger you, + Governor. Why, it's so trifling I did not even mention it to Strong,—did + I now, Captain? I protest it had quite slipped my memory, and all on + account of that confounded liquor I took.” + </p> + <p> + “Liquor or no liquor, sir, it is no business of mine. I don't care what + you drink, or where you drink it—only it shan't be in my house. And + I will not have you breaking into my house of a night, and a fellow like + you intruding himself on my company: how dared you show yourself in + Grosvenor Place last night, sir,—and—and what do you suppose + my friends must think of me when they see a man of your sort walking into + my dining-room uninvited, and drunk, and calling for liquor as if you were + the master of the house?” + </p> + <p> + “They'll think you know some very queer sort of people, I dare say,” + Altamont said with impenetrable good-humour. “Look here, Baronet, I + apologise; on my honour I do, and ain't an apology enough between two + gentlemen? It was a strong measure I own, walking into your cuddy, and + calling for drink as if I was the Captain: but I had had too much before, + you see, that's why I wanted some more; nothing can be more simple—and + it was because they wouldn't give me no more money upon your name at the + Black and Red, that I thought I would come down and speak to you about it. + To refuse me was nothing: but to refuse a bill drawn on you that have been + such a friend to the shop, and are a baronet and a member of parliament, + and a gentleman and no mistake—Damme, its ungrateful.” + </p> + <p> + “By heavens, if ever you do it again—if ever you dare show to + yourself in my house; or give my name at a gambling-house or at any other + house, by Jove—at any other house—or give any reference at all + to me, or speak to me in the street, by God, or anywhere else until I + speak to you—I disclaim you altogether—I won't give you + another shilling.” + </p> + <p> + “Governor, don't be provoking,” Altamont said surlily. “Don't talk to me + about daring to do this thing or t'other, or when my dander is up it's the + very thing to urge me on. I oughtn't to have come last night, I know I + oughtn't: but I told you I was drunk, and that ought to be sufficient + between gentleman and gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “You a gentleman! dammy, sir,” said the Baronet, “how dares a fellow like + you to call himself a gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't a baronet, I know,” growled the other; “and I've forgotten how to + be a gentleman almost now, but—but I was one, once, and my father + was one, and I'll not have this sort of talk from you, Sir F. Clavering, + that's flat. I want to go abroad again. Why don't you come down with the + money, and let me go? Why the devil are you to be rolling in riches, and + me to have none? Why should you have a house and a table covered with plate, + and me be in a garret here in this beggarly Shepherd's Inn? We're + partners, ain't we? I'd as good a right to be rich as you have, haven't I? + Tell the story to Strong here, if you like; and ask him to be umpire + between us. I don't mind letting my secret out to a man that won't split. + Look here, Strong—perhaps you guess the story already—the fact + is, me and the Governor——” + </p> + <p> + “D——, hold your tongue,” shrieked out the Baronet in a fury. + “You shall have the money as soon as I can get it. I ain't made of money. + I'm so pressed and badgered, I don't know where to turn. I shall go mad; + by Jove, I shall. I wish I was dead, for I'm the most miserable brute + alive. I say, Mr. Altamont, don't mind me. When I'm out of health—and + I'm devilish bilious this morning—hang me, I abuse everybody, and + don't know what I say. Excuse me if I've offended you. I—I'll try + and get that little business done. Strong shall try. Upon my word he + shall. And I say, Strong, my boy, I want to speak to you. Come into the + office for a minute.” + </p> + <p> + Almost all Clavering's assaults ended in this ignominious way, and in a + shameful retreat. Altamont sneered after the Baronet as he left the room, + and entered into the office, to talk privately with his factotum. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter now?” the latter asked of him. “It's the old story, I + suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “D—— it, yes,” the Baronet said. “I dropped two hundred in + ready money at the Little Coventry last night, and gave a cheque for three + hundred more. On her ladyship's bankers, too, for to-morrow; and I must + meet it, for there'll be the deuce to pay else. The last time she paid my + play-debts, I swore I would not touch a dice-box again, and she'll keep + her word, Strong, and dissolve partnership, if I go on. I wish I had three + hundred a year, and was away. At a German watering-place you can do + devilish well with three hundred a year. But my habits are so d——-reckless: + I wish I was in the Serpentine. I wish I was dead, by Gad I wish I was. I + wish I had never touched those confounded bones. I had such a run of luck + last night, with five for the main, and seven to five all night, until + those ruffians wanted to pay me with Altamont's bill upon me. The luck + turned from that minute. Never held the box again for three mains, and + came away cleared out, leaving that infernal cheque behind me. How shall I + pay it? Blackland won't hold it over. Hulker and Bullock will write about + it directly to her ladyship. By Jove, Ned, I'm the most miserable brute in + all England.” + </p> + <p> + It was necessary for Ned to devise some plan to console the Baronet under + this pressure of grief; and no doubt he found the means of procuring a + loan for his patron, for he was closeted at Mr. Campion's offices that day + for some time. Altamont had once more a guinea or two in his pocket, with + a promise of a further settlement; and the Baronet had no need to wish + himself dead for the next two or three months at least. And Strong, + putting together what he had learned from the Colonel and Sir Francis, + began to form in his own mind a pretty accurate opinion as to the nature + of the tie which bound the two men together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. A Chapter of Conversations + </h2> + <p> + Every day, after the entertainment at Grosvenor Place and Greenwich, of + which we have seen Major Pendennis partake, the worthy gentleman's + friendship and cordiality for the Clavering family seemed to increase. His + calls were frequent; his attentions to the lady of the house unremitting. + An old man about town, he had the good fortune to be received in many + houses, at which a lady of Lady Clavering's distinction ought to be seen. + Would her ladyship not like to be present at the grand entertainment at + Gaunt House? There was to be a very pretty breakfast ball at Viscount + Marrowfat's, at Fulham. Everybody was to be there (including august + personages of the highest rank), and there was to be a Watteau quadrille, + in which Miss Amory would surely look charming. To these and other + amusements the obsequious old gentleman kindly offered to conduct Lady + Clavering, and was also ready to make himself useful to the Baronet in any + way agreeable to the latter. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his present station and fortune, the world persisted in + looking rather coldly upon Clavering, and strange suspicious rumours + followed him about. He was blackballed at two clubs in succession. In the + House of Commons, he only conversed with a few of the most disreputable + members of that famous body, having a happy knack of choosing bad society, + and adapting himself naturally to it, as other people do to the company of + their betters. The name all the senators with whom Clavering consorted, + would be invidious. We may mention only a few. There was Captain Raff, the + honourable member for Epsom, who retired after the last Goodwood races, + having accepted, as Mr. Hotspur, the whip of the party, said, a mission to + the Levant; there was Hustingson, the patriotic member for Islington, + whose voice is never heard now denunciating corruption, since his + appointment to the Governorship of Coventry Island; there was Bob Freeny, + of the Booterstown Freenys, who is a dead shot, and of whom we therefore + wish to speak with every respect; and of all these gentlemen, with whom in + the course of his professional duty Mr. Hotspur had to confer, there was + none for whom he had a more thorough contempt and dislike than for Sir + Francis Clavering, the representative of an ancient race, who had sat for + their own borough of Clavering time out of mind in the House. “If that man + is wanted for a division,” Hotspur said, “ten to one he is to be found in + a hell. He was educated in the Fleet, and he has not heard the end of + Newgate yet, take my word for it. He'll muddle away the Begum's fortune at + thimble-rig, be caught picking pockets, and finish on board the hulks.” + And if the high-born Hotspur, with such an opinion of Clavering, could yet + from professional reasons be civil to him, why should not Major Pendennis + also have reasons of his own for being attentive to this unlucky + gentleman? + </p> + <p> + “He has a very good cellar and a very good cook,” the Major said; “as long + as he is silent he is not offensive, and he very seldom speaks. If he + chooses to frequent gambling-tables, and lose his money to blacklegs, what + matters to me? Don't look too curiously into any man's affairs, Pen, my + boy; every fellow has some cupboard in his house, begad, which he would + not like you and me to peep into. Why should we try, when the rest of the + house is open to us? And a devilish good house, too, as you and I know. + And if the man of the family is not all one could wish, the women are + excellent. The Begum is not over-refined, but as kind a woman as ever + lived, and devilish clever too; and as for the little Blanche, you know my + opinion about her, you rogue; you know my belief is that she is sweet on + you, and would have you for the asking. But you are growing such a great + man, that I suppose you won't be content under a Duke's daughter—Hey, + sir? I recommend you to ask one of them, and try.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Pen was somewhat intoxicated by his success in the world; and it + may also have entered into the young man's mind (his uncle's perpetual + hints serving not a little to encourage the notion) that Miss Amory was + tolerably well disposed to renew the little flirtation which had been + carried on in the early days of both of them, by the banks of the rural + Brawl. But he was little disposed to marriage, he said, at that moment, + and, adopting some of his uncle's worldly tone, spoke rather + contemptuously of the institution, and in favour of a bachelor life. + </p> + <p> + “You are very happy, sir,” said he, “and you get on very well alone, and + so do I. With a wife at my side, I should lose my place in society; and I + don't, for my part, much fancy retiring into the country with a Mrs. + Pendennis; or taking my wife into lodgings to be waited upon by the + servant-of-all-work. The period of my little illusions is over. You cured + me of my first love who, certainly was a fool, and would have had a fool + for her husband, and a very sulky discontented husband too if she had + taken me. We young fellows live fast, sir; and I feel as old at + five-and-twenty as many of the old fo—the old bachelors—whom I + see in the bow-window at Bays's. Don't look offended, I only mean that I + am blase about love matters, and that I could no more fan myself into a + flame for Miss Amory now, than I could adore Lady Mirabel over again. I + wish I could; I rather like old Mirabel for his infatuation about her, and + think his passion is the most respectable part of his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Charles Mirabel was always a theatrical man, sir,” the Major said, + annoyed that his nephew should speak flippantly of any person of Sir + Charles's rank and station. “He has been occupied with theatricals since + his early days. He acted at Carlton House when he was Page to the Prince; + he has been mixed up with that sort of thing: he could afford to marry + whom he chooses; and Lady Mirabel is a most respectable woman, received + everywhere—everywhere, mind. The Duchess of Connaught receives her, + Lady Rockminster receives her—it doesn't become young fellows to + speak lightly of people in that station. There's not a more respectable + woman in England than Lady Mirabel:—and the old fogies, as you call + them, at Bays's, are some of the first gentlemen in England, of whom you + youngsters had best learn a little manners, and a little breeding, and a + little modesty.” And the Major began to think that Pen was growing + exceedingly pert and conceited, and that the world made a great deal too + much of him. + </p> + <p> + The Major's anger amused Pen. He studied his uncle's peculiarities with a + constant relish, and was always in a good humour with his worldly old + Mentor. “I am a youngster of fifteen years' standing, sir,” he said, + adroitly, “and if you think that we are disrespectful, you should see + those of the present generation. A protege of yours came to breakfast with + me the other day. You told me to ask him, and I did it to please you. We + had a day's sights together, and dined at the club, and went to the play. + He said the wine at the Polyanthus was not so good as Ellis's wine at + Richmond, smoked Warrington's cavendish after breakfast, and when I gave + him a sovereign as a farewell token, said he had plenty of them, but would + take it to show he wasn't proud.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he?—did you ask young Clavering?” cried the Major, appeased at + once—“fine boy, rather wild, but a fine boy—parents like that + sort of attention, and you can't do better than pay it to our worthy + friends of Grosvenor Place. And so you took him to the play and tipped + him? That was right, sir, that was right:” with which Mentor quitted + Telemachus, thinking that the young men were not so very bad, and that he + should make something of that fellow yet. + </p> + <p> + As Master Clavering grew into years and stature, he became too strong for + the authority of his fond parents and governess; and rather governed them + than permitted himself to be led by their orders. With his papa he was + silent and sulky, seldom making his appearance, however, in the + neighbourhood of that gentleman; with his mamma he roared and fought when + any contest between them arose as to the gratification of his appetite, or + other wish of his heart; and in his disputes with his governess over his + book, he kicked that quiet creature's shins so fiercely, that she was + entirely overmastered and subdued by him. And he would have so treated his + sister Blanche, too, and did on one or two occasions attempt to prevail + over her; but she showed an immense resolution and spirit on her part, and + boxed his ears so soundly, that he forbore from molesting Miss Amory, as + he did the governess and his mamma, and his mamma's maid. + </p> + <p> + At length, when the family came to London, Sir Francis gave forth his + opinion, that “the little beggar had best be sent to school.” Accordingly + the young son and heir of the house of Clavering was despatched to the + Rev. Otto Rose's establishment at Twickenham, where young noblemen and + gentlemen were received preparatory to their introduction to the great + English public schools. + </p> + <p> + It is not our intention to follow Master Clavering in his scholastic + career; the paths to the Temple of Learning were made more easy to him + than they were to some of us of earlier generations. He advanced towards + that fane in a carriage-and-four, so to speak, and might halt and take + refreshment almost whenever he pleased. He wore varnished boots from the + earliest period of youth, and had cambric handkerchiefs and lemon-coloured + kid gloves, of the smallest size ever manufactured by Privat. They dressed + regularly at Mr. Rose's to come down to dinner; the young gentlemen had + shawl dressing-gowns, fires in their bedrooms, horse and carriage exercise + occasionally, and oil for their hair. Corporal punishment was altogether + dispensed with by the Principal, who thought that moral discipline was + entirely sufficient to lead youth; and the boys were so rapidly advanced + in many branches of learning, that they acquired the art of drinking + spirits and smoking cigars, even before they were old enough to enter a + public school. Young Frank Clavering stole his father's Havannahs, and + conveyed them to school, or smoked them in the stables, at a surprisingly + early period of life, and at ten years old drank his champagne almost as + stoutly as any whiskered cornet of dragoons could do. + </p> + <p> + When this interesting youth came home for his vacations Major Pendennis + was as laboriously civil and gracious to him as he was to the rest of the + family; although the boy had rather a contempt for old Wigsby, as the + Major was denominated, mimicked him behind his back, as the polite Major + bowed and smirked with Lady Clavering or Miss Amory; and drew rude + caricatures, such as are designed by ingenious youths, in which the + Major's wig, his nose, his tie, etc., were represented with artless + exaggeration. Untiring in his efforts to be agreeable, the Major wished + that Pen, too, should take particular notice of this child; incited Arthur + to invite him to his chambers, to give him a dinner at the club, to take + him to Madame Tussaud's, the Tower, the play, and so forth, and to tip + him, as the phrase is, at the end of the day's pleastres. Arthur, who was + good-natured and fond of children, went through all these ceremonies one + day; had the boy to breakfast at the Temple, where he made the most + contemptuous remarks regarding the furniture, the crockery, and the + tattered state of Warrington's dressing-gown; and smoked a short pipe, and + recounted the history of a fight between Tuffy and Long Biggings, at + Rose's, greatly to the edification of the two gentlemen his hosts. + </p> + <p> + As the Major rightly predicted, Lady Clavering was very grateful for + Arthur's attention to the boy; more grateful than the lad himself, who + took attentions as a matter of course, and very likely had more sovereigns + in his pocket than poor Pen, who generously gave him one of his own + slender stock of those coins. + </p> + <p> + The Major, with the sharp eyes with which Nature endowed him, and with the + glasses of age and experience, watched this boy, and surveyed his position + in the family without seeming to be rudely curious about their affairs. + But, as a country neighbour, one who had many family obligations to the + Claverings, an old man of the world, he took occasion to find out what + Lady Clavering's means were, how her capital was disposed, and what the + boy was to inherit. And setting himself to work,—for what purposes + will appear, no doubt, ulteriorly,—he soon had got a pretty accurate + knowledge of Lady Clavering's affairs and fortune, and of the prospects of + her daughter and son. The daughter was to have but a slender provision; + the bulk of the property was, as before has been said, to go to the son,—his + father did not care for him or anybody else,—his mother was dotingly + fond of him as the child of her latter days,—his sister disliked + him. Such may be stated in round numbers, to be the result of the + information which Major Pendennis got. “Ah! my dear madam,” he would say, + patting the head of the boy, “this boy may wear a baron's coronet on his + head on some future coronation, if matters are but managed rightly, and if + Sir Francis Clavering would but play his cards well.” + </p> + <p> + At this the widow Amory heaved a deep sigh. “He plays only much of his + cards, Major, I'm afraid,” she said. The Major owned that he knew as much; + did not disguise that he had heard of Sir Francis Clavering's unfortunate + propensity to play; pitied Lady Clavering sincerely; but spoke with such + genuine sentiment and sense, that her ladyship, glad to find a person of + experience to whom she could confide her grief and her condition, talked + about them pretty unreservedly to Major Pendennis, and was eager to have + his advice and consolation. Major Pendennis became the Begum's confidante + and house-friend, and as a mother, a wife, and a capitalist, she consulted + him. + </p> + <p> + He gave her to understand (showing at the same time a great deal of + respectful sympathy) that he was acquainted with some of the circumstances + of her first unfortunate marriage, and with even the person of her late + husband, whom he remembered in Calcutta—when she was living in + seclusion with her father. The poor lady, with tears of shame more than of + grief in her eyes, told her version of her story. Going back a child to + India after two years at a European school, she had met Amory, and + foolishly married him. “Oh, you don't know how miserable that man, made + me,” she said, “or what a life I passed betwixt him and my father. Before + I saw him I had never seen a man except my father's clerks and native + servants. You know we didn't go into society in India on account of——” + (“I know,” said Major Pendennis, with a bow) “I was a wild romantic child, + my head was full of novels which I'd read at school—I listened to + his wild stories and adventures, for he was a daring fellow, and I thought + he talked beautifully of those calm nights on the passage out, when he + used to——. Well, I married him, and I was wretched from that + day—wretched with my father, whose character you know, Major + Pendennis, and I won't speak of: but he wasn't a good man, sir,—neither + to my poor mother, nor to me, except that he left me his money,—nor + to no one else that I ever heard of: and he didn't do many kind actions in + his lifetime, I'm afraid. And as for Amory, he was almost worse; he was a + spendthrift when my father was close: he drank dreadfully, and was furious + when in that way. He wasn't in any way a good or a faithful husband to me, + Major Pendennis, and if he'd died in the gaol before this trial, instead + of afterwards he would have saved me a deal of shame and of unhappiness + since, sir.” Lady Clavering added: “For perhaps I should not have married + at all if I had not been so anxious to change his horrid name, and I have + not been happy in my second husband, as I suppose you know, sir. Ah, Major + Pendennis, I've got money to be sure, and I'm a lady, and people fancy I'm + very happy, but I ain't. We all have our cares, and griefs, and troubles: + and many's the day that I sit down to one of my grand dinners with an + aching heart, and many a night do I lay awake on my fine bed a great deal + more unhappy than the maid that makes for it. I'm not a happy woman, + Major, for all the world says; and envies the Begum her diamonds, and + carriages, and the great company that comes to my house. I'm not happy in + my husband; I'm not in my daughter. She ain't a good girl like that dear + Laura Bell at Fairoaks. She's cost me many a tear though you don't see + 'em; and she sneers at her mother because I haven't had learning and that. + How should I? I was brought up amongst natives till I was twelve, and went + back to India when I was fourteen. Ah, Major, I should have been a good + woman if I had had a good husband. And now I must go upstairs and wipe my + eyes, for they're red with cryin. And Lady Rockminster's a comin, and + we're goin to ave a drive in the Park. And when Lady Rockminster made her + appearance, there was not a trace of tears or vexation on Lady Clavering's + face, but she was full of spirits, and bounced out with her blunders and + talk, and murdered the king's English with the utmost liveliness and + good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “Begad, she is not such a bad woman!” the Major thought within himself. + “She is not refined, certainly, and calls 'Apollo' 'Apoller;' but she has + some heart, and I like that sort of thing, and a devilish deal of money, + too. Three stars in India Stock to her name, begad! which that young cub + is to have—is he?” And he thought how he should like to see a little + of the money transferred to Miss Blanche, and, better still, one of those + stars shining in the name of Mr. Arthur Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + Still bent upon pursuing his schemes, whatsoever they might be, the old + negotiator took the privilege of his intimacy and age, to talk in a kindly + and fatherly manner to Miss Blanche, when he found occasion to see her + alone. He came in so frequently at luncheon-time, and became so familiar + with the ladies, that they did not even hesitate to quarrel before him; + and Lady Clavering, whose tongue was loud, and temper brusque, had many a + battle with the Sylphide in the family friend's presence. Blanche's wit + seldom failed to have the mastery in these encounters, and the keen barbs + of her arrows drove her adversary discomfited away. “I am an old fellow,” + the Major said; “I have nothing to do in life. I have my eyes open. I keep + good counsel. I am the friend of both of you; and if you choose to quarrel + before me, why, I shan't tell any one. But you are two good people, and I + intend to make it up between you. I have between lots of people—husbands + and wives, fathers and sons, daughters and mammas, before this. I like it; + I've nothing else to do.” + </p> + <p> + One day, then, the old diplomatist entered Lady Clavering's drawing-room, + just as the latter quitted it, evidently in a high state of indignation, + and ran past him up the stairs to her own apartments. “She couldn't speak + to him now,” she said; “she was a great deal too angry with that—that—that + little, wicked”—anger choked the rest of the words, or prevented + their utterance until Lady Clavering had passed out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, good Miss Amory,” the Major said, entering the drawing-room, “I + see what is happening. You and mamma have been disagreeing. Mothers and + daughters disagree in the best families. It was but last week that I + healed up a quarrel between Lady Clapperton and her daughter Lady Claudia. + Lady Lear and her eldest daughter have not spoken for fourteen years. + Kinder and more worthy people than these I never knew in the whole course + of my life; for everybody but each other admirable. But they can't live + together: they oughtn't to live together: and I wish, my dear creature, + with all my soul, that I could see you with an establishment of your own—for + there is no woman in London who could conduct one better—with your + own establishment, making your own home happy.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not very happy in this one,” said the Sylphide; “and the stupidity + of mamma is enough to provoke a saint.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely so; you are not suited to one another. Your mother committed + one fault in early life—or was it Nature, my dear, in your case?—she + ought not to have educated you. You ought not to have been bred up to + become the refined and intellectual being you are, surrounded, as I own + you are, by those who have not your genius or your refinement. Your place + would be to lead in the most brilliant circles, not to follow, and take a + second place in any society. I have watched you, Miss Amory: you are + ambitious; and your proper sphere is command. You ought to shine; and you + never can in this house, I know it. I hope I shall see you in another and + a happier one, some day, and the mistress of it.” + </p> + <p> + The Sylphide shrugged her lily shoulders with a look of scorn. “Where is + the Prince, and where is the palace, Major Pendennis?” she said. “I am + ready. But there is no romance in the world now, no real affection.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed,” said the Major, with the most sentimental and simple air + which he could muster. + </p> + <p> + “Not that I know anything about it,” said Blanche, casting her eyes down + “except what I have read in novels.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not,” Major Pendennis cried; “how should you, my dear young + lady? and novels ain't true, as you remark admirably, and there is no + romance left in the world. Begad, I wish I was a young fellow like my + nephew.” + </p> + <p> + “And what,” continued Miss Amory, musing, “what are the men whom we see + about at the balls every night—dancing guardsmen, penniless treasury + clerks—boobies! If I had my brother's fortune, I might have such an + establishment as you promise me—but with my name, and with my little + means, what am I to look to! A country parson, or a barrister in a street + near Russell Square, or a captain in a dragoon regiment, who will take + lodgings for me, and come home from the mess tipsy and smelling of smoke + like Sir Francis Clavering. That is how we girls are destined to end life. + O Major Pendennis, I am sick of London, and of balls, and of young dandies + with their chin-tips, and of the insolent great ladies who know us one day + and cut us the next—and of the world altogether. I should like to + leave it and to go into a convent, that I should. I shall never find + anybody to understand me. And I live here as much alone in my family and + in the world, as if I were in a cell locked up for ever. I wish there were + Sisters of Charity here, and that I could be one and catch the plague, and + die of it—I wish to quit the world. I am not very old: but I am + tired, I have suffered so much—I've been so disillusionated—I'm + weary, I'm weary—O that the Angel of Death would come and beckon me + away!” + </p> + <p> + This speech may be interpreted as follows. A few nights since a great + lady, Lady Flamingo, had cut Miss Amory and Lady Clavering. She was quite + mad because she could not get an invitation to Lady Drum's ball: it was + the end of the season and nobody had proposed to her: she had made no + sensation at all, she who was so much cleverer than any girl of the year, + and of the young ladies forming her special circle. Dora who had but five + thousand pounds, Flora who had nothing, and Leonora who had red hair, were + going to be married, and nobody had come for Blanche Amory! + </p> + <p> + “You judge wisely about the world, and about your position, my dear Miss + Blanche,” the Major said. “The Prince don't marry nowadays, as you say: + unless the Princess has a doosid deal of money in the funds, or is a lady + of his own rank.—The young folks of the great families marry into + the great families: if they haven't fortune they have each other's + shoulders, to push on in the world, which is pretty nearly as good.—A + girl with your fortune can scarcely hope for a great match: but a girl + with your genius and your admirable tact and fine manners, with a clever + husband by her side, may make any place for herself in the world.—We + are grown doosid republican. Talent ranks with birth and wealth now, + begad: and a clever man with a clever wife, may take any place they + please.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Amory did not of course in the least understand what Major Pendennis + meant.—Perhaps she thought over circumstances in her mind and asked + herself, could he be a negotiator for a former suitor of hers, and could + he mean Pen? No, it was impossible—He had been civil, but nothing + more.—So she said laughing, “Who is the clever man, and when will + you bring him to me, Major Pendennis? I am dying to see him.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a servant threw open the door, and announced Mr. Henry + Foker: at which name, and at the appearance of our friend, both the lady + and the gentleman burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + “That is not the man,” Major Pendennis said. “He is engaged to his cousin, + Lord Gravesend's daughter.—Good-bye, my dear Miss Amory.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Was Pen growing worldly, and should a man not get the experience of the + world and lay it to his account? “He felt, for his part,” as he said, + “that he was growing very old very soon.” “How this town forms and changes + us,” he said once to Warrington. Each had come in from his night's + amusement; and Pen was smoking his pipe, and recounting, as his habit was, + to his friend the observations and adventures of the evening just past. + “How I am changed,” he said, “from the simpleton boy at Fairoaks, who was + fit to break his heart about his first love! Lady Mirabel had a reception + to-night, and was as grave and collected as if she had been born a + Duchess, and had never seen a trap-door in her life. She gave me the + honour of a conversation, and patronised me about 'Walter Lorraine,' quite + kindly.” + </p> + <p> + “What condescension!” broke in Warrington. + </p> + <p> + “Wasn't it?” Pen said, simply—at which the other burst out laughing + according to his wont. “Is it possible,” he said, “that anybody should + think of patronising the eminent author of 'Walter Lorraine?'” + </p> + <p> + “You laugh at both of us,” Pen said, blushing a little—“I was coming + to that myself. She told me that she had not read the book (as indeed I + believe she never read a book in her life), but that Lady Rockminster had, + and that the Duchess of Connaught pronounced it to be very clever. In that + case, I said, I should die happy, for that to please those two ladies was + in fact the great aim of my existence, and having their approbation, of + course I need look for no other. Lady Mirabel looked at me solemnly out of + her fine eyes, and said, 'Oh, indeed,' as if she understood me, and then + she asked me whether I went to the Duchess's Thursdays, and when I said + No, hoped she should see me there, and that I must try and get there, + everybody went there—everybody who was in society: and then we + talked of the new ambassador from Timbuctoo, and how he was better than + the old one; and how Lady Mary Billington was going to marry a clergyman + quite below her in rank; and how Lord and Lady Ringdove had fallen out + three months after their marriage about Tom Pouter of the Blues, Lady + Ringdove's cousin—and so forth. From the gravity of that woman you + would have fancied she had been born in a palace, and lived all the + seasons of her life in Belgrave Square.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, I suppose you took your part in the conversation pretty well, as + the descendant of the Earl your father, and the heir of Fairoaks Castle?” + Warrington said. “Yes, I remember reading of the festivities which + occurred when you came of age. The Countess gave a brilliant tea soiree to + the neighbouring nobility; and the tenantry were regaled in the kitchen + with a leg of mutton and a quart of ale. The remains of the banquet were + distributed amongst the poor of the village, and the entrance to the park + was illuminated until old John put the candle out on retiring to rest at + his usual hour.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother is not a countess,” said Pen, “though she has very good blood + in her veins too—but commoner as she is, I have never met a peeress + who was more than her peer, Mr. George; and if you will come to Fairoaks + Castle you shall judge for yourself of her and of my cousin too. They are + not so witty as the London women, but they certainly are as well bred. The + thoughts of women in the country are turned to other objects than those + which occupy your London ladies. In the country a woman has her household + and her poor, her long calm days and long calm evenings.” + </p> + <p> + “Devilish long,” Warrington said, “and a great deal too calm; I've tried + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “The monotony of that existence must be to a certain degree melancholy—like + the tune of a long ballad; and its harmony grave and gentle, sad and + tender: it would be unendurable else. The loneliness of women in the + country makes them of necessity soft and sentimental. Leading a life of + calm duty, constant routine, mystic reverie,—a sort of nuns at large—too + much gaiety or laughter would jar upon their almost sacred quiet, and + would be as out of place there as in a church.” + </p> + <p> + “Where you go to sleep over the sermon,” Warrington said. + </p> + <p> + “You are a professed misogynist, and hate the sex because, I suspect, you + know very little about them,” Mr. Pen continued, with an air of + considerable self-complacency. “If you dislike the women in the country + for being too slow, surely the London woman ought to be fast enough for + you. The pace of London life is enormous: how do people last at it, I + wonder,—male and female? Take a woman of the world: follow her + course through the season; one asks how she can survive it? or if she + tumbles into a sleep at the end of August, and lies torpid until the + spring? She goes into the world every night, and sits watching her + marriageable daughters dancing till long after dawn. She has a nursery of + little ones, very likely, at home, to whom she administers example and + affection; having an eye likewise to bread-and-milk, catechism, music and + French, and roast leg of mutton at one o'clock; she has to call upon + ladies of her own station, either domestically or in her public character, + in which she sits upon Charity Committees, or Ball Committees, or + Emigration Committees, or Queen's College Committees, and discharges I + don't know what more duties of British stateswomanship. She very likely + keeps a poor-visiting list; has conversations with the clergyman about + soup or flannel, or proper religious teaching for the parish; and (if she + lives in certain districts) probably attends early church. She has the + newspapers to read, and, at least, must know what her husband's party is + about, so as to be able to talk to her neighbour at dinner; and it is a + fact that she reads every new book that comes out; for she can talk, and + very smartly and well, about them all, and you see them all upon her + drawing-room table. She has the cares of her household besides—to + make both ends meet; to make the girls' milliner's bills appear not too + dreadful to the father and paymaster of the family; to snip off, in + secret, a little extra article of expenditure here and there, and convey + it, in the shape of a bank-note, to the boys at college or at sea; to + check the encroachments of tradesmen and housekeepers' financial + fallacies; to keep upper and lower servants from jangling with one + another, and the household in order. Add to this, that she has a secret + taste for some art or science, models in clay, makes experiments in + chemistry, or plays in private on the violoncello,—and I say, + without exaggeration, many London ladies are doing this,—and you + have a character before you such as our ancestors never heard of, and such + as belongs entirely to our era and period of civilisation. Ye gods! how + rapidly we live and grow! In nine months, Mr. Paxton grows you a pineapple + as large as a portmanteau, whereas a little one, no bigger than a Dutch + cheese, took three years to attain his majority in old times; and as the + race of pineapples so is the race of man. Hoiaper—what's the Greek + for a pineapple, Warrington?” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, for mercy's sake, stop with the English and before you come to the + Greek,” Warrington cried out, laughing. “I never heard you make such a + long speech, or was aware that you had penetrated so deeply into the + female mysteries. Who taught you all this, and into whose boudoirs and + nurseries have you been peeping, whilst I was smoking my pipe, and reading + my book, lying on my straw bed?” + </p> + <p> + “You are on the bank; old boy, content to watch the waves tossing in the + winds, and the struggles of others at sea,” Pen said. “I am in the stream + now, and by Jove I like it. How rapidly we go down it, hey? Strong and + feeble, old and young—the metal pitchers and the earthen pitchers—the + pretty little china boat swims gaily till the big bruised brazen one bumps + him and sends him down—eh, vogue la galere!—you see a man sink + in the race, and say good-bye to him—look, he has only dived under + the other fellow's legs, and comes up shaking his pole, and striking out + ever so far ahead. Eh, vogue la galere, I say. It's good sport, Warrington—not + winning merely, but playing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go in and win, young 'un. I'll sit and mark the game,” Warrington + said, surveying the ardent young fellow with an almost fatherly pleasure. + “A generous fellow plays for the play, a sordid one for the stake; an old + fogy sits by and smokes the pipe of tranquillity, while Jack and Tom are + pummelling each other in the ring.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you come in, George, and have a turn with the gloves? You are + big enough and strong enough,” Pen said. “Dear old boy, you are worth ten + of me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not quite as tall as Goliath, certainly,” the other answered, + with a laugh that was rough and yet tender. “As for me, I am disabled. I + had a fatal hit in early life. I will tell you about it some day. You may, + too, meet with your master. Don't be too eager, or too confident, or too + worldly, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + Was Pendennis becoming worldly, or only seeing the worldly, or both? and + is a man very wrong for being after all only a man? Which is the most + reasonable, and does his duty best: he who stands aloof from the struggle + of life, calmly contemplating, or he who descends to the ground, and takes + his part in the contest? “That philosopher,” Pen said, “had held a great + place amongst the leaders of the world, and enjoyed to the full what it + had to give of rank and riches, renown and pleasure, who came, + weary-hearted, out of it, and said that all was vanity and vexation of + spirit. Many a teacher of those whom we reverence, and who steps out of + his carriage up to his carved cathedral place, shakes his lawn ruffles + over the velvet cushions, and cries out, that the whole struggle is an + accursed one, and the works of the world are evil. Many a + conscience-stricken mystic flies from it altogether, and shuts himself out + from it within convent walls (real or spiritual), whence he can only look + up to the sky, and contemplate the heaven out of which there is no rest, + and no good. + </p> + <p> + “But the earth, where our feet are, is the work of the same Power as the + immeasurable blue yonder, in which the future lies into which we would + peer. Who ordered toil as the condition of life, ordered weariness, + ordered sickness, ordered poverty, failure, success—to this man a + foremost place, to the other a nameless struggle with the crowd—to + that a shameful fall, or paralysed limb, or sudden accident—to each + some work upon the ground he stands on, until he is laid beneath it.” + While they were talking, the dawn came shining through the windows of the + room, and Pen threw them open to receive the fresh morning air. “Look, + George,” said he; “look and see the sun rise: he sees the labourer on his + way a-field; the work-girl plying her poor needle; the lawyer at his desk, + perhaps; the beauty smiling asleep upon her pillow of down; or the jaded + reveller reeling to bed; or the fevered patient tossing on it; or the + doctor watching by it, over the throes of the mother for the child that is + to be born into the world;—to be born and to take his part in the + suffering and struggling, the tears and laughter, the crime, remorse, + love, folly, sorrow, rest.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. Miss Amory's Partners + </h2> + <p> + The noble Henry Foker, of whom we have lost sight for a few pages, has + been in the meanwhile occupied, as we might suppose a man of his constancy + would be, in the pursuit and indulgence of his all-absorbing passion of + love. + </p> + <p> + I wish that a few of my youthful readers who are inclined to that + amusement would take the trouble to calculate the time which is spent in + the pursuit, when they would find it to be one of the most costly + occupations in which a man can possibly indulge. What don't you sacrifice + to it, indeed, young gentlemen and young ladies of ill-regulated minds? + Many hours of your precious sleep in the first place, in which you lie + tossing and thinking about the adored object, whence you come down late to + breakfast, when noon is advancing and all the family is long since away to + its daily occupations. Then when you at length get to these occupations + you pay no attention to them, and engage in them with no ardour—all + your thoughts and powers of mind being fixed elsewhere. Then the day's + work being slurred over, you neglect your friends and relatives, your + natural companions and usual associates in life, that you may go and have + a glance at the dear personage, or a look up at her windows, or a peep at + her carriage in the Park. Then at night the artless blandishments of home + bore you; mamma's conversation palls upon you; the dishes which that good + soul prepares for the dinner of her favourite are sent away untasted,—the + whole meal of life, indeed, except one particular plat, has no relish. + Life, business, family ties, home, all things useful and dear once, become + intolerable, and you are never easy except when you are in pursuit of your + flame. + </p> + <p> + Such I believe to be not unfrequently the state of mind amongst + ill-regulated young gentlemen, and such indeed was Mr. H. Foker's + condition, who, having been bred up to indulge in every propensity towards + which he was inclined, abandoned himself to this one with his usual + selfish enthusiasm. Nor because he had given his friend Arthur Pendennis a + great deal of good advice on a former occasion, need men of the world + wonder that Mr. Foker became passion's slave in his turn. Who among us has + not given a plenty of the very best advice to his friends? Who has not + preached, and who has practised? To be sure, you, madam, are perhaps a + perfect being, and never had a wrong thought in the whole course of your + frigid and irreproachable existence: or sir, you are a great deal too + strong-minded to allow any foolish passion to interfere with your + equanimity in chambers or your attendance on 'Change; you are so strong + that you don't want any sympathy. We don't give you any, then; we keep + ours for the humble and weak, that struggle and stumble and get up again, + and so march with the rest of mortals. What need have you of a hand who + never fall? Your serene virtue is never shaded by passion, or ruffled by + temptation, or darkened by remorse; compassion would be impertinence for + such an angel: but then with such a one companionship becomes intolerable; + you are, from the elevation of your very virtue and high attributes, of + necessity lonely; we can't reach up and talk familiarly with such + potentatess good-bye, then; our way lies with humble folks, and not with + serene highnesses like you; and we give notice that there are no perfect + characters in this history, except, perhaps, one little one, and that one + is not perfect either, for she never knows to this day that she is + perfect, and with a deplorable misapprehension and perverseness of + humility, believes herself to be as great a sinner as need be. + </p> + <p> + This young person does not happen to be in London at the present period of + our story, and it is by no means for the like of her that Mr. Henry + Foker's mind is agitated. But what matters a few failings? Need we be + angels, male or female, in order to be worshipped as such? Let us admire + the diversity of the tastes of mankind; and the oldest, the ugliest, the + stupidest and most pompous, the silliest and most vapid, the greatest + criminal, tyrant booby, Bluebeard, Catherine Hayes, George Barnwell, + amongst us, we need never despair. I have read of the passion of a + transported pickpocket for a female convict (each of them advanced in age, + being repulsive in person, ignorant, quarrelsome, and given to drink), + that was as magnificent as the loves of Cleopatra and Antony, or Lancelot + and Guinever. The passion which Count Borulawski, the Polish dwarf, + inspired in the bosom of the most beautiful Baroness at the Court of + Dresden, is a matter with which we are all of us acquainted: the flame + which burned in the heart of young Cornet Tozer but the other day, and + caused him to run off and espouse Mrs. Battersby, who was old enough to be + his mamma,—all these instances are told in the page of history or + the newspaper column. Are we to be ashamed or pleased to think that our + hearts are formed so that the biggest and highest-placed Ajax among us may + some day find himself prostrate before the pattens of his kitchen-maid; as + that there is no poverty or shame or crime, which will not be supported, + hugged even with delight, and cherished more closely than virtue would be, + by the perverse fidelity and admirable constant folly of a woman? + </p> + <p> + So then Henry Foker, Esquire, longed after his love, and cursed the fate + which separated him from her. When Lord Gravesend's family retired to the + country (his lordship leaving his proxy with the venerable Lord Bagwig), + Harry still remained lingering on in London, certainly not much to the + sorrow of Lady Ann, to whom he was affianced, and who did not in the least + miss him. Wherever Miss Clavering went, this infatuated young fellow + continued to follow her; and being aware that his engagement to his cousin + was known in the world, he was forced to make a mystery of his passion, + and confine it to his own breast, so that it was so pent in there and + pressed down, that it is a wonder he did not explode some day with the + stormy secret, and perish collapsed after the outburst. + </p> + <p> + There had been a grand entertainment at Gaunt House on one beautiful + evening in June, and the next day's journals contained almost two columns + of the names of the most closely printed nobility and gentry who had been + honoured with invitations to the ball. Among the guests were Sir Francis + and Lady Clavering and Miss Amory, for whom the indefatigable Major + Pendennis had procured an invitation, and our two young friends Arthur and + Harry. Each exerted himself, and danced a great deal with Miss Blanche. As + for the worthy Major, he assumed the charge of Lady Clavering, and took + care to introduce her to that department of the mansion where her ladyship + specially distinguished herself, namely, the refreshment-room, where, + amongst pictures of Titian and Giorgione, and regal portraits of Vandyke + and Reynolds, and enormous salvers of gold and silver, and pyramids of + large flowers, and constellations of wax candles—in a manner + perfectly regardless of expense, in a word—a supper was going on all + night. Of how many creams, jellies, salads, peaches, white soups, grapes, + pates, galantines, cups of tea, champagne, and so forth, Lady Clavering + partook, it does not become us to say. How much the Major suffered as he + followed the honest woman about, calling to the solemn male attendants and + lovely servant-maids, and administering to Lady Clavering's various wants + with admirable patience, nobody knows;—he never confessed. He never + allowed his agony to appear on his countenance in the least; but with a + constant kindness brought plate after plate to the Begum. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wagg counted up all the dishes of which Lady Clavering partook as long + as he could count (but as he partook very freely himself of champagne + during the evening, his powers of calculation were not to be trusted at + the close of the entertainment), and he recommended Mr. Honeyman, Lady + Steyne's medical man, to look carefully after the Begum, and to call and + get news of her ladyship the next day. + </p> + <p> + Sir Francis Clavering made his appearance, and skulked for a while about + the magnificent rooms; but the company and the splendour which he met + there were not to the Baronet's taste, and after tossing off a tumbler of + wine or two at the buffet, he quitted Gaunt House for the neighbourhood of + Jermyn Street, where his friends Loder, Punter, little Moss Abramns, and + Captain Skewball were assembled at the familiar green table. In the rattle + of the box, and of their agreeable conversation, Sir Francis's spirits + rose to their accustomed point of feeble hilarity. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pynsent, who had asked Miss Amory to dance, came up on one occasion to + claim her hand, but scowls of recognition having already passed between + him and Mr. Arthur Pendennis in the dancing-room, Arthur suddenly rose up + and claimed Miss Amory as his partner for the present dance, on which Mr. + Pynsent, biting his lips and scowling yet more savagely, withdrew with a + profound bow, saying that he gave up his claim. There are some men who are + always falling in one's way in life. Pynsent and Pen had this view of each + other; and each regarded other accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “What a confounded conceited provincial fool that is!” thought the one. + “Because he has written a twopenny novel, his absurd head is turned, and a + kicking would take his conceit out of him.” + </p> + <p> + “What an impertinent idiot that man is!” remarked the other to his + partner. “His soul is in Downing Street; his neckcloth is foolscap; his + hair is sand; his legs are rulers; his vitals are tape and sealing-wax; he + was a prig in his cradle; and never laughed since he was born, except + three times at the same joke of his chief. I have the same liking for that + man, Miss Amory, I have for that cold boiled veal.” Upon which Blanche of + course remarked, that Mr. Pendennis was wicked, mechant, perfectly + abominable, and wondered what he would say when her back was turned. + </p> + <p> + “Say!—Say that you have the most beautiful figure, and the slimmest + waist in the world, Blanche—Miss Amory, I mean. I beg your pardon. + Another turn; this music would make an alderman dance.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have left off tumbling when you waltz now?” Blanche asked, archly + looking up at her partner's face. + </p> + <p> + “One falls and one gets up again in life, Blanche; you know I used to call + you so in old times, and it is the prettiest name in the world. Besides, I + have practised since then.” + </p> + <p> + “And with a great number of partners, I'm afraid,” Blanche said, with a + little sham sigh, and a shrug of the shoulders. And so in truth Mr. Pen + had practised a good deal in this life; and had undoubtedly arrived at + being able to dance better. + </p> + <p> + If Pendennis was impertinent in his talk, Foker, on the other hand, so + bland and communicative on most occasions, was entirely mum and melancholy + when he danced with Miss Amory. To clasp her slender waist was a rapture, + to whirl round the room with her was a delirium; but to speak to her, what + could he say that was worthy of her? What pearl of conversation could he + bring that was fit for the acceptance of such a Queen of love and wit as + Blanche? It was she who made the talk when she was in the company of this + love-stricken partner. It was she who asked him how that dear little pony + was, and looked at him and thanked him with such a tender kindness and + regret, and refused the dear little pony with such a delicate sigh when he + offered it. “I have nobody to ride with in London,” she said. “Mamma is + timid, and her figure is not pretty on horseback. Sir Francis never goes + out with me. He loves me like—like a stepdaughter. Oh, how + delightful it must be to have a father—a father, Mr. Foker!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, uncommon,” said Mr. Harry, who enjoyed that blessing very calmly, + upon which, and forgetting the sentimental air which she had just before + assumed, Blanche's grey eyes gazed at Foker with such an arch twinkle that + both of them burst out laughing, and Harry enraptured and at his ease + began to entertain her with a variety of innocent prattle—good kind + simple Foker talk, flavoured with many expressions by no means to be + discovered in dictionaries, and relating to the personal history of + himself or horses, or other things dear and important to him, or to + persons in the ballroom then passing before them, and about whose + appearance or character Mr. Harry spoke with artless freedom, and a + considerable dash of humour. + </p> + <p> + And it was Blanche who, when the conversation flagged, and the youth's + modesty came rushing back and overpowering him, knew how to reanimate her + companion: asked him questions about Logwood, and whether it was a pretty + place? Whether he was a hunting man, and whether he liked women to hunt? + (in which case she was prepared to say that she adored hunting)—but + Mr. Foker expressing his opinion against sporting females, and pointing + out Lady Bullfinch, who happened to pass by, as a horse-godmother, whom he + had seen at cover with a cigar in her face, Blanche too expressed her + detestation of the sports of the field, and said it would make her shudder + to think of a dear sweet little fox being killed, on which Foker laughed + and waltzed with renewed vigour and grace. + </p> + <p> + And at the end of the waltz,—the last waltz they had on that night,—Blanche + asked him about Drummington, and whether it was a fine house. His cousins, + she had heard, were very accomplished: Lord Erith she had met, and which + of his cousins was his favourite? Was it not Lady Ann? Yes, she was sure + it was she; sure by his looks and his blushes. She was tired of dancing; + it was getting very late; she must go to mamma;—and, without another + word, she sprang away from Harry Foker's arm, and seized upon Pen's, who + was swaggering about the dancing-room, and again said, “Mamma, mamma!—take + me to mamma, dear, Mr. Pendennis!” transfixing Harry with a Parthian shot, + as she fled from him. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Steyne, with garter and ribbon, with a bald head and shining eyes, + and a collar of red whiskers round his face, always looked grand upon an + occasion of state; and made a great effect upon Lady Clavering, when he + introduced himself to her at the request of the obsequious Major + Pendennis. With his own white and royal hand, he handed to her ladyship a + glass of wine, said he had heard of her charming daughter, and begged to + be presented to her; and, at this very juncture, Mr. Arthur Pendennis came + up with the young lady on his arm. + </p> + <p> + The peer made a profound bow, and Blanche the deepest curtesy that ever + was seen. His lordship gave Mr. Arthur Pendennis his hand to shake; said + he had read his book, which was very wicked and clever; asked Miss Blanche + if she had read it,—at which Pen blushed and winced. Why, Blanche + was one of the heroines of the novel. Blanche, in black ringlets and a + little altered, was the Neaera of 'Walter Lorraine.' + </p> + <p> + Blanche had read it: the language of the eyes expressed her admiration and + rapture at the performance. This little play being achieved, the Marquis + of Steyne made other two profound bows to Lady Clavering and her daughter, + and passed on to some other of his guests at the splendid entertainment. + </p> + <p> + Mamma and daughter were loud in their expressions of admiration of the + noble Marquis so soon as his broad back was turned upon them. “He said + they make a very nice couple,” whispered major Pendennis to Lady + Clavering. Did he now, really? Mamma thought they would; Mamma was so + flustered with the honour which had just been shown to her, and with other + intoxicating events of the evening, that her good-humour knew no bounds. + She laughed, she winked, and nodded knowingly at Pen; she tapped him on + the arm with her fan; she tapped Blanche; she tapped the Major;—her + contentment was boundless, and her method of showing her joy equally + expansive. + </p> + <p> + As the party went down the great staircase of Gaunt House, the morning had + risen stark and clear over the black trees of the square; the skies were + tinged with pink; and the cheeks of some of the people at the ball,—ah, + how ghastly they looked! That admirable and devoted Major above all,—who + had been for hours by Lady Clavering's side, ministering to her and + feeding her body with everything that was nice, and her ear with + everything that was sweet and flattering,—oh! what an object he was! + The rings round his eyes were of the colour of bistre; those orbs + themselves were like the plovers' eggs whereof Lady Clavering and Blanche + had each tasted; the wrinkles in his old face were furrowed in deep + gashes; and a silver stubble, like an elderly morning dew was glittering + on his chin, and alongside the dyed whiskers now limp and out of curl. + </p> + <p> + There he stood, with admirable patience, enduring, uncomplainingly, a + silent agony; knowing that people could see the state of his face (for + could he not himself perceive the condition of others, males and females, + of his own age?)—longing to go to rest for hours past; aware that + suppers disagreed with him, and yet having eaten a little so as to keep + his friend, Lady Clavering, in good-humour; with twinges of rheumatism in + the back and knees; with weary feet burning in his varnished boots,—so + tired, oh, so tired and longing for bed! If a man, struggling with + hardship and bravely overcoming it, is an object of admiration for the + gods, that Power in whose chapels the old Major was a faithful worshipper + must have looked upwards approvingly upon the constancy of Pendennis's + martyrdom. There are sufferers in that cause as in the other: the negroes + in the service of Mumbo Jumbo tattoo and drill themselves with burning + skewers with great fortitude; and we read that the priests in the service + of Baal gashed themselves and bled freely. You who can smash the idols, do + so with a good courage; but do not be too fierce with the idolaters,—they + worship the best thing they know. + </p> + <p> + The Pendennises, the elder and the younger, waited with Lady Clavering and + her daughter until her ladyship's carriage was announced, when the elder's + martyrdom may be said to have come to an end, for the good-natured Begum + insisted upon leaving him at his door in Bury Street; so he took the back + seat of the carriage after a feeble bow or two, and speech of thanks, + polite to the last, and resolute in doing his duty. The Begum waved her + dumpy little hand by way of farewell to Arthur and Foker, and Blanche + smiled languidly out upon the young men, thinking whether she looked very + wan and green under her rose-coloured hood, and whether it was the mirrors + at Gaunt House, or the fatigue and fever of her own eyes, which made her + fancy herself so pale. + </p> + <p> + Arthur, perhaps, saw quite well how yellow Blanche looked, but did not + attribute that peculiarity of her complexion to the effect of the + looking-glasses, or to any error in his sight or her own. Our young man of + the world could use his eyes very keenly, and could see Blanche's face + pretty much as nature had made it. But for poor Foker it had a radiance + which dazzled and blinded him: he could see no more faults in it than in + the sun, which was now flaring over the house-tops. + </p> + <p> + Amongst other wicked London habits which Pen had acquired, the moralist + will remark that he had got to keep very bad hours; and often was going to + bed at the time when sober country-people were thinking of leaving it. Men + get used to one hour as to another. Editors of newspapers, Covent Garden + market-people, night cabmen and coffee-sellers, chimney-sweeps, and + gentlemen and ladies of fashion who frequent balls, are often quite lively + at three or four o'clock of a morning, when ordinary mortals are snoring. + We have shown in the last chapter how Pen was in a brisk condition of mind + at this period, inclined to smoke his cigar at ease, and to speak freely. + </p> + <p> + Foker and Pen walked away from Gaunt House, then, indulging in both the + above amusements: or rather Pen talked, and Foker looked as if he wanted + to say something. Pen was sarcastic and dandified when he had been in the + company of great folks; he could not help imitating some of their airs and + tones, and having a most lively imagination, mistook himself for a person + of importance very easily. He rattled away, and attacked this person and + that; sneered at Lady John Turnbull's bad French, which her ladyship will + introduce into all conversations in spite of the sneers of everybody; at + Mrs. Slack Roper's extraordinary costume and sham jewels; at the old + dandies and the young ones;—at whom didn't he sneer and laugh? + </p> + <p> + “You fire at everybody, Pen—you're grown awful, that you are,” Foker + said. “Now you've pulled about Blondel's yellow wig, and Colchicum's black + one, why don't you have a shy at a brown one, hay? you know whose I mean. + It got into Lady Clavering's carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Under my uncle's hat? My uncle is a martyr, Foker, my boy. My uncle has + been doing excruciating duties all night. He likes to go to bed rather + early. He has a dreadful headache if he sits up and touches supper. He + always has the gout if he walks or stands much at a ball. He has been + sitting up, and standing up, and supping. He has gone home to the gout and + the headache, and for my sake. Shall I make fun of the old boy? no, not + for Venice!” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean that he has been doing it for your sake?” Foker asked, + looking rather alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “Boy! canst thou keep a secret if I impart it to thee?” Pen cried out, in + high spirits. “Art thou of good counsel? Wilt thou swear? Wilt thou be + mum, or wilt thou preach? Wilt thou be silent and hear, or wilt thou speak + and die?” And as he spoke, flinging himself into an absurd theatrical + attitude, the men in the cabstand in Piccadilly wondered and grinned at + the antics of the two young swells. + </p> + <p> + “What the doose are you driving at?” Foker asked, looking very much + agitated. + </p> + <p> + Pen, however, did not remark this agitation much, but continued in the + same bantering and excited vein. “Henry, friend of my youth,” he said, + “and witness of my early follies, though dull at thy books, yet thou art + not altogether deprived of sense,—nay, blush not, Henrico, thou hast + a good portion of that, and of courage and kindness too, at the service of + thy friends. Were I in a strait of poverty, I would come to my Foker's + purse. Were I in grief, I would discharge my grief upon his sympathising + bosom——” + </p> + <p> + “Gammon, Pen—go on,” Foker said. + </p> + <p> + “I would, Henrico, upon thy studs, and upon thy cambric worked by the + hands of beauty, to adorn the breast of valour! Know then, friend of my + boyhood's days, that Arthur Pendennis of the Upper Temple, student-at-law, + feels that he is growing lonely and old Care is furrowing his temples, and + Baldness is busy with his crown. Shall we stop and have a drop of coffee + at this stall, it looks very hot and nice? Look how that cabman is blowing + at his saucer. No, you won't? Aristocrat! I resume my tale. I am getting + on in life. I have got devilish little money. I want some. I am thinking + of getting some, and settling in life. I'm thinking of settling. I'm + thinking of marrying, old boy. I'm thinking of becoming a moral man; a + steady port and sherry character: with a good reputation in my quartier, + and a moderate establishment of two maids and a man—with an + occasional brougham to drive out Mrs. Pendennis, and a house near the + Parks for the accommodation of the children. Ha! what sayest thou? Answer + thy friend, thou worthy child of beer. Speak, I adjure thee by all thy + vats. + </p> + <p> + “But you ain't got any money, Pen,” said the other, still looking alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't? No, but she ave. I tell thee there is gold in store for me—not + what you call money, nursed in the lap of luxury, and cradled on grains, + and drinking in wealth from a thousand mash-tubs. What do you know about + money? What is poverty to you, is splendour to the hardy son of the humble + apothecary. You can't live without an establishment, and your houses in + town and country. A snug little house somewhere off Belgravia, a brougham + for my wife, a decent cook, and a fair bottle of wine for my friends at + home sometimes; these simple necessaries suffice for me, my Foker.” And + here Pendennis began to look more serious. Without bantering further, Pen + continued, “I've rather serious thoughts of settling and marrying. No man + can get on in the world without some money at his back. You must have a + certain stake to begin with, before you can go in and play the great game. + Who knows that I'm not going to try, old fellow? Worse men than I have won + at it. And as I have not got enough capital from my fathers, I must get + some by my wife—that's all.” + </p> + <p> + They were walking down Grosvenor Street, as they talked, or rather as Pen + talked, in the selfish fulness of his heart; and Mr. Pen must have been + too much occupied with his own affairs to remark the concern and agitation + of his neighbour, for he continued: “We are no longer children, you know, + you and I, Harry. Bah! the time of our romance has passed away. We don't + marry for passion, but for prudence and for establishment. What do you + take your cousin for? Because she is a nice girl, and an Earl's daughter, + and the old folks wish it, and that sort of thing.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Pendennis,” asked Foker, “you ain't very fond of the girl—you're + going to marry?” + </p> + <p> + Pen shrugged his shoulders. “Comme ca,” said he; “I like her well enough. + She's pretty enough; she's clever enough. I think she'll do very well. And + she has got money enough—that's the great point. Psha! you know who + she is, don't you? I thought you were sweet on her yourself one night when + we dined with her mamma. It's little Amory.” + </p> + <p> + “I—I thought so,” Foker said; “and has she accepted you!” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite,” Arthur replied, with a confident smile, which seemed to say, + I have but to ask, and she comes to me that instant. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not quite,” said Foker; and he broke out with such a dreadful laugh, + that Pen, for the first time, turned his thoughts from himself towards his + companion, and was struck by the other's ghastly pale face. + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, Fo! what's the matter? You're ill,” Pen said, in a tone + of real concern. + </p> + <p> + “You think it was the champagne at Gaunt House, don't you? It ain't that. + Come in; let me talk to you for a minute. I'll tell you what it is. D——it, + let me tell somebody,” Foker said. + </p> + <p> + They were at Mr. Foker's door by this time, and, opening it, Harry walked + with his friend into his apartments, which were situated in the back part + of the house, and behind the family dining-room where the elder Foker + received his guests, surrounded by pictures of himself, his wife, his + infant son on a donkey, and the late Earl of Gravesend in his robes as a + Peer. Foker and Pen passed by this chamber, now closed with death-like + shutters, and entered into the young man's own quarters. Dusky streams of + sunbeams were playing into that room, and lighting up poor Harry's gallery + of dancing-girls and opera nymphs with flickering illuminations. + </p> + <p> + “Look here! I can't help telling you, Pen,” he said. “Ever since the night + we dined there, I'm so fond of that girl, that I think I shall die if I + don't get her. I feel as if I should go mad sometimes. I can't stand it, + Pen. I couldn't bear to hear you talking about her, just now, about + marrying her only because she's money. Ah, Pen! that ain't the question in + marrying. I'd bet anything it ain't. Talking about money and such a girl + as that, it's—it's—what-d'ye-call-'em—you know what I + mean—I ain't good at talking—sacrilege, then. If she'd have + me, I'd take and sweep a crossing, that I would!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Fo! I don't think that would tempt her,” Pen said, eyeing his friend + with a great deal of real good-nature and pity. “She is not a girl for + love and a cottage.” + </p> + <p> + “She ought to be a duchess, I know that very well, and I know she wouldn't + take me unless I could make her a great place in the world—for I + ain't good for anything myself much—I ain't clever and that sort of + thing,” Foker said sadly. “If I had all the diamonds that all the + duchesses and marchionesses had on to-night, wouldn't I put 'em in her + lap? But what's the use of talking? I'm booked for another race. It's that + kills me, Pen. I can't get out of it; though I die, I can't get out of it. + And though my cousin's a nice girl, and I like her very well, and that, + yet I hadn't seen this one when our Governors settled that matter between + us. And when you talked, just now, about her doing very well, and about + her having money enough for both of you, I thought to myself it isn't + money or mere liking a girl, that ought to be enough to make a fellow + marry. He may marry, and find he likes somebody else better. All the money + in the world won't make you happy then. Look at me; I've plenty of money, + or shall have out of the mash-tubs, as you call 'em. My Governor thought + he'd made it all right for me in settling my marriage with my cousin. I + tell you it won't do; and when Lady Ann has got her husband, it won't be + happy for either of us, and she'll have the most miserable beggar in + town.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor old fellow!” Pen said, with rather a cheap magnanimity, “I wish I + could help you. I had no idea of this, and that you were so wild about the + girl. Do you think she would have you without your money? No. Do you think + your father would agree to break off your engagement with your cousin? You + know him very well, and that he would cast you off rather than do so.” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy Foker only groaned a reply, flinging himself prostrate on a + sofa, face forwards, his head in his hands. + </p> + <p> + “As for my affair,” Pen went on, “my dear fellow, if I had thought matters + were so critical with you, at least I would not have pained you by + choosing you as my confidant. And my business is not serious, at least not + as yet. I have not spoken a word about it to Miss Amory. Very likely she + would not have me if I asked her. Only I have had a great deal of talk + about it with my uncle, who says that the match might be an eligible one + for me. I'm ambitious and I'm poor. And it appears Lady Clavering will + give her a good deal of money, and Sir Francis might be got to never mind + the rest. Nothing is settled, Harry. They are going out of town directly. + I promise you I won't ask her before she goes. There's no hurry: there's + time for everybody. But, suppose you got her, Foker. Remember what you + said about marriages just now, and the misery of a man who doesn't care + for his wife; and what sort of a wife would you have who didn't care for + her husband?” + </p> + <p> + “But she would care for me,” said Foker, from his sofa—“that is, I + think she would. Last night only, as we were dancing, she said——” + </p> + <p> + “What did she say?” Pen cried, starting up in great wrath. But he saw his + own meaning more clearly than Foker, and broke off with a laugh—“Well, + never mind what she said, Harry. Miss Amory is a clever girl, and says + numbers of civil things—to you—to me, perhaps—and who + the deuce knows to whom besides? Nothing's settled, old boy. At least, my + heart won't break if I don't get her. Win her if you can, and I wish you + joy of her. Good-bye! Don't think about what I said to you. I was excited, + and confoundedly thirsty in those hot rooms, and didn't, I suppose, put + enough Seltzer-water into the champagne. Good night! I'll keep your + counsel too. 'Mum' is the word between us; and 'let there be a fair fight, + and let the best man win,' as Peter Crawley says.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Mr. Arthur Pendennis, giving a very queer and rather dangerous + look at his companion, shook him by the hand, with something of that sort + of cordiality which befitted his just repeated simile of the boxing-match, + and which Mr. Bendigo displays when he shakes hands with Mr. Gaunt before + they fight each other for the champion's belt and two hundred pounds a + side. Foker returned his friend's salute with an imploring look, and a + piteous squeeze of the hand, sank back on his cushions again, and Pen, + putting on his hat, strode forth into the air, and almost over the body of + the matutinal housemaid, who was rubbing the steps at the door. + </p> + <p> + “And so he wants her too, does be?” thought Pen as he marched along—and + noted within himself with a fatal keenness of perception and almost an + infernal mischief, that the very pains and tortures which that honest + heart of Foker's was suffering gave a zest and an impetus to his own + pursuit of Blanche: if pursuit might be called which had been no pursuit + as yet, but mere sport and idle dallying. “She said something to him, did + she? perhaps she gave him the fellow flower to this;” and he took out of + his coat and twiddled in his thumb and finger a poor little shrivelled + crumpled bud that had faded and blackened with the heat and flare of the + night—“I wonder to how many more she has given her artless tokens of + affection—the little flirt”—and he flung his into the gutter, + where the water may have refreshed it, and where any amateur of rosebuds + may have picked it up. And then bethinking him that the day was quite + bright, and that the passers-by by might be staring at his beard and white + neckcloth, our modest young gentleman took a cab and drove to the Temple. + </p> + <p> + Ah! is this the boy that prayed at his mother's knee but a few years + since, and for whom very likely at this hour of morning she is praying? Is + this jaded and selfish worldling the lad who, a short while back, was + ready to fling away his worldly all, his hope, his ambition, his chance of + life, for his love? This is the man you are proud of, old Pendennis. You + boast of having formed him: and of having reasoned him out of his absurd + romance and folly—and groaning in your bed over your pains and + rheumatisms, satisfy yourself still by thinking, that, at last, that lad + will do something to better himself in life, and that the Pendennises will + take a good place in the world. And is he the only one, who in his + progress through this dark life goes wilfully or fatally astray, whilst + the natural truth and love which should illumine him grow dim in the + poisoned air, and suffice to light him no more? + </p> + <p> + When Pen was gone away, poor Harry Foker got up from the sofa, and taking + out from his waistcoat—the splendidly buttoned, but the gorgeously + embroidered, the work of his mamma—a little white rosebud, he drew + from his dressing-case, also the maternal present, a pair of scissors, + with which he nipped carefully the stalk of the flower, and placing it in + a glass of water opposite his bed, he sought refuge there from care and + bitter remembrances. + </p> + <p> + It is to be presumed that Miss Blanche Amory had more than one rose in her + bouquet, and why should not the kind young creature give out of her + superfluity, and make as many partners as possible happy? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. Monseigneur s'amuse + </h2> + <p> + The exertions of that last night at Gaunt House had proved almost too much + for Major Pendennis; and as soon as he could move his weary old body with + safety, he transported himself groaning to Buxton, and sought relief in + the healing waters of that place. Parliament broke up. Sir Francis + Clavering and family left town, and the affairs which we have just + mentioned to the reader were not advanced, in the brief interval of a few + days or weeks which have occurred between this and the last chapter. The + town was, however, emptied since then. + </p> + <p> + The season was now come to a conclusion: Pen's neighbours, the lawyers, + were gone upon circuit: and his more fashionable friends had taken their + passports for the Continent, or had fled for health or excitement to the + Scotch moors. Scarce a man was to be seen in the bow-windows of the Clubs, + or on the solitary Pall Mall pavement. The red jackets had disappeared + from before the Palace-gate: the tradesmen of St. James's were abroad + taking their pleasure: the tailors had grown mustachios and were gone up + the Rhine: the bootmakers were at Ems or Baden, blushing when they met + their customers at those places of recreation, or punting beside their + creditors at the gambling-tables: the clergymen of St. James's only + preached to half a congregation, in which there was not a single sinner of + distinction: the band in Kensington Gardens had shut up their instruments + of brass and trumpets of silver: only two or three old flies and chaises + crawled by the banks of the Serpentine; and Clarence Bulbul, who was + retained in town by his arduous duties as a Treasury clerk, when he took + his afternoon ride in Rotten Row, compared its loneliness to the vastness + of the Arabian desert and himself to a Bedouin wending his way through + that dusty solitude. Warrington stowed away a quantity of Cavendish + tobacco in his carpet-bag, and betook himself, as his custom was in the + vacation, to his brother's house in Norfolk. Pen was left alone in + chambers for a while, for this man of fashion could not quit the + metropolis when he chose always: and was at present detained by the + affairs of his newspaper, the Pall Mall Gazette, of, which he acted as the + editor and charge d'affaires during the temporary absence of the chief, + Captain Shandon, who was with his family at the salutary watering-place of + Boulogne-sur-Mer. + </p> + <p> + Although, as we have seen, Mr. Pen had pronounced himself for years past + to be a man perfectly blase and wearied of life, yet the truth is that he + was an exceedingly healthy young fellow still: with a fine appetite, which + he satisfied with the greatest relish and satisfaction at least once a + day; and a constant desire for society, which showed him to be anything + but misanthropical. If he could not get a good dinner he sate down to a + bad one with perfect contentment; if he could not procure the company of + witty or great or beautiful persons, he put up with any society that came + to hand; and was perfectly satisfied in a tavern-parlour or on board a + Greenwich steamboat, or in a jaunt to Hampstead with Mr. Finucane, his + colleague at the Pall Mall Gazette; or in a visit to the summer theatres + across the river; or to the Royal Gardens of Vauxhall, where he was on + terms of friendship with the great Simpson, and where he shook the + principal comic singer of the lovely equestrian of the arena by the hand. + And while he could watch the grimaces or the graces of these with a + satiric humour that was not deprived of sympathy, he could look on with an + eye of kindness at the lookers-on too; at the roystering youth bent upon + enjoyment, and here taking it: at the honest parents, with their delighted + children laughing and clapping their hands at the show: at the poor + outcasts, whose laughter was less innocent though perhaps louder, and who + brought their shame and their youth here, to dance and be merry till the + dawn at least; and to get bread and drown care. Of this sympathy with all + conditions of men Arthur often boasted: said he was pleased to possess it: + and that he hoped thus to the last he should retain it. As another man has + an ardour for art or music, or natural science, Mr. Pen said that + anthropology was his favourite pursuit; and had his eyes always eagerly + open to its infinite varieties and beauties: contemplating with an + unfailing delight all specimens of it in all places to which he resorted, + whether it was the coquetting of a wrinkled dowager in a ballroom, or a + high-bred young beauty blushing in her prime there; whether it was a + hulking guardsman coaxing a servant-girl in the Park—or innocent + little Tommy that was feeding the ducks whilst the nurse listened. And + indeed a man whose heart is pretty clean, can indulge in this pursuit with + an enjoyment that never ceases, and is only perhaps the more keen because + it is secret and has a touch of sadness in it: because he is of his mood + and humour lonely, and apart although not alone. + </p> + <p> + Yes, Pen used to brag and talk in his impetuous way to Warrington. “I was + in love so fiercely in my youth, that I have burned out that flame for + ever, I think, and if ever I marry, it will be a marriage of reason that I + will make, with a well-bred, good-tempered, good-looking person who has a + little money, and so forth, that will cushion our carriage in its course + through life. As for romance, it is all done; I have spent that out, and + am old before my time—I'm proud of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Stuff!” growled the other, “you fancied you were getting bald the other + day, and bragged about it as you do about everything. But you began to use + the bear's-grease pot directly the hairdresser told you; and are scented + like a barber ever since.” + </p> + <p> + “You are Diogenes,” the other answered, “and you want every man to live in + a tub like yourself. Violets smell better than stale tobacco, you grizzly + old cynic.” But Mr. Pen was blushing whilst he made this reply to his + unromantical friend, and indeed cared a great deal more about himself + still than such a philosopher perhaps should have done. Indeed, + considering that he was careless about the world, Mr. Pen ornamented his + person with no small pains in order to make himself agreeable to it, and + for a weary pilgrim as he was, wore very tight boots and bright varnish. + </p> + <p> + It was in this dull season of the year, then, of a shining Friday night in + autumn, that Mr. Pendennis, having completed at his newspaper office a + brilliant leading article—such as Captain Shandon himself might have + written, had the Captain been in good-humour, and inclined to work, which + he never would do except under compulsion—that Mr. Arthur Pendennis + having written his article, and reviewed it approvingly as it lay before + him in its wet proof-sheet at the office of the paper, bethought him that + he would cross the water, and regale himself with the fireworks and other + amusements of Vauxhall. So he affably put in his pocket the order which + admitted “Editor of Pall Mall Gazette and friend” to that place of + recreation, and paid with the coin of the realm a sufficient sum to enable + him to cross Waterloo Bridge. The walk thence to the Gardens was pleasant, + the stars were shining in the skies above, looking down upon the royal + property, whence the rockets and Roman candles had not yet ascended to + outshine the stars. + </p> + <p> + Before you enter the enchanted ground, where twenty thousand additional + lamps are burned every night as usual, most of us have passed through the + black and dreary passage and wickets which hide the splendours of Vauxhall + from uninitiated men. In the walls of this passage are two holes strongly + illuminated, in the midst of which you see two gentlemen at desks, where + they will take either your money as a private individual, or your order of + admission if you are provided with that passport to the Gardens. Pen went + to exhibit his ticket at the last-named orifice, where, however, a + gentleman and two ladies were already in parley before him. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman, whose hat was very much on one side, and who wore a short + and shabby cloak in an excessively smart manner, was crying out in a voice + which Pen at once recognised. + </p> + <p> + “Bedad, sir, if ye doubt me honour, will ye obleege me by stipping out of + that box, and——” + </p> + <p> + “Lor, Capting!” cried the elder lady. + </p> + <p> + “Don't bother me,” said the man in the box. + </p> + <p> + “And ask Mr. Hodgen himself, who's in the gyardens, to let these leedies + pass. Don't be froightened, me dear madam, I'm not going to quarl with + this gintleman, at anyreet before leedies. Will ye go, sir, and desoire + Mr. Hodgen (whose orther I keem in with, and he's me most intemate friend, + and I know he's goan to sing the 'Body Snatcher' here to-noight), with + Captain Costigan's compliments, to stip out and let in the leedies—for + meself, sir, I've seen Vauxhall, and I scawrun any interfayrance on moi + account: but for these leedies, one of them has never been there, and of + should think ye'd harly take advantage of me misfartune in losing the + ticket, to deproive her of her pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't no use, Captain. I can't go about your business,” the + check-taker said; on which the Captain swore an oath, and the elder lady + said, “Lor, ow provokin!” + </p> + <p> + As for the young one, she looked up at the Captain and said, “Never mind, + Captain Costigan, I'm sure I don't want to go at all. Come away, mamma.” + And with this, although she did not want to go at all, her feelings + overcame her, and she began to cry. + </p> + <p> + “Me poor child!” the Captain said. “Can ye see that, sir, and will ye not + let this innocent creature in?” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't my business,” cried the doorkeeper, peevishly, out of the + illuminated box. And at this minute Arthur came up, and recognising + Costigan, said, “Don't you know me, Captain? Pendennis!” And he took off + his hat and made a bow to the two ladies. “Me dear boy! Me dear friend!” + cried the Captain, extending towards Pendennis the grasp of friendship; + and he rapidly explained to the other what he called “a most unluckee + conthratong.” He had an order for Vauxhall, admitting two, from Mr. + Hodgen, then within the Gardens, and singing (as he did at the Back + Kitchen and the nobility's concerts, the 'Body Snatcher,' the 'Death of + General Wolfe,' the 'Banner of Blood,' and other favourite melodies); and, + having this order for the admission of two persons, he thought that it + would admit three, and had come accordingly to the Gardens with his + friends. But, on his way, Captain Costigan had lost the paper of admission—it + was not forthcoming at all; and the leedies must go back again, to the + great disappointment of one of them, as Pendennis saw. + </p> + <p> + Arthur had a great deal of good-nature for everybody, and sympathised with + the misfortunes of all sorts of people: how could he refuse his sympathy + in such a case as this? He had seen the innocent face as it looked up to + the Captain, the appealing look of the girl, the piteous quiver of the + mouth, and the final outburst of tears. If it had been his last guinea in + the world, he must have paid it to have given the poor little thing + pleasure. She turned the sad imploring eyes away directly they lighted + upon a stranger, and began to wipe them with her handkerchief. Arthur + looked very handsome and kind as he stood before the women, with his hat + off, blushing, bowing, generous, a gentleman. “Who are they?” he asked of + himself. He thought he had seen the elder lady before. + </p> + <p> + “If I can be of any service to you, Captain Costigan,” the young man said, + “I hope you will command me; is there any difficulty about taking these + ladies into the garden? Will you kindly make use of my purse? And—and + I have a ticket myself which will admit two—I hope, ma'am, you will + permit me?” + </p> + <p> + The first impulse of the Prince of Fairoaks was to pay for the whole + party, and to make away with his newspaper order as poor Costigan had done + with his own ticket. But his instinct, and the appearance of the two + women, told him that they would be better pleased if he did not give + himself the airs of a grand seigneur, and he handed his purse to Costigan, + and laughingly pulled out his ticket with one hand, as he offered the + other to the elder of the ladies—ladies was not the word—they + had bonnets and shawls, and collars and ribbons, and the youngest showed a + pretty little foot and boot under her modest grey gown, but his Highness + of Fairoaks was courteous to every person who wore a petticoat whatever + its texture was, and the humbler the wearer, only the more stately and + polite in his demeanour. + </p> + <p> + “Fanny, take the gentleman's arm,” the elder said; “Since you will be so + very kind—I've seen you often come in at our gate, sir, and go in to + Captain Strong's at No. 3.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny made a little curtsey, and put her hand under Arthur's arm. It had + on a shabby little glove, but it was pretty and small. She was not a + child, but she was scarcely a woman as yet; her tears had dried up, and + her cheek mantled with youthful blushes, and her eyes glistened with + pleasure and gratitude, as she looked up into Arthur's kind face. + </p> + <p> + Arthur, in a protecting way, put his other hand upon the little one + resting on his arm. “Fanny's a very pretty little name,” he said, “and so + you know me, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “We keep the lodge, sir, at Shepherd's Inn,” Fanny said with a curtsey; + “and I've never been at Vauxhall, sir, and Papa didn't like me to go—and—and—O—O—law, + how beautiful!” She shrank back as she spoke, starting with wonder and + delight as she saw the Royal Gardens blaze before her with a hundred + million of lamps, with a splendour such as the finest fairy tale, the + finest pantomime she had ever witnessed at the theatre, had never + realised. Pen was pleased with her pleasure, and pressed to his side the + little hand which clung so kindly to him. “What would I not give for a + little of this pleasure?” said the blase young man. + </p> + <p> + “Your purse, Pendennis, me dear boy,” said the Captain's voice behind him. + “Will ye count it? it's all roight—no—ye thrust in old Jack + Costigan (he thrusts me, ye see, madam). Ye've been me preserver, Pen + (I've known um since choildhood, Mrs. Bolton; he's the proproietor of + Fairoaks Castle, and many's the cooper of clart I've dthrunk there with + the first nobilitee of his neetive countee),—Mr. Pendennis, ye've + been me preserver, and of thank ye; me daughtther will thank ye;—Mr. + Simpson, your humble servant sir.” + </p> + <p> + If Pen was magnificent in his courtesy to the ladies, what was his + splendour in comparison to Captain Costigan's bowing here and there, and + crying bravo to the singers? + </p> + <p> + A man, descended like Costigan, from a long line of Hibernian kings, + chieftains, and other magnates and sheriffs of the county, had of course + too much dignity and self-respect to walk arrum-in-arrum (as the Captain + phrased it) with a lady who occasionally swept his room out, and cooked + his mutton-chops. In the course of their journey from Shepherd's Inn to + Vauxhall Gardens, Captain Costigan had walked by the side of the two + ladies, in a patronising and affable manner pointing out to them the + edifices worthy of note, and discoorsing, according to his wont, about + other cities and countries which he had visited, and the people of rank + and fashion with whom he had the honour of an acquaintance. Nor could it + be expected, nor, indeed, did Mrs. Bolton expect, that, arrived in the + Royal property, and strongly illuminated by the flare of the twenty + thousand additional lamps, the Captain could relax from his dignity, and + give an arm to a lady who was, in fact, little better than a housekeeper + or charwoman. + </p> + <p> + But Pen, on his part, had no such scruples. Miss Fanny Bolton did not make + his bed nor sweep his chambers; and he did not choose to let go his pretty + little partner. As for Fanny, her colour heightened, and her bright eyes + shone the brighter with pleasure, as she leaned for protection on the arm + of such a fine gentleman as Mr. Pen. And she looked at numbers of other + ladies in the place, and at scores of other gentlemen under whose + protection they were walking here and there; and she thought that her + gentleman was handsomer and grander-looking than any other gent in the + place. Of course there were votaries of pleasure of all ranks there—rakish + young surgeons, fast young clerks and commercialists, occasional dandies + of the Guard regiments, and the rest. Old Lord Colchicum was there in + attendance upon Mademoiselle Caracoline, who had been riding in the ring; + and who talked her native French very loud, and used idiomatic expressions + of exceeding strength as she walked about, leaning on the arm of his + lordship. + </p> + <p> + Colchicum was in attendance upon Mademoiselle Carandine, little Tom + Tufthunt was in attendance upon Lord Colchicum; and rather pleased, too, + with his position. When Don Juan scalles the wall, there's never a want of + a Leporello to hold the ladder. Tom Tufthunt was quite happy to act as + friend to the elderly viscount, and to carve the fowl, and to make the + salad at supper. When Pen and his young lady met the Viscount's party, + that noble poor only gave Arthur a passing leer of recognition as his + lordship's eyes passed from Pen's face under the bonnet of Pen's + companion. But Tom Tufthunt wagged his head very good-naturedly at Mr. + Arthur, and said, “How are you, old boy?” and looked extremely knowing at + the godfather of this history. + </p> + <p> + “That is the great rider at Astley's; I have seen her there,” Miss Bolton + said, looking after Mademoiselle Caracoline; “and who is that old man? is + it not the gentleman in the ring!” + </p> + <p> + “That is Lord Viscount Colchicum, Miss Fanny,” said Pen with an air of + protection. He meant no harm; he was pleased to patronise the young girl, + and he was not displeased that she should be so pretty, and that she + should be hanging upon his arm, and that yonder elderly Don Juan should + have seen her there. + </p> + <p> + Fanny was very pretty; her eyes were dark and brilliant, her teeth were + like little pearls; her mouth was almost as red as Mademoiselle + Caracoline's when the latter had put on her vermilion. And what a + difference there was between the one's voice and the other's, between the + girl's laugh and the woman's! It was only very lately, indeed, that Fanny, + when looking in the little glass over the Bows-Costigan mantelpiece as she + was dusting it had begun to suspect that she was a beauty. But a year ago, + she was a clumsy, gawky girl, at whom her father sneered, and of whom the + girls at the day-school (Miss Minifer's, Newcastle Street, Strand; Miss + M., the younger sister, took the leading business at the Norwich circuit + in 182—; and she herself had played for two seasons with some credit + T. R. E. O., T. R. S. W., until she fell down a trap-door and broke her + leg); the girls at Fanny's school, we say, took no account of her, and + thought her a dowdy little creature as long as she remained under Miss + Minifer's instruction. And it was unremarked and almost unseen in the + porter's dark lodge of Shepherd's Inn, that this little flower bloomed + into beauty. + </p> + <p> + So this young person hung upon Mr. Pen's arm, and they paced the gardens + together, Empty as London was, there were still some two millions of + people left lingering about it, and amongst them, one or two of the + acquaintances of Mr. Arthur Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + Amongst them, silent and alone, pale, with his hands in his pockets, and a + rueful nod of the head to Arthur as they met, passed Henry Foker, Esq. + Young Henry was trying to ease his mind by moving from place to place, and + from excitement to excitement. But he thought about Blanche as he + sauntered in the dark walks; he thought about Blanche as he looked at the + devices of the lamps. He consulted the fortune-teller about her, and was + disappointed when that gipsy told him that he was in love with a dark lady + who would make him happy; and at the concert, though Mr. Momus sang his + most stunning comic songs, and asked his most astonishing riddles, never + did a kind smile come to visit Foker's lips. In fact, he never heard Mr. + Momus at all. + </p> + <p> + Pen and Miss Bolton were hard by listening to the same concert, and the + latter remarked, and Pen laughed at Mr. Foker's woebegone face. + </p> + <p> + Fanny asked what it was that made that odd-looking little man so dismal? + “I think he is crossed in love!” Pen, said. “Isn't that enough to make any + man dismal, Fanny?” And he looked down at her, splendidly protecting her, + like Egmont at Clara in Goethe's play, or Leicester at Amy in Scott's + novel. + </p> + <p> + “Crossed in love is he? poor gentleman,” said Fanny with a sigh, and her + eyes turned round towards him with no little kindness and pity—but + Harry did not see the beautiful dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How dy do, Mr. Pendennis!”—a voice broke in here—it was that + of a young man in a large white coat with a red neckcloth, over which a + dingy shirt-collar was turned so as to exhibit a dubious neck—with a + large pin of bullion or other metal, and an imaginative waistcoat with + exceedingly fanciful glass buttons, and trousers that cried with a loud + voice, “Come look at me and see how cheap and tawdry I am; my master, what + a dirty buck!” and a little stick in one pocket of his coat, and a lady in + pink satin on the other arm—“How dy do—Forget me, I dare say? + Huxter,—Clavering.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Mr. Huxter,” the Prince of Fairoaks said in his most + princely manner—“I hope you are very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty bobbish, thanky.”—And Mr. Huxter wagged his head. “I say, + Pendennis, you've been coming it uncommon strong since we had the row at + Wapshot's, don't you remember. Great author, hay? Go about with the + swells. Saw your name in the Morning Post. I suppose you're too much of a + swell to come and have a bit of supper with an old friend?—Charterhouse + Lane to-morrow night,—some devilish good fellows from Bartholomew's, + and some stunning gin-punch. Here's my card.” And with this Mr. Huxter + released his hand from the pocket where his cane was, and pulling off the + top of his card-case with his teeth produced thence a visiting ticket, + which he handed to Pen. + </p> + <p> + “You are exceedingly kind, I am sure,” said Pen: “but I regret that I have + an engagement which will take me out of town to-morrow night.” And the + Marquis of Fairoaks, wondering that such a creature as this could have the + audacity to give him a card, put Mr. Huxter's card into his waistcoat + pocket with a lofty courtesy. Possibly Mr. Samuel Huxter was not aware + that there was any great social difference between Mr. Arthur Pendennis + and himself. Mr. Huxter's father was a surgeon and apothecary at Clavering + just as Mr. Pendennis's papa had been a surgeon and apothecary at Bath. + But the impudence of some men is beyond all calculation. + </p> + <p> + “Well, old fellow, never mind,” said Mr. Huxter, who, always frank and + familiar, was from vinous excitement even more affable than usual. “If + ever you are passing, look up our place, I'm mostly at home Saturdays; and + there's generally a cheese cupboard. Ta, ta.—There's the bell for + the fireworks ringing. Come along, Mary.” And he set off running with the + rest of the crowd in the direction of the fireworks. + </p> + <p> + So did Pen presently, when this agreeable youth was out of sight, begin to + run with his little companion; Mrs. Bolton following after them, with + Captain Costigan at her side. But the Captain was too majestic and + dignified in his movements to run for friend or enemy, and he pursued his + course with the usual jaunty swagger which distinguished his steps, so + that he and his companion were speedily distanced by Pen and Miss Fanny. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Arthur forgot, or perhaps he did not choose to remember, that the + elder couple had no money in their pockets, as had been proved by their + adventure at the entrance of the Gardens; howbeit, Pen paid a couple of + shillings for himself and his partner, and with her hanging close on his + arm, scaled the staircase which leads to the firework gallery. The Captain + and mamma might have followed them if they liked, but Arthur and Fanny + were too busy to look back. People were pushing and squeezing there beside + and behind them. One eager individual rushed by Fanny, and elbowed her so, + that she fell back with a little cry, upon which, of course, Arthur caught + her adroitly in his arms, and, just for protection, kept her so defended, + until they mounted the stair, and took their places. + </p> + <p> + Poor Foker sate alone on one of the highest benches, his face illuminated + by the fireworks, or in their absence by the moon. Arthur saw him, and + laughed, but did not occupy himself about his friend much. He was engaged + with Fanny. How she wondered! how happy she was! how she cried O, O, O, as + the rockets soared into the air, and showered down in azure, and emerald, + and vermilion! As these wonders blazed and disappeared before her, the + little girl thrilled and trembled with delight at Arthur's side—her + hand was under his arm still, he felt it pressing him as she looked up + delighted. + </p> + <p> + “How beautiful they are, sir!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Don't call me sir, Fanny,” Arthur said. + </p> + <p> + A quick blush rushed up into the girl's face. “What shall I call you?” she + said, in a low voice, sweet and tremulous. “What would you wish me to say, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Again, Fanny! Well, I forgot; it is best so, my dear,” Pendennis said, + very kindly and gently. “I may call you Fanny?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes!” she said, and the little hand pressed his arm once more very + eagerly, and the girl clung to him so that he could feel her heart beating + on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “I may call you Fanny, because you are a young girl, and a good girl, + Fanny, and I am an old gentleman. But you mustn't call me anything but + sir, or Mr. Pendennis, if you like; for we live in very different + stations, Fanny; and don't think I speak unkindly; and—and why do + you take your hand away, Fanny? Are you afraid of me? Do you think I would + hurt you? Not for all the world, my dear little girl. And—and look + how beautiful the moon and stars are, and how calmly they shine when the + rockets have gone out, and the noisy wheels have done hissing and blazing. + When I came here to-night I did not think I should have had such a pretty + little companion to sit by my side, and see these fine fireworks. You must + know I live by myself, and work very hard. I write in books and + newspapers, Fanny; and I quite tired out, and was expected to sit alone + all night; and—don't cry, my dear, dear, little girl.” Here Pen + broke out, rapidly putting an end to the calm oration which he had begun + to deliver; for the sight of a woman's tears always put his nerves in a + quiver, and he began forthwith to coax her and soothe her, and to utter a + hundred and twenty little ejaculations of pity and sympathy, which need + not be repeated here, because they would be absurd in print. So would a + mother's talk to a child be absurd in print; so would a lover's to his + bride. That sweet artless poetry bears no translation; and is too subtle + for grammarians' clumsy definitions. You have but the same four letters to + describe the salute which you perform on your grandmother's forehead, and + that which you bestow on the sacred cheek of your mistress; but the same + four letters, and not one of them a labial. Do we mean to hint that r. + Arthur Pendennis made any use of the monosyllable in question? Not so. In + the first place, it was dark: the fireworks were over, and nobody could + see him; secondly, he was not a man to have this kind of secret, and tell + it; thirdly and lastly, let the honest fellow who has kissed a pretty + girl, say what would have been his own conduct in such a delicate + juncture? + </p> + <p> + Well, the truth is, that however you may suspect him, and whatever you + would have done under the circumstances, or Mr. Pen would have liked to + do, he behaved honestly, and like a man. “I will not play with this little + girl's heart,” he said within himself, “and forget my own or her honour. + She seems to have a great deal of dangerous and rather contagious + sensibility, and I am very glad the fireworks are over, and that I can + take her back to her mother. Come along, Fanny; mind the steps, and lean + on me. Don't stumble, you heedless little thing; this is the way, and + there is your mamma at the door.” + </p> + <p> + And there, indeed, Mrs. Bolton was, unquiet in spirit, and grasping her + umbrella. She seized Fanny with maternal fierceness and eagerness, and + uttered some rapid abuse to the girl in an undertone. The expression in + Captain Costigan's eye—standing behind the matron and winking at + Pendennis from under his hat—was, I am bound to say, indefinably + humorous. + </p> + <p> + It was so much so, that Pen could not refrain from bursting into a laugh. + “You should have taken my arm, Mrs. Bolton,” he said, offering it. “I am + very glad to bring Miss Fanny back quite safe to you. We thought you would + have followed us up into the gallery. We enjoyed the fireworks, didn't + we?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes!” said Miss Fanny, with rather a demure look. + </p> + <p> + “And the bouquet was magnificent,” said Pen. “And it is ten hours since I + had anything to eat, ladies; and I wish you would permit me to invite you + to supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Dad,” said Costigan, “I'd loike a snack to; only I forgawt me purse, or I + should have invoited these leedies to a collection.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bolton with considerable asperity said, She ad an eadache, and would + much rather go ome. + </p> + <p> + “A lobster salad is the best thing in the world for a headache,” Pen said + gallantly, “and a glass of wine I'm sure will do you good. Come, Mrs. + Bolton, be kind to me and oblige me. I shan't have the heart to sup + without you, and upon my word I have had no dinner. Give me your arm: give + me the umbrella. Costigan, I'm sure you'll take care of Miss Fanny; and I + shall think Mrs. Bolton angry with me, unless she will favour me with her + society. And we will all sup quietly, and go back in a cab together.” + </p> + <p> + The cab, the lobster salad, the frank and good-humoured look of Pendennis, + as he smilingly invited the worthy matron, subdued her suspicions and her + anger. Since he would be so obliging, she thought she could take a little + bit of lobster, and so they all marched away to a box; and Costigan called + for a waither with such a loud and belligerent voice, as caused one of + those officials instantly to run to him. + </p> + <p> + The carte was examined on the wall, and Fanny was asked to choose her + favourite dish; upon which the young creature said she was fond of + lobster, too, but also owned to a partiality for raspberry tart. This + delicacy was provided by Pen, and a bottle of the most frisky champagne + was moreover ordered for the delight of the ladies. Little Fanny drank + this;—what other sweet intoxication had she not drunk in the course + of the night? + </p> + <p> + When the supper, which was very brisk and gay, was over, and Captain + Costigan and Mrs. Bolton had partaken of some of the rack-punch that is so + fragrant at Vauxhall, the bill was called and discharged by Pen with great + generosity,—“loike a foin young English gentleman of th' olden + toime, be Jove,” Costigan enthusiastically remarked. And as, when they + went out of the box, he stepped forward and gave Mrs. Bolton his arm, + Fanny fell to Pen's lot, and the young people walked away in high + good-humour together, in the wake of their seniors. + </p> + <p> + The champagne and the rack-punch, though taken in moderation by all + persons, except perhaps poor Cos, who lurched ever so little in his gait, + had set them in high spirits and good-humour, so that Fanny began to skip + and move her brisk little feet in time to the band, which was playing + waltzes and galops for the dancers. As they came up to the dancing, the + music and Fanny's feet seemed to go quicker together—she seemed to + spring, as if naturally, from the ground, and as if she required + repression to keep her there. + </p> + <p> + “Shouldn't you like a turn?” said the Prince of Fairoaks. “What fun it + would be! Mrs. Bolton, ma'am, do let me take her once round.” Upon which + Mr. Costigan said, “Off wid you!” and Mrs. Bolton not refusing (indeed, + she was an old war-horse, and would have liked, at the trumpet's sound, to + have entered the arena herself), Fanny's shawl was off her back in a + minute, and she and Arthur were whirling round in a waltz in the midst of + a great deal of queer, but exceedingly joyful company. + </p> + <p> + Pen had no mishap this time with little Fanny, as he had with Miss Blanche + in old days,—at least, there was no mishap of his making. The pair + danced away with great agility and contentment,—first a waltz, then + a galop, then a waltz again, until, in the second waltz, they were bumped + by another couple who had joined the Terpsichorean choir. This was Mr. + Huxter and his pink satin young friend, of whom we have already had a + glimpse. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Huxter very probably had been also partaking of supper, for he was + even more excited now than at the time when he had previously claimed + Pen's acquaintance; and, having run against Arthur and his partner, and + nearly knocked them down, this amiable gentleman of course began to abuse + the people whom he had injured, and broke out into a volley of slang + against the unoffending couple. “Now then, stoopid! Don't keep the ground + if you can't dance, old Slow Coach!” the young surgeon roared out (using, + at the same time, other expressions far more emphatic), and was joined in + his abuse by the shrill language and laughter of his partner; to the + interruption of the ball, the terror of poor little Fanny, and the immense + indignation of Pen. + </p> + <p> + Arthur was furious; and not so angry at the quarrel as at the shame + attending it. A battle with a fellow like that! A row in a public garden, + and with a porter's daughter on his arm! What a position for Arthur + Pendennis! He drew poor little Fanny hastily away from the dancers to her + mother, and wished that lady, and Costigan, and poor Fanny underground, + rather than there, in his companionship, and under his protection. + </p> + <p> + When Huxter commenced his attack, that free-spoken young gentleman had not + seen who was his opponent; and directly he was aware that it was Arthur + whom he had insulted, he began to make apologies. “Hold your stoopid + tongue, Mary,” he said to his partner. “It's an old friend and crony at + home. I beg pardon, Pendennis; wasn't aware it was you, old boy.” Mr. + Huxter had been one of the boys of the Clavering School, who had been + present at a combat which has been mentioned in the early part of this + story, when young Pen knocked down the biggest champion of the academy, + and Huxter knew that it was dangerous to quarrel with Arthur. + </p> + <p> + His apologies were as odious to the other as his abuse had been. Pen + stopped his tipsy remonstrance, by telling him to hold his tongue, and + desiring him not to use his (Pendennis's) name in that place or any other; + and he walked out of the gardens with a titter behind him from the crowd, + every one of whom he would have liked to massacre for having been witness + to the degrading broil. He walked out of the gardens, quite forgetting + poor little Fanny, who came trembling behind him with her mother and the + stately Costigan. + </p> + <p> + He was brought back to himself by a word from the Captain, who touched him + on the shoulder just as they were passing the inner gate. + </p> + <p> + “There's no ray-admittance except ye pay again,” the Captain said. “Hadn't + I better go back and take the fellow your message?” + </p> + <p> + Pen burst out laughing. “Take him a message! Do you think I would fight + with such a fellow as that?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, no! Don't, don't?” cried out little Fanny. “How can you be so wicked, + Captain Costigan?” The Captain muttered something about honour, and winked + knowingly at Pen, but Arthur said gallantly, “No, Fanny, don't be + frightened. It was my fault to have danced in such a place,—I beg + your padon to have asked you to dance there.” And he gave her his arm once + more, and called a cab, and put his three friends into it. + </p> + <p> + He was about to pay the driver, and to take another carriage for himself, + when little Fanny, still alarmed, put her little hand out, and caught him + by the coat, and implored him and besought him to come in. + </p> + <p> + “Will nothing satisfy you,” said Pen, in great good-humour, “that I am not + going back to fight him? Well, I will come home with you. Drive to + Shepherd's Inn, cab.” The cab drove to its destination. Arthur was + immensely pleased by the girl's solicitude about him: her tender terrors + quite made him forget his previous annoyance. + </p> + <p> + Pen put the ladies into their lodge, having shaken hands kindly with both + of them; and the Captain again whispered to him that he would see um in + the morning if he was inclined, and take his message to that “scounthrel.” + But the Captain was in his usual condition when he made the proposal; and + Pen was perfectly sure that neither he nor Mr. Huxter, when they awoke, + would remember anything about the dispute. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. A Visit of Politeness + </h2> + <p> + Costigan never roused Pen from his slumbers; there was no hostile message + from Mr. Huxter to disturb him; and when Pen woke, it was with a brisker + and more lively feeling than ordinarily attends that moment in the day of + the tired and blase London man. A City man wakes up to care and consols, + and the thoughts of 'Change and the counting-house take possession of him + as soon as sleep flies from under his night-cap; a lawyer rouses himself + with the early morning to think of the case that will take him all his day + to work upon, and the inevitable attorney to whom he has promised his + papers ere night. Which of us has not his anxiety instantly present when + his eyes are opened, to it and to the world, after his night's sleep? Kind + strengthener that enables us to face the day's task with renewed heart! + Beautiful ordinance of Providence that creates rest as it awards labour! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pendennis's labour, or rather his disposition, was of that sort that + his daily occupations did not much interest him, for the excitement of + literary composition pretty soon subsides with the hired labourer, and the + delight of seeing one's-self in print only extends to the first two or + three appearances in the magazine or newspaper page. Pegasus put into + harness, and obliged to run a stage every day, is as prosaic as any other + hack, and won't work without his whip or his feed of corn. So, indeed, Mr. + Arthur performed his work at the Pall Mall Gazette (and since his success + as a novelist with an increased salary), but without the least enthusiasm, + doing his best or pretty nearly, and sometimes writing ill and sometimes + well. He was a literary hack, naturally fast in pace, and brilliant in + action. + </p> + <p> + Neither did society, or that portion which he saw, excite or amuse him + over much. In spite of his brag and boast to the contrary, he was too + young as yet for women's society, which probably can only be had in + perfection when a man has ceased to think about his own person, and has + given up all designs of being a conqueror of ladies; he was too young to + be admitted as an equal amongst men who had made their mark in the world, + and of whose conversation he could scarcely as yet expect to be more than + a listener. And he was too old for the men of pleasure of his own age; too + much a man of pleasure for the men of business; destinied in a word to be + a good deal alone. Fate awards this lot of solitude to many a man; and + many like it from taste, as many without difficulty bear it. Pendennis, in + reality, suffered it very equanimously; but in words, and according to his + wont, grumbled over it not a little. + </p> + <p> + “What a nice little artless creature that was,” Mr. Pen thought at the + very instant of waking after the Vauxhall affair; “what a pretty natural + manner she has; how much pleasanter than the minauderies of the young + ladies in the ballrooms” (and here he recalled to himself some instances + of what he could not help seeing was the artful simplicity of Miss + Blanche, and some of the stupid graces of other young ladies in the polite + world); “who could have thought that such a pretty rose could grow in a + porter's lodge, or bloom in that dismal old flower-pot of a Shepherd's + Inn? So she learns to sing from old Bows? If her singing voice is as sweet + as her speaking voice, it must be pretty. I like those low voilees voices. + 'What would you like me to call you?' indeed, poor little Fanny! It went + to my heart to adopt the grand air with her and tell her to call me, + 'Sir.' But we'll have no nonsense of that sort—no Faust and Margaret + business for me. That old Bows! So he teaches her to sing, does he? He's a + dear old fellow, old Bows: a gentleman in those old clothes: a + philosopher, and with a kind heart, too. How good he was to me in the + Fotheringay business. He, too, has had his griefs and his sorrows. I must + cultivate old Bows. A man ought to see people of all sorts. I am getting + tired of genteel society. Besides, there's nobody in town. Yes, I'll go + and see Bows, and Costigan too; what a rich character! begad, I'll study + him, and put him into a book.” In this way our young anthropologist talked + with himself, and as Saturday was the holiday of the week, the Pall Mall + Gazette making its appearance upon that day, and the contributors to that + journal having no further calls upon their brains or ink-bottles, Mr. + Pendennis determined he would take advantage of his leisure, and pay a + visit to Shepherd's Inn—of course to see old Bows. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that if Arthur had been the most determined roue and artful + Lovelace who ever set about deceiving a young girl, he could hardly have + adopted better means for fascinating and overcoming poor little Fanny + Bolton than those which he had employed on the previous night. His + dandified protecting air, his conceit, generosity, and good-humour, the + very sense of good and honesty which had enabled him to check the + tremulous advances of the young creature, and not to take advantage of + that little fluttering sensibility,—his faults and his virtues at + once contributed to make her admire him; and if we could peep into Fanny's + bed (which she shared in a cupboard, along with those two little sisters + to whom we have seen Mr. Costigan administering gingerbread and apples), + we should find the poor little maid tossing upon her mattress, to the + great disturbance of its other two occupants, and thinking over all the + delights and events of that delightful, eventful night, and all the words, + looks, and actions of Arthur, its splendid hero. Many novels had Fanny + read, in secret and at home, in three volumes and in numbers. Periodical + literature had not reached the height which it has attained subsequently, + and the girls of Fanny's generation were not enabled to purchase sixteen + pages of excitement for a penny, rich with histories of crime, murder, + oppressed virtue, and the heartless seductions of the aristocracy; but she + had had the benefit of the circulating library which, in conjunction with + her school and a small brandy-ball and millinery business, Miss Minifer + kept,—and Arthur appeared to her at once as the type and realisation + of all the heroes of all those darling greasy volumes which the young girl + had devoured. Mr. Pen, we have seen, was rather a dandy about shirts and + haberdashery in general. Fanny had looked with delight at the fineness of + his linen, at the brilliancy of his shirt-studs, at his elegant cambric + pocket-handkerchief and white gloves, and at the jetty brightness of his + charming boots. The Prince had appeared and subjugated the poor little + handmaid. His image traversed constantly her restless slumbers; the tone + of his voice, the blue light of his eyes, the generous look, half love, + half pity,—the manly protecting smile, the frank, winning laughter,—all + these were repeated in the girl's fond memory. She felt still his arm + encircling her, and saw him smiling so grand as he filled up that + delicious glass of champagne. And then she thought of the girls, her + friends, who used to sneer at her—of Emma Baker, who was so proud, + forsooth, because she was engaged to a cheesemonger, in a white apron, + near Clare Market; and of Betsy Rodgers, who make such a to-do about her + young man—an attorney's clerk, indeed, that went about with a bag! + </p> + <p> + So that, at about two o'clock in the afternoon—the Bolton family + having concluded their dinner (and Mr. B., who besides his place of porter + of the Inn, was in the employ of Messrs. Tressler, the eminent undertakers + of the Strand, being absent in the country with the Countess of Estrich's + hearse), when a gentleman in a white hat and white trousers made his + appearance under the Inn archway, and stopped at the porter's wicket, + Fanny was not in the least surprised, only delightful, only happy, and + blushing beyond all measure. She knew it could be no other than He. She + knew He'd come. There he was; there was His Royal Highness beaming upon + her from the gate. She called to her mother, who was busy in the upper + apartment, “Mamma, mamma,” and ran to the wicket at once, and opened it, + pushing aside the other children. How she blushed as she gave her hand to + him! How affably he took off his white hat as he came in; the children + staring up at him! He asked Mrs. Bolton if she had slept well, after the + fatigues of the night, and hoped she had no headache; and he said that as + he was going that way, he could not pass the door without asking news of + his little partner. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bolton was perhaps rather shy and suspicious about these advances; + but Mr. Pen's good-humour was inexhaustible, he could not see that he was + unwelcome. He looked about the premises for a seat, and none being + disengaged, for a dish-cover was on one, a workbox on the other, and so + forth, he took one of the children's chairs, and perched himself upon that + uncomfortable eminence. At this, the children began laughing, the child + Fanny louder than all—at least, she was more amused than any of + them, and amazed at His Royal Highness's condescension. He to sit down in + that chair—that little child's chair!—Many and many a time + after, she regarded it: haven't we almost all, such furniture in our + rooms, that our fancy peoples with dear figures, that our memory fills + with sweet smiling faces, which may never look on us more? + </p> + <p> + So Pen sate down and talked away with great volubility to Mrs. Bolton. He + asked about the undertaking business, and how many mutes went down with + Lady Estrich's remains; and about the Inn, and who lived there. He seemed + very much interested about Mr. Campion's cab and horse, and had met that + gentleman in society. He thought he should like shares in the Polwheedle + and Tredyddlum; did Mrs. Bolton do for those chambers? Were there any + chambers to let in the Inn? It was better than the Temple: he should like + to come to live in Shepherd's Inn. As for Captain Strong, and—Colonel + Altamont—was his name? he was deeply interested in them too. The + Captain was an old friend at home. He had dined with him at chambers here, + before the Colonel came to live with him. What sort of man was the + Colonel? Wasn't he a stout man, with a large quantity of jewellery, and a + wig and large black whiskers—very black (here Pen was immensely + waggish, and caused hysteric giggles of delight from the ladies)—very + black indeed; in fact, blue black; that is to say, a rich greenish purple? + That was the man; he had met him, too, at Sir Fr—— in Society. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we know,” said the ladies, “Sir F—— is Sir F. Clavering + he's often here: two or three times a week with the Captain. My little boy + has been out for bill-stamps for him. O Lor! I beg pardon, I shouldn't + have mentioned no secrets,” Mrs. Bolton blurted out, being talked + perfectly into good-nature by this time. “But we know you to be a + gentleman, Mr. Pendennis, for I'm sure you have shown that you can beayve + as such. Hasn't Mr. Pendennis, Fanny?” + </p> + <p> + Fanny loved her mother for that speech. She cast up her dark eyes to the + low ceiling and said, “Oh, that he has, I'm sure, Ma,” with a voice full + of feeling. + </p> + <p> + Pen was rather curious about the bill-stamps, and concerning the + transactions in Strong's chambers. And he asked, when Altamont came and + joined the Chevalier, whether he too was out for bill-stamps, who he was, + whether he saw many people, and so forth. These questions, put with + considerable adroitness by Pen who was interested about Sir Francis + Clavering's doings from private motives of his own, were artlessly + answered by Mrs. Bolton, and to the utmost of her knowledge and ability, + which, in truth, were not very great. + </p> + <p> + These questions answered, and Pen being at a loss for more, luckily + recollected his privilege as a member of the Press, and asked the ladies + whether they would like any orders for the play? The play was their + delight, as it is almost always the delight of every theatrical person. + When Bolton was away professionally (it appeared that of late the porter + of Shepherd's Inn had taken a serious turn, drank a good deal, and + otherwise made himself unpleasant to the ladies of his family), they would + like of all things to slip out and go to the theatre—little Barney, + their son, keeping the lodge; and Mr. Pendennis's most generous and most + genteel compliment of orders was received with boundless gratitude by both + mother and daughter. + </p> + <p> + Fanny clapped her hands with pleasure: her faced beamed with it. She + looked and nodded, and laughed at her mamma, who nodded and laughed in her + turn. Mrs. Bolton was not superannuated for pleasure yet, or by any means + too old for admiration, she thought. And very likely Mr. Pendennis, in his + conversation with her, had insinuated some compliments, or shaped his talk + so as to please her. At first against Pen, and suspicious of him, she was + his partisan now, and almost as enthusiastic about him as her daughter. + When two women get together to like a man, they help each other on—each + pushes the other forward—and the second, out of sheer sympathy, + becomes as eager as the principal:—at least, so it is said by + philosophers who have examined this science. + </p> + <p> + So the offer of the play-tickets, and other pleasantries; put all parties + into perfect good-humour, except for one brief moment, when one of the + younger children, hearing the name of 'Astley's' pronounced, came forward + and stated that she should like very much to go, too; on which, Fanny + said, “Don't bother!” rather sharply; and Mamma said, “Git-long, + Betsy-Jane, do now, and play in the court:” so that the two little ones, + namely, Betsy-Jane and Ameliar—Ann, went away in their little + innocent pinafores, and disported in the courtyard on the smooth gravel, + round about the statue of Shepherd the Great. + </p> + <p> + And here, as they were playing, they very possibly communicated with an + old friend of theirs and dweller in the Inn; for while Pen was making + himself agreeable to the ladies at the lodge, who were laughing delighted + at his sallies, an old gentleman passed under the archway from the + Inn-square, and came and looked in at the door of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He made a very blank and rueful face when he saw Mr. Arthur seated upon a + table, like Macheath in the play, in easy discourse with Mrs. Bolton and + her daughter. + </p> + <p> + “What! Mr. Bows? How d'you do, Bows?” cried out Pen, in a cheery, loud + voice. “I was coming to see you, and was asking your address of these + ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “You were coming to see me, were you, sir?” Bows said, and came in with a + sad face, and shook hands with Arthur. “Plague on that old man!” somebody + thought in the room: and so, perhaps, some one else besides her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. In Shepherd's Inn + </h2> + <p> + Our friend Pen said “How d'ye do, Mr. Bows,” in a loud cheery voice on + perceiving that gentleman, and saluted him in a dashing off-hand manner, + yet you could have seen a blush upon Arthur's face (answered by Fanny, + whose cheek straightway threw out a similar fluttering red signal); and + after Bows and Arthur had shaken hands, and the former had ironically + accepted the other's assertion that he was about to pay Mr. Costigan's + chambers a visit, there was a gloomy and rather guilty silence in the + company, which Pen presently tried to dispel by making a great rattling + noise. The silence of course departed at Mr. Arthur's noise, but the gloom + remained and deepened, as the darkness does in a vault if you light up a + single taper in it. Pendennis tried to describe, in a jocular manner, the + transactions of the previous night, and attempted to give an imitation of + Costigan vainly expostulating with the check-taker at Vauxhall. It was not + a good imitation. What stranger can imitate that perfection? Nobody + laughed. Mrs. Bolton did not in the least understand what part Mr. + Pendennis was performing, and whether it was the check-taker or the + Captain he was taking off. Fanny wore an alarmed face, and tried a timid + giggle; old Mr. Bows looked as glum as when he fiddled in the orchestra, + or played a difficult piece upon the old piano at the Back Kitchen. Pen + felt that his story was a failure; his voice sank and dwindled away + dismally at the end of it—flickered, and went out; and it was all + dark again. You could hear the ticket-porter, who lolls about Shepherd's + Inn, as he passed on the flags under the archway: the clink of his + boot-heels was noted by everybody. + </p> + <p> + “You were coming to see me, sir,” Mr. Bows said. “Won't you have the + kindness to walk up to my chambers with me? You do them a great honour, I + am sure. They are rather high up; but——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I live in a garret myself, and Shepherd's Inn is twice as cheerful as + Lamb Court,” Mr. Pendennis broke in. + </p> + <p> + “I knew that you had third-floor apartments,” Mr. Bows said; “and was + going to say—you will please not take my remark as discourteous—that + the air up three pair of stairs is wholesomer for gentlemen, than the air + of a porter's lodge.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” said Pen, whose candle flamed up again in his wrath, and who was + disposed to be as quarrelsome as men are when they are in the wrong. “Will + you permit me to choose my society without——? + </p> + <p> + “You were so polite as to say that you were about to honour my umble + domicile with a visit,” Mr. Bows said, with his sad voice. “Shall I show + you the way? Mr. Pendennis and I are old friends, Mrs. Bolton—very + old acquaintances; and at the earliest dawn of his life we crossed each + other.” + </p> + <p> + The old man pointed towards the door with a trembling finger, and a hat in + the other hand, and in an attitude slightly theatrical; so were his words + when he spoke somewhat artificial, and chosen from the vocabulary which he + had heard all his life from the painted lips of the orators before the + stage-lamps. But he was not acting or masquerading, as Pen knew very well, + though he was disposed to pooh-pooh the old fellow's melodramatic airs. + “Come along, sir,” he said, “as you are so very pressing. Mrs. Bolton, I + wish you a good day. Good-bye, Miss Fanny; I shall always think of our + night at Vauxhall with pleasure; and be sure I will remember the theatre + tickets.” And he took her hand, pressed it, was pressed by it, and was + gone. + </p> + <p> + “What a nice young man, to be sure!” cried Mrs. Bolton. + </p> + <p> + “D'you think so, ma?” said Fanny. + </p> + <p> + “I was a-thinkin who he was like. When I was at the Wells with Mrs. + Serle,” Mrs. Bolton continued, looking through the window-curtain after + Pen, as he went up the court with Bows, “there was a young gentleman from + the city, that used to come in a tilbry, in a white at, the very image of + him, only his whiskers was black, and Mr. P.'s is red.” + </p> + <p> + “Law, ma! they are a most beautiful hawburn,” Fanny said. + </p> + <p> + “He used to come for Emly Budd, who danced Columbine in 'Arleykin Ornpipe, + or the Battle of Navarino,' when Miss De la Bosky was took ill—a + pretty dancer, and a fine stage figure of a woman—and he was a great + sugar-baker in the city, with a country ouse at Omerton; and he used to + drive her in the tilbry down Goswell Street Road; and one day they drove + and was married at St. Bartholomew's Church, Smithfield, where they had + their bands read quite private; and she now keeps her carriage, and I sor + her name in the paper as patroness of the Manshing-House Ball for the + Washywomen's Asylum. And look at Lady Mirabel—capting Costigan's + daughter—she was profeshnl, as all very well know.” Thus, and more + to this purpose, Mrs. Bolton spoke, now peeping through the + window-curtain, now cleaning the mugs and plates, and consigning them to + their place in the corner cupboard; and finishing her speech as she and + Fanny shook out and folded up the dinner-cloth between them, and restored + it to its drawer in the table. + </p> + <p> + Although Costigan had once before been made pretty accurately to + understand what Pen's pecuniary means and expectations were, I suppose Cos + had forgotten the information acquired at Chatteris years ago, or had been + induced by his natural enthusiasm to exaggerate his friend's income. He + had described Fairoaks Park in the most glowing terms to Mrs. Bolton, on + the preceding evening, as he was walking about with her during Pen's + little escapade with Fanny, had dilated upon the enormous wealth of Pen's + famous uncle, the Major, and shown an intimate acquaintance with Arthur's + funded and landed property. Very likely Mrs. Bolton, in her wisdom, had + speculated upon these matters during the night; and had had visions of + Fanny driving in her carriage, like Mrs. Bolton's old comrade, the dancer + of Sadler's Wells. + </p> + <p> + In the last operation of table-cloth folding, these two foolish women, of + necessity, came close together; and as Fanny took the cloth and gave it + the last fold, her mother put her finger under the young girl's chin, and + kissed her. Again the red signal flew out, and fluttered on Fanny's cheek. + What did it mean? It was not alarm this time. It was pleasure which caused + the poor little Fanny to blush so. Poor little Fanny! What? is love sin? + that it is so pleasant at the beginning, and so bitter at the end? + </p> + <p> + After the embrace, Mrs. Bolton thought proper to say that she was a-goin + out upon business, and that Fanny must keep the lodge; which Fanny, after + a very faint objection indeed, consented to do. So Mrs. Bolton took her + bonnet and market-basket, and departed; and the instant she was gone, + Fanny went and sae by the window which commanded Bows's door, and never + once took her eyes away from that quarter of Shepherd's Inn. + </p> + <p> + Betsy-Jane and Ameliar-Ann were buzzing in one corner of the place, and + making believe to read out of a picture-book, which one of them held + topsy-turvy. It was a grave and dreadful tract, of Mr. Bolton's + collection. Fanny did not hear her sisters prattling over it. She noticed + nothing but Bows's door. + </p> + <p> + At last she gave a little shake, and her eyes lighted up. He had come out. + He would pass the door again. But her poor little countenance fell in an + instant more. Pendennis, indeed, came out; but Bows followed after him. + They passed under the archway together. He only took off his hat, and + bowed as he looked in. He did not stop to speak. + </p> + <p> + In three or four minutes—Fanny did not know how long, but she looked + furiously at him when he came into the lodge—Bows returned alone, + and entered into the porter's room. + </p> + <p> + “Where's your Ma, dear?” he said to Fanny. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” Fanny said, with an angry toss. “I don't follow Ma's steps + wherever she goes, I suppose, Mr. Bows.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I my mother's keeper?” Bows said, with his usual melancholy + bitterness. “Come here, Betsy-Jane and Amelia-Ann; I've brought a cake for + the one who can read her letters best, and a cake for the other who can + read them the next best.” + </p> + <p> + When the young ladies had undergone the examination through which Bows put + them, they were rewarded with their gingerbread medals, and went off to + discuss them in the court. Meanwhile Fanny took out some work, and + pretended to busy herself with it, her mind being in great excitement and + anger, as she plied her needle. Bows sate so that he could command the + entrance from the lodge to the street. But the person whom, perhaps, he + expected to see, never made his appearance again. And Mrs. Bolton came in + from market, and found Mr. Bows in place of the person whom she had + expected to see. The reader perhaps can guess what was his name? + </p> + <p> + The interview between Bows and his guest, when those two mounted to the + apartment occupied by the former in common with the descendant of the + Milesian kings, was not particularly satisfactory to either party. Pen was + sulky. If Bows had anything on his mind, he did not care to deliver + himself of his thoughts in the presence of Captain Costigan, who remained + in the apartment during the whole of Pen's visit; having quitted his + bedchamber, indeed, but a very few minutes before the arrival of that + gentleman. We have witnessed the deshabille of Major Pendennis: will any + man wish to be valet-de-chambre to our other hero, Costigan? It would seem + that the Captain, before issuing from his bedroom, scented himself with + otto-of-whisky. A rich odour of that delicious perfume breathed from out + him, as he held out the grasp of cordiality to his visitor. The hand which + performed that grasp shook wofully: it was a wonder how it could hold the + razor with which the poor gentleman daily operated on his chin. + </p> + <p> + Bows's room was as neat, on the other hand, as his comrade's was + disorderly. His humble wardrobe hung behind a curtain. His books and + manuscript music were trimly arranged upon shelves. A lithographed + portrait of Miss Fotheringay, as Mrs. Haller, with the actress's sprawling + signature at the corner, hung faithfully over the old gentleman's bed. + Lady Mirabel wrote much better than Miss Fotheringay had been able to do. + Her Ladyship had laboured assiduously to acquire the art of penmanship + since her marriage; and, in a common note of invitation or acceptance, + acquitted herself very genteelly. Bows loved the old handwriting best, + though; the fair artist's earlier manner. He had but one specimen of the + new style, a note in reply to a song composed and dedicated to Lady + Mirabel, by her most humble servant Robert Bows; and which document was + treasured in his desk amongst his other state papers. He was teaching + Fanny Bolton now to sing and to write, as he had taught Emily in former + days. It was the nature of the man to attach himself to something. When + Emily was torn from him he took a substitute: as a man looks out for a + crutch when he loses a leg; or lashes himself to a raft when he has + suffered shipwreck. Latude had given his heart to a woman, no doubt, + before he grew to be so fond of a mouse in the Bastille. There are people + who in their youth have felt and inspired an heroic passion, and end by + being happy in the caresses, or agitated by the illness of a poodle. But + it was hard upon Bows, and grating to his feelings as a man and a + sentimentalist, that he should find Pen again upon his track, and in + pursuit of this little Fanny. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Costigan had not the least idea but that his company was + perfectly welcome to Messrs. Pendennis and Bows, and that the visit of the + former was intended for himself. He expressed himself greatly pleased with + that mark of poloightness and promised, in his own mind, that he would + repay that obligation at least—which was not the only debt which the + Captain owed in life—by several visits to his young friend. He + entertained him affably with news of the day, or rather of ten days + previous; for Pen, in his quality of Journalist, remembered to have seen + some of the Captain's opinions in the Sporting and Theatrical Newspaper, + which was Costigan's oracle. He stated that Sir Charles and Lady Mirabel + were gone to Baden-Baden, and were most pressing in their invitations that + he should join them there. Pen replied with great gravity, that he had + heard that Baden was very pleasant, and the Grand Duke exceedingly + hospitable to English. Costigan answered, that the laws of hospitalitee + bekeam a Grand Juke; that he sariously would think about visiting him; and + made some remarks upon the splendid festivities at Dublin Castle, when his + Excellency the Earl of Portansherry held the Viceraygal Coort there, and + of which he, Costigan, had been a humble but pleased spectator. And Pen—as + he heard these oft-told well-remembered legends—recollected the time + when he had given a sort of credence to them, and had a certain respect + for the Captain. Emily and first love, and the little room at Chatteris, + and the kind talk with Bows on the bridge, came back to him. He felt quite + kindly disposed towards his two old friends; and cordially shook the hands + of both of them when he rose to go away. + </p> + <p> + He had quite forgotten about little Fanny Bolton whilst the Captain was + talking, and Pen himself was absorbed in other selfish meditations. He + only remembered her again as Bows came hobbling down the stairs after him, + bent evidently upon following him out of Shepherd's Inn. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bows's precaution was not a lucky one. The wrath of Mr. Arthur + Pendennis rose at the poor old fellow's feeble persecution. Confound him, + what does he mean by dogging me? thought Pen. And he burst out laughing + when he was in the Strand and by himself, as he thought of the elder's + stratagem. It was not an honest laugh, Arthur Pendennis. Perhaps the + thought struck Arthur himself, and he blushed at his own sense of humour. + </p> + <p> + He went off to endeavour to banish the thoughts which occupied him, + whatever those thoughts might be, and tried various places of amusement + with but indifferent success. He struggled up the highest stairs of the + Panorama; but when he had arrived, panting at the height of the eminence, + Care had come up with him, and was bearing him company. He went to the + Club, and wrote a long letter home, exceedingly witty and sarcastic, and + in which, if he did not say a single word about Vauxhall and Fanny Bolton, + it was because he thought that subject, however interesting to himself, + would not be very interesting to his mother and Laura. Nor could the + novels or the library table fix his attention, nor the grave and + respectable Jawkins (the only man in town), who wished to engage him in + conversation; nor any of the amusements which he tried, after flying from + Jawkins. He passed a Comic Theatre on his way home, and saw 'Stunning + Farce,' 'Roars of Laughter,' 'Good Old English Fun and Frolic,' placarded + in vermilion letters on the gate. He went into the pit, and saw the lovely + Mrs. Leary, as usual, in a man's attire; and that eminent buffo actor, Tom + Horseman, dressed as a woman. Horseman's travesty seemed to him a horrid + and hideous degradation; Mrs. Leary's glances and ankles had not the least + effect. He laughed again, and bitterly, to himself, as he thought of the + effect which she had produced upon him, on the first night of his arrival + in London, a short time—what a long long time ago! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. Or near the Temple Garden + </h2> + <p> + Fashion has long deserted the green and pretty Temple Garden, which in + Shakespeare makes York and Lancaster to pluck the innocent white and red + roses which became the badges of their bloody wars; and the learned and + pleasant writer of the Handbook of London tells us that “the commonest and + hardiest kind of rose has long ceased to put forth a bud” in that smoky + air. Not many of the present occupiers of the buildings round about the + quarter know or care, very likely, whether or not roses grow there, or + pass the old gate, except on their way to chambers. The attorneys' clerks + don't carry flowers in their bags, or posies under their arms, as they run + to the counsel's chambers—the few lawyers who take constitutional + walks think very little about York and Lancaster, especially since the + railroad business is over. Only antiquarians and literary amateurs care to + look at the gardens with much interest, and fancy good Sir Roger de + Coverley and Mr. Spectator with his short face pacing up and down the + road; or dear Oliver Goldsmith in the summer-house, perhaps meditating + about the next 'Citizen of the World,' or the new suit that Mr. Filby, the + tailor, is fashioning for him, or the dunning letter that Mr. Newbery has + sent. Treading heavily on the gravel, and rolling majestically along in a + snuff-coloured suit, and a wig that sadly wants the barber's powder and + irons, one sees the Great Doctor step up to him (his Scotch lackey + following at the lexicographer's heels, a little the worse for port wine + that they have been taking at the Mitre), and Mr. Johnson asks Mr. + Goldsmith to come home and take a dish of tea with Miss Williams. Kind + faith of Fancy! Sir Roger and Mr. Spectator are as real to us now as the + two doctors and the boozy and faithful Scotchman. The poetical figures + live in our memory just as much as the real personages,—and as Mr. + Arthur Pendennis was of a romantic and literary turn, by no means addicted + to the legal pursuits common in the neighbourhood of the place, we may + presume that he was cherishing some such poetical reflections as these, + when, upon the evening after the events recorded in the last chapter, the + young gentleman chose the Temple Gardens as a place for exercise and + meditation. + </p> + <p> + On the Sunday evening the Temple is commonly calm. The chambers are for + the most part vacant: the great lawyers are giving grand dinner-parties at + their houses in the Belgravian or Tyburnian districts; the agreeable young + barristers are absent, attending those parties, and paying their respects + to Mr. Kewsy's excellent claret, or Mr. Justice Ermine's accomplished + daughters the uninvited are partaking of the economic joint and the modest + half-pint of wine at the Club, entertaining themselves, and the rest of + the company in the Club-room, with Circuit jokes and points of wit and + law. Nobody is in chambers at all, except poor Mr. Cockle, who is ill, and + whose laundress is making him gruel; or Mr. Toodle, who is an amateur of + the flute, and whom you may hear piping solitary from his chambers in the + second floor; or young Tiger, the student, from whose open windows comes a + great gush of cigar smoke, and at whose door are a quantity of dishes and + covers, bearing the insignia of Dicks' or the Cock. But stop! Whither does + Fancy lead us? It is vacation time; and with the exception of Pendennis, + nobody is in Chambers at all. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was solitude, then, which drove Pen into the garden; for + although he had never before passed the gate, and had looked rather + carelessly at the pretty flower-beds, and the groups of pleased citizens + sauntering over the trim lawn and the broad gravel-walks by the river, on + this evening it happened, as we have said, that the young gentleman, who + had dined alone at a tavern in the neighbourhood of the Temple, took a + fancy, as he was returning home to his chambers, to take a little walk in + the gardens, and enjoy the fresh evening air, and the sight of the shining + Thames. After walking for a brief space, and looking at the many peaceful + and happy groups round about him, he grew tired of the exercise, and + betook himself to one of the summer-houses which flank either end of the + main walk, and there modestly seated himself. What were his cogitations? + The evening was delightfully bright and calm; the sky was cloudless; the + chimneys on the opposite bank were not smoking; the wharfs warehouses + looked rosy in the sunshine, and as clear as if they, too, had washed for + the holiday. The steamers rushed rapidly up and down the stream, laden + with holiday passengers. The bells of the multitudinous city churches were + ringing to evening prayers—such peaceful Sabbath evenings as this + Pen may have remembered in his early days, as he paced, with his arm round + his mother's waist, on the terrace before the lawn at home. The sun was + lighting up the little Brawl, too, as well as the broad Thames, and + sinking downwards majestically behind the Clavering elms, and the tower of + the familiar village church. Was it thoughts of these, or the sunset + merely, that caused the blush in the young man's face? He beat time on the + bench, to the chorus of the bells without; flicked the dust off his + shining boots with his pocket-handkerchief, and starting up, stamped with + his foot and said, “No, by Jove, I'll go home.” And with this resolution, + which indicated that some struggle as to the propriety of remaining where + he was, or of quitting the garden, had been going on in his mind, he + stepped out of the summer-house. + </p> + <p> + He nearly knocked down two little children, who did not indeed reach much + higher than his knee, and were trotting along the gravel-walk, with their + long blue shadows slanting towards the east. + </p> + <p> + One cried out “Oh!” the other began to laugh; and with a knowing little + infantile chuckle, said, “Missa Pendennis!” And Arthur, looking down, saw + his two little friends of the day before, Mesdemoiselles Ameliar-Ann and + Betsy-Jane. He blushed more than ever at seeing them, and seizing the one + whom he had nearly upset, jumped her up into the air, and kissed her: at + which sudden assault Ameliar-Ann began to cry in great alarm. + </p> + <p> + This cry brought up instantly two ladies in clean collars and new ribbons, + and grand shawls, namely: Mrs. Bolton in a rich scarlet Caledonian + Cashmere, and a black silk dress, and Miss F. Bolton with a yellow scarf + and a sweet sprigged muslin, and a parasol—quite the lady. Fanny did + not say one single word: though; her eyes flashed a welcome, and shone as + bright—as bright as the most blazing windows in Paper Buildings. But + Mrs. Bolton, after admonishing Betsy-Jane, said, “Lor sir—how very + odd that we should meet you year! I ope you ave your ealth well, sir.—Ain't + it odd, Fanny, that we should meet Mr. Pendennis?” What do you mean by + sniggering, Mesdames? When young Croesus has been staying at a + country-house, have you never, by any singular coincidence, been walking + with your Fanny in the shrubberies? Have you and your Fanny never happened + to be listening to the band of the Heavies at Brighton, when young De + Boots and Captain Padmore came clinking down the Pier? Have you and your + darling Frances never chanced to be visiting old widow Wheezy at the + cottage on the common, when the young curate has stepped in with a tract + adapted to the rheumatism? Do you suppose that, if singular coincidences + occur at the Hall, they don't also happen at the Lodge? + </p> + <p> + It was a coincidence, no doubt: that was all. In the course of the + conversation on the day previous, Mr. Pendennis had merely said, in the + simplest way imaginable, and in reply to a question of Miss Bolton, that + although some of the courts were gloomy, parts of the Temple were very + cheerful and agreeable, especially the chambers looking on the river and + around the gardens, and that the gardens were a very pleasant walk on + Sunday evenings and frequented by a great number of people—and here, + by the merest chance, all our acquaintances met together, just like so + many people in genteel life. What could be more artless, good-natured, or + natural? + </p> + <p> + Pen looked very grave, pompous, and dandified. He was unusually smart and + brilliant in his costume. His white duck trousers and white hat, his + neckcloth of many colours, his light waistcoat, gold chains, and + shirt-studs, gave him the air of a prince of the blood at least. How his + splendour became his figure! Was anybody ever like him? some one thought. + He blushed—how his blushes became him! the same individual said to + herself. The children, on seeing him the day before, had been so struck + with him, that after he had gone away they had been playing at him. And + Ameliar-Ann, sticking her little chubby fingers into the arm-holes of her + pinafore, as Pen was wont to do with his waistcoat, had said, “Now, + Bessy-Jane, I'll be Missa Pendennis.” Fanny had laughed till she cried, + and smothered her sister with kisses for that feat. How happy, too, she + was to see Arthur embracing the child! + </p> + <p> + If Arthur was red, Fanny, on the contrary, was very worn and pale. Arthur + remarked it, and asked kindly why she looked so fatigued. + </p> + <p> + “I was awake all night,” said Fanny, and began to blush a little. + </p> + <p> + “I put out her candle, and hordered her to go to sleep and leave off + readin,” interposed the fond mother. + </p> + <p> + “You were reading! And what was it that interested you so?” asked Pen, + amused. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's so beautiful!” said Fanny. + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “'Walter Lorraine,'” Fanny sighed out. “How I do hate that Neaera—Neaera—I + don't know the pronunciation. And I love Leonora, and Walter, oh, how dear + he is!” + </p> + <p> + How had Fanny discovered the novel of 'Walter Lorraine,' and that Pen was + the author? This little person remembered every single word which Mr. + Pendennis had spoken on the night previous, and how he wrote in books and + newspapers. What books? She was so eager to know, that she had almost a + mind to be civil to old Bows, who was suffering under her displeasure + since yesterday, but she determined first to make application to Costigan. + She began by coaxing the Captain and smiling upon him in her most winning + way, as she helped to arrange his dinner and set his humble apartment in + order. She was sure his linen wanted mending (and indeed the Captain's + linen-closet contained some curious specimens of manufactured flax and + cotton). She would mend his shirts—all his shirts. What horrid holes—what + funny holes! She put her little face through one of them, and laughed at + the old warrior in the most winning manner. She would have made a funny + little picture looking through the holes. Then she daintily removed + Costigan's dinner things, tripping about the room as she had seen the + dancers do at the play; and she danced to the Captain's cupboard, and + produced his whisky-bottle, and mixed him a tumbler, and must taste a drop + of it—a little drop; and the Captain must sing her one of his songs, + his dear songs, and teach it to her. And when he had sung an Irish melody + in his rich quavering voice, fancying it was he who was fascinating the + little siren, she put her little question about Arthur Pendennis and his + novel, and having got an answer, cared for nothing more, but left the + Captain at the piano about to sing her another song, and the dinner-tray + on the passage, and the shirts on the chair, and ran downstairs quickening + her pace as she sped. + </p> + <p> + Captain Costigan, as he said, was not a litherary cyarkter, nor had he as + yet found time to peruse his young friend's ellygant perfaurumance, though + he intended to teak an early opporchunitee of purchasing a cawpee of his + work. But he knew the name of Pen's novel from the fact that Messrs. + Finucane, Bludyer, and other frequenters of the Back Kitchen, spoke of Mr. + Pendennis (and not all of them with great friendship; for Bludyer called + him a confounded coxcomb, and Hoolan wondered that Doolan did not kick him + etc.) by the sobriquet of Walter Lorraine,—and was hence enabled to + give Fanny the information which she required. + </p> + <p> + “And she went and ast for it at the libery,” Mrs. Bolton said, “—several + liberies—and some ad it and it was bout, and some adn't it. And one + of the liberies as ad it wouldn't let er ave it without a sovering: and + she adn't one, and she came back a-cryin to me—didn't you, Fanny?—and + I gave her a sovering.” + </p> + <p> + “And, oh, I was in such a fright lest any one should have come to the + libery and took it while I was away,” Fanny said, her cheeks and eyes + glowing. “And, oh, I do like it so!” + </p> + <p> + Arthur was touched by this artless sympathy, immensely flattered and moved + by it. “Do you like it?” he said. “If you will come up to my chambers I + will—No, I will bring you one—no, I will send you one. Good + night. Thank you, Fanny. God bless you. I mustn't stay with you. Good-bye, + good-bye.” And, pressing her hand once, and nodding to her mother and the + other children, he strode out of the gardens. + </p> + <p> + He quickened his pace as he went from them, and ran out of the gate + talking to himself. “Dear, dear little thing,” he said,—“darling + little Fanny! You are worth them all. I wish to heaven Shandon was back. + I'd go home to my mother. I mustn't see her. I won't. I won't, so help me——” + </p> + <p> + As he was talking thus, and running, the passers-by turning to look at + him, he ran against a little old man, and perceived it was Mr. Bows. + </p> + <p> + “Your very umble servant, sir,” said Mr. Bows, making a sarcastic bow, and + lifting his old hat from his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you a good day,” Arthur answered sulkily. “Don't let me detain + you, or give you the trouble to follow me again. I am in a hurry, sir. + Good evening.” + </p> + <p> + Bows thought Pen had some reason for hurrying to his rooms. “Where are + they?” exclaimed the old gentleman. “You know whom I mean. They're not in + your rooms, sir, are they? They told Bolton they were going to church at + the Temple, they weren't there. They are in your chambers: they mustn't + stay in your chambers, Mr. Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “Damn it, sir!” cried out Pendennis, fiercely. “Come and see if they are + in my chambers: here's the court and the door—come in and see.” And + Bows, taking off his hat and bowing first, followed the young man. + </p> + <p> + They were not in Pen's chambers, as we know. But when the gardens were + closed, the two women, who had had but a melancholy evening's amusement, + walked away sadly with the children, and they entered into Lamb Court, and + stood under the lamp-post which cheerfully ornaments the centre of that + quadrangle, and looked up to the third floor of the house where + Pendennis's chambers were, and where they saw a light presently kindled. + Then this couple of fools went away, the children dragging wearily after + them, and returned to Mr. Bolton, who was immersed in rum-and-water at his + lodge in Shepherd's Inn. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bows looked round the blank room which the young man occupied, and + which had received but very few ornaments or additions since the last time + we saw them. Warrington's old bookcase and battered library, Pen's + writing-table with its litter of papers, presented an aspect cheerless + enough. “Will you like to look in the bedrooms, Mr. Bows, and see if my + victims are there?” he said bitterly; “or whether I have made away with + the little girls, and hid them in the coal-hole?” + </p> + <p> + “Your word is sufficient, Mr. Pendennis,” the other said in his sad tone. + “You say they are not here, and I know they are not. And I hope they never + have been here, and never will come.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, sir, you are very good, to choose my acquaintances for me,” + Arthur said, in a haughty tone; “and to suppose that anybody would be the + worse for my society. I remember you, and owe you kindness from old times, + Mr. Bows; or I should speak more angrily than I do, about a very + intolerable sort of persecution to which you seem inclined to subject me. + You followed me out of your Inn yesterday, as if you wanted to watch that + I shouldn't steal something.” Here Pen stammered and turned red, directly + he had said the words; he felt he had given the other an opening, which + Bows instantly took. + </p> + <p> + “I do think you came to steal something, as you say the words, sir,” Bows + said. “Do you mean to say that you came to pay a visit to poor old Bows, + the fiddler; or to Mrs. Bolton, at the porter's lodge? O fie! Such a fine + gentleman as Arthur Pendennis, Esquire, doesn't condescend to walk up to + my garret, or to sit in a laundress's kitchen, but for reasons of his own. + And my belief is that you came to steal a pretty girl's heart away, and to + ruin it, and to spurn it afterwards, Mr. Arthur Pendennis. That's what the + world makes of you young dandies, you gentlemen of fashion, you high and + mighty aristocrats that trample upon the people. It's sport to you, but + what is it to the poor, think you; the toys of your pleasures, whom you + play with and whom you fling into the streets when you are tired? I know + your order, sir. I know your selfishness, and your arrogance, and your + pride. What does it matter to my lord, that the poor man's daughter is + made miserable, and her family brought to shame? You must have your + pleasures, and the people of course must pay for them. What are we made + for, but for that? It's the way with you all—the way with you all, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + Bows was speaking beside the question, and Pen had his advantage here, + which he was not sorry to take—not sorry to put off the debate from + the point upon which his adversary had first engaged it. Arthur broke out + with a sort of laugh, for which he asked Bows's pardon. “Yes, I am an + aristocrat,” he said, “in a palace up three pair of stairs, with a carpet + nearly as handsome as yours, Mr. Bows. My life is passed in grinding the + people, is it?—in ruining virgins and robbing the poor? My good sir, + this is very well in a comedy, where Job Thornberry slaps his breast, and + asks my Lord how dare he trample on an honest man and poke out an + Englishman's fireside; but in real life, Mr. Bows, to a man who has to + work for his bread as much as you do—how can you talk about + aristocrats tyrannising over the people? Have I ever done you a wrong? or + assumed airs of superiority over you? Did you not have an early regard for + me—in days when we were both of us romantic young fellows, Mr. Bows? + Come, don't be angry with me now, and let us be as good friends as we were + before.” + </p> + <p> + “Those days were very different,” Mr. Bows answered; “and Mr. Arthur + Pendennis was an honest, impetuous young fellow then; rather selfish and + conceited, perhaps, but honest. He liked you then, because you were ready + to ruin yourself for a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir?” Arthur asked. + </p> + <p> + “And now times are changed, and you want a woman to ruin herself for you,” + Bows answered. “I know this child, sir. I've always said this lot was + hanging over her. She has heated her little brain with novels, until her + whole thoughts are about love and lovers, and she scarcely sees that she + treads on a kitchen floor. I have taught the little thing. She is full of + many talents and winning ways, I grant you. I am fond of the girl, sir. + I'm a lonely old man; I lead a life that I don't like, among boon + companions, who make me melancholy. I have but this child that I care for. + Have pity upon me, and don't take her away from me, Mr. Pendennis—don't + take her away.” + </p> + <p> + The old man's voice broke as he spoke. Its accents touched Pen, much more + than the menacing or sarcastic tone which Bows had commenced by adopting. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said he, kindly, “you do me a wrong if you fancy I intend one to + poor little Fanny. I never saw her till Friday night. It was the merest + chance that our friend Costigan threw her into my way. I have no + intentions regarding her—that is——” + </p> + <p> + “That is, you know very well that she is a foolish girl, and her mother a + foolish woman,—that is, you meet her in the Temple Gardens, and of + course without previous concert,—that is, that when I found her + yesterday reading the book you've wrote, she scorned me,” Bows said. “What + am I good for but to be laughed at? a deformed old fellow like me; an old + fiddler, that wears a threadbare coat, and gets his bread by playing tunes + at an ale-house? You are a fine gentleman, you are. You wear scent in your + handkerchief, and a ring on your finger. You go to dine with great people. + Who ever gives a crust to old Bows? And yet I might have been as good a + man as the best of you. I might have been a man of genius, if I had had + the chance; ay, and have lived with the master-spirits of the land. But + everything had failed with me. I'd ambition once, and wrote plays, poems, + music—nobody would give me a hearing. I never loved a woman, but she + laughed at me; and here I am in my old age alone—alone! Don't take + this girl from me, Mr. Pendennis, I say again. Leave her with me a little + longer. She was like a child to me till yesterday. Why did you step in, + and made her to mock my deformity and old age?” + </p> + <p> + “I am guiltless of that, at least,” Arthur said, with something of a sigh. + “Upon my word of honour, I wish I had never seen the girl. My calling is + not seduction, Mr. Bows. I did not imagine that I had made an impression + on poor Fanny, until—until to-night. And then, sir, I was sorry, and + was flying from my temptation, as you came upon me. And,” he added, with a + glow upon his cheek, which, in the gathering darkness, his companion could + not see, and with an audible tremor in his voice, “I do not mind telling + you, sir, that on this Sabbath evening, as the church bells were ringing, + I thought of my own home, and of women angelically pure and good, who + dwell there; and I was running hither as I met you, that I might avoid the + danger which beset me, and ask strength of God Almighty to do my duty.” + </p> + <p> + After these words from Arthur a silence ensued, and when the conversation + was resumed by his guest, the latter spoke in a tone which was much more + gentle and friendly. And on taking farewell of Pen, Bows asked leave to + shake hands with him, and with a very warm and affectionate greeting on + both sides, apologised to Arthur for having mistaken him, and paid him + some compliments which caused the young man to squeeze his old friend's + hand heartily again. And as they parted at Pen's door, Arthur said he had + given a promise, and he hoped and trusted that Mr. Bows might rely on it? + </p> + <p> + “Amen to that prayer,” said Mr. Bows, and went slowly down the stair. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. The happy Village again + </h2> + <p> + Early in this history, we have had occasion to speak of the little town of + Clavering, near which Pen's paternal home of Fairoaks stood, and of some + of the people who inhabite the place; and as the society there was by no + means amusing or pleasant, our reports concerning it were not carried to + any very great length. Mr. Samuel Huxter, the gentleman whose acquaintance + we lately made at Vauxhall, was one of the choice spirits of the little + town, when he visited it during his vacation, and enlivened the tables of + his friends there, by the wit of Bartholomew's and the gossip of the + fashionable London circles which he frequented. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hobnell, the young gentleman whom Pen had thrashed in consequence of + the quarrel in the Fotheringay affair, was, whilst a pupil at the Grammar + School at Clavering, made very welcome at the tea-table of Mrs. Huxter, + Samuel's mother, and was free of the surgery, where he knew the way to the + tamarind-pots, and could scent his pocket-handkerchief with rose-water. + And it was at this period of his life that he formed an attachment for + Miss Sophy Huxter, whom, on his father's demise, he married, and took home + to his house of the Warren, at a few miles from Clavering. + </p> + <p> + The family had possessed and cultivated an estate there for many years, as + yeomen and farmers. Mr. Hobnell's father pulled down the old farmhouse; + built a flaring new whitewashed mansion, with capacious stables; and a + piano in the drawing-room; kept a pack of harriers; and assumed the title + of Squire Hobnell. When he died, and his son reigned in his stead, the + family might be fairly considered to be established as county gentry. And + Sam Huxter, at London, did no great wrong in boasting about his + brother-in-law's place, his hounds, horses, and hospitality, to his + admiring comrades at Bartholomew's. Every year, at a time commonly when + Mrs. Hobnell could not leave the increasing duties of her nursery, Hobnell + came up to London for a lark, had rooms at the Tavistock, and he and Sam + indulged in the pleasures of the town together. Ascot, the theatres, + Vauxhall, and the convivial taverns in the joyous neighbourhood of Covent + Garden, were visited by the vivacious squire, in company with his learned + brother. When he was in London, as he said, he liked to do as London does, + and to “go it a bit,” and when he returned to the west, he took a new + bonnet and shawl to Mrs. Hobnell, and relinquished, for country sports and + occupations during the next eleven months, the elegant amusements of + London life. + </p> + <p> + Sam Huxter kept up a correspondence with his relative, and supplied him + with choice news of the metropolis, in return for the baskets of hares, + partridges, and clouted cream which the squire and his good-natured wife + forwarded to Sam. A youth more brilliant and distinguished they did not + know. He was the life and soul of their house, when he made his appearance + in his native place. His songs, jokes, and fun kept the Warren in a roar. + He had saved their eldest darling's life, by taking a fish-bone out of her + throat: in fine, he was the delight of their circle. + </p> + <p> + As ill-luck would have it, Pen again fell in with Mr. Huxter, only three + days after the rencontre at Vauxhall. Faithful to his vow, he had not been + to see little Fanny. He was trying to drive her from his mind by + occupation, or other mental excitement. He laboured, though not to much + profit, incessantly in his rooms; and, in his capacity of critic for the + Pall Mall Gazette, made woeful and savage onslaught on a poem and a romance + which came before him for judgment. These authors slain, he went to dine + alone at the lonely club of the Polyanthus, where the vast solitudes + frightened him, and made him only the more moody. He had been to more + theatres for relaxation. The whole house was roaring with laughter and + applause, and he saw only an ignoble farce that made him sad. It would + have damped the spirits of the buffoon on the stage to have seen Pen's + dismal face. He hardly knew what was happening; the scene and the drama + passed before him like a dream or a fever. Then he thought he would go to + the Back Kitchen, his old haunt with Warrington—he was not a bit + sleepy yet. The day before he had walked twenty miles in search after + rest, over Hampstead Common and Hendon lanes, and had got no sleep at + night. He would go to the Back Kitchen. It was a sort of comfort to him to + think he should see Bows. Bows was there, very calm, presiding at the old + piano. Some tremendous comic songs were sung, which made the room crack + with laughter. How strange they seemed to Pen! He could only see Bows. In + an extinct volcano, such as he boasted that his breast was, it was + wonderful how he should feel such a flame! Two days' indulgence had + kindled it; two days' abstinence had set it burning in fury. So, musing + upon this, and drinking down one glass after another, as ill luck would + have it, Arthur's eyes lighted upon Mr. Huxter, who had been to the + theatre, like himself, and, with two or three comrades, now entered the + room. Huxter whispered to his companions, greatly to Pen's annoyance. + Arthur felt that the other was talking about him. Huxter then worked + through the room, followed by his friends, and came and took a place + opposite Pen, nodding familiarly to him, and holding him out a dirty hand + to shake. + </p> + <p> + Pen shook hands with his fellow-townsman. He thought he had been + needlessly savage to him on the last night when they had met. As for + Huxter, perfectly at good-humour with himself, and the world, it never + entered his mind that he could be disagreeable to anybody; and the little + dispute, or “chaff,” as he styled it, of Vauxhall, was a trifle which he + did not in the least regard. + </p> + <p> + The disciple of Galen having called for “four stouts,” with which he and + his party refreshed themselves, began to think what would be the most + amusing topic of conversation with Pen, and hit upon that precise one + which was most painful to our young gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Jolly night at Vauxhall—wasn't it?” he said, and winked in a very + knowing way. + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you liked it,” poor Pen said, groaning in spirit. + </p> + <p> + “I was dev'lish cut—uncommon—been dining with some chaps at + Greenwich. That was a pretty bit of muslin hanging on your arm—who + was she?” asked the fascinating student. + </p> + <p> + The question was too much for Arthur. “Have I asked you any questions + about yourself, Mr. Huxter?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean any offence—beg pardon—hang it, you cut up + quite savage,” said Pen's astonished interlocutor. + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember what took place between us the other night?” Pen asked, + with gathering wrath. “You forget? Very probably. You were tipsy, as you + observed just now, and very rude.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang it, sir, I asked your pardon,” Huxter said, looking red. + </p> + <p> + “You did certainly, and it was granted with all my heart. I am sure. But + if you recollect, I begged that you would have the goodness to omit me + from the list of your acquaintance for the future; and when we met in + public, that you would not take the trouble to recognise me. Will you + please to remember this, hereafter? and as the song is beginning, permit + me to leave you to the unrestrained enjoyment of the music.” + </p> + <p> + He took his hat, and making a bow to the amazed Mr. Huxter left the table, + as Huxter's comrades, after a pause of wonder, set up such a roar of + laughter at Huxter, as called for the intervention of the president of the + room; who bawled out, “Silence, gentlemen; do have silence for the Body + Snatcher!” which popular song began as Pen left the Back Kitchen. He + flattered himself that he had commanded his temper perfectly. He rather + wished that Huxter had been pugnacious. He would have liked to fight him + or somebody. He went home. The day's work, the dinner, the play, the + whisky-and-water, the quarrel,—nothing soothed him. He slept no + better than on the previous night. + </p> + <p> + A few days afterwards, Mr. Sam Huxter wrote home a letter to Mr. Hobnell + in the country, of which Mr. Arthur Pendennis formed the principal + subject. Sam described Arthur's pursuits in London, and his confounded + insolence of behaviour to his old friends from home. He said he was an + abandoned criminal, a regular Don Juan, a fellow who, when he did come + into the country, ought to be kept out of honest people's houses. He had + seen him at Vauxhall, dancing with an innocent girl in the lower ranks of + life, of whom he was making a victim. He had found out from an Irish + gentleman (formerly in the army), who frequented a club of which he, + Huxter, was member, who the girl was, on whom this conceited humbug was + practising his infernal arts; and he thought he should warn her father, + etc. etc.,—the letter then touched on general news, conveyed the + writer's thanks for the last parcel and the rabbits, and hinted his + extreme readiness for further favours. + </p> + <p> + About once a year, as we have stated, there was occasion for a christening + at the Warren, and it happened that this ceremony took place a day after + Hobnell had received the letter of his brother-in-law in town. The infant + (a darling little girl) was christened Myra Lucretia, after its two + godmothers, Miss Portman and Mrs. Pybus of Clavering, and as of course + Hobnell had communicated Sam's letter to his wife, Mrs. Hobnell imparted + its horrid contents to her two gossips. A pretty story it was, and + prettily it was told throughout Clavering in the course of that day. + </p> + <p> + Myra did not—she was too much shocked to do so—speak on the + matter to her mamma, but Mrs. Pybus had no such feelings of reserve. She + talked over the matter not only with Mrs. Portman, but with Mr. and the + Honourable Mrs. Simcoe, with Mrs. Glanders, her daughters being to that + end ordered out of the room, with Madame Fribsby, and, in a word, with the + whole of the Clavering society. Madame Fribsby looking furtively up at her + picture of the dragoon, and inwards into her own wounded memory, said that + men would be men, and as long as they were men would be deceivers; and she + pensively quoted some lines from Marmion, requesting to know where + deceiving lovers should rest? Mrs. Pybus had no words of hatred, horror, + contempt, strong enough for a villain who could be capable of conduct so + base. This was what came of early indulgence, and insolence, and + extravagance, and aristocratic airs (it is certain that Pen had refused to + drink tea with Mrs. Pybus), and attending the corrupt and horrid parties + in the dreadful modern Babylon! Mrs. Portman was afraid that she must + acknowledge that the mother's fatal partiality had spoiled this boy, that + his literary successes had turned his head, and his horrid passions had + made him forget the principles which Doctor Portman had instilled into him + in early life. Glanders, the atrocious Captain of Dragoons, when informed + of the occurrence by Mrs. Glanders, whistled and made jocular allusions to + it at dinner-time; on which Mrs. Glanders called him a brute, and ordered + the girls again out of the room, as the horrid Captain burst out laughing. + Mr. Simcoe was calm under the intelligence; but rather pleased than + otherwise; it only served to confirm the opinion which he had always had + of that wretched young man: not that he knew anything about him—not + that he had read one line of his dangerous and poisonous works; Heaven + forbid that he should: but what could be expected from such a youth, and + such frightful, such lamentable, such deplorable want of seriousness? Pen + formed the subject for a second sermon at the Clavering chapel-of-ease: + where the dangers of London, and the crime of reading or writing novels, + were pointed out on a Sunday evening to a large and warm congregation. + They did not wait to hear whether he was guilty or not. They took his + wickedness for granted: and with these admirable moralists, it was who + should fling the stone at poor Pen. + </p> + <p> + The next day Mrs. Pendennis, alone and almost fainting with emotion and + fatigue, walked or rather ran to Dr. Portman's house to consult the good + Doctor. She had had an anonymous letter;—some Christian had thought + it his or her duty to stab the good soul who had never done mortal a wrong—an + anonymous letter with references to Scripture, pointing out the doom of + such sinners and a detailed account of Pen's crime. She was in a state of + terror and excitement pitiable to witness. Two or three hours of this pain + had aged her already. In her first moment of agitation she had dropped the + letter, and Laura had read it. Laura blushed when she read it; her whole + frame trembled, but it was with anger. “The cowards,” she said.—It + isn't true.—No, mother, it isn't true.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true, and you've done it, Laura,” cried out Helen fiercely. “Why + did you refuse him when he asked you? Why did you break my heart and + refuse him? It is you who led him into crime. It is you who flung him into + the arms of this—this woman.—Don't speak to me.—Don't + answer me. I will never forgive you, never. Martha, bring me my bonnet and + shawl. I'll go out. I won't have you come with me. Go away. Leave me, + cruel girl; why have you brought this shame on me?” And bidding her + daughter and her servants keep away from her, she ran down the road to + Clavering. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Portman, glancing over the letter, thought he knew the handwriting, + and, of course, was already acquainted with the charge made against poor + Pen. Against his own conscience, perhaps (for the worthy Doctor, like most + of us, had a considerable natural aptitude for receiving any report + unfavourable to his neighbours), he strove to console Helen; he pointed + out that the slander came from an anonymous quarter, and therefore must be + the work of a rascal; that the charge might not be true—was not + true, most likely—at least, that Pen must be heard before he was + condemned; that the son of such a mother was not likely to commit such a + crime, etc. etc. + </p> + <p> + Helen at once saw through his feint of objection and denial. “You think he + has done it,” she said,—“you know you think he has done it. Oh, why + did I ever leave him, Doctor Portman, or suffer him away from me? But he + can't be dishonest—pray God, not dishonest—you don't think + that, do you? Remember his conduct about that other—person—how + madly he was attached to her. He was an honest boy then—he is now. + And I thank God—yes, I fall down on my knees and thank God he paid + Laura. You said he was good—you did yourself. And now—if this + woman loves him—and you know they must—if he has taken her + from her home, or she tempted him, which is most likely—why still, + she must be his wife and my daughter. And he must leave the dreadful world + and come back to me—to his mother, Doctor Portman. Let us go away + and bring him back—yes—bring him back—and there shall be + joy for the—the sinner that repenteth. Let us go now, directly, dear + friend—this very——” + </p> + <p> + Helen could say no more. She fell back and fainted. She was carried to a + bed in the house of the pitying Doctor, and the surgeon was called to + attend her. She lay all night in an alarming state. Laura came to her, or + to the rectory rather; for she would not see Laura. And Doctor Portman, + still beseeching her to be tranquil, and growing bolder and more confident + of Arthur's innocence as he witnessed the terrible grief of the poor + mother, wrote a letter to Pen warning him of the rumours that were against + him and earnestly praying that he would break off and repent of a + connexion so fatal to his best interests and his soul's welfare. + </p> + <p> + And Laura?—was her heart not wrung by the thought of Arthur's crime + and Helen's estrangement? Was it not a bitter blow for the innocent girl + to think that at one stroke she should lose all the love which she cared + for in the world? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. Which had very nearly been the last of the Story + </h2> + <p> + Doctor Portman's letter was sent off to its destination in London, and the + worthy clergyman endeavoured to soothe down Mrs. Pendennis into some state + of composure until an answer should arrive, which the Doctor tried to + think, or at any rate persisted in saying, would be satisfactory as + regarded the morality of Mr. Pen. At least Helen's wisdom of moving upon + London and appearing in person to warn her son of his wickedness, was + impracticable for a day or two. The apothecary forbade her moving even so + far as Fairoaks for the first day, and it was not until the subsequent + morning that she found herself again back on her sofa at home, with the + faithful, though silent, Laura nursing at her side. + </p> + <p> + Unluckily for himself and all parties, Pen never read that homily which + Doctor Portman addressed to him, until many weeks after the epistle had + been composed; and day after day the widow waited for her son's reply to + the charges against him; her own illness increasing with every day's + delay. It was a hard task for Laura to bear the anxiety; to witness her + dearest friend's suffering; worst of all, to support Helen's estrangement, + and the pain caused to her by that averted affection. But it was the + custom of this young lady to the utmost of her power, and by means of that + gracious assistance which Heaven awarded to her pure and constant prayers, + to do her duty. And; as that duty was performed quite noiselessly,—while + the supplications, which endowed her with the requisite strength for + fulfilling it, also took place in her own chamber, away from all mortal + sight,—we, too, must be perforce silent about these virtues of hers, + which no more bear public talking about, than a flower will bear to bloom + in a ballroom. This only we will say—that a good woman is the + loveliest flower that blooms under heaven; and that we look with love and + wonder upon its silent grace, its pure fragrance, its delicate bloom of + beauty. Sweet and beautiful!—the fairest and the most spotless!—is + it not pity to see them bowed down or devoured by Grief or Death + inexorable—wasting in disease—pining with long pain—or + cut off by sudden fate in their prime? We may deserve grief—but why + should these be unhappy?—except that we know that Heaven chastens + those whom it loves best; being pleased, by repeated trials, to make these + pure spirits more pure. + </p> + <p> + So Pen never got the letter, although it was duly posted and faithfully + discharged by the postman into his letter-box in Lamb Court, and thence + carried by the laundress to his writing-table with the rest of his + lordship's correspondence; into which room, have we not seen a picture of + him, entering from his little bedroom adjoining, as Mrs. Flanagan, his + laundress, was in the act of drinking his gin? + </p> + <p> + Those kind readers who have watched Mr. Arthur's career hitherto, and have + made, as they naturally would do, observations upon the moral character + and peculiarities of their acquaintance, have probably discovered by this + time what was the prevailing fault in Mr. Pen's disposition, and who was + that greatest enemy, artfully indicated in the title-page, with whom he + had to contend. Not a few of us, my beloved public, have the very same + rascal to contend with: a scoundrel who takes every opportunity of + bringing us into mischief, of plunging us into quarrels, of leading us + into idleness and unprofitable company, and what not. In a word, Pen's + greatest enemy was himself: and as he had been pampering, and coaxing, and + indulging that individual all his life, the rogue grew insolent, as all + spoiled servants will be; and at the slightest attempt to coerce him, or + make him do that which was unpleasant to him, became frantically rude and + unruly. A person who is used to making sacrifices—Laura, for + instance, who had got such a habit of giving up her own pleasure for + others—can do the business quite easily; but Pen, unaccustomed as he + was to any sort of self-denial, suffered woundily when called on to pay + his share, and savagely grumbled at being obliged to forgo anything he + liked. + </p> + <p> + He had resolved in his mighty mind then that he would not see Fanny; and + he wouldn't. He tried to drive the thoughts of that fascinating little + person out of his head, by constant occupation, by exercise, by + dissipation and society. He worked then too much; he walked and rode too + much; he ate, drank, and smoked too much: nor could all the cigars and the + punch of which he partook drive little Fanny's image out of his inflamed + brain, and at the end of a week of this discipline and self-denial our + young gentleman was in bed with a fever. Let the reader who has never had + a fever in chambers pity the wretch who is bound to undergo that calamity. + </p> + <p> + A committee of marriageable ladies, or of any Christian persons interested + in the propagation of the domestic virtues, should employ a Cruikshank or + a Leech, or some other kindly expositor of the follies of the day, to make + a series of designs representing the horrors of a bachelor's life in + chambers, and leading the beholder to think of better things, and a more + wholesome condition. What can be more uncomfortable than the bachelor's + lonely breakfast?—with the black kettle in the dreary fire in + midsummer; or, worse still, with the fire gone out at Christmas, half an + hour after the laundress has quitted the sitting-room? Into this solitude + the owner enters shivering, and has to commence his day by hunting for + coals and wood; and before he begins the work of a student, has to + discharge the duties of a housemaid, vice Mrs. Flanagan, who is absent + without leave. Or, again, what can form a finer subject for the classical + designer than the bachelor's shirt—that garment which he wants to + assume just at dinner-time, and which he finds without any buttons to + fasten it? Then there is the bachelor's return to chambers, after a merry + Christmas holiday, spent in a cosy country-house, full of pretty faces, + and kind welcomes and regrets. He leaves his portmanteau at the barber's + in the Court: he lights his dismal old candle at the sputtering little + lamp on the stair: he enters the blank familiar room, where the only + tokens to greet him, that show any interest in his personal welfare, are + the Christmas bills, which are lying in wait for him, amiably spread out + on his reading-table. Add to these scenes an appalling picture of + bachelor's illness, and the rents in the Temple will begin to fall from + the day of the publication of the dismal diorama. To be well in chambers + is melancholy, and lonely and selfish enough; but to be ill in chambers—to + pass long nights of pain and watchfulness—to long for the morning + and the laundress—to serve yourself your own medicine by your own + watch—to have no other companion for long hours but your own + sickening fancies and fevered thoughts: no kind hand to give you drink if + you are thirsty, or to smooth the hot pillow that crumples under you,—this, + indeed, is a fate so dismal and tragic, that we shall not enlarge upon its + horrors, and shall only heartily pity those bachelors in the Temple, who + brave it every day. + </p> + <p> + This lot befell Arthur Pendennis after the various excesses which we have + mentioned, and to which he had subjected his unfortunate brains. One night + he went to bed ill, and the next day awoke worse. His only visitor that + day, besides the laundress, was the Printer's Devil, from the Pall Mall + Gazette office, whom the writer endeavoured, as best he could, to satisfy. + His exertions to complete his work rendered his fever the greater: he + could only furnish a part of the quantity of “copy” usually supplied by + him; and Shandon being absent, and Warrington not in London to give a + help, the political and editorial columns of the Gazette looked very blank + indeed; nor did the sub-editor know how to fill them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Finucane rushed up to Pen's chambers, and found that gentleman so + exceedingly unwell, that the good-natured Irishman set to work to supply + his place, if possible, and produced a series of political and critical + compositions, such as no doubt greatly edified the readers of the + periodical in which he and Pen were concerned. Allusions to the greatness + of Ireland, and the genius and virtue of the inhabitants of that injured + country, flowed magnificently from Finucane's pen; and Shandon, the Chief + of the paper, who was enjoying himself placidly at Boulogne-sur-Mer, + looking over the columns of the journal, which was forwarded to him, + instantly recognised the hand of the great Sub-editor, and said, laughing, + as he flung over the paper to his wife, “Look here, Mary, my dear, here is + Jack at work again.” Indeed, Jack was a warm friend, and a gallant + partisan, and when he had the pen in hand, seldom let slip an opportunity + of letting the world know that Rafferty was the greatest painter in + Europe, and wondering at the petty jealousy of the Academy, which refused + to make him an R.A.: of stating that it was generally reported at the West + End, that Mr. Rooney, M.P., was appointed Governor of Barataria; or of + introducing into the subject in hand, whatever it might be, a compliment + to the Round Towers, or the Giant's Causeway. And besides doing Pen's work + for him, to the best of his ability, his kind-hearted comrade offered to + forgo his Saturday's and Sunday's holiday, and pass those days of holiday + and rest as nurse-tender to Arthur, who, however, insisted, that the other + should not forgo his pleasure, and thankfully assured him that he could + bear best his malady alone. + </p> + <p> + Taking his supper at the Back Kitchen on the Friday night, after having + achieved the work of the paper, Finucane informed Captain Costigan of the + illness of their young friend in the Temple; and remembering the fact two + days afterwards, the Captain went to Lamb Court and paid a visit to the + invalid on Sunday afternoon. + </p> + <p> + He found Mrs. Flanagan, the laundress, in tears in the sitting-room, and + got a bad report of the poor dear young gentleman within. Pen's condition + had so much alarmed her, that she was obliged to have recourse to the + stimulus of brandy to enable her to support the grief which his illness + occasioned. As she hung about his bed, and endeavoured to minister to him, + her attentions became intolerable to the invalid, and he begged her + peevishly not to come near him. Hence the laundress's tears and redoubled + grief, and renewed application to the bottle, which she was accustomed to + use as an anodyne. The Captain rated the woman soundly for her + intemperance, and pointed out to her the fatal consequences which must + ensue if she persisted in her imprudent courses. + </p> + <p> + Pen, who was by this time in a very fevered state, yet was greatly pleased + to receive Costigan's visit. He heard the well-known voice in his + sitting-room, as he lay in the bedroom within, and called the Captain + eagerly to him, and thanked him for coming, and begged him to take a chair + and talk to him. The Captain felt the young man's pulse with great gravity—(his + own tremulous and clammy hand growing steady for the instant while his + finger pressed Arthur's throbbing vein)—the pulse was beating very + fiercely—Pen's face was haggard and hot—his eyes were + bloodshot and gloomy; his “bird,” as the Captain pronounced the word, + afterwards giving a description of his condition, had not been shaved for + nearly a week. Pen made his visitor sit down, and, tossing and turning in + his comfortless bed, began to try and talk to the Captain in a lively + manner, about the Back Kitchen, about Vauxhall and when they should go + again, and about Fanny—how was little Fanny? + </p> + <p> + Indeed how was she? We know how she went home very sadly on the previous + Sunday evening, after she had seen Arthur light his lamp in his chambers, + whilst he was having his interview with Bows. Bows came back to his own + rooms presently, passing by the lodge door, and looking into Mrs. + Bolton's, according to his wont, as he passed, but with a very melancholy + face. She had another weary night that night. Her restlessness wakened her + little bedfellows more than once. She daren't read more of 'Walter + Lorraine:' Father was at home, and would suffer no light. She kept the + book under her pillow, and felt for it in the night. She had only just got + to sleep, when the children began to stir with the morning, almost as + early as the birds. Though she was very angry with Bows, she went to his + room at her accustomed hour in the day, and there the good-hearted + musician began to talk to her. + </p> + <p> + “I saw Mr. Pendennis last night, Fanny,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Did you? I thought you did,” Fanny answered, looking fiercely at the + melancholy old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “I've been fond of you ever since we came to live in this place,” he + continued. “You were a child when I came; and you used to like me, Fanny, + until three or four days ago: until you saw this gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “And now, I suppose, you are going to say ill of him,” said Fanny. “Do, + Mr. Bows—that will make me like you better.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I shall do no such thing,” Bows answered; “I think he is a very + good and honest young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! you know that if you said a word against him, I would never speak + a word to you again—never!” cried Miss Fanny; and clenched her + little hand, and paced up and down the room. Bows noted, watched, and + followed the ardent little creature with admiration and gloomy sympathy. + Her cheeks flushed, her frame trembled; her eyes beamed love, anger, + defiance. “You would like to speak ill of him,” she said; “but you daren't—you + know you daren't!” + </p> + <p> + “I knew him many years since,” Bows continued, “when he was almost as + young as you are, and he had a romantic attachment for our friend the + Captain's daughter—Lady Mirabel that is now.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny laughed. “I suppose there was other people, too, that had romantic + attachments for Miss Costigan,” she said: “I don't want to hear about + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “He wanted to marry her; but their ages were quite disproportionate: and + their rank in life. She would not have him because he had no money. She + acted very wisely in refusing him; for the two would have been very + unhappy, and she wasn't a fit person to go and live with his family, or to + make his home comfortable. Mr. Pendennis has his way to make in the world, + and must marry a lady of his own rank. A woman who loves a man will not + ruin his prospects, cause him to quarrel with his family, and lead him + into poverty and misery for her gratification. An honest girl won't do + that, for her own sake, or for the man's.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny's emotion, which but now had been that of defiance and anger, here + turned to dismay and supplication. “What do I know about marrying, Bows?” + she said. “When was there any talk of it? What has there been between this + young gentleman and me that's to make people speak so cruel? It was not my + doing; nor Arthur's—Mr. Pendennis's—that I met him at + Vauxhall. It was the Captain took me and Ma there. We never thought of + nothing wrong, I'm sure. He came and rescued us, and he was so very kind. + Then he came to call and ask after us: and very, very good it was of a + such grand gentleman to be so polite to humble folks like us! And + yesterday Ma and me just went to walk in the Temple Gardens, and—and”—here + she broke out with that usual, unanswerable female argument of tears—and + cried, “Oh! I wish I was dead! I wish I was laid in my grave; and had + never, never seen him!” + </p> + <p> + “He said as much himself, Fanny,” Bows said; and Fanny asked through her + sobs, Why, why should he wish he had never seen her? Had she ever done him + any harm? Oh, she would perish rather than do him any harm. Whereupon the + musician informed her of the conversation of the day previous, showed her + that Pen could not and must not think of her as a wife fitting for him, + and that she, as she valued her honest reputation, must strive too to + forget him. And Fanny, leaving the musician, convinced, but still of the + same mind, and promising that she would avoid the danger which menaced + her, went back to the porter's lodge, and told her mother all. She talked + of her love for Arthur, and bewailed, in her artless manner, the + inequality of their condition, that set barriers between them. “There's + the 'Lady of Lyons,'” Fanny said; “Oh, Ma! how I did love Mr. Macready + when I saw him do it; and Pauline, for being faithful to poor Claude, and + always thinking of him; and he coming back to her, an officer, through all + his dangers! And if everybody admires Pauline—and I'm sure everybody + does, for being so true to a poor man—why should a gentleman be + ashamed of loving a poor girl? Not that Mr. Arthur loves me—Oh no, + no! I ain't worthy of him; only a princess is worthy of such a gentleman + as him. Such a poet!—writing so beautifully, and looking so grand! I + am sure he's a nobleman, and of ancient family, and kep' out of his + estate. Perhaps his uncle has it. Ah, if I might, oh, how I'd serve him, + and work for him, and slave for him, that I would. I wouldn't ask for more + than that, Ma, just to be allowed to see him of a morning; and sometimes + he'd say 'How d'you, Fanny?' or 'God bless you, Fanny!' as he said on + Sunday. And I'd work, and work; and I'd sit up all night, and read, and + learn, and make myself worthy of him. The Captain says his mother lives in + the country, and is a grand lady there. Oh, how I wish I might go and be + her servant, Ma! I can do plenty of things, and work very neat; and—and + sometimes he'd come home, and I should see him!” + </p> + <p> + The girl's head fell on her mother's shoulder, as she spoke, and she gave + way to a plentiful outpouring of girlish tears, to which the matron, of + course, joined her own. “You mustn't think no more of him, Fanny,” she + said. “If he don't come to you, he's a horrid, wicked man.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't call him so, Mother,” Fanny replied. “He's the best of men, the + best and the kindest. Bows says he thinks he is unhappy at leaving poor + little Fanny. It wasn't his fault, was it, that we met?—and it ain't + his that I mustn't see him again. He says I mustn't—and I mustn't, + Mother. He'll forget me, but I shall never forget him. No! I'll pray for + him, and love him always—until I die—and I shall die, I know I + shall—and then my spirit will always go and be with him.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget your poor mother, Fanny, and you'll break my heart by goin on + so,” Mrs. Bolton said. “Perhaps you will see him. I'm sure you'll see him. + I'm sure he'll come to-day. If ever I saw a man in love, that man is him. + When Emily Budd's young man first came about her, he was sent away by old + Budd, a most respectable man, and violoncello in the orchestra at the + Wells; and his own family wouldn't hear of it neither. But he came back. + We all knew he would. Emily always said so; and he married her; and this + one will come back too; and you mark a mother's words, and see if he + don't, dear.” + </p> + <p> + At this point of the conversation Mr. Bolton entered the lodge for his + evening meal. At the father's appearance, the talk between mother and + daughter ceased instantly. Mrs. Bolton caressed and cajoled the surly + undertaker's aide-de-camp, and said, “Lor, Mr. B. who'd have thought to + see you away from the Club of a Saturday night. Fanny, dear, get your pa + some supper. What will you have, B.? The poor gurl's got a gathering in + her eye, or somethink in it—I was lookin at it just now as you came + in.” And she squeezed her daughter's hand as a signal of prudence and + secrecy; and Fanny's tears were dried up likewise; and by that wondrous + hypocrisy and power of disguise which women practise, and with which + weapons of defence nature endows them, the traces of her emotion + disappeared; and she went and took her work, and sate in the corner so + demure and quiet, that the careless male parent never suspected that + anything ailed her. + </p> + <p> + Thus, as if fate seemed determined to inflame and increase the poor + child's malady and passion, all circumstances and all parties round about + her urged it on. Her mother encouraged and applauded it; and the very + words which Bows used in endeavouring to repress her flame only augmented + this unlucky fever. Pen was not wicked and a seducer: Pen was high-minded + in wishing to avoid her. Pen loved her: the good and the great, the + magnificent youth, with the chains of gold and the scented auburn hair! + And so he did: or so he would have loved her five years back perhaps, + before the world had hardened the ardent and reckless boy—before he + was ashamed of a foolish and imprudent passion, and strangled it as poor + women do their illicit children, not on account of the crime, but of the + shame, and from dread that the finger of the world should point to them. + </p> + <p> + What respectable person in the world will not say he was quite right to + avoid a marriage with an ill-educated person of low degree, whose + relations a gentleman could not well acknowledge, and whose manners would + not become her new station?—and what philosopher would not tell him + that the best thing to do with these little passions if they spring up, is + to get rid of them, and let them pass over and cure them: that no man dies + about a woman or vice versa: and that one or the other having found the + impossibility of gratifying his or her desire in the particular instance, + must make the best of matters, forget each other, look out elsewhere, and + choose again? And yet, perhaps, there may be something said on the other + side. Perhaps Bows was right in admiring that passion of Pen's, blind and + unreasoning as it was, that made him ready to stake his all for his love; + perhaps if self-sacrifice is a laudable virtue, mere worldly + self-sacrifice is not very much to be praised;—in fine, let this be + a reserved point to be settled by the individual moralist who chooses to + debate it. + </p> + <p> + So much is certain, that with the experience of the world which Mr. Pen + now had, he would have laughed at and scouted the idea of marrying a + penniless girl out of a kitchen. And this point being fixed in his mind, + he was but doing his duty as an honest man, in crushing any unlucky + fondness which he might feel towards poor little Fanny. + </p> + <p> + So she waited and waited in hopes that Arthur would come. She waited for a + whole week, and it was at the end of that time that the poor little + creature heard from Costigan of the illness under which Arthur was + suffering. + </p> + <p> + It chanced on that very evening after Costigan had visited Pen, that + Arthur's uncle the excellent Major arrived in town from Buxton, where his + health had been mended, and sent his valet Morgan to make inquiries for + Arthur, and to request that gentleman to breakfast with the Major the next + morning. The Major was merely passing through London on his way to the + Marquis of Steyne's house of Stillbrook, where he was engaged to shoot + partridges. + </p> + <p> + Morgan came back to his master with a very long face. He had seen Mr. + Arthur; Mr. Arthur was very bad indeed; Mr. Arthur was in bed with a + fever. A doctor ought to be sent to him; and Morgan thought his case most + alarming. + </p> + <p> + Gracious goodness! this was sad news indeed. He had hoped that Arthur + could come down to Stillbrook: he had arranged that he should go, and + procured an invitation for his nephew from Lord Steyne. He must go + himself; he couldn't throw Lord Steyne over: the fever might be catching: + it might be measles: he had never himself had the measles; they were + dangerous when contracted at his age. Was anybody with Mr. Arthur? + </p> + <p> + Morgan said there was somebody a-nussing of Mr. Arthur. + </p> + <p> + The Major then asked, had his nephew taken any advice? Morgan said he had + asked that question, and had been told that Mr. Pendennis had had no + doctor. + </p> + <p> + Morgan's master was sincerely vexed at hearing of Arthur's calamity. He + would have gone to him, but what good could it do Arthur that he, the + Major, should catch a fever? His own ailments rendered it absolutely + impossible that he should attend to anybody but himself. But the young man + must have advice—the best advice; and Morgan was straightway + despatched with a note from Major Pendennis to his friend Doctor + Goodenough, who by good luck happened to be in London and at home, and who + quitted his dinner instantly, and whose carriage was in half an hour in + Upper Temple Lane, near Pen's chambers. + </p> + <p> + The Major had asked the kind-hearted physician to bring him news of his + nephew at the Club where he himself was dining, and in the course of the + night the Doctor made his appearance. The affair was very serious: the + patient was in a high fever: he had had Pen bled instantly: and would see + him the first thing in the morning. The Major went disconsolate to bed + with this unfortunate news. When Goodenough came to see him according to + his promise the next day, the Doctor had to listen for a quarter of an + hour to an account of the Major's own maladies, before the latter had + leisure to hear about Arthur. + </p> + <p> + He had had a very bad night—his—his nurse said: at one hour he + had been delirious. It might end badly: his mother had better be sent for + immediately. The Major wrote the letter to Mrs. Pendennis with the + greatest alacrity, and at the same time with the most polite precautions. + As for going himself to the lad, in his state it was impossible. “Could I + be of any use to him, my dear Doctor?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, with a peculiar laugh, said, No: he didn't think the Major + could be of any use: that his own precious health required the most + delicate treatment, and that he had best go into the country and stay: + that he himself would take care to see the patient twice a day, and do all + in his power for him. + </p> + <p> + The Major declared upon his honour, that if he could be of any use he + would rush to Pen's chambers. As it was, Morgan should go and see that + everything was right. The Doctor must write to him by every post to + Stillbrook: it was but forty miles distant from London, and if anything + happened he would come up at any sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis transacted his benevolence by deputy and by post. “What + else could he do,” as he said? “Gad, you know, in these cases, it's best + not disturbing a fellow. If a poor fellow goes to the bad, why, Gad, you + know he's disposed of. But in order to get well (and in this, my dear + Doctor, I'm sure that you will agree with me), the best way is to keep him + quiet—perfectly quiet.” + </p> + <p> + Thus it was the old gentleman tried to satisfy his conscience and he went + his way that day to Stillbrook by railway (for railways have sprung up in + the course of this narrative, though they have not quite penetrated into + Pen's country yet), and made his appearance in his usual trim order and + curly wig, at the dinner-table of the Marquis of Steyne. But we must do + the Major the justice to say, that he was very unhappy and gloomy in + demeanour. Wagg and Wenham rallied him about his low spirits; asked + whether he was crossed in love? and otherwise diverted themselves at his + expense. He lost his money at whist after dinner, and actually trumped his + partner's highest spade. And the thoughts of the suffering boy, of whom he + was proud, and whom he loved after his manner, kept the old fellow awake + half through the night, and made him feverish and uneasy. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow he received a note in a handwriting which he did not know: + it was that of Mr. Bows, indeed, saying that Mr. Arthur Pendennis had had + a tolerable night; and that as Dr. Goodenough had stated that the Major + desired to be informed of his nephew's health, he, R. B., had sent him the + news per rail. + </p> + <p> + The next day he was going out shooting, about noon, with some of the + gentlemen staying at Lord Steyne's house; and the company, waiting for the + carriages, were assembled on the terrace in front of the house, when a fly + drove up from the neighbouring station, and a grey-headed, rather shabby + old gentleman jumped out, and asked for Major Pendennis. It was Mr. Bows. + He took the Major aside and spoke to him; most of the gentlemen round + about saw that something serious had happened, from the alarmed look of + the Major's face. + </p> + <p> + Wagg said, “It's a bailiff come down to nab the Major,” but nobody laughed + at the pleasantry. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! What's the matter, Pendennis?” cried Lord Steyne, with his + strident voice;—“anything wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “It's—it's—my boy that's dead,” said the Major, and burst into + a sob—the old man was quite overcome. + </p> + <p> + “Not dead, my Lord; but very ill when I left London,” Mr. Bows said, in a + low voice. + </p> + <p> + A britzka came up at this moment as the three men were speaking. The Peer + looked at his watch. “You've twenty minutes to catch the mail-train. Jump + in, Pendennis; and drive like h—-, sir, do you hear?” + </p> + <p> + The carriage drove off swiftly with Pendennis and his companions, and let + us trust that the oath will be pardoned to the Marquis of Steyne. + </p> + <p> + The Major drove rapidly from the station to the Temple, and found a + travelling carriage already before him, and blocking up the narrow Temple + Lane. Two ladies got out of it, and were asking their way of the porters; + the Major looked by chance at the panel of the carriage, and saw the + worn-out crest of the Eagle looking at the Sun, and the motto, “Nec tenui + penna,” painted beneath. It was his brother's old carriage, built many, + many years ago. It was Helen and Laura that were asking their way to Pen's + room. + </p> + <p> + He ran up to them; hastily clasped his sister's arm and kissed her hand; + and the three entered into Lamb Court, and mounted the long gloomy stair. + </p> + <p> + They knocked very gently at the door, on which Arthur's name was written, + and it was opened by Fanny Bolton. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. A critical Chapter + </h2> + <p> + As Fanny saw the two ladies and the anxious countenance of the eider, who + regarded her with a look of inscrutable alarm and terror, the poor girl at + once knew that Pen's mother was before her; there was a resemblance + between the widow's haggard eyes and Arthur's as he tossed in his bed in + fever. Fanny looked wistfully at Mrs. Pendennis and at Laura afterwards; + there was no more expression in the latter's face than if it had been a + mass of stone. Hard-heartedness and gloom dwelt on the figures of both the + new-comers; neither showed any the faintest gleam of mercy or sympathy for + Fanny. She looked desperately from them to the Major behind them. Old + Pendennis dropped his eyelids, looking up ever so stealthily from under + them at Arthur's poor little nurse. + </p> + <p> + “I—I wrote to you yesterday, if you please, ma'am,” Fanny said, + trembling in every limb as she spoke; and as pale as Laura, whose sad + menacing face looked over Mrs. Pendennis's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Did you, madam?” Mrs. Pendennis said. “I suppose I may now relieve you + from nursing my son. I am his mother, you understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am. I—this is the way to his—Oh, wait a minute,” + cried out Fanny. “I must prepare you for his——” + </p> + <p> + The widow, whose face had been hopelessly cruel and ruthless, here started + back with a gasp and a little cry, which she speedily stifled. + </p> + <p> + “He's been so since yesterday,” Fanny said, trembling very much, and with + chattering teeth. + </p> + <p> + A horrid shriek of laughter came out of Pen's room, whereof the door was + open; and, after several shouts, the poor wretch began to sing a college + drinking-song, and then to hurray and to shout as if he was in the midst + of a wine-party, and to thump with his fist against the wainscot. He was + quite delirious. + </p> + <p> + “He does not know me, ma'am,” Fanny said. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed. Perhaps he will know his mother; let me pass, if you please, and + go in to him.” And the widow hastily pushed by little Fanny, and through + the dark passage which led into Pen's sitting-room. Laura sailed by Fanny, + too, without a word; and Major Pendennis followed them. Fanny sat down on + a bench in the passage, and cried, and prayed as well as she could. She + would have died for him; and they hated her. They had not a word of thanks + or kindness for her, the fine ladies. She sate there in the passage, she + did not know how long. They never came out to speak to her. She sate there + until Doctor Goodenough came to pay his second visit that day; he found + the poor little thing at the door. + </p> + <p> + “What, nurse? How's your patient?” asked the good-natured Doctor. “Has he + had any rest?” + </p> + <p> + “Go and ask them. They're inside,” Fanny answered. + </p> + <p> + “Who? his mother?” + </p> + <p> + Fanny nodded her head and didn't speak. + </p> + <p> + “You must go to bed yourself, my poor little maid,” said the Doctor. “You + will be ill, too, if you don't.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mayn't I come and see him: mayn't I come and see him! I—I—love + him so,” the little girl said; and as she spoke she fell down on her knees + and clasped hold of the Doctor's hand in such an agony that to see her + melted the kind physician's heart, and caused a mist to come over his + spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, pooh! Nonsense! Nurse, has he taken his draught? Has he had any + rest? Of course you must come and see him. So must I.” + </p> + <p> + “They'll let me sit here, won't they, sir? I'll never make no noise. I + only ask to stop here,” Fanny said. On which the Doctor called her a + stupid little thing; put her down upon the bench where Pen's printer's + devil used to sit so many hours; tapped her pale cheek with his finger, + and bustled into the farther room. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Pendennis was ensconced pale and solemn in a great chair by Pen's + bedside. Her watch was on the bed-table by Pen's medicines. Her bonnet and + cloaks were laid in the window. She had her Bible in her lap, without + which she never travelled. Her first movement, after seeing her son, had + been to take Fanny's shawl and bonnet which were on his drawers, and bring + them out and drop them down upon his study-table. She had closed the door + upon Major Pendennis, and Laura too; and taken possession of her son. + </p> + <p> + She had had a great doubt and terror lest Arthur should not know her; but + that pang was spared to her in part at least. Pen knew his mother quite + well, and familiarly smiled and nodded at her. When she came in, he + instantly fancied that they were at home at Fairoaks; and began to talk + and chatter and laugh in a rambling wild way. Laura could hear him + outside. His laughter shot shafts of poison into her heart. It was true, + then. He had been guilty—and with that creature!—an intrigue + with a servant-maid, and she had loved him—and he was dying most + likely raving and unrepentant. The Major now and then hummed out a word of + remark or consolation, which Laura scarce heard. + </p> + <p> + A dismal sitting it was for all parties; and when Goodenough appeared, he + came like an angel into the room. + </p> + <p> + It is not only for the sick man, it is for the sick man's friends that the + Doctor comes. His presence is often as good for them as for the patient, + and they long for him yet more eagerly. How we have all watched after him! + what an emotion the thrill of his carriage-wheels in the street, and at + length at the door, has made us feel! how we hang upon his words, and what + a comfort we get from a smile or two, if he can vouchsafe that sunshine to + lighten our darkness! Who hasn't seen the mother prying into his face, to + know if there is hope for the sick infant that cannot speak, and that lies + yonder, its little frame battling with fever? Ah how she looks into his + eyes! What thanks if there is light there; what grief and pain if he casts + them down, and dares not say “hope!” Or it is the house-father who is + stricken. The terrified wife looks on, while the Physician feels his + patient's wrist, smothering her agonies, as the children have been called + upon to stay their plays and their talk. Over the patient in the fever, + the wife expectant, the children unconscious, the Doctor stands as if he + were Fate, the dispenser of life and death: he must let the patient off + this time: the woman prays so for his respite! One can fancy how awful the + responsibility must be to a conscientious man: how cruel the feeling that + he has given the wrong remedy, or that it might have been possible to do + better: how harassing the sympathy with survivors, if the case is + unfortunate—how immense the delight of victory! + </p> + <p> + Having passed through a hasty ceremony of introduction to the new-comers, + of whose arrival he had been made aware by the heartbroken little nurse in + waiting without, the Doctor proceeded to examine the patient, about whose + condition of high fever there could be no mistake, and on whom he thought + it necessary to exercise the strongest antiphlogistic remedies in his + power. He consoled the unfortunate mother as best he might; and giving her + the most comfortable assurances on which he could venture, that there was + no reason to despair yet, that everything might still be hoped from his + youth, the strength of his constitution, and so forth; and having done his + utmost to allay the horrors of the alarmed matron, he took the elder + Pendennis aside into the vacant room (Warrington's bedroom), for the + purpose of holding a little consultation. + </p> + <p> + The case was very critical. The fever, if not stopped, might and would + carry off the young fellow: he must be bled forthwith: the mother must be + informed of this necessity. Why was that other young lady brought with + her? She was out of place in a sick-room. + </p> + <p> + “And there was another woman still, be hanged to it!” the Major said, “the—the + little person who opened the door.” His sister-in-law had brought the poor + little devil's bonnet and shawl out, flung them upon the study-table. Did + Goodenough know anything about the—the little person? “I just caught + a glimpse of her as we passed in,” the Major said, “and begad she was + uncommonly nice-looking.” The Doctor looked queer: the Doctor smiled—in + the very gravest moments, with life and death pending, such strange + contrasts and occasions of humour will arise, and such smiles will pass, + to satirise the gloom, as it were, and to make it more gloomy! + </p> + <p> + “I have it,” at last he said, re-entering the study; and he wrote a couple + of notes hastily at the table there, and sealed one of them. Then, taking + up poor Fanny's shawl and bonnet, and the notes, he went out in the + passage to that poor little messenger, and said, “Quick, nurse; you must + carry this to the surgeon, and bid him come instantly; and then go to my + house, and ask for my servant Harbottle, and tell him to get this + prescription prepared, and wait until I—until it is ready. It may + take a little in preparation.” + </p> + <p> + So poor Fanny trudged away with her two notes, and found the apothecary, + who lived in the Strand hard by, and who came straightway, his lancet in + his pocket, to operate on his patient; and then Fanny made for the + Doctor's house, in Hanover Square. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was at home again before the prescription was made up, which + took Harbottle, his servant, such a long time in compounding; and, during + the remainder of Arthur's illness, poor Fanny never made her appearance in + the quality of nurse at his chambers any more. But for that day and the + next, a little figure might be seen lurking about Pen's staircase,—a + sad, sad little face looked at and interrogated the apothecary, and the + apothecary's boy, and the laundress, and the kind physician himself, as + they passed out of the chambers of the sick man. And on the third day, the + kind Doctor's chariot stopped at Shepherd's Inn, and the good, and honest, + and benevolent man went into the porter's lodge, and tended a little + patient whom he had there, for the best remedy he found was on the day + when he was enabled to tell Fanny Bolton that the crisis was over, and + that there was at length every hope for Arthur Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + J. Costigan, Esquire, late of Her Majesty's service, saw the Doctor's + carriage, and criticised its horses and appointments. “Green liveries, + bedad!” the General said, “and as foin a pair of high-stepping bee horses + as ever a gentleman need sit behoind, let alone a docthor. There's no ind + to the proide and ar'gance of them docthors, nowadays—not but that + is a good one, and a scoientific cyarkter, and a roight good fellow, + bedad; and he's brought the poor little girl well troo her faver, Bows, me + boy;” and so pleased was Mr. Costigan with the Doctor's behaviour and + skill, that, whenever he met Dr. Goodenough's carriage in future, he made + a point of saluting it and the physician inside, in as courteous and + magnificent a manner, as if Dr. Goodenough had been the Lord Liftenant + himself, and Captain Costigan had been in his glory in Phaynix Park. + </p> + <p> + The widow's gratitude to the physician knew no bounds—or scarcely + any bounds, at least. The kind gentleman laughed at the idea of taking a + fee from a literary man, or the widow of a brother practitioner; and she + determined when she got to Fairoaks that she would send Goodenough the + silver-gilt vase, the jewel of the house, and the glory of the late John + Pendennis, preserved in green baize, and presented to him at Bath, by the + Lady Elizabeth Firebrace, on the recovery of her son, the late Sir Anthony + Firebrace, from the scarlet fever. Hippocrates, Hygeia, King Bladud, and a + wreath of serpents surmount the cup to this day; which was executed in + their finest manner by Messrs. Abednego, of Milsom Street; and the + inscription was by Mr. Birch, tutor to the young baronet. + </p> + <p> + This priceless gem of art the widow determined to devote to Goodenough, + the preserver of her son; and there was scarcely any other favour which + her gratitude would not have conferred upon him, except one, which he + desired most, and which was that she should think a little charitably and + kindly of poor Fanny, of whose artless, sad story he had got something + during his interviews with her, and of whom he was induced to think very + kindly,—not being disposed, indeed, to give much credit to Pen for + his conduct in the affair, or not knowing what that conduct had been. He + knew enough, however, to be aware that the poor infatuated little girl was + without stain as yet; that while she had been in Pen's room it was to see + the last of him, as she thought, and that Arthur was scarcely aware of her + presence; and that she suffered under the deepest and most pitiful grief, + at the idea of losing him, dead or living. + </p> + <p> + But on the one or two occasions when Goodenough alluded to Fanny, the + widow's countenance, always soft and gentle, assumed an expression so + cruel and inexorable, that the Doctor saw it was in vain to ask her for + justice or pity, and he broke off all entreaties, and ceased making any + further allusions regarding his little client. There is a complaint which + neither poppy, nor mandragora, nor all the drowsy syrups of the East could + allay, in the men in his time, as we are informed by a popular poet of the + days of Elizabeth; and which, when exhibited in women, no medical + discoveries or practice subsequent—neither homoeopathy, nor + hydropathy, nor mesmerism, nor Dr. Simpson, nor Dr. Locock can cure, and + that is—we won't call it jealousy, but rather gently denominate + rivalry and emulation in ladies. + </p> + <p> + Some of those mischievous and prosaic people who carp and calculate at + every detail of the romancer, and want to know, for instance, how, when + the characters in the 'Critic' are at a dead lock with their daggers at + each other's throats, they are to be got out of that murderous + complication of circumstances, may be induced to ask how it was possible + in a set of chambers in the Temple, consisting of three rooms, two + cupboards, a passage, and a coal-box, Arthur a sick gentleman, Helen his + mother, Laura her adopted daughter, Martha their country attendant, Mrs. + Wheezer a nurse from St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Mrs. Flanagan an Irish + laundress, Major Pendennis a retired military officer, Morgan his valet, + Pidgeon Mr. Arthur Pendennis's boy, and others could be accommodated—the + answer is given at once, that almost everybody in the Temple was out of + town, and that there was scarcely a single occupant of Pen's house in Lamb + Court except those who were occupied round the sick-bed of the sick + gentleman, about whose fever we have not given a lengthy account, neither + enlarge we very much upon the more cheerful theme of his recovery. + </p> + <p> + Everybody we have said was out of town, and of course such a fashionable + man as young Mr. Sibwright, who occupied chambers on the second floor in + Pen's staircase, could not be supposed to remain in London. Mrs. Flanagan, + Mr. Pendennis's laundress was acquainted with Mrs. Rouncy who did for Mr. + Sibwright; and that gentleman's bedroom was got ready for Miss Bell, or + Mrs. Pendennis, when the latter should be inclined to leave her son's + sick-room, to try and seek for a little rest for herself. + </p> + <p> + If that young buck and flower of Baker Street, Percy Sibwright, could have + known who was the occupant of his bedroom, how proud he would have been of + that apartment:—what poems he would have written about Laura! + (several of his things have appeared in the annuals, and in manuscript in + the nobility's albums)—he was a Camford man and very nearly got the + English Prize Poem, it was said—Sibwright, however, was absent and + his bed given up to Miss Bell. It was the prettiest little brass bed in + the world, with chintz curtains lined with pink—he had a + mignonette-box in his bedroom window, and the mere sight of his little + exhibition of shiny boots, arranged in trim rows over his wardrobe, was a + gratification to the beholder. He had a museum of scent, pomatum, and + bear's-grease pots, quite curious to examine, too; and a choice selection + of portraits of females, almost always in sadness and generally in + disguise or deshabille, glittered round the neat walls of his elegant + little bower of repose. Medora with dishevelled hair was consoling herself + over her banjo for the absence of her Conrad—the Princesse Fleur de + Marie (of Rudolstein and the Mysteres de Paris) was sadly ogling out of + the bars of her convent cage, in which, poor prisoned bird, she was + moulting away,—Dorothea of Don Quixote was washing her eternal feet:—in + fine, it was such an elegant gallery as became a gallant lover of the sex. + And in Sibwright's sitting-room, while there was quite an infantine law + library clad in skins of fresh new-born calf, there was a tolerably large + collection of classical books which he could not read, and of English and + French works of poetry and fiction which he read a great deal too much. + His invitation cards of the past season still decorated his looking-glass: + and scarce anything told of the lawyer but the wig-box beside the Venus + upon the middle shelf of the bookcase, on which the name of P. Sibwright, + Esquire, was gilded. + </p> + <p> + With Sibwright in chambers was Mr. Bangham. Mr. Bangham was a sporting man + married to a rich widow. Mr. Bangham had no practice—did not come to + chambers thrice in a term: went a circuit for those mysterious reasons + which make men go circuit,—and his room served as a great + convenience to Sibwright when that young gentleman gave his little + dinners. It must be confessed that these two gentlemen have nothing to do + with our history, will never appear in it again probably, but we cannot + help glancing through their doors as they happen to be open to us, and as + we pass to Pen's rooms; as in the pursuit of our own business in life + through the Strand, at the Club, nay at church itself, we cannot help + peeping at the shops on the way, or at our neighbour's dinner, or at the + faces under the bonnets in the next pew. + </p> + <p> + Very many years after the circumstances about which we are at present + occupied, Laura, with a blush and a laugh showing much humour, owned to + having read a French novel once much in vogue, and when her husband asked + her, wondering where on earth she could have got such a volume, she owned + that it was in the Temple, when she lived in Mr. Percy Sibwright's + chambers. + </p> + <p> + “And, also, I never confessed,” she said, “on that same occasion, what I + must now own to: that I opened the japanned box, and took out that + strange-looking wig inside it, and put it on and looked at myself in the + glass in it.” + </p> + <p> + Suppose Percy Sibwright had come in at such a moment as that? What would + he have said,—the enraptured rogue? What would have been all the + pictures of disguised beauties in his room compared to that living one? + Ah, we are speaking of old times, when Sibwright was a bachelor and before + he got a county court,—when people were young—when most people + were young. Other people are young now; but we no more. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Laura played this prank with the wig, you can't suppose that Pen + could have been very ill upstairs; otherwise, though she had grown to care + for him ever so little, common sense of feeling and decorum would have + prevented her from performing any tricks or trying any disguises. + </p> + <p> + But all sorts of events had occurred in the course of the last few days + which had contributed to increase or account for her gaiety, and a little + colony of the reader's old friends and acquaintances was by this time + established in Lamb Court, Temple, and round Pen's sick-bed there. First, + Martha, Mrs. Pendennis's servant, had arrived from Fairoaks, being + summoned thence by the Major who justly thought her presence would be + comfortable and useful to her mistress and her young master, for neither + of whom the constant neighbourhood of Mrs. Flanagan (who during Pen's + illness required more spirituous consolation than ever to support her) + could be pleasant. Martha then made her appearance in due season to wait + upon Mr. Pendennis, nor did that lady go once to bed until the faithful + servant had reached her, when, with a heart full of maternal thankfulness + she went and lay down upon Warrington's straw mattress, and among his + mathematical books as has been already described. + </p> + <p> + It is true that ere that day a great and delightful alteration in Pen's + condition had taken place. The fever, subjugated by Dr. Goodenough's + blisters, potions, and lancet, had left the young man, or only returned at + intervals of feeble intermittence; his wandering senses had settled in his + weakened brain: he had had time to kiss and bless his mother for coming to + him, and calling for Laura and his uncle (who were both affected according + to their different natures by his wan appearance, his lean shrunken hands, + his hollow eyes and voice, his thin bearded face) to press their hands and + thank them affectionately; and after this greeting, and after they had + been turned out of the room by his affectionate nurse, he had sunk into a + fine sleep which had lasted for about sixteen hours, at the end of which + period he awoke calling out that he was very hungry. If it is hard to be + ill and to loathe food, oh, how pleasant to be getting well and to be + feeling hungry—how hungry! Alas, the joys of convalescence become + feebler with increasing years, as other joys do—and then—and + then comes that illness when one does not convalesce at all. + </p> + <p> + On the day of this happy event, too, came another arrival in Lamb Court. + This was introduced into the Pen-Warring sitting-room by large puffs of + tobacco smoke—the puffs of were followed by an individual with a + cigar in his mouth, and a carpet-bag under his arm—this was + Warrington who had run back from Norfolk, when Mr. Bows thoughtfully wrote + to inform him of his friend's calamity. But he had been from home when + Bows's letter had reached his brother's house—the Eastern Counties + did not then boast of a railway (for we beg the reader to understand that + we only commit anachronisms when we choose and when by a daring violation + of those natural laws some great ethical truth is to be advanced)—in + fine, Warrington only appeared with the rest of the good luck upon the + lucky day after Pen's convalescence may have been said to have begun. + </p> + <p> + His surprise was, after all, not very great when he found the chambers of + his sick friend occupied, and his old acquaintance the Major seated + demurely in an easy-chair (Warrington had let himself into the rooms with + his own passkey), listening, or pretending to listen, to a young lady who + was reading to him a play of Shakspeare in a low sweet voice. The lady + stopped and started, and laid down her book, at the apparition of the tall + traveller with the cigar and the carpet-bag. He blushed, he flung the + cigar into the passage: he took off his hat, and dropped that too, and + going up to the Major, seized that old gentleman's hand, and asked + questions about Arthur. + </p> + <p> + The Major answered in a tremulous, though cheery voice—it was + curious how emotion seemed to olden him—and returning Warrington's + pressure with a shaking hand, told him the news of Arthur's happy crisis, + of his mother's arrival—with her young charge—with Miss——. + </p> + <p> + “You need not tell me her name,” Mr. Warrington said with great animation, + for he was affected and elated with the thought of his friend's recovery—“you + need not tell me your name. I knew at once it was Laura.” And he held out + his hand and took hers. Immense kindness and tenderness gleamed from under + his rough eyebrows, and shook his voice as he gazed at her and spoke to + her. “And this is Laura!” his looks seemed to say. “And this is + Warrington!” the generous girl's heart beat back. “Arthur's hero—the + brave and the kind—he has come hundreds of miles to succour him, + when he heard of his friend's misfortune!” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Warrington,” was all that Laura said, however; and as she + returned the pressure of his kind hand, she blushed so, that she was glad + the lamp was behind her to conceal her flushing face. + </p> + <p> + As these two were standing in this attitude, the door of Pen's bedchamber + was opened stealthily as his mother was wont to open it, and Warrington + saw another lady, who first looked at him, and then turning round towards + the bed, said, “Hsh!” and put up her hand. + </p> + <p> + It was to Pen Helen was turning, and giving caution. He called out with a + feeble, tremulous, but cheery voice, “Come in, Stunner—come in, + Warrington. I knew it was you—by the—by the smoke, old boy,” + he said, as holding his worn hand out, and with tears at once of weakness + and pleasure in his eyes, he greeted his friend. + </p> + <p> + “I—I beg pardon, ma'am, for smoking,” Warrington said, who now + almost for the first time blushed for his wicked propensity. + </p> + <p> + Helen only said, “God bless you, Mr. Warrington.” She was so happy, she + would have liked to kiss George. Then, and after the friends had had a + brief, very brief interview, the delighted and inexorable mother, giving + her hand to Warrington, sent him out of the room, too, back to Laura and + the Major, who had not resumed their play of Cymbeline where they had left + it off at the arrival of the rightful owner of Pen's chambers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. Convalescence + </h2> + <p> + Our duty now is to record a fact concerning Pendennis, which, however + shameful and disgraceful, when told regarding the chief personage and + godfather of a novel, must, nevertheless, be made known to the public who + reads his veritable memoirs. Having gone to bed ill with fever, and + suffering to a certain degree under the passion of love, after he had gone + through his physical malady, and had been bled and had been blistered, and + had had his head shaved, and had been treated and medicamented as the + doctor ordained:—it is a fact, that, when he rallied up from his + bodily ailment, his mental malady had likewise quitted him, and he was no + more in love with Fanny Bolton than you or I, who are much too wise, or + too moral, to allow our hearts to go gadding after porters' daughters. + </p> + <p> + He laughed at himself as he lay on his pillow, thinking of this second + cure which had been effected upon him. He did not care the least about + Fanny now: he wondered how he ever should have cared: and according to his + custom made an autopsy of that dead passion, and anatomised his own + defunct sensation for his poor little nurse. What could have made him so + hot and eager about her but a few weeks back? Not her wit, not her + breeding, not her beauty—there were hundreds of women better-looking + than she. It was out of himself that the passion had gone: it did not + reside in her. She was the same; but the eyes which saw were changed; and, + alas, that it should be so! were not particularly eager to see her any + more. He felt very well disposed towards the little thing, and so forth, + but as for violent personal regard, such as he had but a few weeks ago, it + had fled under the influence of the pill and lancet, which had destroyed + the fever in his frame. And an immense source of comfort and gratitude it + was to Pendennis (though there was something selfish in that feeling, as + in most others of our young man), that he had been enabled to resist + temptation at the time when the danger was greatest, and had no particular + cause of self-reproach as he remembered his conduct towards the young + girl. As from a precipice down which he might have fallen, so from the + fever from which he had recovered, he reviewed the Fanny Bolton snare, now + that he had escaped out of it, but I'm not sure that he was not ashamed of + the very satisfaction which he experienced. It is pleasant, perhaps, but + it is humiliating to own that you love no more. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the kind smiles and tender watchfulness of the mother at his + bedside, filled the young man with peace and security. To see that health + was returning, was all the unwearied nurse demanded: to execute any + caprice or order of her patient's, her chiefest joy and reward. He felt + himself environed by her love, and thought himself almost as grateful for + it as he had been when weak and helpless in childhood. + </p> + <p> + Some misty notions regarding the first part of his illness, and that Fanny + had nursed him, Pen may have had, but they were so dim that he could not + realise them with accuracy, or distinguish them from what he knew to be + delusions which had occurred and were remembered during the delirium of + his fever. So as he had not thought proper on former occasions to make any + allusions about Fanny Bolton to his mother, of course he could not now + confide to her his sentiments regarding Fanny, or make this worthy lady a + confidante. It was on both sides an unlucky precaution and want of + confidence; and a word or two in time might have spared the good lady, and + those connected with her, a deal of pain and anguish. + </p> + <p> + Seeing Miss Bolton installed as nurse and tender to Pen, I am sorry to say + Mrs. Pendennis had put the worst construction on the fact of the intimacy + of these two unlucky young persons, and had settled in her own mind that + the accusations against Arthur were true. Why not have stopped to inquire?—There + are stories to a man's disadvantage that the women who are fondest of him + are always the most eager to believe. Isn't a man's wife often the first + to be jealous of him? Poor Pen got a good stock of this suspicious kind of + love from the nurse who was now watching over him; and the kind and pure + creature thought that her boy had gone through a malady much more awful + and debasing than the mere physical fever, and was stained by crime as + well as weakened by illness. The consciousness of this she had to bear + perforce silently, and to try to put a mask of cheerfulness and confidence + over her doubt and despair and inward horror. + </p> + <p> + When Captain Shandon, at Boulogne, read the next number of the Pall Mall + Gazette, it was to remark to Mrs. Shandon that Jack Finucane's hand was no + longer visible in the leading articles, and that Mr. Warrington must be at + work there again. “I know the crack of his whip in a hundred, and the cut + which the fellow's thong leaves. There's Jack Bludyer, goes to work like a + butcher, and mangles a subject. Mr. Warrington finished a man, and lays + his cuts neat and regular, straight down the back, and drawing blood every + line;” at which dreadful metaphor, Mrs. Shandon said, “Law, Charles, how + can you talk so! I always thought Mr. Warrington very high, but a kind + gentleman; and I'm sure he was most kind to the children.” Upon which + Shandon said, “yes; he's kind to the children; but he's savage to the men; + and to be sure, my dear, you don't understand a word about what I'm + saying; and it's best you shouldn't; for it's little good comes out of + writing for newspapers; and it's better here, living easy at Boulogne, + where the wine's plenty, and the brandy costs but two francs a bottle. Mix + us another tumbler, Mary, my dear; we'll go back into harness soon. 'Cras + ingens iterabimus aequor' bad luck to it.” + </p> + <p> + In a word, Warrington went to work with all his might, in place of his + prostrate friend, and did Pen's portion of the Pall Mall Gazette “with a + vengeance,” as the saying is. He wrote occasional articles and literary + criticisms; he attended theatres and musical performances, and discoursed + about them with his usual savage energy. His hand was too strong for such + small subjects, and it pleased him to tell Arthur's mother, and uncle, and + Laura, that there was no hand in all the band of penmen more graceful and + light, more pleasant and more elegant, than Arthur's. “The people in this + country, ma'am, don't understand what style is, or they would see the + merits of our young one,” he said to Mrs. Pendennis. “I call him ours, + ma'am, for I bred him; and I am as proud of him as you are; and, bating a + little wilfulness, and a little selfishness, and a little dandification, I + don't know a more honest, or loyal, or gentle creature. His pen is wicked + sometimes, but he is as kind as a young lady—as Miss Laura here—and + I believe he would not do any living mortal harm.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Helen, though she heaved a deep, deep sigh, and Laura, though + she, too, was sadly wounded, nevertheless were most thankful for + Warrington's good opinion of Arthur, and loved him for being so attached + to their Pen. And Major Pendennis was loud in his praises of Mr. + Warrington,—more loud and enthusiastic than it was the Major's wont + to be. “He is a gentleman, my dear creature,” he said to Helen, “every + inch a gentleman, my good madam—the Suffolk Warringtons—Charles + the First's baronets:—what could he be but a gentleman, come out of + that family?—father,—Sir Miles Warrington; ran away with—beg + your pardon, Miss Bell. Sir Miles was a very well known man in London, and + a friend of the Prince of Wales, This gentleman is a man of the greatest + talents, the very highest accomplishments,—sure to get on, if he had + a motive to put his energies to work.” + </p> + <p> + Laura blushed for herself whilst the Major was talking and praising + Arthur's hero. As she looked at Warrington's manly face, and dark, + melancholy eyes, this young person had been speculating about him, and had + settled in her mind that he must have been the victim of an unhappy + attachment; and as she caught herself so speculating, why, Miss Bell + blushed. + </p> + <p> + Warrington got chambers hard by,—Grenier's chambers in Flag Court; + and having executed Pen's task with great energy in the morning, his + delight and pleasure of an afternoon was to come and sit with the sick + man's company in the sunny autumn evenings; and he had the honour more + than once of giving Miss Bell his arm for a walk in the Temple Gardens; to + take which pastime, when the frank Laura asked of Helen permission, the + Major eagerly said, “Yes, yes, begad—of course you go out with him—it's + like the country, you know; everybody goes out with everybody in the + Gardens, and there are beadles, you know, and that sort of thing—everybody + walks in the Temple Gardens.” If the great arbiter of morals did not + object, why should simple Helen? She was glad that her girl should have + such fresh air as the river could give, and to see her return with + heightened colour and spirits from these harmless excursions. + </p> + <p> + Laura and Helen had come, you must know, to a little explanation. When the + news arrived of Pen's alarming illness, Laura insisted upon accompanying + the terrified mother to London, would not hear of the refusal which the + still angry Helen gave her, and, when refused a second time yet more + sternly, and when it seemed that the poor lost lad's life was despaired + of, and when it was known that his conduct was such as to render all + thoughts of union hopeless, Laura had, with many tears, told her mother a + secret with which every observant person who reads this story was + acquainted already. Now she never could marry him, was she to be denied + the consolation of owning how fondly, how truly, how entirely she had + loved him? The mingling tears of the woman appeased the agony of their + grief somewhat; and the sorrows and terrors of their journey were at least + in so far mitigated that they shared them together. + </p> + <p> + What could Fanny expect when suddenly brought up for sentence before a + couple of such judges? Nothing but swift condemnation, awful punishment, + merciless dismissal! Women are cruel critics in cases such as that in + which poor Fanny was implicated; and we like them to be so; for, besides + the guard which a man places round his own harem, and the defences which a + woman has in her heart, her faith, and honour, hasn't she all her own + friends of her own sex to keep watch that she does not go astray, and to + tear her to pieces if she is found erring? When our Mahmouds or Selims of + Baker Street or Belgrave Square visit their Fatimas with condign + punishment, their mothers sew up Fatima's sack for her, and her sisters + and sisters-in-law see her well under water. And this present writer does + not say nay. He protests most solemnly he is a Turk, too. He wears a + turban and a beard like another, and is all for the sack practice, + Bismillah! But O you spotless, who have the right of capital punishment + vested in you, at least be very cautious that you make away with the + proper (if so she may be called) person. Be very sure of the fact before + you order the barge out: and don't pop your subject into the Bosphorus, + until you are quite certain that she deserves it. This is all I would urge + in poor Fatima's behalf—absolutely all—not a word more, by the + beard of the Prophet. If she's guilty, down with her—heave over the + sack, away with it into the Golden Horn bubble and squeak, and justice + being done, give way, men, and let us pull back to supper. + </p> + <p> + So the Major did not in any way object to Warrington's continued + promenades with Miss Laura, but, like a benevolent old gentleman, + encouraged in every way the intimacy of that couple. Were there any + exhibitions in town? he was for Warrington conducting her to them. If + Warrington had proposed to take her to Vauxhall itself, this most + complaisant of men would have seen no harm,—nor would Helen, if + Pendennis the elder had so ruled it,—nor would there have been any + harm between two persons whose honour was entirely spotless,—between + Warrington, who saw in intimacy a pure, and high-minded, and artless woman + for the first time in his life,—and Laura, who too for the first + time was thrown into the constant society of a gentleman of great natural + parts and powers of pleasing; who possessed varied acquirements, + enthusiasm, simplicity, humour, and that freshness of mind which his + simple life and habits gave him, and which contrasted so much with Pen's + dandy indifference of manner and faded sneer. In Warrington's very + uncouthness there was a refinement, which the other's finery lacked. In + his energy, his respect, his desire to please, his hearty laughter, or + simple confiding pathos, what a difference to Sultan Pen's yawning + sovereignty and languid acceptance of homage! What had made Pen at home + such a dandy and such a despot? The women had spoiled him, as we like them + and as they like to do. They had cloyed him with obedience, and surfeited + him with sweet respect and submission, until he grew weary of the slaves + who waited upon him, and their caresses and cajoleries excited him no + more. Abroad, he was brisk and lively, and eager and impassioned enough—most + men are so constituted and so nurtured.—Does this, like the former + sentence, run a chance of being misinterpreted, and does any one dare to + suppose that the writer would incite the women to revolt? Nevert, by the + whiskers of the Prophet again, he says. He wears a beard, and he likes his + women to be slaves. What man doesn't? What man would be henpecked, I say? + We will cut off all the heads in Christendom or Turkeydom rather than + that. + </p> + <p> + Well, then, Arthur being so languid, and indifferent, and careless about + the favours bestowed upon him, how came it that Laura should have such a + love and rapturous regard for him, that a mere inadequate expression of it + should have kept the girl talking all the way from Fairoaks to London, as + she and Helen travelled in the post-chaise? As soon as Helen had finished + one story about the dear fellow, and narrated, with a hundred sobs and + ejaculations, and looks up to heaven, some thrilling incidents which + occurred about the period when the hero was breeched, Laura began another + equally interesting and equally ornamented with tears, and told how + heroically he had a tooth out or wouldn't have it out, or how daringly he + robbed a bird's nest or how magnanimously he spared it; or how he gave a + shilling to the old woman on the common, or went without his + bread-and-butter for the beggar-boy who came into the yard—and so on + One to another the sobbing women sang laments upon their hero, who, my + worthy reader has long since perceived, is no more a hero than one of us. + Being as he was, why should a sensible girl be so fond of him? + </p> + <p> + This point has been argued before in a previous unfortunate sentence + (which lately drew down all the wrath of Ireland upon the writer's head), + and which said that the greatest rascal-cut-throats have had somebody to + be fond of them, and if those monsters, why not ordinary mortals? And with + whom shall a young lady fall in love but with the person she sees? She is + not supposed to lose her heart in a dream, like a Princess in the Arabian + Nights; or to plight her young affections to the portrait of a gentleman + in the Exhibition, or a sketch in the Illustrated London News. You have an + instinct within you which inclines you to attach yourself to some one: you + meet Somebody: you hear Somebody constantly praised: you walk, or ride, or + waltz, or talk or sit in the same pew at church with Somebody: you meet + again, and again, and—“Marriages are made in Heave,” your dear mamma + says, pinning your orange-flowers wreath on, with her blessed eyes dimmed + with tears—and there is a wedding breakfast, and you take off your + white satin and retire to your coach-and-four, and you and he are a happy + pair.—Or, the affair is broken off, and then, poor wounded heart! + why, then you meet Somebody Else, and twine your young affections round + number two. It is your nature so to do. Do you suppose it is all for the + man's sake that you love, and not a bit for your own? Do you suppose you + would drink if you were not thirsty, or eat if you were not hungry? + </p> + <p> + So then Laura liked Pen because she saw scarcely anybody else at Fairoaks + except Doctor Portman and Captain Glanders, and because his mother + constantly praised her Arthur, and because he was gentlemanlike, tolerably + good-looking and witty, and because, above all, it was of her nature to + like somebody. And having once received this image into her heart, she + there tenderly nursed it and clasped it—she there, in his long + absences and her constant solitudes, silently brooded over it and fondled + it—and when after this she came to London, and had an opportunity of + becoming rather intimate with Mr. George Warrington, what on earth was to + prevent her from thinking him a most odd, original, agreeable, and + pleasing person? + </p> + <p> + A long time afterwards, when these days were over, and Fate in its own way + had disposed of the various persons now assembled in the dingy building in + Lamb Court, perhaps some of them looked back and thought how happy the + time was, and how pleasant had been their evening talks and little walks + and simple recreations round the sofa of Pen the convalescent. The Major + had a favourable opinion of September in London from that time forward, + and declared at his clubs and in society that the dead season in town was + often pleasant, doosid pleasant, begad. He used to go home to his lodgings + in Bury Street of a night, wondering that it was already so late, and that + the evening had passed away so quickly. He made his appearance at the + Temple pretty constantly in the afternoon, and tugged up the long black + staircase with quite a benevolent activity and perseverance. And he made + interest with the chef at Bays's (that renowned cook, the superintendence + of whose work upon Gastronomy compelled the gifted author to stay in the + metropolis), to prepare little jellies, delicate clear soups, aspics, and + other trifles good for invalids, which Morgan the valet constantly brought + down to the little Lamb Court colony. And the permission to drink a glass + or two of pure sherry being accorded to Pen by Doctor Goodenough, the + Major told with almost tears in his eyes how his noble friend the Marquis + of Steyne, passing through London on his way to the Continent, had ordered + any quantity of his precious, his priceless Amontillado, that had been a + present from King Ferdinand to the noble Marquis, to be placed at the + disposal of Mr. Arthur Pendennis. The widow and Laura tasted it with + respect (though they didn't in the least like the bitter flavour) but the + invalid was greatly invigorated by it, and Warrington pronounced it + superlatively good, and proposed the Major's health in a mock speech after + dinner on the first day when the wine was served, and that of Lord Steyne + and the aristocracy in general. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis returned thanks with the utmost gravity and in a speech in + which he used the words, 'the present occasion,' at least the proper + number of times. Pen cheered with his feeble voice from his armchair. + Warrington taught Miss Laura to cry “Hear! hear!” and tapped the table + with his knuckles. Pidgeon the attendant grinned, and honest Doctor + Goodenough found the party so merrily engaged, when he came in to pay his + faithful gratuitous visit. + </p> + <p> + Warrington knew Sibwright, who lived below and that gallant gentleman, in + reply to a letter informing him of the use to which his apartment had been + put, wrote back the most polite and flowery letter of acquiescence He + placed his chambers at the service of their fair occupants, his bed at + their disposal, his carpets at their feet. Everybody was kindly disposed + towards the sick man and his family. His heart (and his mother's too, as + we may fancy) melted within him at the thought of so much good-feeling and + good-nature. Let Pen's biographer be pardoned for alluding to a time not + far distant when a somewhat similar mishap brought him a providential + friend, a kind physician, and a thousand proofs of a most touching and + surprising kindness and sympathy. + </p> + <p> + There was a piano in Mr. Sibwright's chamber (indeed, this gentleman, a + lover of all the arts, performed himself—and excellently ill too—upon + the instrument; and had had a song dedicated to him, the words by himself, + the air by his devoted friend Leopoldo Twankidillo), and at this + music-box, as Mr. Warrington called it, Laura, at first with a great deal + of tremor and blushing (which became her very much), played and sang, + sometimes of an evening, simple airs, and old songs of home. Her voice was + a rich contralto, and Warrington, who scarcely knew one tune from another + and who had but one tune or bray in his repertoire,—a most + discordant imitation of 'God save the King'—sat rapt in delight + listening to these songs. He could follow their rhythm if not their + harmony; and he could watch, with a constant and daily growing enthusiasm, + the pure and tender and generous creature who made the music. + </p> + <p> + I wonder how that poor pale little girl in the black bonnet, who used to + stand at the lamp-post in Lamb Court sometimes of an evening, looking up + to the open windows from which the music came, liked to hear it? When + Pen's bedtime came the songs were hushed. Lights appeared in the upper + room: his room, whither the widow used to conduct him; and then the Major + and Mr. Warrington, and sometimes Miss Laura, would have a game at ecarte + or backgammon; or she would sit by working a pair of slippers in worsted—a + pair of gentleman's slippers—they might have been for Arthur or for + George or for Major Pendennis: one of those three would have given + anything for the slippers. + </p> + <p> + Whilst such business as this was going on within, a rather shabby old + gentleman would come and lead away the pale girl in the black bonnet, who + had no right to be abroad in the night air; and the Temple porters, the + few laundresses, and other amateurs who had been listening to the concert, + would also disappear. + </p> + <p> + Just before ten o'clock there was another musical performance, namely that + of the chimes of St. Clement's clock in the Strand, which played the clear + cheerful notes of a psalm, before it proceeded to ring its ten fatal + strokes. As they were ringing, Laura began to fold up the slippers; Martha + from Fairoaks appeared with a bed-candle, and a constant smile on her + face; the Major said, “God bless my soul, is it so late?” Warrington and + he left their unfinished game, and got up and shook hands with Miss Bell. + Martha from Fairoaks lighted them out of the passage and down the stair, + and, as they descended, they could hear her bolting and locking “the + sporting door” after them, upon her young mistress and herself. If there + had been any danger, grinning Martha said she would have got down “that + thar hooky soord which hung up in gantleman's room,”—meaning the + Damascus scimitar with the names of the prophet engraved on the blade and + the red velvet scabbard, which Percy Sibwright, Esquire, brought back from + his tour in the Levant, along with an Albanian dress, and which he wore + with such elegant effect at Lady Mullingar's fancy ball, Gloucester + Square, Hyde Park. It entangled itself in Miss Kewsey's train, who + appeared in the dress in which she, with her mamma, had been presented to + their sovereign (the latter by the L—d Ch-nc-ll-r's lady), and led + to events which have nothing to do with this history. Is not Miss Kewsey + now Mrs. Sibwright? Has Sibwright not got a county court?—Good + night, Laura and Fairoaks Martha. Sleep well and wake happy, pure and + gentle lady. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes after these evenings Warrington would walk a little way with + Major Pendennis—just a little way just as far as the Temple gate—as + the Strand—as Charing Cross—as the Club—he was not going + into the Club? Well, as far as Bury Street, where he would laughingly + shake hands on the Major's own door-step. They had been talking about + Laura all the way. It was wonderful how enthusiastic the Major, who, as we + know, used to dislike her, had grown to be regarding the young lady—“Dev'lish + fine girl, begad. Dev'lish well-mannered girl—my sister-in-law has + the manners of a duchess and would bring up any girl well. Miss Bell's a + little countryfied. But the smell of the hawthorn is pleasant, demmy. How + she blushes! Your London girls would give many a guinea for a bouquet like + that—natural flowers, begad! And she's a little money too—nothing + to speak of—but a pooty little bit of money.” In all which opinions + no doubt Mr. Warrington agreed; and though he laughed as he shook hands + with the Major, his face fell as he left his veteran companion; and he + strode back to chambers, and smoked pipe after pipe long into the night, + and wrote article upon article, more and more savage, in lieu of friend + Pen disabled. + </p> + <p> + Well, it was a happy time for almost all parties concerned. Pen mended + daily. Sleeping and eating were his constant occupations. His appetite was + something frightful. He was ashamed of exhibiting it before Laura, and + almost before his mother who laughed and applauded him. As the roast + chicken of his dinner went away he eyed the departing friend with sad + longing, and began to long for jelly, or tea, or what not. He was like an + ogre in devouring. The Doctor cried stop, but Pen would not. Nature called + out to him more loudly than the Doctor, and that kind and friendly + physician handed him over with a very good grace to the other healer. + </p> + <p> + And here let us speak very tenderly and in the strictest confidence of an + event which befell him, and to which he never liked an allusion. During + his delirium the ruthless Goodenough ordered ice to be put to his head, + and all his lovely hair to be cut. It was done in the time of—of the + other nurse, who left every single hair of course in a paper for the widow + to count and treasure up. She never believed but that the girl had taken + away some of it, but then women are so suspicious upon these matters. + </p> + <p> + When this direful loss was made visible to Major Pendennis as of course it + was the first time the elder saw the poor young man's shorn pate, and when + Pen was quite out of danger, and gaining daily vigour, the Major, with + something like blushes and a queer wink of his eyes, said he knew of a—a + person—a coiffeur, in fact—a good man, whom he would send down + to the Temple, and who would—a—apply—a—a temporary + remedy to that misfortune. + </p> + <p> + Laura looked at Warrington with the archest sparkle in her eyes—Warrington + fairly burst out into a boohoo of laughter: even the widow was obliged to + laugh: and the Major erubescent confounded the impudence of the young + folks, and said when he had his hair cut he would keep a lock of it for + Miss Laura. + </p> + <p> + Warrington voted that Pen should wear a barrister's wig. There was + Sibwright's down below, which would become him hugely. Pen said “Stuff,” + and seemed as confused as his uncle; and the end was that a gentleman from + Burlington Arcade waited next day upon Mr. Pendennis, and had a private + interview with him in his bedroom; and a week afterwards the same + individual appeared with a box under his arm, and an ineffable grin of + politeness on his face, and announced that he had brought 'ome Mr. + Pendennis's 'ead of 'air. + </p> + <p> + It must have been a grand but melancholy sight to see Pen in the recesses + of his apartment, sadly contemplating his ravaged beauty, and the + artificial means of hiding its ruin. He appeared at length in the 'ead of + 'air; but Warrington laughed so, that Pen grew sulky, and went back for + his velvet cap, a neat turban which the fondest of mammas had worked for + him. Then Mr. Warrington and Miss Bell got some flowers off the ladies' + bonnets and made a wreath, with which they decorated the wig and brought + it out in procession, and did homage before it. In fact they indulged in a + hundred sports, jularities, waggeries, and petits jeux innocens: so that + the second and third floors of Number 6 Lamb Court, Temple, rang with more + cheerfulness and laughter than had been known in those precincts for many + a long day. + </p> + <p> + At last, after about ten days of this life, one evening when the little + spy of the court came out to take her usual post of observation at the + lamp, there was no music from the second-floor window, there were no + lights in the third-story chambers, the windows of each were open, and the + occupants were gone. Mrs. Flanagan, the laundress, told Fanny what had + happened. The ladies and all the party had gone to Richmond for change of + air. The antique travelling chariot was brought out again and cushioned + with many pillows for Pen and his mother; and Miss Laura went in the most + affable manner in the omnibus under the guardianship of Mr. George + Warrington. He came back and took possession of his old bed that night in + the vacant and cheerless chambers, and to his old books and his old pipes, + but not perhaps to his old sleep. + </p> + <p> + The widow had left a jar full of flowers upon his table, prettily + arranged, and when he entered they filled the solitary room with odour. + They were memorials of the kind, gentle souls who had gone away, and who + had decorated for a little while that lonely cheerless place. He had had + the happiest days of his whole life George felt—he knew it now they + were just gone: he went and took up the flowers and put his face to them, + and smelt them—perhaps kissed them. As he put them down, he rubbed + his rough hand across his eyes with a bitter word and laugh. He would have + given his whole life and soul to win that prize which Arthur rejected. Did + she want fame? he would have won it for her:—devotion?—a great + heart full of pent-up tenderness and manly love and gentleness was there + for her, if she might take it. But it might not be. Fate had ruled + otherwise. “Even if I could, she would not have me,” George thought. “What + has an ugly, rough old fellow like me, to make any woman like him? I'm + getting old, and I've made no mark in life. I've neither good looks, nor + youth, nor money, nor reputation. A man must be able to do something + besides stare at her and offer on his knees his smooth devotion, to make a + woman like him. What can I do? Lots of young fellows have passed me in the + race—what they call the prizes of life didn't seem to me worth the + trouble of the struggle. But for her. If she had been mine and liked a + diamond—ah! shouldn't she have worn it! Psha, what a fool I am to + brag of what I would have done! We are the slaves of destiny. Our lots are + shaped for us, and mine is ordained long ago. Come, let us have a pipe, + and put the smell of these flowers out of court, poor little silent + flowers! you'll be dead to-morrow. What business had you to show your red + cheeks in this dingy place?” + </p> + <p> + By his bedside George found a new Bible which the widow had placed there, + with a note inside saying that she had not seen the book amongst his + collection in a room where she had spent a number of hours, and where God + had vouchsafed to her prayers the life of her son, and that she gave to + Arthur's friend the best thing she could, and besought him to read in the + volume sometimes, and to keep it as a token of a grateful mother's regard + and affection. Poor George mournfully kissed the book as he had done the + flowers; and the morning found him still reading in its awful pages, in + which so many stricken hearts, in which so many tender and faithful souls, + have found comfort under calamity, and refuge and hope in affliction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. Fanny's Occupation's gone + </h2> + <p> + Good Helen, ever since her son's illness, had taken, as we have seen, + entire possession of the young man, of his drawers and closets and all + which they contained: whether shirts that wanted buttons, or stockings + that required mending, or, must it be owned? letters that lay amongst + those articles of raiment, and which of course it was necessary that + somebody should answer during Arthur's weakened and incapable condition. + Perhaps Mrs. Pendennis was laudably desirous to have some explanations + about the dreadful Fanny Bolton mystery, regarding which she had never + breathed a word to her son, though it was present in her mind always, and + occasioned her inexpressible anxiety and disquiet. She had caused the + brass knocker to be screwed off the inner door of the chambers, where upon + the postman's startling double rap would, as she justly argued, disturb + the rest of her patient, and she did not allow him to see any letter which + arrived, whether from bootmakers who importuned him, or hatters who had a + heavy account to make up against next Saturday, and would be very much + obliged if Mr. Arthur Pendennis would have the kindness to settle, etc. Of + these documents, Pen, who was always freehanded and careless, of course + had his share, and though no great one, one quite enough to alarm his + scrupulous and conscientious mother. She had some savings; Pen's + magnificent self-denial, and her own economy, amounting from her great + simplicity and avoidance of show to parsimony almost, had enabled her to + put by a little sum of money, a part of which she delightedly consecrated + to the paying off the young gentleman's obligations. At this price, many a + worthy youth and respected reader would hand over his correspondence to + his parents; and perhaps there is no greater test of a man's regularity + and easiness of conscience, than his readiness to face the postman. + Blessed is he who is made happy by the sound of the rat-tat! The good are + eager for it: but the naughty tremble at the sound thereof. So it was very + kind of Mrs. Pendennis doubly to spare Pen the trouble of hearing or + answering letters during his illness. + </p> + <p> + There could have been nothing in the young man's chest of drawers and + wardrobes which could be considered as inculpating him in any way, nor any + satisfactory documents regarding the Fanny Bolton affair found there, for + the widow had to ask her brother-in-law if he knew anything about the + odious transaction, and the dreadful intrigue about which her son was + engaged. When they were at Richmond one day, and Pen with Warrington had + taken a seat on a bench on the terrace, the widow kept Major Pendennis in + consultation, and laid her terrors and perplexities before him, such of + them at least (for as is the wont of men and women, she did not make quite + a clean confession, and I suppose no spendthrift asked for a schedule of + his debts, no lady of fashion asked by her husband for her dressmaker's + bills, ever sent in the whole of them yet)—such, we say, of her + perplexities, at least, as she chose to confide to her Director for the + time being. + </p> + <p> + When, then, she asked the Major what course she ought to pursue, about + this dreadful—this horrid affair, and whether he knew anything + regarding it? the old gentleman puckered up his face, so that you could + not tell whether he was smiling or not; gave the widow one queer look with + his little eyes; cast them down to the carpet again, and said, “My dear, + good creature, I don't know anything about it; and I don't wish to know + anything about it; and, as you ask me my opinion, I think you had best + know nothing about it too. Young men will be young men; begad, and, my + good ma'am, if you think our boy is a Jo——” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, spare me this,” Helen broke in, looking very stately. + </p> + <p> + “My dear creature, I did not commence the conversation, permit me to say,” + the Major said, bowing very blandly. + </p> + <p> + “I can't bear to hear such a sin—such a dreadful sin—spoken of + in such a way,” the widow said, with tears of annoyance starting from her + eyes. “I can't bear to think that my boy should commit such a crime. I + wish he had died, almost, before he had done it. I don't know how I + survive it myself; for it is breaking my heart, Major Pendennis, to think + that his father's son—my child—whom I remember so good—oh, + so good, and full of honour!—should be fallen so dreadfully low, as + to—as to——” + </p> + <p> + “As to flirt with a little grisette, my dear creature?” said the Major. + “Egad, if all the mothers in England were to break their hearts because—Nay, + nay; upon my word and honour, now, don't agitate yourself—don't cry. + I can't bear to see a woman's tears—I never could—never. But + how do we know that anything serious has happened? Has Arthur said + anything?” + </p> + <p> + “His silence confirms it,” sobbed Mrs. Pendennis, behind her + pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. There are subjects, my dear, about which a young fellow + cannot surely talk to his mamma,” insinuated the brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “She has written to him,” cried the lady, behind the cambric. + </p> + <p> + “What, before he was ill? Nothing more likely.” + </p> + <p> + “No, since,” the mourner with the batiste mask gasped out; “not before; + that is, I don't think so—that is, I——” + </p> + <p> + “Only since; and you have—yes, I understand. I suppose when he was + too ill to read his own correspondence, you took charge of it, did you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am the most unhappy mother in the world,” cried out the unfortunate + Helen. + </p> + <p> + “The most unhappy mother in the world, because your son is a man and not a + hermit! Have a care, my dear sister. If you have suppressed any letters to + him, you may have done yourself a great injury; and, if I know anything of + Arthur's spirit, may cause a difference between him and you, which you'll + rue all your life—a difference that's a dev'lish deal more + important, my good madam, than the little—little—trumpery + cause which originated it.” + </p> + <p> + “There was only one letter,” broke out Helen,—“only a very little + one—only a few words. Here it is—Oh—how can you, how can + you speak so?” + </p> + <p> + When the good soul said “only a very little one,” the Major could not + speak at all, so inclined was he to laugh, in spite of the agonies of the + poor soul before him, and for whom he had a hearty pity and liking too. + But each was looking at the matter with his or her peculiar eyes and views + of morals, and the Major's morals, as the reader knows, were not those of + an ascetic. + </p> + <p> + “I recommend you,” he gravely continued, “if you can, to seal it up—those + letters ain't unfrequently sealed with wafers—and to put it amongst + Pen's other letters, and let him have them when he calls for them Or if + we'll can't seal it, we mistook it for a bill.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell my son a lie,” said the widow. It had been put silently into + the letter-box two days previous to their departure from the Temple, and + had been brought to Mrs. Pendennis by Martha. She had never seen Fanny's + handwriting, of course; but when the letter was put into her hands she + knew the author at once. She had been on the watch for that letter every + day since Pen had been ill. She had opened some of his other letters + because she wanted to get at that one. She had the horrid paper poisoning + her bag at that moment. She took it out and offered it to her + brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “Arther Pendennis, Esq.,” he read in a timid little sprawling handwriting, + and with a sneer on his face. “No, my dear, I won't read any more. But you + who have read it may tell me what the letter contains—only prayers + for his health in bad spelling, you say—and a desire to see him? + Well—there's no harm in that. And as you ask me—” Here the + Major began to look a little queer for his own part, and put on his demure + look—“as you ask me, my dear, for information, why, I don't mind + telling you that—ah—that—Morgan, my man, has made some + inquiries regarding this affair, and that—my friend Doctor + Goodenough also looked into it—and it appears that this person was + greatly smitten with Arthur; that he paid for her and took her to Vauxhall + Gardens, as Morgan heard from an old acquaintance of Pen's and ours, an + Irish gentleman, who was very nearly once having the honour of being the—from + an Irishman, in fact;—that the girl's father, a violent man of + intoxicated habits, has beaten her mother, who persists in declaring her + daughter's entire innocence to her husband on the one hand, while on the + other she told Goodenough, that Arthur has acted like a brute to her + child. And so you see the story remains in a mystery. Will you have it + cleared up? I have but to ask Pen, and he will tell me at once—he is + as honourable a man as ever lived.” + </p> + <p> + “Honourable!” said the widow with bitter scorn. “Oh, brother, what is this + you call honour? If my boy has been guilty, he must marry her. I would go + down on my knees and pray him to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Good God! are you mad?” screamed out the Major; and remembering former + passages in Arthur's history and Helen's, the truth came across his mind + that, were Helen to make this prayer to her son, he would marry the girl: + he was wild enough and obstinate enough to commit any folly when a woman + he loved was in the case. “My dear sister, have you lost your senses?” he + continued (after an agitated pause, during which the above dreary + reflection crossed him); and in a softened tone, “What right have we to + suppose that anything has passed between this girl and him? Let's see the + letter. Her heart is breaking; pray, pray, write to me—home unhappy—unkind + father—your nurse—poor little Fanny—spelt, as you say, + in a manner to outrage all sense of decorum. But, good heavens! my dear, + what is there in this? only that the little devil is making love to him + still. Why, she didn't come into his chambers until he was so delirious + that he didn't know her. What-d'you-call-'em, Flanagan, the laundress, + told Morgan, my man, so. She came in company of an old fellow, an old Mr. + Bows, who came most kindly down to Stillbrook and brought me away—by + the way, I left him in the cab, and never paid the fare; and dev'lish kind + it was of him. No, there's nothing in the story.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so? Thank Heaven—thank God!” Helen cried. “I'll take + the letter to Arthur and ask him now. Look at him there. He's on the + terrace with Mr. Warrington. They are talking to some children. My boy was + always fond of children. He's innocent, thank God—thank God! Let me + go to him.” + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis had his own opinion. When he briskly took the not guilty + side of the case, but a moment before, very likely the old gentleman had a + different view from that which he chose to advocate, and judged of Arthur + by what he himself would have done. If she goes to Arthur, and he speaks + the truth, as the rascal will, it spoils all, he thought. And he tried one + more effort. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, good soul,” he said, taking Helen's hand and kissing it, “as + your son has not acquainted you with this affair, think if you have any + right to examine it. As you believe him to be a man of honour, what right + have you to doubt his honour in this instance? Who is his accuser? An + anonymous scoundrel who has brought no specific charge against him. If + there were any such, wouldn't the girl's parents have come forward? He is + not called upon to rebut, nor you to entertain an anonymous accusation; + and as for believing him guilty because a girl of that rank happened to be + in his rooms acting as nurse to him, begad you might as well insist upon + his marrying that dem'd old Irish gin-drinking laundress, Mrs. Flanagan.” + </p> + <p> + The widow burst out laughing through her tears—the victory was + gained by the old general. + </p> + <p> + “Marry Mrs. Flanagan, by Ged,” he continued, tapping her slender hand. + “No. The boy has told you nothing about it, and you know nothing about it. + The boy is innocent—of course. And what, my good soul, is the course + for us to pursue? Suppose he is attached to this girl—don't look sad + again, it's merely a supposition—and begad a young fellow may have + an attachment, mayn't he?—Directly he gets well he will be at her + again.” + </p> + <p> + “He must come home! We must go off directly to Fairoaks,” the widow cried + out. + </p> + <p> + “My good creature, he'll bore himself to death at Fairoaks. He'll have + nothing to do but to think about his passion there. There's no place in + the world for making a little passion into a big one, and where a fellow + feeds on his own thoughts, like a dem'd lonely country-house where there's + nothing to do. We must occupy him: amuse him: we must take him abroad: + he's never been abroad except to Paris for a lark. We must travel a + little. He must have a nurse with him, to take great care of him, for + Goodenough says he had a dev'lish narrow squeak of it (don't look + frightened), and so you must come and watch: and I suppose you'll take + Miss Bell, and I should like to ask Warrington to come. Arthur's dev'lish + fond of Warrington. He can't do without Warrington. Warrington's family is + one of the oldest in England, and he is one of the best young fellows I + ever met in my life. I like him exceedingly.” + </p> + <p> + “Does Mr. Warrington know anything about this—this affair?” asked + Helen. “He had been away, I know, for two months before it happened; Pen + wrote me so.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word—I—I've asked him about it. I've pumped him. He + never heard of the transaction, never; I pledge you my word,” cried out + the Major, in some alarm. “And, my dear, I think you had much best not + talk to him about it—much best not—of course not: the subject + is most delicate and painful.” + </p> + <p> + The simple widow took her brother's hand and pressed it. “Thank you, + brother,” she said. “You have been very, very kind to me. You have given + me a great deal of comfort. I'll go to my room, and think of what you have + said. This illness and these—these emotions—have agitated me a + great deal; and I'm not very strong, you know. But I'll go and thank God + that my boy is innocent. He is innocent. Isn't he, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dearest creature, yes,” said the old fellow, kissing her + affectionately, and quite overcome by her tenderness. He looked after her + as she retreated, with a fondness which was rendered more piquant, as it + were, by the mixture of a certain scorn which accompanied it. “Innocent!” + he said; “I'd swear, till I was black in the face, he was innocent, rather + than give that good soul pain.” + </p> + <p> + Having achieved this victory, the fatigued and happy warrior laid himself + down on the sofa, and put his yellow silk pocket-handkerchief over his + face, and indulged in a snug little nap, of which the dreams, no doubt, + were very pleasant, as he snored with refreshing regularity. The young men + sate, meanwhile, dawdling away the sunshiny hours on the terrace, very + happy, and Pen, at least, very talkative. He was narrating to Warrington a + plan for a new novel, and a new tragedy. Warrington laughed at the idea of + his writing a tragedy? By Jove, he would show that he could; and he began + to spout some of the lines of his play. + </p> + <p> + The little solo on the wind instrument which the Major was performing was + interrupted by the entrance of Miss Bell. She had been on a visit to her + old friend, Lady Rockminster, who had taken a summer villa in the + neighbourhood; and who, hearing of Arthur's illness, and his mother's + arrival at Richmond, had visited the latter; and, for the benefit of the + former, whom she didn't like, had been prodigal of grapes, partridges, and + other attentions. For Laura the old lady had a great fondness, and longed + that she should come and stay with her; but Laura could not leave her + mother at this juncture. Worn out by constant watching over Arthur's + health, Helen's own had suffered very considerably; and Doctor Goodenough + had had reason to prescribe for her as well as for his younger patient. + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis started up on the entrance of the young lady. His slumbers + were easily broken. He made her a gallant speech—he had been full of + gallantry towards her of late. Where had she been gathering those roses + which she wore on her cheeks? How happy he was to be disturbed out of his + dreams by such a charming reality! Laura had plenty of humour and honesty; + and these two caused her to have on her side something very like a + contempt for the old gentleman. It delighted her to draw out his + worldlinesses, and to make the old habitue of clubs and drawing-rooms tell + his twaddling tales about great folks, and expound his views of morals. + </p> + <p> + Not in this instance, however, was she disposed to be satirical. She had + been to drive with Lady Rockminster in the Park, she said; and she had + brought home game for Pen, and flowers for mamma. She looked very grave + about mamma. She had just been with Mrs. Pendennis. Helen was very much + worn, and she feared she was very, very ill. Her large eyes filled with + tender marks of the sympathy which she felt in her beloved friend's + condition. She was alarmed about her. Could not that good—that dear + Dr. Goodenough cure her? + </p> + <p> + “Arthur's illness, and other mental anxiety,” the Major slowly said, “had, + no doubt, shaken Helen.” A burning blush upon the girl's face showed that + she understood the old man's allusion. But she looked him full in the face + and made no reply. “He might have spared me that,” she thought. “What is + he aiming at in recalling that shame to me?” + </p> + <p> + That he had an aim in view is very possible. The old diplomatist seldom + spoke without some such end. Doctor Goodenough had talked to him, he said, + about their dear friend's health, and she wanted rest and change of scene—yes, + change of scene. Painful circumstances which had occurred must be + forgotten and never alluded to; he begged pardon for even hinting at them + to Miss Bell—he never should do so again—nor, he was sure, + would she. Everything must be done to soothe and comfort their friend, and + his proposal was that they should go abroad for the autumn to a + watering-place in the Rhine neighbourhood, where Helen might rally her + exhausted spirits, and Arthur try and become a new man. Of course, Laura + would not forsake her mother? + </p> + <p> + Of course not. It was about Helen, and Helen only—that is, about + Arthur too for her sake, that Laura was anxious. She would go abroad or + anywhere with Helen. + </p> + <p> + And Helen having thought the matter over for an hour in her room, had by + that time grown to be as anxious for the tour as any schoolboy, who has + been reading a book of voyages, is eager to go to sea. Whither should they + go? the farther the better—to some place so remote that even + recollection could not follow them thither: so delightful that Pen should + never want to leave it—anywhere so that he could be happy. She + opened her desk with trembling fingers and took out her banker's book, and + counted up her little savings. If more was wanted, she had the diamond + cross. She would borrow from Laura again. “Let us go—let us go,” she + thought; “directly he can bear the journey let us go away. Come, kind + Doctor Goodenough—come quick, and give us leave to quit England.” + </p> + <p> + The good Doctor drove over to dine with them that very day. “If you + agitate yourself so,” he said to her, “and if your heart beats so, and if + you persist in being so anxious about a young gentleman who is getting + well as fast as he can, we shall have you laid up, and Miss Laura to watch + you; and then it will be her turn to be ill, and I should like to know how + the deuce a doctor is to live who is obliged to come and attend you all + for nothing? Mrs. Goodenough is already jealous of you, and says, with + perfect justice, that I fall in love with my patients. And you must please + to get out of the country as soon as ever you can, that I may have a + little peace in my family.” + </p> + <p> + When the plan of going abroad was proposed, it was received by that + gentleman with the greatest alacrity and enthusiasm. He longed to be off + at once. He let his mustachios grow from that very moment, in order, I + suppose, that he might get his mouth into training for a perfect French + and German pronunciation; and he was seriously disquieted in his mind + because the mustachios, when they came, were of a decidedly red colour. He + had looked forward to an autumn at Fairoaks; and perhaps the idea of + passing two or three months there did not amuse the young man. “There is + not a soul to speak to in the place,” he said to Warrington. “I can't + stand old Portman's sermons, and pompous after-dinner conversation. I know + all old Glanders's stories about the Peninsular war. The Claverings are + the only Christian people in the neighbourhood, and they are not to be at + home before Christmas, my uncle says: besides, Warrington, I want to get + out of the country. Whilst you were away, confound it, I had a temptation, + from which I am very thankful to have escaped, and which I count that even + my illness came very luckily to put an end to.” And here he narrated to + his friend the circumstances of the Vauxhall affair, with which the reader + is already acquainted. + </p> + <p> + Warrington looked very grave when he heard this story. Putting the moral + delinquency out of the question, he was extremely glad for Arthur's sake + that the latter had escaped from a danger which might have made his whole + life wretched; “which certainly,” said Warrington, “would have occasioned + the wretchedness and ruin of the other party. And your mother and—and + your friends—what a pain it would have been to them!” urged Pen's + companion, little knowing what grief and annoyance these good people had + already suffered. + </p> + <p> + “Not a word to my mother!” Pen cried out, in a state of great alarm. “She + would never get over it. An esclandre of that sort would kill her, I do + believe. And,” he added, with a knowing air, and as if, like a young + rascal of a Lovelace, he had been engaged in what are called affaires de + coeur, all his life; “the best way, when a danger of that sort menaces, is + not to face it, but to turn one's back on it and run.” + </p> + <p> + “And were you very much smitten?” Warrington asked. + </p> + <p> + “Hm!” said Lovelace. “She dropped her h's, but she was a dear little + girl.” + </p> + <p> + O Clarissas of this life, O you poor little ignorant vain foolish maidens! + if you did but know the way in which the Lovelaces speak of you: if you + could but hear Jack talking to Tom across the coffee-room of a Club; or + see Ned taking your poor little letters out of his cigar-case, and handing + them over to Charley, and Billy, and Harry across the messroom table, you + would not be so eager to write, or so ready to listen! There's a sort of + crime which is not complete unless the lucky rogue boasts of it + afterwards; and the man who betrays your honour in the first place, is + pretty sure, remember that, to betray your secret too. + </p> + <p> + “It's hard to fight, and it's easy to fall,” said Warring gloomily. “And + as you say, Pendennis, when a danger like this is imminent, the best way + is to turn your back on it and run.” + </p> + <p> + After this little discourse upon a subject about which Pen would have + talked a great deal more eloquently a month back, the conversation + reverted to the plans for going abroad, and Arthur eagerly pressed his + friend to be of the party. Warrington was a part of the family—a + part of the cure. Arthur said he should not have half the pleasure without + Warrington. + </p> + <p> + But George said no, he couldn't go. He must stop at home and take Pen's + place. The other remarked that that was needless, for Shandon was now come + back to London, and Arthur was entitled to a holiday. + </p> + <p> + “Don't press me,” Warrington said, “I can't go. I've particular + engagements. I'm best at home. I've not got the money to travel, that's + the long and short of it—for travelling costs money, you know.” + </p> + <p> + This little obstacle seemed fatal to Pen. He mentioned it to his mother: + Mrs. Pendennis was very sorry; Mr. Warrington had been exceedingly kind; + but she supposed he knew best about his affairs. And then, no doubt, she + reproached herself, for selfishness in wishing to carry the boy off and + have him to herself altogether. + </p> + <p> + “What is this I hear from Pen, my dear Mr. Warrington?” the Major asked + one day, when the pair were alone and after Warrington's objection had + been stated to him. “Not go with us? We can't hear of such a thing—Pen + won't get well without you. I promise you, I'm not going to be his nurse. + He must have somebody with him that's stronger and gayer and better able + to amuse him than a rheumatic old fogy like me. I shall go to Carlsbad + very likely, when I've seen you people settle down. Travelling costs + nothing nowadays—or so little! And—and, pray, Warrington, + remember that I was your father's very old friend, and if you and your + brother are not on such terms as to—to enable you to—to + anticipate your younger brother's allowance, I beg you to make me your + banker, for hasn't Pen been getting into your debt these three weeks past, + during which you have been doing what he informs me is his work, with such + exemplary talent and genius, begad?” + </p> + <p> + Still, in spite of this kind offer and unheard-of generosity on the part + of the Major, George Warrington refused, and said he would stay at home. + But it was with a faltering voice and an irresolute accent which showed + how much he would like to go, though his tongue persisted in saying nay. + </p> + <p> + But the Major's persevering benevolence was not to be baulked in this way. + At the tea-table that evening, Helen happening to be absent from the room + for the moment, looking for Pen who had gone to roost, old Pendennis + returned to the charge and rated Warrington for refusing to join in their + excursion. “Isn't it ungallant, Miss Bell?” he said, turning to that young + lady. “Isn't it unfriendly? Here we have been the happiest party in the + world, and this odious selfish creature breaks it up!” + </p> + <p> + Miss Bell's long eyelashes looked down towards her teacup: and Warrington + blushed hugely but did not speak. Neither did Miss Bell speak: but when he + blushed she blushed too. + </p> + <p> + “You ask him to come, my dear,” said the benevolent old gentleman, “and + then perhaps he will listen to you——” + </p> + <p> + “Why should Mr. Warrington listen to me?” asked the young lady, putting + the query to her teaspoon seemingly and not to the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him; you have not asked him,” said Pen's artless uncle. + </p> + <p> + “I should be very glad, indeed, if Mr. Warrington would come,” remarked + Laura to the teaspoon. + </p> + <p> + “Would you?” said George. + </p> + <p> + She looked up and said, “Yes.” Their eyes met. “I will go anywhere you ask + me, or do anything,” said George, lowly, and forcing out the words as if + they gave him pain. + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis was delighted; the affectionate old creature clapped his + hands and cried “Bravo! bravo! It's a bargain—a bargain, begad! + Shake hands on it, young people!” And Laura, with a look full of tender + brightness, put out her hand to Warrington. He took hers; his face + indicated a strange agitation. He seemed to be about to speak, when from + Pen's neighbouring room Helen entered, looking at them as the candle which + she held lighted her pale frightened face. + </p> + <p> + Laura blushed more red than ever and withdrew her hand. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” Helen asked. + </p> + <p> + “It's a bargain we have been making, my dear creature,” said the Major in + his most caressing voice. “We have just bound over Mr. Warrington in a + promise to come abroad with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” Helen said. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI. In which Fanny engages a new Medical Man + </h2> + <p> + Could Helen have suspected that, with Pen's returning strength, his + unhappy partiality for little Fanny would also reawaken? Though she never + spoke a word regarding that young person, after her conversation with the + Major, and though, to all appearances, she utterly ignored Fanny's + existence, yet Mrs. Pendennis kept a particularly close watch upon all + Master Arthur's actions; on the plea of ill-health would scarcely let him + out of her sight; and was especially anxious that he should be spared the + trouble of all correspondence for the present at least. Very likely Arthur + looked at his own letters with some tremor; very likely, as he received + them at the family table, feeling his mother's watch upon him (though the + good soul's eye seemed fixed upon her teacup or her book), he expected + daily to see a little handwriting, which he would have known, though he + had never seen it yet, and his heart beat as he received the letters to + his address. Was he more pleased or annoyed, that, day after day, his + expectations were not realised; and was his mind relieved, that there came + no letter from Fanny? Though, no doubt, in these matters, when Lovelace is + tired of Clarissa (or the contrary) it is best for both parties to break + at once, and each, after the failure of the attempt at union, to go his + own way, and pursue his course through life solitary; yet our self-love, + or our pity, or our sense of decency, does not like that sudden + bankruptcy. Before we announce to the world that our firm of Lovelace and + Co. can't meet its engagements, we try to make compromises: we have + mournful meetings of partners: we delay the putting up of the shutters, + and the dreary announcement of the failure. It must come: but we pawn our + jewels to keep things going a little longer. On the whole, I dare say, Pen + was rather annoyed that he had no remonstrances from Fanny. What! could + she part from him, and never so much as once look round? could she sink, + and never once hold a little hand out, or cry, “Help, Arthur?” Well, well: + they don't all go down who venture on that voyage. Some few drown when the + vessel founders; but most are only ducked, and scramble to shore. And the + reader's experience of A. Pendennis, Esquire, of the Upper Temple, will + enable him to state whether that gentleman belonged to the class of + persons who were likely to sink or to swim. + </p> + <p> + Though Pen was as yet too weak to walk half a mile; and might not, on + account of his precious health, be trusted to take a drive in a carriage + by himself, and without a nurse in attendance; yet Helen could not keep + watch over Mr. Warrington too, and had no authority to prevent that + gentleman from going to London if business called him thither. Indeed, if + he had gone and stayed, perhaps the widow, from reasons of her own, would + have been glad; but she checked these selfish wishes as soon as she + ascertained or owned them; and, remembering Warrington's great regard and + services, and constant friendship for her boy, received him as a member of + her family almost, with her usual melancholy kindness and submissive + acquiescence. Yet somehow, one morning when his affairs called him to + town, she divined what Warrington's errand was, and that he was gone to + London to get news about Fanny for Pen. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Arthur had had some talk with his friend, and told him more at + large what his adventures had been with Fanny (adventures which the reader + knows already), and what were his feelings respecting her. He was very + thankful that he had escaped the great danger, to which Warrington said + Amen heartily: that he had no great fault wherewith to reproach himself in + regard of his behaviour to her, but that if they parted, as they must, he + would be glad to say a God bless her, and to hope that she would remember + him kindly. In his discourse with Warrington he spoke upon these matters + with so much gravity, and so much emotion, that George, who had pronounced + himself most strongly for the separation too, began to fear that his + friend was not so well cured as he boasted of being; and that, if the two + were to come together again, all the danger and the temptation might have + to be fought once more. And with what result? “It is hard to struggle, + Arthur, and it is easy to fall,” Warrington said: “and the best courage + for us poor wretches is to fly from danger. I would not have been what I + am now, had I practised what I preach. + </p> + <p> + “And what did you practise, George?” Pen asked, eagerly. “I knew there was + something. Tell us about it, Warrington.” + </p> + <p> + “There was something that can't be mended, and that shattered my whole + fortunes early,” Warrington answered. “I said I would tell you about it + some day, Pen: and will, but not now. Take the moral without the fable + now, Pen, my boy; and if you want to see a man whose whole life has been + wrecked, by an unlucky rock against which he struck as a boy—here he + is, Arthur: and so I warn you.” + </p> + <p> + We have shown how Mr. Huxter, in writing home to his Clavering friends, + mentioned that there was a fashionable club in London of which he was an + attendant, and that he was there in the habit of meeting an Irish officer + of distinction, who, amongst other news, had given that intelligence + regarding Pendennis, which the young surgeon had transmitted to Clavering. + This club was no other than the Back Kitchen, where the disciple of Saint + Bartholomew was accustomed to meet the General, the peculiarities of whose + brogue, appearance, disposition, and general conversation, greatly + diverted many young gentlemen who used the Back Kitchen as a place of + nightly entertainment and refreshment. Huxter, who had a fine natural + genius for mimicking everything, whether it was a favourite tragic or + comic actor, or a cock on a dunghill, a corkscrew going into a bottle and + a cork issuing thence, or an Irish officer of genteel connexions who + offered himself as an object of imitation with only too much readiness, + talked his talk, and twanged his poor old long bow whenever drink, a + hearer, and an opportunity occurred, studied our friend the General with + peculiar gusto, and drew the honest fellow out many a night. A bait, + consisting of sixpennyworth of brandy-and-water, the worthy old man was + sure to swallow: and under the influence of this liquor, who was more + happy than he to tell his stories of his daughter's triumphs and his own, + in love, war, drink, and polite society? Thus Huxter was enabled to + present to his friends many pictures of Costigan: of Costigan fighting a + jewel in the Phaynix—of Costigan and his interview with the Juke of + York—of Costigan at his sonunlaw's teeble, surrounded by the + nobilitee of his countree—of Costigan, when crying drunk, at which + time he was in the habit of confidentially lamenting his daughter's + ingratichewd, and stating that his grey hairs were hastening to a + praymachure greeve. And thus our friend was the means of bringing a number + of young fellows to the Back Kitchen, who consumed the landlord's liquors + whilst they relished the General's peculiarities, so that mine host + pardoned many of the latter's foibles, in consideration of the good which + they brought to his house. Not the highest position in life was this—certainly, + or one which, if we had a reverence for an old man, we would be anxious + that he should occupy: but of this aged buffoon it may be mentioned that + he had no particular idea that his condition of life was not a high one, + and that in his whiskied blood there was not a black drop, nor in his + muddled brains a bitter feeling, against any mortal being. Even his child, + his cruel Emily, he would have taken to his heart and forgiven with tears; + and what more can one say of the Christian charity of a man than that he + is actually ready to forgive those who have done him every kindness, and + with whom he is wrong in a dispute! + </p> + <p> + There was some idea amongst the young men who frequented the Back Kitchen, + and made themselves merry with the society of Captain Costigan, that the + Captain made a mystery regarding his lodgings for fear of duns, or from a + desire of privacy, and lived in some wonderful place. Nor would the + landlord of the premises, when questioned upon this subject, answer any + inquiries; his maxim being that he only knew gentlemen who frequented that + room, in that room; that when they quitted that room, having paid their + scores as gentlemen, and behaved as gentlemen, his communication with them + ceased; and that, as a gentleman himself, he thought it was only + impertinent curiosity to ask where any other gentleman lived. Costigan, in + his most intoxicated and confidential moments, also evaded any replies to + questions or hints addressed to him on this subject: there was no + particular secret about it, as we have seen, who have had more than once + the honour of entering his apartments, but in the vicissitudes of a long + life he had been pretty often in the habit of residing in houses where + privacy was necessary to his comfort, and where the appearance of some + visitors would have brought him anything but pleasure. Hence all sorts of + legends were formed by wags or credulous persons respecting his place of + abode. It was stated that he slept habitually in a watch-box in the city: + in a cab at a mews, where a cab-proprietor gave him a shelter: in the Duke + of York's Column etc, the wildest of these theories being put abroad by + the facetious and imaginative Huxter. For Huxey, when not silenced by the + company of “swells,” and when in the society of his own friends, was a + very different fellow to the youth whom we have seen cowed by Pen's + impertinent airs, and, adored by his family at home, was the life and soul + of the circle whom he met, either round the festive board or the + dissecting table. On one brilliant September morning, as Huxter was + regaling himself with a cup of coffee at a stall in Covent Garden, having + spent a delicious night dancing at Vauxhall, he spied the General reeling + down Henrietta Street, with a crowd of hooting blackguard boys at his + heels, who had left their beds under the arches of the river betimes, and + were prowling about already for breakfast, and the strange livelihood of + the day. The poor old General was not in that condition when the sneers + and jokes of these young beggars had much effect upon him: the cabmen and + watermen at the cabstand knew him and passed their comments upon him: the + policemen gazed after him and warned the boys off him, with looks of scorn + and pity; what did the scorn and pity of men, the jokes of ribald + children, matter to the General? He reeled along the street with glazed + eyes, having just sense enough to know whither he was bound, and to pursue + his accustomed beat homewards. He went to bed not knowing how he had + reached it, as often as any man in London. He woke and found himself + there, and asked no questions, and he was tacking about on this daily + though perilous voyage, when, from his station at the coffee-stall, Huxter + spied him. To note his friend, to pay his twopence (indeed, he had but + eightpence left, or he would have had a cab from Vauxhall to take him + home), was with the eager Huxter the work of an instant—Costigan + dived down the alleys by Drury Lane Theatre, where gin-shops, + oyster-shops, and theatrical wardrobes abound, the proprietors of which + were now asleep behind their shutters, as the pink morning lighted up + their chimneys; and through these courts Huxter followed the General, + until he reached Oldcastle Street, in which is the gate of Shepherd's Inn. + </p> + <p> + Here, just as he was within sight of home, a luckless slice of orange-peel + came between the General's heel and the pavement, and caused the poor old + fellow to fall backwards. + </p> + <p> + Huxter ran up to him instantly, and after a pause, during which the + veteran, giddy with his fall and his previous whisky, gathered, as he best + might, his dizzy brains together, the young surgeon lifted up the limping + General, and very kindly and good-naturedly offered to conduct him to his + home. For some time, and in reply to the queries which the student of + medicine put to him, the muzzy General refused to say where his lodgings + were and declared that they were hard by, and that he could reach them + without difficulty; and he disengaged himself from Huxter's arm, and made + a rush as if to get to his own home unattended: but he reeled and lurched + so, that the young surgeon insisted upon accompanying him, and, with many + soothing expressions and cheering and consolatory phrases, succeeded in + getting the General's dirty old hand under what he called his own fin, and + led the old fellow, moaning piteously, across the street. He stopped when + he came to the ancient gate, ornamented with the armorial bearings of the + venerable Shepherd. “Here 'tis,” said he, drawing up at the portal, and he + made a successful pull at the gate bell, which presently brought out old + Mr. Bolton, the porter, scowling fiercely, and grumbling as he was used to + do every morning when it became his turn to let in that early bird. + </p> + <p> + Costigan tried to hold Bolton for a moment in genteel conversation, but + the other surlily would not. “Don't bother me,” said he; “go to your hown + bed Capting, and don't keep honest men out of theirs.” So the Captain + tacked across the square and reached his own staircase, up which he + stumbled with the worthy Huxter at his heels. Costigan had a key of his + own, which Huxter inserted into the keyhole for him, so that there was no + need to call up little Mr. Bows from the sleep into which the old musician + had not long since fallen, and Huxter having aided to disrobe his tipsy + patient, and ascertained that no bones were broken, helped him to bed and + applied compresses an water to one of his knees and shins, which, with the + pair of trousers which encased them, Costigan had severely torn in his + fall. At the General's age, and with his habit of body, such wounds as he + had inflicted on himself are slow to heal: a good deal of inflammation + ensued, and the old fellow lay ill for some days, suffering both pain and + fever. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Huxter undertook the case of his interesting patient with great + confidence and alacrity, and conducted it with becoming skill. He visited + his friend day after day, and consoled him with lively rattle and + conversation for the absence of the society which Costigan needed, and of + which he was an ornament; and he gave special instructions to the + invalid's nurse about the quantity of whisky which the patient was to take—instructions + which, as the poor old fellow could not for many days get out of his bed + or sofa himself, he could not by any means infringe. Bows, Mrs. Bolton, + and our little friend Fanny, when able to do so, officiated at the + General's bedside, and the old warrior was made as comfortable as possible + under his calamity. + </p> + <p> + Thus Huxter, whose affable manners and social turn made him quickly + intimate with persons in whose society he fell, and whose over-refinement + did not lead them to repulse the familiarities of this young gentleman, + became pretty soon intimate in Shepherd's Inn, both with our acquaintances + in the garrets and those in the porter's lodge. He thought he had seen + Fanny somewhere: he felt certain that he had: but it is no wonder that he + should not accurately remember her, for the poor little thing never chose + to tell him where she had met him: he himself had seen her at a period, + when his own views both of persons and of right and wrong were clouded by + the excitement of drinking and dancing, and also little Fanny was very + much changed and worn by the fever and agitation, and passion and despair, + which the past three weeks had poured upon the head of that little victim. + Borne down was the head now, and very pale and wan the face; and many and + many a time the sad eyes had looked into the postman's, as he came to the + Inn, and the sickened heart had sunk as he passed away. When Mr. + Costigan's accident occurred, Fanny was rather glad to have an opportunity + of being useful and doing something kind—something that would make + her forget her own little sorrows perhaps: she felt she bore them better + whilst she did her duty, though I dare say many a tear dropped into the + old Irishman's gruel. Ah, me! stir the gruel well, and have courage, + little Fanny! If everybody who has suffered from your complaint were to + die of it straightway, what a fine year the undertakers would have! + </p> + <p> + Whether from compassion for his only patient, or delight in his society, + Mr. Huxter found now occasion to visit Costigan two or three times in the + day at least, and if any of the members of the porter's lodge family were + not in attendance on the General, the young doctor was sure to have some + particular directions to address to those at their own place of + habitation. He was a kind fellow; he made or purchased toys for the + children; he brought them apples and brandy-balls; he brought a mask and + frightened them with it, and caused a smile upon the face of pale Fanny. + He called Mrs. Bolton Mrs. B., and was very intimate, familiar, and + facetious with that lady, quite different from that “aughty, artless + beast,” as Mrs. Bolton now denominated a certain young gentleman of our + acquaintance, and whom she now vowed she never could abear. + </p> + <p> + It was from this lady, who was very free in her conversation, that Huxter + presently learnt what was the illness which was evidently preying upon + little Fan, and what had been Pen's behaviour regarding her. Mrs. Bolton's + account of the transaction was not, it may be imagined, entirely an + impartial narrative. One would have thought from her story that the young + gentleman had employed a course of the most persevering and flagitious + artifices to win the girl's heart, had broken the most solemn promises + made to her and was a wretch to be hated and chastised by every champion + of woman. Huxter, in his present frame of mind respecting Arthur, and + suffering under the latter's contumely, was ready, of course, to take all + for granted that was said in the disfavour of this unfortunate + convalescent. But why did he not write home to Clavering, as he had done + previously, giving an account of Pen's misconduct, and of the particulars + regarding it, which had now come to his knowledge? He soon, in a letter to + his brother-in-law, announced that that nice young man, Mr. Pendennis, had + escaped narrowly from a fever, and that no doubt all Clavering, where he + was so popular, would be pleased at his recovery; and he mentioned that he + had an interesting case of compound fracture, an officer of distinction, + which kept him in town; but as for Fanny Bolton, he made no more mention + of her in his letters—no more than Pen himself had made mention of + her. O you mothers at home, how much do you think you know about your + lads? How much do you think you know? + </p> + <p> + But with Bows, there was no reason why Huxter should not speak his mind, + and so, a very short time after his conversation with Mrs. Bolton, Mr. Sam + talked to the musician about his early acquaintance with Pendennis; + described him as a confounded conceited blackguard, and expressed a + determination to punch his impudent head as soon as ever he should be well + enough to stand up like a man. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that Bows on his part spoke and told his version of the story, + whereof Arthur and little Fan were the hero and heroine; how they had met + by no contrivance of the former, but by a blunder of the old Irishman, now + in bed with a broken shin—how Pen had acted with manliness and + self-control in the business—how Mrs Bolton was an idiot; and he + related the conversation which he, Bows, had had with Pen, and the + sentiments uttered by the young man. Perhaps Bow's story caused some + twinges of conscience in the breast of Pen's accuser, and that gentleman + frankly owned that he had been wrong with regard to Arthur, and withdrew + his project for punching Mr. Pendennis's head. + </p> + <p> + But the cessation of his hostility for Pen did not diminish Huxter's + attentions to Fanny, which unlucky Mr Bows marked with his usual jealousy + and bitterness of spirit, “I have but to like anybody” the old fellow + thought, “and somebody is sure to come and be preferred to me. It has been + the same ill-luck with me since I was a lad, until now that I am sixty + years old. What can such a man as I am expect better than to be laughed + at? It is for the young to succeed, and to be happy, and not for old fools + like me. I've played a second fiddle through life,” he said, with a bitter + laugh; “how can I suppose the luck is to change after it has gone against + me so long?” This was the selfish way in which Bows looked at the state of + affairs: though few persons would have thought there was any cause for his + jealousy, who looked at the pale and grief-stricken countenance of the + hapless little girl, its object. Fanny received Huxter's good-natured + efforts at consolation and kind attentions kindly. She laughed now and + again at his jokes and games with her little sisters, but relapsed quickly + into a dejection which ought to have satisfied Mr. Bows that the new-comer + had no place in her heart as yet, had jealous Mr. Bows been enabled to see + with clear eyes. + </p> + <p> + But Bows did not. Fanny attributed Pen's silence somehow to Bows's + interference. Fanny hated him. Fanny treated Bows with constant cruelty + and injustice. She turned from him when he spoke—she loathed his + attempts at consolation. A hard life had Mr. Bows, and a cruel return for + his regard. + </p> + <p> + When Warrington came to Shepherd's Inn as Pen's ambassador, it was for Mr. + Bows's apartments he inquired (no doubt upon a previous agreement with the + principal for whom he acted in this delicate negotiation), and he did not + so much as catch a glimpse of Miss Fanny when he stopped at the Inn-gate + and made his inquiry. Warrington was, of course, directed to the + musician's chambers, and found him tending the patient there, from whose + chamber he came out to wait upon his guest. We have said that they had + been previously known to one another, and the pair shook hands with + sufficient cordiality. After a little preliminary talk, Warrington said + that he had come from his friend Arthur Pendennis, and from his family, to + thank Bows for his attention at the commencement of Pen's illness, and for + his kindness in hastening into the country to fetch the Major. + </p> + <p> + Bows replied that it was but his duty: he had never thought to have seen + the young gentleman alive again when he went in search of Pen's relatives, + and he was very glad of Mr. Pendennis's recovery, and that he had his + friends with him. “Lucky are they who have friends, Mr. Warrington,” said + the musician. “I might be up in this garret and nobody would care for me, + or mind whether I was alive or dead.” + </p> + <p> + “What! not the General, Mr. Bows?” Warrington asked. + </p> + <p> + “The General likes his whisky-bottle more than anything in life,” the + other answered; “we live together from habit and convenience; and he cares + for me no more than you do. What is it you want to ask me, Mr. Warrington? + You ain't come to visit me, I know very well. Nobody comes to visit me. It + is about Fanny, the porter's daughter, you are come—I see that—very + well. Is Mr. Pendennis, now he has got well, anxious to see her again? + Does his lordship the Sultan propose to throw his 'andkerchief to her? She + has been very ill, sir, ever since the day when Mrs. Pendennis turned her + out of doors—kind of a lady, wasn't it? The poor girl and myself + found the young gentleman raving in a fever, knowing nobody, with nobody + to tend him but his drunken laundress—she watched day and night by + him. I set off to fetch his uncle. Mamma comes and turns Fanny to the + right-about. Uncle comes and leaves me to pay the cab. Carry my + compliments to the ladies and gentleman, and say we are both very + thankful, very. Why, a countess couldn't have behaved better, and for an + apothecary's lady, as I'm given to understand Mrs. Pendennis was—I'm + sure her behaviour is most uncommon aristocratic and genteel. She ought to + have a double-gilt pestle and mortar to her coach.” + </p> + <p> + It was from Mr. Huxter that Bows had learned Pen's parentage, no doubt, + and if he took Pen's part against the young surgeon, and Fanny's against + Mr. Pendennis, it was because the old gentleman was in so savage a mood, + that his humour was to contradict everybody. + </p> + <p> + Warrington was curious, and not ill pleased at the musician's taunts and + irascibility. “I never heard of these transactions,” he said, “or got but + a very imperfect account of them from Major Pendennis. What was a lady to + do? I think (I have never spoken with her on the subject) she had some + notion that the young woman and my friend Pen were on—on terms of—of + an intimacy which Mrs. Pendennis could not, of course, recognise——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course not, sir. Speak out, sir; say what you mean at once, that + the young gentleman of the Temple had made a victim of the girl of + Shepherd's Inn, eh? And so she was turned to be out of doors—or + brayed alive in the double-gilt pestle and mortar, by Jove! No, Mr. + Warrington, there was no such thing: there was no victimising, or if there + was, Mr. Arthur was the victim, not the girl. He is an honest fellow, he + is, though he is conceited, and a puppy sometimes. He can feel like a man, + and run away from temptation like a man. I own it, though I suffer by it, + I own it. He has a heart, he has: but the girl hasn't, sir. That girl will + do anything to win a man, and fling him away without a pang, sir. If she's + flung away herself, sir, she'll feel it and cry. She had a fever when Mrs. + Pendennis turned her out of doors; and she made love to the Doctor, Doctor + Goodenough, who came to cure her. Now she has taken on with another chap—another + sawbones, ha, ha! d—— it, sir, she likes the pestle and + mortar, and hangs round the pill-boxes, she's so fond of 'em, and she has + got a fellow from Saint Bartholomew's, who grins through a horse-collar + for her sisters, and charms away her melancholy. Go and see, sir: very + likely he's in the lodge now. If you want news about Miss Fanny, you must + ask at the Doctor's shop, sir, not of an old fiddler like me—Good-bye, + sir. There's my patient calling.” + </p> + <p> + And a voice was heard from the Captain's bedroom, a well-known voice, + which said, “I'd loike a dthrop of dthrink, Bows, I'm thirstee.” And not + sorry, perhaps, to hear that such was the state of things, and that Pen's + forsaken was consoling herself, Warrington took his leave of the irascible + musician. + </p> + <p> + As luck would have it, he passed the lodge door just as Mr. Huxter was in + the act of frightening the children with the mask whereof we have spoken, + and Fanny was smiling languidly at his farces. Warrington laughed + bitterly. “Are all women like that?” he thought. “I think there's one + that's not,” he added, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + At Piccadilly, waiting for the Richmond omnibus, George fell in with Major + Pendennis, bound in the same direction, and he told the old gentleman of + what he had seen and heard respecting Fanny. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis was highly delighted: and as might be expected of such a + philosopher, made precisely the same observation as that which had escaped + from Warrington. “All women are the same,” he said. “La petite se console. + Daymy, when I used to read 'Telemaque' at school, Calypso ne pouvait se + consoler,—you know the rest, Warrington,—I used to say it was + absard. Absard, by Gad, and so it is. And so she's got a new soupirant, + has she, the little porteress? Dayvlish nice little girl. How mad Pen will + be—eh, Warrington? But we must break it to him gently, or he'll be + in such a rage that he will be going after her again. We must menager the + young fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I think Mrs. Pendennis ought to know that Pen acted very well in the + business. She evidently thinks him guilty, and according to Mr. Bows, + Arthur behaved like a good fellow,” Warrington said. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Warrington,” said the Major, with a look of some alarm, “in Mrs. + Pendennis's agitated state of health and that sort of thing, the best way, + I think, is not to say a single word about the subject—or, stay, + leave it to me: and I'll talk to her—break it to her gently, you + know, and that sort of thing. I give you my word I will. And so Calypso's + consoled, is she,” And he sniggered over this gratifying truth, happy in + the corner of the omnibus during the rest of the journey. + </p> + <p> + Pen was very anxious to hear from his envoy what had been the result of + the latter's mission; and as soon as the two young men could be alone, the + ambassador spoke in reply to Arthur's eager queries. + </p> + <p> + “You remember your poem, Pen, of Ariadne in Naxos,” Warrington said; + “devilish bad poetry it was, to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Apres?” asked Pen, in a great state of excitement. + </p> + <p> + “When Theseus left Ariadne, do you remember what happened to her, young + fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “It's a lie, it's a lie! You don't mean that!” cried out Pen, starting up, + his face turning red. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, stoopid,” Warrington said, and with two fingers pushed Pen back + into his seat again. “It's better for you as it is, young one,” he said + sadly, in reply to the savage flush in Arthur's face. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII. Foreign Ground + </h2> + <p> + Worthy Major Pendennis fulfilled his promise to Warrington so far as to + satisfy his own conscience, and in so far to ease poor Helen with regard + to her son, as to make her understand that all connexion between Arthur + and the odious little gatekeeper was at an end, and that she need have no + further anxiety with respect to an imprudent attachment or a degrading + marriage on Pen's part. And that young fellow's mind was also relieved + (after he had recovered the shock to his vanity) by thinking that Miss + Fanny was not going to die of love for him, and that no unpleasant + consequences were to be apprehended from the luckless and brief connexion. + </p> + <p> + So the whole party were free to carry into effect their projected + Continental trip, and Arthur Pendennis, rentier, voyageant avec Madame + Pendennis and Mademoiselle Bell, and George Warrington, particulier, age + de 32 ans, taille 6 pieds (Anglais), figure ordinaire, cheveux noirs, + barbe idem, etc., procured passports from the consul of H.M. the King of + the Belgians at Dover, and passed over from that port to Ostend, whence + the party took their way leisurely, visiting Bruges and Ghent on their way + to Brussels and the Rhine. It is not our purpose to describe this + oft-travelled tour, or Laura's delight at the tranquil and ancient cities + which she saw for the first time, or Helen's wonder and interest at the + Beguine convents which they visited, or the almost terror with which she + saw the black-veiled nuns with outstretched arms kneeling before the + illuminated altars, and beheld the strange pomps and ceremonials of the + Catholic worship. Barefooted friars in the streets; crowned images of + Saints and Virgins in the churches before which people were bowing down + and worshipping, in direct defiance, as she held, of the written law; + priests in gorgeous robes, or lurking in dark confessionals; theatres + opened, and people dancing on Sundays,—all these new sights and + manners shocked and bewildered the simple country lady; and when the young + men after their evening drive or walk returned to the widow and her + adopted daughter, they found their books of devotion on the table, and at + their entrance Laura would commonly cease reading some of the psalms or + the sacred pages which, of all others, Helen loved. The late events + connected with her son had cruelly shaken her; Laura watched with intense, + though hidden anxiety, every movement of her dearest friend; and poor Pen + was most constant and affectionate in waiting upon his mother, whose + wounded bosom yearned with love towards him, though there was a secret + between them, and an anguish or rage almost on the mother's part, to think + that she was dispossessed somehow of her son's heart, or that there were + recesses in it which she must not or dared not enter. She sickened as she + thought of the sacred days of boyhood when it had not been so—when + her Arthur's heart had no secrets, and she was his all in all: when he + poured his hopes and pleasures, his childish griefs, vanities, triumphs + into her willing and tender embrace; when her home was his nest still; and + before fate, selfishness, nature, had driven him forth on wayward wings—to + range his own flight—to sing his own song—and to seek his own + home and his own mate. Watching this devouring care and racking + disappointment in her friend, Laura once said to Helen, “If Pen had loved + me as you wished, I should have gained him, but I should have lost you, + mamma, I know I should; and I like you to love me best. Men do not know + what it is to love as we do, I think,”—and Helen, sighing, agreed to + this portion of the young lady's speech, though she protested against the + former part. For my part I suppose Miss Laura was right in both + statements, and with regard to the latter assertion especially, that it is + an old and received truism—love is an hour with us: it is all night + and all day with a woman. Damon has taxes, sermon, parade, tailors' bills, + parliamentary duties, and the deuce knows what to think of; Delia has to + think about Damon—Damon is the oak (or the post) and stands up, and + Delia is the ivy or the honeysuckle whose arms twine about him. Is it not + so, Delia? Is it not your nature to creep about his feet and kiss them, to + twine round his trunk and hang there; and Damon's to stand like a British + man with his hands in his breeches pocket, while the pretty fond parasite + clings round him? + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis had only accompanied our friends to the water's edge, and + left them on board the boat, giving the chief charge of the little + expedition to Warrington. He himself was bound on a brief visit to the + house of a great man, a friend of his, after which sojourn he proposed to + join his sister-in-law at the German watering-place, whither the party was + bound. The Major himself thought that his long attentions to his sick + family had earned for him a little relaxation—and though the best of + the partridges were thinned off, the pheasants were still to be shot at + Stillbrook, where the noble owner still was; old Pendennis betook himself + to that hospitable mansion and disported there with great comfort to + himself. A royal Duke, some foreigners of note, some illustrious + statesmen, and some pleasant people visited it: it did the old fellow's + heart good to see his name in the Morning Post amongst the list of the + distinguished company which the Marquis of Steyne was entertaining at his + country-house at Stillbrook. He was a very useful and pleasant personage + in a country-house. He entertained the young men with queer little + anecdotes and grivoises stories on their shooting-parties or in their + smoking-room, where they laughed at him and with him. He was obsequious + with the ladies of a morning, in the rooms dedicated to them. He walked + the new arrivals about the park and gardens, and showed them the carte du + pays, and where there was the best view of the mansion, and where the most + favourable point to look at the lake: he showed, where the timber was to + be felled, and where the old road went before the new bridge was built, + and the hill cut down; and where the place in the wood was where old Lord + Lynx discovered Sir Phelim O'Neal on his knees before her ladyship, etc. + etc.; he called the lodge-keepers and gardeners by their names; he knew + the number of domestics that sat down in the housekeeper's room, and how + many dined in the servants'-hall; he had a word for everybody, and about + everybody, and a little against everybody. He was invaluable in a + country-house, in a word: and richly merited and enjoyed his vacation + after his labours. And perhaps whilst he was thus deservedly enjoying + himself with his country friends, the Major was not ill pleased at + transferring to Warrington the command of the family expedition to the + Continent, and thus perforce keeping him in the service of the ladies,—a + servitude which George was only too willing to undergo, for his friend's + sake, and for that of a society which he found daily more delightful. + Warrington was a good German scholar, and was willing to give Miss Laura + lessons in the language, who was very glad to improve herself, though Pen, + for his part, was too weak or lazy now to resume his German studies. + Warrington acted as courier and interpreter; Warrington saw the baggage in + and out of ships, inns and carriages, managed the money matters, and put + the little troop into marching order. Warrington found out where the + English church was, and, if Mrs. Pendennis and Miss Laura were inclined to + go thither, walked with great decorum along with them. Warrington walked + by Mrs. Pendennis's donkey, when that lady went out on her evening + excursions; or took carriages for her; or got 'Galignani' for her; or + devised comfortable seats under the lime-trees for her, when the guests + paraded after dinner, and the Kursaal band at the bath, where our tired + friends stopped, performed their pleasant music under the trees. Many a + fine whiskered Prussian or French dandy, come to the bath for the + 'Trente-et-quarante,' cast glances of longing towards the pretty + fresh-coloured English girl who accompanied the pale widow, and would have + longed to take a turn with her at the galop or the waltz. But Laura did + not appear in the ballroom, except once or twice, when Pen vouchsafed to + walk with her; and as for Warrington, that rough diamond had not had the + polish of a dancing-master, and he did not know how to waltz,—though + he would have liked to learn, if he could have had such a partner as + Laura.—Such a partner! psha, what had a stiff bachelor to do with + partners and waltzing? what was he about, dancing attendance here? + drinking in sweet pleasure at a risk he knows not of what after-sadness, + and regret, and lonely longing? But yet he stayed on. You would have said + he was the widow's son, to watch his constant care and watchfulness of + her; or that he was an adventurer, and wanted to marry her fortune, or, at + any rate, that he wanted some very great treasure or benefit from her,—and + very likely he did,—for ours, as the reader has possibly already + discovered, is a Selfish Story, and almost every person, according to his + nature, more or less generous than George, and according to the way of the + world as it seems to us, is occupied about Number One. So Warrington + selfishly devoted himself to Helen, who selfishly devoted herself to Pen, + who selfishly devoted himself to himself at this present period, having no + other personage or object to occupy him, except, indeed, his mother's + health, which gave him a serious and real disquiet; but though they, sate + together, they did not talk much, and the cloud was always between them. + </p> + <p> + Every day Laura looked for Warrington, and received him with more frank + and eager welcome. He found himself talking to her as he didn't know + himself that he could talk. He found himself performing acts of gallantry + which astounded him after the performance: he found himself looking + blankly in the glass at the crow's feet round his eyes, and at some + streaks of white in his hair, and some intrusive silver bristles in his + grim, blue beard. He found himself looking at the young bucks at the bath—at + the bland, tight-waisted Germans—at the capering Frenchmen, with + their lacquered mustachios and trim varnished boots—at the English + dandies, Pen amongst them, with their calm domineering air, and insolent + languor: and envied each one of these some excellence or quality of youth, + or good looks, which he possessed, and of which Warrington felt the need. + And every night, as the night came, he quitted the little circle with + greater reluctance; and, retiring to his own lodging in their + neighbourhood, felt himself the more lonely and unhappy. The widow could + not help seeing his attachment. She understood, now, why Major Pendennis + (always a tacit enemy of her darling project) had been so eager that + Warrington should be of their party. Laura frankly owned her great, her + enthusiastic, regard for him: and Arthur would make no movement. Arthur + did not choose to see what was going on; or did not care to prevent, or + actually encouraged, it. She remembered his often having said that he + could not understand how a man proposed to a woman twice. She was in + torture—at secret feud with her son, of all objects in the world the + dearest to her—in doubt, which she dared not express to herself, + about Laura—averse to Warrington, the good and generous. No wonder + that the healing waters of Rosenbad did not do her good, or that Doctor + von Glauber, the bath physician, when he came to visit her, found that the + poor lady made no progress to recovery. Meanwhile Pen got well rapidly; + slept with immense perseverance twelve hours out of the twenty-four; ate + huge meals; and, at the end of a couple of months, had almost got back the + bodily strength and weight which he had possessed before his illness. + </p> + <p> + After they had passed some fifteen days at their place of rest and + refreshment, a letter came from Major Pendennis announcing his speedy + arrival at Rosenbad, and, soon after the letter, the Major himself made + his appearance accompanied by Morgan his faithful valet, without whom the + old gentleman could not move. When the Major travelled he wore a jaunty + and juvenile travelling costume; to see his back still you would have + taken him for one of the young fellows whose slim waist and youthful + appearance Warrington was beginning to envy. It was not until the worthy + man began to move, that the observer remarked that Time had weakened his + ancient knees, and had unkindly interfered to impede the action of the + natty little varnished boots in which the gay old traveller still pinched + his toes. There were magnates both of our own country and of foreign + nations present that autumn at Rosenbad. The elder Pendennis read over the + strangers' list with great gratification on the night of his arrival, was + pleased to find several of his acquaintances among the great folks, and + would have the honour of presenting his nephew to a German Grand Duchess, + a Russian Princess, and an English Marquis, before many days were over: + nor was Pen by any means averse to making the acquaintance of these great + personages, having a liking for polite life, and all the splendours and + amenities belonging to it. That very evening the resolute old gentleman, + leaning on his nephew's arm, made his appearance in the halls of the + Kursaal, and lost or won a napoleon or two at the table of + 'Trente-et-quarante.' He did not play to lose, he said, or to win, but he + did as other folks did, and betted his napoleon and took his luck as it + came. He pointed out the Russians and Spaniards gambling for heaps of + gold, and denounced their eagerness as something sordid and barbarous; an + English gentleman should play where the fashion is play, but should not + elate or depress himself at the sport; and he told how he had seen his + friend the Marquis of Steyne, when Lord Gaunt, lose eighteen thousand at a + sitting, and break the bank three nights running at Paris, without ever + showing the least emotion at his defeat or victory. “And that's what I + call being an English gentleman, Pen, my dear boy,” the old gentleman + said, warming as he prattled about his recollections—“what I call + the great manner only remains with us and with a few families in France.” + And as Russian Princesses passed him, whose reputation had long ceased to + be doubtful, and damaged English ladies, who are constantly seen in + company of their faithful attendant for the time being in these gay haunts + of dissipation, the old Major, with eager garrulity and mischievous + relish, told his nephew wonderful particulars regarding the lives of these + heroines; and diverted the young man with a thousand scandals. Egad, he + felt himself quite young again, he remarked to Pen, as, rouged and + grinning, her enormous chasseur behind her bearing her shawl, the Princess + Obstropski smiled and recognised and accosted him. He remembered her in + '14 when she was an actress of the Paris Boulevard, and the Emperor + Alexander's aide-de-camp Obstropski (a man of great talents, who knew a + good deal about the Emperor Paul's death, and was a devil to play) married + her. He most courteously and respectfully asked leave to call upon the + Princess, and to present to her his nephew, Mr. Arthur Pendennis; and he + pointed out to the latter a half-dozen of other personages whose names + were as famous, and whose histories were as satisfying. What would poor + Helen have thought, could she have heard those tales, or known to what + kind of people her brother-in-law was presenting her son? Only once, + leaning on Arthur's arm, she had passed through the room where the green + tables were prepared for play, and the croaking croupiers were calling out + their fatal words of Rouge gagne and Couleur perd. She had shrunk + terrified out of the pandemonium, imploring Pen, extorting from him a + promise, on his word of honour, that he would never play at those tables; + and the scene which so frightened the simple widow, only amused the + worldly old veteran, and made him young again! He could breathe the air + cheerfully which stifled her. Her right was not his right: his food was + her poison. Human creatures are constituted thus differently, and with + this variety the marvellous world is peopled. To the credit of Mr. Pen, + let it be said, that he kept honestly the promise made to his mother, and + stoutly told his uncle of his intention to abide by it. + </p> + <p> + When the Major arrived, his presence somehow cast a damp upon at least + three of the persons of our little party—upon Laura who had anything + but respect for him; upon Warrington, whose manner towards him showed an + involuntary haughtiness and contempt; and upon the timid and alarmed + widow, who dreaded lest he should interfere with her darling, though + almost desperate, projects for her boy. And, indeed, the Major, unknown to + himself, was the bearer of tidings which were to bring about a catastrophe + in the affairs of all our friends. + </p> + <p> + Pen with his two ladies had apartments in the town of Rosenbad; honest + Warrington had lodgings hard by; the Major, on arrival at Rosenbad, had, + as befitted his dignity, taken his quarters at one of the great hotels, at + the Roman Emperor or the Four Seasons, where two or three hundred + gamblers, pleasure-seekers, or invalids, sate down and over-ate themselves + daily at the enormous table-d'hote. To this hotel Pen went on the morning + after the Major's arrival, dutifully to pay his respects to his uncle, and + found the latter's sitting-room duly prepared and arranged by Mr. Morgan, + with the Major's hats brushed, and his coats laid out: his despatch-boxes + and umbrella-cases, his guidebooks, passports, maps, and other elaborate + necessaries of the English traveller, all as trim and ready as they could + be in their master's own room in Jermyn Street. Everything was ready, from + the medicine-bottle fresh filled from the pharmacien's, down to the old + fellow's prayer-book, without which he never travelled, for he made a + point of appearing at the English church at every place which he honoured + with a stay “Everybody did it,” he said; “every English gentleman did it,” + and this pious man would as soon have thought of not calling upon the + English ambassador in a Continental town, as of not showing himself at the + national place of worship. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman had been to take one of the baths for which Rosenbad is + famous, and which everybody takes, and his after-bath toilet was not yet + completed when Pen arrived. The elder called out to Arthur in a cheery + voice from the inner apartment, in which he and Morgan were engaged, and + the valet presently came in, bearing a little packet to Pen's address—Mr. + Arthur's letters and papers, Morgan said, which he had brought from Mr. + Arthur's chambers in London, and which consisted chiefly of numbers of the + Pall Mall Gazette, which our friend Mr. Finucane thought his collaborateur + would like to see. The papers were tied together: the letters in an + envelope, addressed to Pen, in the last-named gentleman's handwriting. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the letters there was a little note addressed, as a former letter + we have heard of had been, to “Arther Pendennis, Esquire,” which Arthur + opened with a start and a blush, and read with a very keen pang of + interest, and sorrow, and regard. She had come to Arthur's house, Fanny + Bolton said—and found that he was gone—gone away to Germany + without ever leaving a word for her—or answer to her last letter, in + which she prayed but for one word of kindness—or the books which he + had promised her in happier times, before he was ill, and which she should + like to keep in remembrance of him. She said she would not reproach those + who had found her at his bedside when he was in the fever, and knew + nobody, and who had turned the poor girl away without a word. She thought + she should have died, she said, of that, but Doctor Goodenough had kindly + tended her, and kept her life, when, perhaps, the keeping of it was of no + good, and she forgave everybody and as for Arthur, she would pray for him + for ever. And when he was so ill, and they cut off his hair, she had made + so free as to keep one little lock for herself, and that she owned. And + might she still keep it, or would his mamma order that that should be gave + up too? She was willing to obey him in all things, and couldn't but + remember that once he was so kind, oh! so good and kind! to his poor + Fanny. + </p> + <p> + When Major Pendennis, fresh and smirking from his toilet, came out of his + bedroom to his sitting-room, he found Arthur, with this note before him, + and an expression of savage anger on his face, which surprised the elder + gentleman. “What news from London, my boy?” he rather faintly asked; “are + the duns at you that you look so glum?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know anything about this letter, sir?” Arthur asked. + </p> + <p> + “What letter, my good sir?” said the other dryly, at once perceiving what + had happened. + </p> + <p> + “You know what I mean—about, about Miss—about Fanny Bolton—the + poor dear little girl,” Arthur broke out. “When she was in my room? Was + she there when I was delirious—I fancied she was—was she? Who + sent her out of my chambers? who intercepted her letters to me? Who dared + to do it? Did you do it, uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “It's not my practice to tamper with gentlemen's letters, or to answer + damned impertinent questions,” Major Pendennis cried out, in a great + tremor of emotion and indignation. “There was a girl in your rooms when I + came up at great personal inconvenience, daymy—and to meet with a + return of this kind for my affection to you, is not pleasant, by Gad, sir—not + at all pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not the question, sir,” Arthur said hotly—“and I beg your + pardon, uncle. You were, you always have been, most kind to me: but I say + again, did you say anything harsh to this poor girl? Did you send her away + from me?” + </p> + <p> + “I never spoke a word to the girl,” the uncle said, “and I never sent her + away from you, and know no more about her, and wish to know no more about + her, than about the man in the moon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it's my mother that did it,” Arthur broke out. “Did my mother send + that poor child away?” + </p> + <p> + “I repeat I know nothing about it, sir,” the elder said testily. “Let's + change the subject, if you please.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll never forgive the person who did it,” said Arthur, bouncing up and + seizing his hat. + </p> + <p> + The Major cried out, “Stop, Arthur, for God's sake, stop;” but before he + had uttered his sentence Arthur had rushed out of the room, and at the + next minute the Major saw him striding rapidly down the street that led + towards his home. + </p> + <p> + “Get breakfast!” said the old fellow to Morgan, and he wagged his head and + sighed as he looked out of the window. “Poor Helen—poor soul! + There'll be a row. I knew there would: and begad all the fat's in the + fire.” + </p> + <p> + When Pen reached home he only found Warrington in the ladies' + drawing-room, waiting their arrival in order to conduct them to the room + where the little English colony at Rosenbad held their Sunday church. + Helen and Laura had not appeared as yet; the former was ailing, and her + daughter was with her. Pen's wrath was so great that he could not defer + expressing it. He flung Fanny's letter across the table to his friend. + “Look there, Warrington,” he said; “she tended me in my illness, she + rescued me out of the jaws of death, and this is the way they have treated + the dear little creature. They have kept her letters from me; they have + treated me like a child, and her like a dog, poor thing! My mother has + done this.” + </p> + <p> + “If she has, you must remember it is your mother,” Warrington interposed. + </p> + <p> + “It only makes the crime the greater, because it is she who has done it,” + Pen answered. “She ought to have been the poor girl's defender, not her + enemy: she ought to go down on her knees and ask pardon of her. I ought! I + will! I am shocked at the cruelty which has been shown her. What? She gave + me her all, and this is her return! She sacrifices everything for me, and + they spurn her.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Warrington, “they can hear you from the next room.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear? let them hear!” Pen cried out, only so much the louder. “Those may + overhear my talk who intercept my letters. I say this poor girl has been + shamefully used, and I will do my best to right her; I will.” + </p> + <p> + The door of the neighbouring room opened, and Laura came forth with a pale + and stern face. She looked at Pen with glances from which beamed pride, + defiance, aversion. “Arthur, your mother is very ill,” she said; “it is a + pity that you should speak so loud as to disturb her.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity that I should have been obliged to speak at all,” Pen + answered. “And I have more to say before I have done.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think what you have to say will hardly be fit for me to hear,” + Laura said, haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome to hear it or not, as you like,” said Mr. Pen. “I shall + go in now and speak to my mother.” + </p> + <p> + Laura came rapidly forward, so that she should not be overheard by her + friend within. “Not now, sir,” she said to Pen. “You may kill her if you + do. Your conduct has gone far enough to make her wretched.” + </p> + <p> + “What conduct?” cried out Pen, in a fury. “Who dares impugn it? Who dares + meddle with me? Is it you who are the instigator of this persecution?” + </p> + <p> + “I said before it was a subject of which it did not become me to hear or + to speak,” Laura said. “But as for mamma, if she had acted otherwise than + she did with regard to—to the person about whom you seem to take + such an interest, it would have been I that must have quitted your house, + and not that—that person.” + </p> + <p> + “By heavens! this is too much,” Pen cried out, with a violent execration. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that is what you wished,” Laura said, tossing her head up. “No + more of this, if you please; I am not accustomed to hear such subjects + spoken of in such language,” and with a stately curtsey the young lady + passed to her room, looking her adversary full in the face as she + retreated and closed the door upon him. + </p> + <p> + Pen was bewildered with wonder, perplexity, fury, at this monstrous and + unreasonable persecution. He burst out into a loud and bitter laugh as + Laura quitted him, and with sneers and revilings, as a man who jeers under + an operation, ridiculed at once his own pain and his persecutor's anger. + The laugh, which was one of bitter humour, and no unmanly or unkindly + expression of suffering under most cruel and unmerited torture, was heard + in the next apartment, as some of his unlucky previous expressions had + been, and, like them, entirely misinterpreted by the hearers. It struck + like a dagger into the wounded and tender heart of Helen; it pierced + Laura, and inflamed the high-spirited girl with scorn and anger. “And it + was to this hardened libertine,” she thought—“to this boaster of low + intrigues, that I had given my heart away.” “He breaks the most sacred + laws,” thought Helen. “He prefers the creature of his passion to his own + mother; and when he is upbraided, he laughs, and glories in his crime. + 'She gave me her all,' I heard him say it,” argued the poor widow, “and he + boasts of it, and laughs, and breaks his mother's heart.” The emotion, the + shame, the grief, the mortification almost killed her. She felt she should + die of his unkindness. + </p> + <p> + Warrington thought of Laura's speech—“Perhaps that is what you + wished.” “She loves Pen still,” he said. “It was jealousy made her speak.”—“Come + away, Pen. Come away, and let us go to church and get calm. You must + explain this matter to your mother. She does not appear to know the truth: + nor do you quite, my good fellow. Come away, and let us talk about it.” + And again he muttered to himself, “'Perhaps that is what you wished.' Yes, + she loves him. Why shouldn't she love him? Whom else would I have her + love? What can she be to me but the dearest and the fairest and the best + of women?” + </p> + <p> + So, leaving the women similarly engaged within, the two gentlemen walked + away, each occupied with his own thought, and silent for a considerable + space. “I must set this matter right,” thought honest George “as she loves + him still—I must set his mind right about the other woman.” And with + this charitable thought, the good fellow began to tell more at large what + Bows had said to him regarding Miss Bolton's behaviour and fickleness, and + he described how the girl was no better than a little light-minded flirt; + and, perhaps, he exaggerated the good-humour and contentedness which he + had himself, as he thought, witnessed in her behaviour in the scene with + Mr. Huxter. + </p> + <p> + Now, all Bows's statements had been coloured by an insane jealousy and + rage on that old man's part; and instead of allaying Pen's renascent + desire to see his little conquest again, Warrington's accounts inflamed + and angered Pendennis, and made him more anxious than before to set + himself right, as he persisted in phrasing it, with Fanny. They arrived at + the church door presently; but scarce one word of the service, and not a + syllable of Mr. Shamble's sermon, did either of them comprehend, probably—so + much was each engaged with his own private speculations. The Major came up + to them after the service, with his well-brushed hat and wig, and his + jauntiest, most cheerful air. He complimented them upon being seen at + church; again he said that every comme-il faut person made a point of + attending the English service abroad; and he walked back with the young + men, prattling to them in garrulous good-humour, and making bows to his + acquaintances as they passed; and thinking innocently that Pen and George + were both highly delighted by his anecdotes, which they suffered to run on + in a scornful and silent acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + At the time of Mr. Shamble's sermon (an erratic Anglican divine, hired for + the season at places of English resort, and addicted to debts, drinking, + and even to roulette, it was said), Pen, chafing under the persecution + which his womankind inflicted upon him, had been meditating a great act of + revolt and of justice, as he had worked himself up to believe; and + Warrington on his part had been thinking that a crisis in his affairs had + likewise come, and that it was necessary for him to break away from a + connexion which every day made more and more wretched and dear to him. + Yes, the time was come. He took those fatal words, “Perhaps that is what + you wished,” as a text for a gloomy homily, which he preached to himself, + in the dark pew of his own heart, whilst Mr. Shamble was feebly giving + utterance to his sermon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVIII. “Fairoaks to let” + </h2> + <p> + Our poor widow (with the assistance of her faithful Martha of Fairoaks, + who laughed and wondered at the German ways, and superintend the affairs + of the simple household) had made a little feast in honour of Major + Pendennis's arrival, of which, however, only the Major and his two younger + friends partook, for Helen sent to say that she was too unwell to dine at + their table, and Laura bore her company. The Major talked for the party, + and did not perceive, or choose to perceive, what a gloom and silence + pervaded the other two sharers of the modest dinner. It was evening before + Helen and Laura came into the sitting-room to join the company there. She + came in leaning on Laura, with her back to the waning light, so that + Arthur could not see how pallid and woe-stricken her face was, and as she + went up to Pen, whom she had not seen during the day, and placed her fond + arms on his shoulders and kissed him tenderly, Laura left her, and moved + away to another part of the room. Pen remarked that his mother's voice and + her whole frame trembled, her hand was clammy cold as she put it up to his + forehead, piteously embracing him. The spectacle of her misery only added, + somehow, to the wrath and testiness of the young man. He scarcely returned + the kiss which the suffering lady gave him: and the countenance with which + he met the appeal of her look was hard and cruel. “She persecutes me,” he + thought within himself, “and she comes to me with the air of a martyr!” + “You look very ill, my child,” she said. “I don't like to see you look in + that way.” And she tottered to a sofa, still holding one of his passive + hands in her thin cold clinging fingers. + </p> + <p> + “I have had much to annoy me, mother,” Pen said, with a throbbing breast: + and as he spoke Helen's heart began to beat so, that she sate almost dead + and speechless with terror. + </p> + <p> + Warrington, Laura, and Major Pendennis, all remained breathless, aware + that the storm was about to break. + </p> + <p> + “I have had letters from London,” Arthur continued, “and one that has + given me more pain than I ever had in my life. It tells me that former + letters of mine have been intercepted and purloined away from me;—that—that + a young creature who has shown the greatest love and care for me, has been + most cruelly used by—by you, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake stop,” cried out Warrington. “She's ill—don't you + see she is ill?” + </p> + <p> + “Let him go on,” said the widow, faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Let him go on and kill her,” said Laura, rushing up to her mother's side. + “Speak on, sir, and see her die.” + </p> + <p> + “It is you who are cruel,” cried Pen, more exasperated and more savage, + because his own heart, naturally soft and weak, revolted indignantly at + the injustice of the very suffering which was laid at his door. “It is you + that are cruel, who attribute all this pain to me: it is you who are cruel + with your wicked reproaches, your wicked doubts of me, your wicked + persecutions of those who love me,—yes, those who love me, and who + brave everything for me, and whom you despise and trample upon because + they are of lower degree than you. Shall I tell you what I will do,—what + I am resolved to do, now that I know what your conduct has been?—I + will go back to this poor girl whom you turned out of my doors, and ask + her to come back and share my home with me. I'll defy the pride which + persecutes her, and the pitiless suspicion which insults her and me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean, Pen, that you——” here the widow, with eager eyes + and outstretched hands, was breaking out, but Laura stopped her: “Silence, + hush, dear mother,” she cried, and the widow hushed. Savagely as Pen + spoke, she was only too eager to hear what more he had to say. “Go on, + Arthur, go on, Arthur,” was all she said, almost swooning away as she + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “By Gad, I say he shan't go on, or I won't hear him, by Gad,” the Major + said, trembling too in his wrath. “If you choose, sir, after all we've + done for you, after all I've done for you myself, to insult your mother + and disgrace your name, by allying yourself with a low-born kitchen-girl, + go and do it, by Gad,—but let us, ma'am, have no more to do with + him. I wash my hands of you, sir,—I wash my hands of you. I'm an old + fellow,—I ain't long for this world. I come of as ancient and + honourable a family as any in England, by Gad, and I did hope, before I + went off the hooks, by Gad, that the fellow that I'd liked, and brought + up, and nursed through life, by Jove, would do something to show me that + our name—yes, the name of Pendennis, by Gad, was left undishonoured + behind us, but if he won't, dammy, I say, amen. By G—, both my + father and my brother Jack were the proudest men in England, and I never + would have thought that there would come this disgrace to my name,—never—and—and + I'm ashamed that it's Arthur Pendennis.” The old fellow's voice here broke + off into a sob: it was the second time that Arthur had brought tears from + those wrinkled lids. + </p> + <p> + The sound of his breaking voice stayed Pen's anger instantly, and he + stopped pacing the room, as he had been doing until that moment. Laura was + by Helen's sofa; and Warrington had remained hitherto an almost silent, + but not uninterested spectator of the family storm. As the parties were + talking, it had grown almost dark; and after the lull which succeeded the + passionate outbreak of the Major, George's deep voice, as it here broke + trembling into the twilight room, was heard with no small emotion by all. + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me tell you something about myself, my kind friends?” he + said,—“you have been so good to me, ma'am, you have been so kind to + me, Laura—I hope I may call you so sometimes—my dear Pen and I + have been such friends that I have long wanted to tell you my story such + as it is, and would have told it to you earlier but that it is a sad one + and contains another's secret. However, it may do good for Arthur to know + it—it is right that every one here should. It will divert you from + thinking about a subject, which, out of a fatal misconception, has caused + a great deal of pain to all of you. May I please tell you, Mrs. + Pendennis?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray speak,” was all Helen said; and indeed she was not much heeding; her + mind was full of another idea with which Pen's words had supplied her, and + she was in a terror of hope that what he had hinted might be as she + wished. + </p> + <p> + George filled himself a bumper of wine and emptied it, and began to speak. + “You all of you know how you see me,” he said, “a man without a desire to + make an advance in the world: careless about reputation; and living in a + garret and from hand to mouth, though I have friends and a name, and I + daresay capabilities of my own, that would serve me if I had a mind. But + mind I have none. I shall die in that garret most likely, and alone. I + nailed myself to that doom in early life. Shall I tell you what it was + that interested me about Arthur years ago, and made me inclined towards + him when first I saw him? The men from our college at Oxbridge brought up + accounts of that early affair with the Chatteris actress, about whom Pen + has talked to me since; and who, but for the Major's generalship, might + have been your daughter-in-law, ma'am. I can't see Pen in the dark, but he + blushes, I'm sure; and I dare say Miss Bell does; and my friend Major + Pendennis, I dare say, laughs as he ought to do—for he won. What + would have been Arthur's lot now had he been tied at nineteen to an + illiterate woman older than himself, with no qualities in common between + them to make one a companion for the other, no equality, no confidence, + and no love speedily? What could he have been but most miserable? And when + he spoke just now and threatened a similar union, be sure it was but a + threat occasioned by anger, which you must give me leave to say, ma'am, + was very natural on his part, for after a generous and manly conduct—let + me say who know the circumstances well—most generous and manly and + self-denying (which is rare with him),—he has met from some friends + of his with a most unkind suspicion, and has had to complain of the unfair + treatment of another innocent person, towards whom he and you all are + under much obligation.” + </p> + <p> + The widow was going to get up here, and Warrington, seeing her attempt to + rise, said, “Do I tire you, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no—go on—go on,” said Helen, delighted, and he continued. + </p> + <p> + “I liked him, you see, because of that early history of his, which had + come to my ears in college gossip, and because I like a man, if you will + pardon me for saying so, Miss Laura, who shows that he can have a great + unreasonable attachment for a woman. That was why we became friends—and + are all friends here—for always, aren't we?” he added, in a lower + voice, leaning over to her, “and Pen has been a great comfort and + companion to a lonely and unfortunate man. + </p> + <p> + “I am not complaining of my lot, you see; for no man's is what he would + have it; and up in my garret, where you left the flowers, and with my old + books and my pipe for a wife, I am pretty contented, and only occasionally + envy other men, whose careers in life are more brilliant, or who can + solace their ill fortune by what Fate and my own fault has deprived me of—the + affection of a woman or a child.” Here there came a sigh from somewhere + near Warrington in the dark, and a hand was held out in his direction, + which, however, was instantly, withdrawn, for the prudery of our females + is such, that before all expression of feeling, or natural kindness and + regard, a woman is 'taught to think of herself and the proprieties, and to + be ready to blush at the very slightest notice;' and checking, as, of + course, it ought, this spontaneous motion, modesty drew up again, kindly + friendship shrank back ashamed of itself, and Warrington resumed his + history. “My fate is such as I made it, and not lucky for me or for others + involved in it. + </p> + <p> + “I, too, had an adventure before I went to college; and there was no one + to save me as Major Pendennis saved Pen. Pardon me, Miss Laura, if I tell + this story before you. It is as well that you all of you should hear my + confession. Before I went to college, as a boy of eighteen, I was at a + private tutor's, and there, like Arthur, I became attached, or fancied I + was attached, to a woman of a much lower degree and a greater age than my + own. You shrink from me——” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't,” Laura said, and here the hand went out resolutely, and laid + itself in Warrington's. She had divined his story from some previous hints + let fall by him, and his first words at its commencement. + </p> + <p> + “She was a yeoman's daughter in the neighbourhood,” Warrington said, with + rather a faltering voice, “and I fancied—what all young men fancy. + Her parents knew who my father was, and encouraged me, with all sorts of + coarse artifices and scoundrel flatteries, which I see now, about their + house. To do her justice, I own she never cared for me, but was forced + into what happened by the threats and compulsion of her family. Would to + God that I had not been deceived: but in these matters we are deceived + because we wish to be so, and I thought I loved that poor woman. + </p> + <p> + “What could come of such a marriage? I found, before long, that I was + married to a boor. She could not comprehend one subject that interested + me. Her dulness palled upon me till I grew to loathe it. And after some + time of a wretched, furtive union—I must tell you all—I found + letters somewhere (and such letters they were!) which showed me that her + heart, such as it was, had never been mine, but had always belonged to a + person of her own degree. + </p> + <p> + “At my father's death, I paid what debts I had contracted at college, and + settled every shilling which remained to me in an annuity upon—upon + those who bore my name, on condition that they should hide themselves + away, and not assume it. They have kept that condition, as they would + break it, for more money. If I had earned fame or reputation, that woman + would have come to claim it: if I had made a name for myself those who no + right to it would have borne it; and I entered life at twenty, God help me—hopeless + and ruined beyond remission. I was the boyish victim of vulgar cheats, + and, perhaps, it is only of late I have found out how hard—ah, how + hard—it is to forgive them. I told you the moral before, Pen; and + now I have told you the fable. Beware how you marry out of your degree. I + was made for a better lot than this, I think: but God has awarded me this + one—and so, you see, it is for me to look on, and see others + successful and others happy, with a heart that shall be as little bitter + as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “By Gad, sir,” cried the Major, in high good-humour, “I intended you to + marry Miss Laura here.” + </p> + <p> + “And, by Gad, Master Shallow, I owe you a thousand pound,” Warrington + said. + </p> + <p> + “How d'ye mean a thousand? it was only a pony, sir,” replied the Major + simply, at which the other laughed. + </p> + <p> + As for Helen, she was so delighted, that she started up, and said, “God + bless you—God for ever bless you, Mr. Warrington;” and kissed both + his hands, and ran up to Pen, and fell into his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dearest mother,” he said as he held her to him, and with a noble + tenderness and emotion, embraced and forgave her. “I am innocent, and my + dear, dear mother has done me a wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, my child, I have wronged you, thank God, I have wronged you!” + Helen whispered. “Come away, Arthur—not here—I want to ask my + child to forgive me—and—and my God, to forgive me; and to + bless you, and love you, my son.” + </p> + <p> + He led her, tottering, into her room, and closed the door, as the three + touched spectators of the reconciliation looked on in pleased silence. + Ever after, ever after, the tender accents of that voice faltering sweetly + at his ear—the look of the sacred eyes beaming with an affection + unutterable—the quiver of the fond lips smiling mournfully—were + remembered by the young man. And at his best moments, and at his hours of + trial and grief, and at his times of success or well-doing, the mother's + face looked down upon him, and blessed him with its gaze of pity and + purity, as he saw it in that night when she yet lingered with him; and + when she seemed, ere she quite left him, an angel, transfigured and + glorified with love—for which love, as for the greatest of the + bounties and wonders of God's provision for us, let us kneel and thank Our + Father. + </p> + <p> + The moon had risen by this time; Arthur recollected well afterwards how it + lighted up his mother's sweet pale face. Their talk, or his rather, for + she scarcely could speak, was more tender and confidential than it had + been for years before. He was the frank and generous boy of her early days + and love. He told her the story, the mistake regarding which had caused + her so much pain—his struggles to fly from temptation, and his + thankfulness that he had been able to overcome it. He never would do the + girl wrong, never; or wound his own honour or his mother's pure heart. The + threat that he would return was uttered in a moment of exasperation, of + which he repented. He never would see her again. But his mother said yes + he should; and it was she who had been proud and culpable—and she + would like to give Fanny Bolton something—and she begged her dear + boy's pardon for opening the letter—and she would write to the young + girl, if,—if she had time. Poor thing! was it not natural that she + should love her Arthur? And again she kissed him, and she blessed him. + </p> + <p> + As they were talking the clock struck nine, and Helen reminded him how, + when he was a little boy, she used to go up to his bedroom at that hour, + and hear him say Our Father. And once more, oh, once more, the young man + fell down at his mother's sacred knees, and sobbed out the prayer which + the Divine Tenderness uttered for us, and which has been echoed by twenty + ages since by millions of sinful and humbled men. And as he spoke the last + words of the supplication, the mother's head fell down on her boy's, and + her arms closed round him, and together they repeated the words “for ever + and ever” and “Amen.” + </p> + <p> + A little time after, it might have been a quarter of an hour, Laura heard + Arthur's voice call from within, “Laura! Laura!” She rushed into the room + instantly and found the young man still on his knees, and holding his + mother's hand. Helen's head had sunk back and was quite pale in the room. + Pen looked round, scared with a ghastly terror. “Help, Laura, help!” he + said, “she's fainted—she's——” + </p> + <p> + Laura screamed, and fell by the side of Helen. The shriek brought + Warrington and Major Pendennis and the servants to the room. The sainted + woman was dead. The last emotion of her soul here was joy to be henceforth + unchequered and eternal. The tender heart beat no more; it was to have no + more pangs, no more doubts, no more griefs and trials. Its last throb was + love; and Helen's last breath was a benediction. + </p> + <p> + The melancholy party bent their way speedily homewards, and Helen was laid + by her husband's side at Clavering, in the old church where she had prayed + so often. For a while Laura went to stay with Dr. Portman, who read the + service over his dear departed sister, amidst his own sobs and those of + the little congregation which assembled round Helen's tomb. There were not + many who cared for her, or who spoke of her when gone. Scarcely more than + of a nun in a cloister did people know of that pious and gentle lady. A + few words among the cottagers whom her bounty was accustomed to relieve, a + little talk from house to house at Clavering, where this lady told how + their neighbour died of a complaint in the heart; whilst that speculated + upon the amount of a property which the widow had left; and a third + wondered whether Arthur would let Fairoaks or live in it, and expected + that he would not be long getting through his property,—this was + all, and except with one or two who cherished her, the kind soul was + forgotten by the next market-day. Would you desire that grief for you + should last for a few more weeks? and does after-life seem less solitary, + provided that our names, when we “go down into silence,” are echoing on + this side of the grave yet for a little while, and human voices are still + talking about us? She was gone, the pure soul, whom only two or three + loved and knew. The great blank she left was in Laura's heart, to whom her + love had been everything, and who had now but to worship her memory. “I am + glad that she gave me her blessing before she went away,” Warrington said + to Pen; and as for Arthur, with a humble acknowledgment and wonder at so + much affection, he hardly dared to ask of Heaven to make him worthy of it, + though he felt that a saint there was interceding for him. + </p> + <p> + All the lady's affairs were found in perfect order, and her little + property ready for transmission to her son, in trust for whom she held it. + Papers in her desk showed that she had long been aware of the complaint, + one of the heart, under which she laboured, and knew that it would + suddenly remove her: and a prayer was found in her handwriting, asking + that her end might be, as it was, in the arms of her son. + </p> + <p> + Laura and Arthur talked over her sayings, all of which the former most + fondly remembered, to the young man's shame somewhat, who thought how much + greater her love had been for Helen than his own. He referred himself + entirely to Laura to know what Helen would have wished should be done; + what poor persons she would have liked to relieve; what legacies or + remembrances she would have wished to transmit. They packed up the vase + which Helen in her gratitude had destined to Dr. Goodenough, and duly sent + it to the kind Doctor; a silver coffee-pot, which she used, was sent off + to Portman: a diamond ring, with her hair, was given with affectionate + greeting to Warrington. + </p> + <p> + It must have been a hard day for poor Laura when she went over to Fairoaks + first and to the little room which she had occupied, and which was hers no + more, and to the widow's own blank chamber in which those two had passed + so many beloved hours. There, of course, were the clothes in the wardrobe, + the cushion on which she prayed, the chair at the toilette: the glass that + was no more to reflect her dear sad face. After she had been here a while + Pen knocked and led her downstairs to the parlour again, and made her + drink a little wine, and said, “God bless you,” as she touched the glass. + “Nothing shall ever be changed in your room,” he said—“it is always + your room—it is always my sister's room. Shall it not be so, Laura?” + and Laura said, “Yes!” + </p> + <p> + Among the widow's papers was found a packet, marked by the widow, “Letters + from Laura's father,” and which Arthur gave to her. They were the letters + which had passed between the cousins in the early days before the marriage + of either of them. The ink was faded in which they were written: the tears + dried out that both perhaps had shed over them: the grief healed now whose + bitterness they chronicled: the friends doubtless united whose parting on + earth had caused to both pangs so cruel. And Laura learned fully now for + the first time what the tie was which had bound her so tenderly to Helen: + how faithfully her more than mother had cherished her father's memory, how + truly she had loved him, how meekly resigned him. + </p> + <p> + One legacy of his mother's Pen remembered, of which Laura could have no + cognisance. It was that wish of Helen's to make some present to Fanny + Bolton; and Pen wrote to her, putting his letter under an envelope to Mr. + Bows, and requesting that gentleman to read it before he delivered it to + Fanny. “Dear Fanny,” Pen said, “I have to acknowledge two letters from + you, one of which was delayed in my illness” (Pen found the first letter + in his mother's desk after her decease and the reading it gave him a + strange pang), “and to thank you, my kind nurse and friend, who watched me + so tenderly during my fever. And I have to tell you that the last words of + my dear mother who is no more, were words of goodwill and gratitude to you + for nursing me: and she said she would have written to you, had she had + time—that she would like to ask your pardon if she had harshly + treated you—and that she would beg you to show your forgiveness by + accepting some token of friendship and regard from her.” Pen concluded by + saying that his friend, George Warrington, Esq., of Lamb Court, Temple, + was trustee of a little sum of money, of which the interest would be paid + to her until she became of age, or changed her name, which would always be + affectionately remembered by her grateful friend, A. Pendennis. The sum + was in truth but small, although enough to make a little heiress of Fanny + Bolton, whose parents were appeased, and whose father said Mr. P. had + acted quite as the gentleman—though Bows growled out that that to + plaster a wounded heart with a banknote was an easy kind of sympathy; and + poor Fanny felt only too clearly that Pen's letter was one of farewell. + </p> + <p> + “Sending hundred-pound notes to porters' daughters is all dev'lish well,” + old Major Pendennis said to his nephew (whom, as the proprietor of + Fairoaks and the head of the family, he now treated with marked deference + and civility), “and as there was a little ready money at the bank, and + your poor mother wished it, there's perhaps no harm done. But, my good + lad, I'd have you to remember that you've not above five hundred a year, + though, thanks to me the world gives you credit for being a doosid deal + better off; and, on my knees, I beg you, my boy, don't break into your + capital: Stick to it, sir; don't speculate with it, sir; keep your land, + and don't borrow on it. Tatham tells me that the Chatteris branch of the + railway may—will almost certainly pass through Chatteris, and of it + can be brought on this side of the Brawl, sir, and through your fields, + they'll be worth a dev'lish deal of money, and your five hundred a year + will jump up to eight or nine. Whatever it is, keep it, I implore you keep + it. And I say, Pen, I think you should give up living in those dirty + chambers in the Temple and let a decent lodging. And I should have a man, + sir, to wait upon me; and a horse or two in town in the season. All this + will pretty well swallow up your income, and I know you must live close. + But remember you have a certain place in society, and you can't afford to + cut a poor figure in the world. What are you going to do in the winter? + You don't intend to stay down here, or, I suppose, to go on writing for + that—what-d'ye-call-'em—that newspaper?” + </p> + <p> + “Warrington and I are going abroad again, sir, for a little, and then we + shall see what is to be done,” Arthur replied. + </p> + <p> + “And you'll let Fairoaks, of course? Good school in the neighbourhood; + cheap country: dev'lish nice place for East India Colonels, or families + wanting to retire. I'll speak about it at the club; there are lots of + fellows at the club want a place of that sort.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope Laura will live in it for the winter, at least, and will make it + her home,” Arthur replied: at which the Major pish'd and psha'd, and said + that there ought to be convents, begad, for English ladies, and wished + that Miss Bell had not been there to interfere with the arrangements of + the family, and that she would mope herself to death alone in that place. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it would have been a very dismal abode for poor Laura, who was not + too happy either in Dr. Portman's household, and in the town where too + many things reminded her of the dear parent whom she had lost. But old + Lady Rockminster, who adored her young friend Laura, as soon as she read + in the paper of her loss, and of her presence in the country, rushed over + from Baymouth, where the old lady was staying, and insisted that Laura + should remain six months, twelve months, all her life with her; and to her + ladyship's house, Martha from Fairoaks, as femme de chambre, accompanied + her young mistress. + </p> + <p> + Pen and Warrington saw her depart. It was difficult to say which of the + young men seemed to regard her the most tenderly. “Your cousin is pert and + rather vulgar, my dear, but he seems to have a good heart,” little Lady + Rockminster said, who said her say about everybody—“but I like + Bluebeard best. Tell me, is he touche au coeur?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Warrington has been long—engaged,” Laura said, dropping her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, child! And good heavens, my dear! that's a pretty diamond + cross. What do you mean by wearing it in the morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Arthur—my brother, gave it me just now. It was—it was——” + </p> + <p> + She could not finish the sentence. The carriage passed over the bridge, + and by the dear, dear gate of Fairoaks—home no more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIX. Old Friends + </h2> + <p> + It chanced at that great English festival, at which all London takes a + holiday upon Epsom Downs, that a great number of the personages to whom we + have been introduced in the course of this history, were assembled to see + the Derby. In a comfortable open carriage, which had been brought to the + ground by a pair of horses, might be seen Mrs. Bungay, of Paternoster Row, + attired like Solomon in all his glory, and having by her side modest Mrs. + Shandon, for whom, since the commencement of their acquaintance, the + worthy publisher's lady had maintained a steady friendship. Bungay, having + recreated himself with a copious luncheon, was madly shying at the sticks + hard by, till the perspiration ran off his bald pate. Shandon was + shambling about among the drinking tenants and gipsies: Finucane constant + in attendance on the two ladies, to whom gentlemen of their acquaintance, + and connected with the publishing house, came up to pay a visit. + </p> + <p> + Among others, Mr. Archer came up to make her his bow, and told Mrs. Bungay + who was on the course. Yonder was the Prime Minister: his lordship had + just told him to back Borax for the race; but Archer thought Munmeer the + better horse. He pointed out countless dukes and grandees to the delighted + Mrs. Bungay. “Look yonder in the Grand Stand,” he said. “There sits the + Chinese Ambassador with the Mandarins of his suite, Fou-choo-foo brought + me over letters of introduction from the Governor-General of India, my + most intimate friend, and I was for some time very kind to him, and he had + his chopsticks laid for him at my table whenever he chose to come and + dine. But he brought his own cook with him, and—would you believe + it, Mrs. Bungay?—one day, when I was out, and the Ambassador was + with Mrs. Archer in our garden eating gooseberries, of which the Chinese + are passionately fond, the beast of a cook, seeing my wife's dear little + Blenheim spaniel (that we had from the Duke of Marlborough himself, whose + ancestor's life Mrs. Archer's great-great-grandfather saved at the battle + of Malplaquet), seized upon the poor little devil, cut his throat, and + skinned him, and served him up stuffed with forced-meat in the second + course.” + </p> + <p> + “Law!” said Mrs. Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “You may fancy my wife's agony when she knew what had happened! The cook + came screaming upstairs, and told us that she had found poor Fido's skin + in the area, just after we had all of us tasted of the dish! She never + would speak to the Ambassador again—never; and, upon my word, he has + never been to dine with us since. The Lord Mayor, who did me the honour to + dine, liked the dish very much; and, eaten with green peas, it tastes + rather like duck.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so, now!” cried the astonished publisher's lady. + </p> + <p> + “Fact, upon my word. Look at that lady in blue, seated by the Ambassador: + that is Lady Flamingo, and they say she is going to be married to him, and + return to Pekin with his Excellency. She is getting her feet squeezed down + on purpose. But she'll only cripple herself, and will never be able to do + it—never. My wife has the smallest foot in England, and wears shoes + for a six-years-old child; but what is that to a Chinese lady's foot, Mrs. + Bungay?” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that carriage as Mr. Pendennis is with, Mr. Archer?” Mrs. Bungay + presently asked. “He and Mr. Warrington was here jest now. He's 'aughty in + his manners, that Mr. Pendennis, and well he may be, for I'm told he keeps + tip-top company. 'As he 'ad a large fortune left him, Mr. Archer? He's in + black still, I see.” + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen hundred a year in land, and twenty-two thousand five hundred in + the Three-and-a-half per Cents; that's about it,” said Mr. Archer. + </p> + <p> + “Law! why, you know everything, Mr. A.!” cried the lady of Paternoster + Row. + </p> + <p> + “I happen to know, because I was called in about poor Mrs. Pendennis's + will,” Mr. Archer replied. “Pendennis's uncle, the Major, seldom does + anything without me; and as he is likely to be extravagant we've tied up + the property, so that he can't make ducks and drakes with it.—How do + you do, my lord?—Do you know that gentleman, ladies? You have read + his speeches in the House; it is Lord Rochester.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord Fiddlestick,” cried out Finucane, from the box. “Sure it's Tom + Staples, of the Morning Advertiser, Archer.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it?” Archer said, simply. “Well I'm very short-sighted, and upon my + word I thought it was Rochester. That gentleman with the double + opera-glass (another nod) is Lord John; and the tall man with him, don't + you know him? is Sir James.” + </p> + <p> + “You know 'em because you see 'em in the House,” growled Finucane. + </p> + <p> + “I know them because they are kind enough to allow me to call them my most + intimate friends,” Archer continued. “Look at the Duke of Hampshire; what + a pattern of a fine old English gentleman! He never misses 'the Derby.' + 'Archer,' he said to me only yesterday, 'I have been at sixty-five + Derbies! appeared on the field for the first time on a piebald pony when I + was seven years old, with my father, the Prince of Wales, and Colonel + Hanger; and only missing two races—one when I had the measles at + Eton, and one in the Waterloo year, when I was with my friend Wellington + in Flanders.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is that yellow carriage, with the pink and yellow parasols, that + Mr. Pendennis is talking to, and ever so many gentlemen?” asked Mrs. + Bungay. + </p> + <p> + “That is Lady Clavering, of Clavering Park, next estate to my friend + Pendennis. That is the young son and heir upon the box; he's awfully + tipsy, the little scamp! and the young lady is Miss Amory, Lady + Clavering's daughter by a first marriage, and uncommonly sweet upon my + friend Pendennis; but I've reason to think he has his heart fixed + elsewhere. You have heard of young Mr. Foker—the great brewer, + Foker, you know—he was going to hang himself in consequence of a + fatal passion for Miss Amory who refused him, but was cut down just in + time by his valet, and is now abroad, under a keeper.” + </p> + <p> + “How happy that young fellow is!” sighed Mrs. Bungay. “Who'd have thought + when he came so quiet and demure to dine with us, three or four years ago, + he would turn out such a grand character! Why, I saw his name at Court the + other day, and presented by the Marquis of Steyne and all; and in every + party of the nobility his name's down as sure as a gun.” + </p> + <p> + “I introduced him a good deal when he first came up to town,” Mr. Archer + said, “and his uncle, Major Pendennis, did the rest. Hallo! There's Cobden + here, of all men in the world! I must go and speak to him. Good-bye, Mrs. + Bungay. Good morning, Mrs. Shandon.” + </p> + <p> + An hour previous to this time, and at a different part of the course, + there might have been seen an old stage-coach, on the battered roof of + which a crowd of shabby raffs were stamping and hallooing, as the great + event of the day—the Derby race—rushed over the greensward, + and by the shouting millions of people assembled to view that magnificent + scene. This was Wheeler's (the Harlequin's Head) drag, which had brought + down a company of choice spirits from Bow Street, with a slap-up luncheon + in the boot. As the whirling race flashed by, each of the choice spirits + bellowed out the name of the horse or the colours which he thought or he + hoped might be foremost. “The Cornet!” “It's Muffineer!” “It's blue + sleeves!” “Yallow cap! yallow cap! yallow cap!” and so forth, yelled the + gentlemen sportsmen during that delicious and thrilling minute before the + contest was decided; and as the fluttering signal blew out, showing the + number of the famous horse Podasokus as winner of the race, one of the + gentlemen on the Harlequin's Head drag sprang up off the roof, as if he + was a pigeon and about to fly away to London or York with the news. + </p> + <p> + But his elation did not lift him many inches from his standing-place, to + which he came down again on the instant, causing the boards of the crazy + old coach-roof to crack with the weight of his joy. “Hurray, hurray!” he + bawled out, “Podasokus is the horse! Supper for ten, Wheeler, my boy. Ask + you all round of course, and damn the expense.” + </p> + <p> + And the gentlemen on the carriage, the shabby swaggerers, the dubious + bucks, said, “Thank you—congratulate you, Colonel; sup with you with + pleasure:” and whispered to one another, “The Colonel stands to win + fifteen hundred, and he got the odds from a good man, too.” + </p> + <p> + And each of the shabby bucks and dusky dandies began to eye his neighbour + with suspicion, lest that neighbour, taking his advantage, should get the + Colonel into a lonely place and borrow money of him. And the winner on + Podasokus could not be alone during the whole of that afternoon, so + closely did his friends watch him and each other. + </p> + <p> + At another part of the course you might have seen a vehicle certainly more + modest, if not more shabby than that battered coach which had brought down + the choice spirits from the Harlequin's Head; this was cab No. 2002, which + had conveyed a gentleman and two ladies from the cabstand in the Strand: + whereof one of the ladies, as she sate on the box of the cab enjoying with + her mamma and their companion a repast of lobster salad and bitter ale, + looked so fresh and pretty that many of the splendid young dandies who + were strolling about the course, and enjoying themselves at the noble + diversion of Sticks, and talking to the beautifully dressed ladies in the + beautiful carriages, on the hill, forsook these fascinations to have a + glance at the smiling and rosy-cheeked lass on the cab. The blushes of + youth and good-humour mantled on the girl's cheeks, and played over that + fair countenance like the pretty shining cloudlets on the serene sky + overhead; the elder lady's cheek was red too; but that was a permanent + mottled rose, deepening only as it received free draughts of pale ale and + brandy-and-water, until her face emulated the rich shell of the lobster + which she devoured. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman who escorted these two ladies was most active in attendance + upon them: here on the course, as he had been during the previous journey. + During the whole of that animated and delightful drive from London, his + jokes had never ceased. He spoke up undauntedly to the most awful drags + full of the biggest and most solemn guardsmen; as to the humblest + donkey-chaise in which Bob the dustman was driving Molly to the race. He + had fired astonishing volleys of what is called “chaff” into endless + windows as he passed; into lines of grinning girls' schools; into little + regiments of shouting urchins hurraying behind the railings of their + Classical and Commercial Academies; into casements whence smiling + maid-servants, and nurses tossing babies, or demure old maiden ladies with + dissenting countenances, were looking. And the pretty girl in the straw + bonnet with pink ribbon, and her mamma the devourer of lobsters, had both + agreed that when he was in “spirits” there was nothing like that Mr. Sam. + He had crammed the cab with trophies won from the bankrupt proprietors of + the Sticks hard by, and with countless pincushions, wooden apples, + backy-boxes, Jack-in-the-boxes, and little soldiers. He had brought up a + gipsy with a tawny child in her arms to tell the fortunes of the ladies: + and the only cloud which momentarily obscured the sunshine of that happy + party, was when the teller of fate informed the young lady that had had + reason to beware of a fair man, who was false to her: that she had had a + bad illness, and that she would find that a man would prove true. + </p> + <p> + The girl looked very much abashed at this news: her mother and the young + man interchanged signs of wonder and intelligence. Perhaps the conjurer + had used the same words to a hundred different carriages on that day. + </p> + <p> + Making his way solitary amongst the crowd and the carriages, and noting, + according to his wont, the various circumstances and characters which the + animated scene presented, a young friend of ours came suddenly upon cab + 2002, and the little group of persons assembled on the outside of the + vehicle. As he caught sight of the young lady on the box, she started and + turned pale: her mother became redder than ever: the heretofore gay and + triumphant Mr. Sam immediately assumed a fierce and suspicious look, and + his eyes turned savagely from Fanny Bolton (whom the reader, no doubt, has + recognised in the young lady of the cab) to Arthur Pendennis, advancing to + meet her. + </p> + <p> + Arthur, too, looked dark and suspicious on perceiving Mr. Samuel Huxter in + company with his old acquaintances: his suspicion was that of alarmed + morality, and, I dare say, highly creditable to Mr. Arthur: like the + suspicion of Mrs. Lynx, when she sees Mr. Brown and Mrs. Jones talking + together, or when she remarks Mrs. Lamb twice or thrice in a handsome + opera-box. There may be no harm in the conversation of Mr. B. and Mr. J.: + and Mrs. Lamb's opera-box (though she notoriously can't afford one) may be + honestly come by: but yet a moralist like Mrs. Lynx has a right to the + little precautionary fright: and Arthur was no doubt justified in adopting + that severe demeanour of his. + </p> + <p> + Fanny's heart began to patter violently: Huxter's fists, plunged into the + pockets of his paletot, clenched themselves involuntarily and armed + themselves, as it were, in ambush: Mrs. Bolton began to talk with all her + might, and with a wonderful volubility: and Lor! she was so 'apply to see + Mr. Pendennis, and how well he was a-lookin', and we'd been talking' about + Mr. P. only jest before; hadn't we, Fanny? and if this was the famous + Epsom races that they talked so much about, she didn't care, for her part, + if she never saw them again. And how was Major Pendennis, and that kind + Mr. Warrington, who brought Mr. P.'s great kindness to Fanny? and she + never would forget it, never: and Mr. Warrington was so tall, he almost + broke his 'ead up against their lodge door. You recollect Mr. Warrington + a-knocking' of his head—don't you, Fanny? + </p> + <p> + Whilst Mrs. Bolton was so discoursing, I wonder how many thousands of + thoughts passed through Fanny's mind, and what dear times, sad struggles, + lonely griefs, and subsequent shamefaced consolations were recalled to + her? What pangs had the poor little thing, as she thought how much she had + loved him, and that she loved him no more? There he stood, about whom she + was going to die ten months since, dandified, supercilious, with a black + crape to his white hat, and jet buttons in his shirt-front and a pink in + his coat, that some one else had probably given him: with the tightest + lavender-coloured gloves sewn with black and the smallest of canes. And + Mr. Huxter wore no gloves, and great Blucher boots, and smelt very much of + tobacco certainly; and looked, oh, it must be owned, he looked as if a + bucket of water would do him a great deal of good! All these thoughts, and + a myriad of others, rushed through Fanny's mind as her mamma was + delivering herself of her speech, and as the girl, from under her eyes, + surveyed Pendennis—surveyed him entirely from head to foot, the + circle on his white forehead that his hat left when he lifted it (his + beautiful, beautiful hair had grown again), the trinkets at his + watch-chain, the ring on his hand under his glove, the neat shining boot, + so, so unlike Sam's high-low!—and after her hand had given a little + twittering pressure to the lavender-coloured kid grasp which was held out + to it, and after her mother had delivered herself of her speech, all Fanny + could find to say was, “This is Mr. Samuel Huxter whom you knew formerly, + I believe, sir; Mr. Samuel, you know you knew Mr. Pendennis formerly—and—and, + will you take a little refreshment?” + </p> + <p> + These little words, tremulous and uncoloured as they were, yet were + understood by Pendennis in such a manner as to take a great load of + suspicion from off his mind—of remorse, perhaps, from his heart. The + frown on the countenance of the Prince of Fairoaks disappeared, and a + good-natured smile and a knowing twinkle of the eyes illuminated his + highness's countenance. “I am very thirsty,” he said, “and I will be glad + to drink your health, Fanny; and I hope Mr. Huxter will pardon me for + having been very rude to him the last time we met, and when I was so ill + and out of spirits, that indeed I scarcely knew what I said.” And herewith + the lavender-coloured Dexter kid-glove was handed out, in token of amity, + to Huxter. + </p> + <p> + The dirty fist in the young surgeon's pocket was obliged to undoable + itself, and come out of its ambush disarmed. The poor fellow himself felt, + as he laid it in Pen's hand, how hot his own was, and how black—it + left black marks on Pen's gloves; he saw them,—he would have liked + to have clenched it again and dashed it into the other's good-humoured + face; and have seen, there upon that round, with Fanny, with all England + looking on, which was the best man—he Sam Huxter of Bartholomew's, + or that grinning dandy. + </p> + <p> + Pen with ineffable good-humour took a glass—he didn't mind what it + was—he was content to drink after the ladies; and he filled it with + frothing lukewarm beer, which he pronounced to be delicious, and which he + drank cordially to the health of the party. + </p> + <p> + As he was drinking and talking on in an engaging manner, a young lady in a + shot dove-coloured dress, with a white parasol lined with pink, and the + prettiest dove-coloured boots that ever stepped, passed by Pen, leaning on + the arm of a stalwart gentleman with a military moustache. + </p> + <p> + The young lady clenched her little fist, and gave a mischievous side-look + as she passed Pen. He of the mustachios burst out into a jolly laugh. He + had taken off his hat to the ladies of cab No. 2002. You should have seen + Fanny Bolton's eyes watching after the dove-coloured young lady. + Immediately Huxter perceived the direction which they took, they ceased + looking after the dove-coloured nymph, and they turned and looked into Sam + Huxter's orbs with the most artless good-humoured expression. + </p> + <p> + “What a beautiful creature!” Fanny said. “What a lovely dress! Did you + remark, Mr. Sam, such little, little hands?” + </p> + <p> + “It was Capting Strong,” said Mrs. Bolton: “and who was the young woman, I + wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “A neighbour of mine in the country—Miss 'Amory,'” Arthur said,—“Lady + Clavering's daughter. You've seen Sir Francis often in Shepherd's Inn, + Mrs. Bolton.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, Fanny built up a perfect romance in three volumes love—faithlessness—splendid + marriage at St. George's, Hanover Square—broken-hearted maid—and + Sam Huxter was not the hero of that story—poor Sam, who by this time + had got out an exceedingly rank Cuba cigar, and was smoking it under + Fanny's little nose. + </p> + <p> + After that confounded prig Pendennis joined and left the party, the sun + was less bright to Sam Huxter, the sky less blue—the Sticks had no + attraction for him—the bitter beer hot and undrinkable—the + world was changed. He had a quantity of peas and a tin pea-shooter in the + pocket of the cab for amusement on the homeward route. He didn't take them + out, and forgot their existence until some other wag, on their return from + the races, fired a volley into Sam's sad face; upon which salute, after a + few oaths indicative of surprise, he burst into a savage and sardonic + laugh. + </p> + <p> + But Fanny was charming all the way home. She coaxed, and snuggled, and + smiled. She laughed pretty laughs; she admired everything; she took out + the darling little Jack-in-the-boxes, and was so obliged to Sam. And when + they got home, and Mr. Huxter, still with darkness on his countenance, was + taking a frigid leave of her—she burst into tears, and said he was a + naughty unkind thing. + </p> + <p> + Upon which, with a burst of emotion almost as emphatic as hers, the young + surgeon held the girl in his arms—swore that she was an angel, and + that he was a jealous brute; owned that he was unworthy of her, and that + he had no right to hate Pendennis; and asked her, implored her, to say + once more that she—— + </p> + <p> + That she what?—The end of the question and Fanny's answer were + pronounced by lips that were so near each other, that no bystander could + hear the words. Mrs. Bolton only said, “Come, come, Mr. H.—no + nonsense, if you please; and I think you've acted like a wicked wretch, + and been most uncommon cruel to Fanny, that I do.” + </p> + <p> + When Arthur left No. 2002, he went to pay his respects to the carriage to + which, and to the side of her mamma, the dove-coloured author of Mes + Larmes had by this time returned. Indefatigable old Major Pendennis was in + waiting upon Lady Clavering, and had occupied the back seat in her + carriage; the box being in possession of young Hopeful, under the care of + Captain Strong. + </p> + <p> + A number of dandies, and men of a certain fashion—of military bucks, + of young rakes of the public offices, of those who may be styled men's men + rather than ladies'—had come about the carriage during its station + on the hill—and had exchanged a word or two with Lady Clavering, and + a little talk (a little “chaff,” some of the most elegant of the men + styled their conversation) with Miss Amory. They had offered her sportive + bets, and exchanged with her all sorts of free-talk and knowing + innuendoes. They pointed out to her who was on the course: and the “who” + was not always the person a young lady should know. + </p> + <p> + When Pen came up to Lady Clavering's carriage, he had to push his way + through a crowd of these young bucks who were paying their court to Miss + Amory, in order to arrive as near that young lady, who beckoned him by + many pretty signals to her side. + </p> + <p> + “Je lay vue,” she said; “Elle a de bien beaux yeux; vous etes un monster!” + </p> + <p> + “Why monster?” said Pen, with a laugh; “Hone suit qui mal y peens. My + young friend, yonder, is as well protected as any young lady in + Christendom. She has her mamma on one side, her pretend on the other. + Could any harm happen to a girl between those two?” + </p> + <p> + “One does not know what may or may not arrive,” said Miss Blanche, in + French, “when a girl has the mind, and when she is pursued by a wicked + monster like you. Figure to yourself, Major, that I come to find Monsieur, + your nephew, near to a cab, by two ladies, and a man, oh, such a man! and + who ate lobsters, and who laughed, who laughed!” + </p> + <p> + “It did not strike me that the man laughed,” Pen said, “And as for + lobsters, I thought he would have liked to eat me after the lobsters. He + shook hands with me, and gripped me so, that he bruised my glove + black-and-blue. He is a young surgeon. He comes from Clavering. Don't you + remember the gilt pestle and mortar in High Street?” + </p> + <p> + “If he attends you when you are sick,” continued Miss Amory, “he will kill + you. He will serve you right; for you are a monster.” + </p> + <p> + The perpetual recurrence to the word “monster” jarred upon Pen. “She + speaks about these matters a great deal too lightly,” he thought. “If I + had been a monster, as she calls it, she would have received me just the + same. This is not the way in which an English lady should speak or think. + Laura would not speak in that way, thank God;” and as he thought so, his + own countenance fell. + </p> + <p> + “Of what are you thinking? Are you going to bouder me at present?” Blanche + asked. “Major, scold your mechant nephew. He does not amuse me at all. He + is as bete as Captain Crackenbury.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you saying about me, Miss Amory?” said the guardsman, with a + grin. “If it's anything good, say it in English, for I don't understand + French when it's spoke so devilish quick.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't anything good, Crack,” said Crackenbury's fellow, Captain + Clinker. “Let's come away, and don't spoil sport. They say Pendennis is + sweet upon her.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm told he's a devilish clever fellow,” sighed Crackenbury. “Lady Violet + Lebas says he's a devilish clever fellow. He wrote a work, or a poem, or + something; and he writes those devilish clever things in the—in the + papers, you know. Dammy, I wish I was a clever fellow, Clinker.” + </p> + <p> + “That's past wishing for, Crack, my boy,” the other said. “I can't write a + good book, but I think I can make a pretty good one on the Derby. What a + flat Clavering is! And the Begum! I like that old Begum. She's worth ten + of her daughter. How pleased the old girl was at winning the lottery!” + </p> + <p> + “Clavering's safe to pay up, ain't he?” asked Captain Crackenbury. + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said his friend; and they disappeared, to enjoy themselves + among the Sticks. + </p> + <p> + Before the end of the day's amusements, many more gentlemen of Lady + Clavering's acquaintance came up to her carriage, and chatted with the + party which it contained. The worthy lady was in high spirits and + good-humour, laughing and talking according to her wont, and offering + refreshments to all her friends, until her ample baskets and bottles were + emptied, and her servants and postillions were in such a royal state of + excitement as servants and postillions commonly are upon the Derby day. + </p> + <p> + The Major remarked that some of the visitors to the carriage appeared to + look with rather queer and meaning glances towards its owner. “How easily + she takes it!” one man whispered to another. “The Begum's made of money,” + the friend replied. “How easily she takes what?” thought old Pendennis. + “Has anybody lost any money?” Lady Clavering said she was happy in the + morning because Sir Francis had promised her not to bet. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Welbore, the country neighbour of the Claverings, was passing the + carriage, when he was called back by the Begum, who rallied him for + wishing to cut her. “Why didn't he come before? Why didn't he come to + lunch?” Her ladyship was in great delight, she told him—she told + everybody, that she had won five pounds in a lottery. As she conveyed this + piece of intelligence to him, Mr. Welbore looked so particularly knowing, + and withal melancholy, that a dismal apprehension seized upon Major + Pendennis. “He would go and look after the horses and those rascals of + postillions, who were so long in coming round.” When he came back to the + carriage, his usually benign and smirking countenance was obscured by some + sorrow. “What is the matter with you now?” the good-natured Begum asked. + The Major pretended a headache from the fatigue and sunshine of the day. + The carriage wheeled off the course and took its way Londonwards, not the + least brilliant equipage in that vast and picturesque procession. The + tipsy drivers dashed gallantly over the turf, amidst the admiration of + foot-passengers, the ironical cheers of the little donkey-carriages and + spring vans, and the loud objurgations of horse-and-chaise men, with whom + the reckless post-boys came in contact. The jolly Begum looked the picture + of good-humour as she reclined on her splendid cushions; the lovely + Sylphide smiled with languid elegance. Many an honest holiday-maker with + his family wadded into a tax-cart, many a cheap dandy working his way home + on his weary hack, admired that brilliant turn-out, and thought, no doubt, + how happy those “swells” must be. Strong sat on the box still, with a + lordly voice calling to the post-boys and the crowd. Master Frank had been + put inside of the carriage and was asleep there by the side of the Major, + dozing away the effects of the constant luncheon and champagne of which he + had freely partaken. + </p> + <p> + The Major was revolving in his mind meanwhile the news the receipt of + which had made him so grave. “If Sir Francis Clavering goes on in this + way,” Pendennis the elder thought, “this little tipsy rascal will be as + bankrupt as his father and grandfather before him. The Begum's fortune + can't stand such drains upon it: no fortune can stand them: she has paid + his debts half a dozen times already. A few years more of the turf, and a + few coups like this, will ruin her.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think we could get up races at Clavering, mamma?” Miss Amory + asked. “Yes, we must have them there again. There were races there in the + old times, the good old times. It's a national amusement, you know: and we + could have a Clavering ball: and we might have dances for the tenantry, + and rustic sports in the park—Oh, it would be charming.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital fun,” said mamma. “Wouldn't it, Major?” + </p> + <p> + “The turf is a very expensive amusement, my dear lady,” Major Pendennis + answered, with such a rueful face, that the Begum rallied him, and asked + laughingly whether he had lost money on the race? + </p> + <p> + After a slumber of about an hour and a half, the heir of the house began + to exhibit symptoms of wakefulness, stretching his youthful arms over the + Major's face, and kicking his sister's knees as she sate opposite to him. + When the amiable youth was quite restored to consciousness, he began a + sprightly conversation. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Ma,” he said, “I've gone and done it this time, I have.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you gone and done, Franky dear?” asked Mamma. + </p> + <p> + “How much is seventeen half-crowns? Two pound and half-a crown, ain't it? + I drew Borax in our lottery, but I bought Podasokus and Man-milliner of + Leggat minor for two open tarts and a bottle of ginger-beer.” + </p> + <p> + “You little wicked gambling creature, how dare you begin so soon?” cried + Miss Amory. + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue, if you please. Who ever asked your leave, miss?” the + brother said. “And I say, Ma——” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Franky dear?” + </p> + <p> + “You'll tip me all the same, you know, when I go back——” and + here he broke out into a laugh. “I say, Ma, shall I tell you something?” + </p> + <p> + The Begum expressed her desire to hear this something, and her son and + heir continued: + </p> + <p> + “When me and Strong was down at the grand stand after the race, and I was + talking to Leggat minor, who was there with his governor, I saw Pa look as + savage as a bear. And I say, Ma, Leggat minor told me that he heard his + governor say that Pa had lost seven thousand backing the favourite. I'll + never back the favourite when I'm of age. No, no—hang me if I do: + leave me alone, Strong, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Strong! Captain Strong! is this true?” cried out the unfortunate + Begum. “Has Sir Francis been betting again? He promised me he wouldn't. He + gave me his word of honour he wouldn't.” + </p> + <p> + Strong, from his place on the box, had overheard the end of young + Clavering's communication, and was trying in vain to stop his unlucky + tongue. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid it's true, ma'am,” he said, turning round, “I deplore the loss + as much as you can. He promised me as he promised you; but the play is too + strong for him! he can't refrain from it.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Clavering at this sad news burst into a fit of tears. She deplored + her wretched fate as the most miserable of women, she declared she would + separate, and pay no more debts for the ungrateful man. She narrated with + tearful volubility a score of stories only too authentic, which showed how + her husband had deceived, and how constantly she had befriended him: and + in this melancholy condition, whilst young Hopeful was thinking about the + two guineas which he himself had won; and the Major revolving, in his + darkened mind, whether certain plans which he had been forming had better + not be abandoned; the splendid carriage drove up at length to the Begum's + house in Grosvenor Place; the idlers and boys lingering about the place to + witness, according to public wont, the close of the Derby Day, cheering + the carriage as it drew up, and envying the happy folks who descended from + it. + </p> + <p> + “And it's for the son of this man that I am made a beggar!” Blanche said, + quivering with anger, as she walked upstairs leaning on the Major's arm—“for + this cheat—for this blackleg—for this liar—for this + robber of women.” + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself, my dear Miss Blanche,” the old gentleman said; “I pray + calm yourself. You have been hardly treated, most unjustly. But remember + that you have always a friend in me, and trust to an old fellow who will + try and serve you.” + </p> + <p> + And the young lady, and the heir of the hopeful house of Clavering, having + retired to their beds, the remaining three of the Epsom party remained for + some time in deep consultation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LX. Explanations + </h2> + <p> + Almost a year, as the reader will perceive, has passed since an event + described a few pages back. Arthur's black coat is about to be exchanged + for a blue one. His person has undergone other more pleasing and + remarkable changes. His wig has been laid aside, and his hair, though + somewhat thinner, has returned to public view. And he has had the honour + of appearing at Court in the uniform of a Cornet of the Clavering troop of + the ——shire Yeomanry Cavalry, being presented to the Sovereign + by the Marquis of Steyne. + </p> + <p> + This was a measure strongly and pathetically urged by Arthur's uncle. The + Major would not hear of a year passing before this ceremony of + gentlemanhood was gone through. The old gentleman thought that his nephew + should belong to some rather more select Club than the Megatherium; and + has announced everywhere in the world his disappointment that the young + man's property has turned out not by any means as well as he could have + hoped, and is under fifteen hundred a year. + </p> + <p> + That is the amount at which Pendennis's property is set down in the world—where + his publishers begin to respect him much more than formerly, and where + even mammas are by no means uncivil to him. For if the pretty daughters + are, naturally, to marry people of very different expectations—at + any rate, he will be eligible for the plain ones: and if the brilliant and + fascinating Myra is to hook an Earl, poor little Beatrice, who has one + shoulder higher than the other, must hang on to some boor through life, + and why should not Mr. Pendennis be her support? In the very first winter + after the accession to his mother's fortune, Mrs. Hawxby in a + country-house caused her Beatrice to learn billiards from Mr. Pendennis + and would be driven by nobody but him in the pony carriage, because he was + literary and her Beatrice was literary too, and declared that the young + man, under the instigation of his horrid old uncle, had behaved most + infamously in trifling with Beatrice's feelings. The truth is the old + gentleman, who knew Mrs. Hawxby's character, and how desperately that lady + would practise upon unwary young men, had come to the country-house in + question and carried Arthur out of the danger of her immediate claws, + though not out of the reach of her tongue. The elder Pendennis would have + had his nephew pass a part of the Christmas at Clavering, whither the + family had returned; but Arthur had not the heart for that. Clavering was + too near poor old Fairoaks; and that was too full of sad recollections for + the young man. + </p> + <p> + We have lost sight of the Claverings, too, until their reappearance upon + the Epsom race-ground, and must give a brief account of them in the + interval. During the past year, the world has not treated any member of + the Clavering family very kindly; Lady Clavering, one of the best-natured + women that ever enjoyed a good dinner, or made a slip in grammar, has had + her appetite and good-nature sadly tried by constant family grievances, + and disputes such as make the efforts of the best French cook unpalatable, + and the most delicately-stuffed sofa-cushion hard to lie on. “I'd rather + have a turnip, Strong, for dessert, than that pineapple, and all them + Muscatel grapes, from Clavering,” says poor Lady Clavering, looking at her + dinner-table, and confiding her grief to her faithful friend, “if I could + but have a little quiet to eat it with. Oh, how much happier I was when I + was a widow and before all this money fell in to me!” + </p> + <p> + The Clavering family had indeed made a false start in life, and had got + neither conduct, nor position, nor thanks for the hospitalities which they + administered, nor a return of kindness from the people whom they + entertained. The success of their first London season was doubtful; and + their failure afterwards notorious. “Human patience was not great enough + to put up with Sir Francis Clavering,” people said. “He was too hopelessly + low, dull, and disreputable. You could not say what, but there was a taint + about the house and its entourages. Who was the Begum, with her money, and + without her h's, and where did she come from? What an extraordinary little + piece of conceit the daughter was, with her Gallicised graces and daring + affectations, not fit for well-bred English girls to associate with! What + strange people were those they assembled round about them! Sir Francis + Clavering was a gambler, living notoriously in the society of blacklegs + and profligates. Hely Clinker, who was in his regiment, said that he not + only cheated at cards, but showed the white feather. What could Lady + Rockminster have meant by taking her up? After the first season, indeed, + Lady Rockminster, who had taken up Lady Clavering, put her down; the great + ladies would not take their daughters to her parties; the young men who + attended them behaved with the most odious freedom and scornful + familiarity; and poor Lady Clavering herself avowed that she was obliged + to take what she called 'the canal' into her parlour, because the tip-tops + wouldn't come.” + </p> + <p> + She had not the slightest ill-will towards “the canal,” the poor dear + lady, or any pride about herself, or idea, that she was better than her + neighbour; but she had taken implicitly the orders which on her entry into + the world her social godmother had given her: she had been willing to know + whom they knew, and ask whom they asked. The “canal,” in fact, was much + pleasanter than what is called “society;” but, as we said before, that to + leave a mistress is easy, while, on the contrary, to be left by her is + cruel: so you may give up society without any great pang, or anything but + a sensation of relief at the parting; but severe are the mortifications + and pains you have if society gives up you. + </p> + <p> + One young man of fashion we have mentioned, who at least it might have + been expected would have been found faithful amongst the faithless, and + Harry Foker, Esq., was indeed that young man. But he had not managed + matters with prudence, and the unhappy passion at first confided to Pen + became notorious and ridiculous to the town, was carried to the ears of + his weak and fond mother; and finally brought under the cognisance of the + bald-headed and inflexible Foker senior. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Foker learned this disagreeable news, there took place between + him and his son a violent and painful scene, which ended in the poor + little gentleman's banishment from England for a year, with a positive + order to return at the expiration of that time and complete his marriage + with his cousin, or to retire into private life and three hundred a year + altogether, and never see parent or brewery more. Mr. Henry Foker went + away then, carrying with him that grief and care which passes free at the + strictest Custom-houses, and which proverbially accompanies the exile; and + with this crape over his eyes, even the Parisian Boulevard looked + melancholy to him, and the sky of Italy black. + </p> + <p> + To Sir Francis Clavering, that year was a most unfortunate one. The events + described in the last chapter came to complete the ruin of the year. It + was that year of grace in which, as our sporting readers may remember, + Lord Harrowhill's horse (he was a classical young nobleman, and named his + stud out of the Iliad)—when Podasokus won the Derby, to the dismay + of the knowing ones, who pronounced the winning horse's name in various + extraordinary ways, and who backed Borax, who was nowhere in the race. Sir + Francis Clavering, who was intimate with some of the most rascally + characters of the turf, and, of course, had “valuable information,” had + laid heavy odds against the winning horse, and backed the favourite + freely, and the result of his dealings was, as his son correctly stated to + poor Lady Clavering, a loss of seven thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it was a cruel blow upon the lady, who had discharged her + husband's debts many times over; who had received as many times his oaths + and promises of amendment; who had paid his money-lenders and + horse-dealers; who had furnished his town and country houses, and who was + called upon now instantly to meet this enormous sum, the penalty of her + cowardly husband's extravagance. + </p> + <p> + It has been described in former pages how the elder Pendennis had become + the adviser of the Clavering family, and, in his quality of intimate + friend of the house, had gone over every room of it, and even seen that + ugly closet which we all of us have, and in which, according to the + proverb, the family skeleton is locked up. About the Baronet's pecuniary + matters, if the Major did not know, it was because Clavering himself did + not know them, and hid them from himself and others in such a hopeless + entanglement of lies that it was impossible for adviser or attorney or + principal to get an accurate knowledge of his affairs. But, concerning + Lady Clavering, the Major was much better informed; and when the unlucky + mishap of the Derby arose, he took upon himself to become completely and + thoroughly acquainted with all her means, whatsoever they were; and was + now accurately informed of the vast and repeated sacrifices which the + widow Amory had made in behalf of her present husband. + </p> + <p> + He did not conceal—and he had won no small favour from Miss Blanche + by avowing it—his opinion, that Lady Clavering's daughter had been + hardly treated at the expense of her son, by her second marriage: and in + his conversations with Lady Clavering had fairly hinted that he thought + Miss Blanche ought to have a better provision. We have said that he had + already given the widow to understand that he knew all the particulars of + her early and unfortunate history, having been in India at the time when—when + the painful circumstances occurred which had ended in her parting from her + first husband. He could tell her where to find the Calcutta newspaper + which contained the account of Amory's trial, and he showed, and the Begum + was not a little grateful to him for his forbearance, how, being aware all + along of this mishap which had befallen her, he had kept all knowledge of + it to himself, and been constantly the friend of her family. + </p> + <p> + “Interested motives, my dear Lady Clavering,” he said, “of course I may + have had. We all have interested motives, and mine, I don't conceal from + you, was to make a marriage between my nephew and your daughter.” To which + Lady Clavering, perhaps with some surprise that the Major should choose + her family for a union with his own, said she was quite willing to + consent. + </p> + <p> + But frankly he said, “My dear lady, my boy has but five hundred a year, + and a wife with ten thousand pounds to her fortune would scarcely better + him. We could do better for him than that, permit me to say, and he is a + shrewd, cautious young fellow who has sown his wild oats now—who has + very good parts and plenty of ambition—and whose object in marrying + is to better himself. If you and Sir Francis chose—and Sir Francis, + take my word for it, will refuse you nothing—you could put Arthur in + a way to advance very considerably in the world, and show the stuff which + he has in him. Of what use is that seat in Parliament to Clavering, who + scarcely ever shows his face in the House, or speaks a word there? I'm + told by gentlemen who heard my boy at Oxbridge, that he was famous as an + orator, begad!—and once put his foot into the stirrup and mount him, + I've no doubt he won't be the last of the field, ma'am. I've tested the + chap, and know him pretty well, I think. He is much too lazy, and + careless, and flighty a fellow, to make a jog-trot journey, and arrive, as + your lawyers do, at the end of their lives! but give him a start and good + friends, and an opportunity, and take my word for it, he'll make himself a + name that his sons shall be proud of. I don't see any way for a fellow + like him to parvenir, but by making a prudent marriage—not with a + beggarly heiress—to sit down for life upon a miserable fifteen + hundred a year—but with somebody whom he can help, and who can help + him forward in the world, and whom he can give a good name and a station + in the country, begad, in return for the advantages which she brings him. + It would be better for you to have a distinguished son-in-law, than to + keep your husband on in Parliament, who's of no good to himself or to + anybody else there, and that's, I say, why I've been interested about you, + and offer you what I think a good bargain for both.” + </p> + <p> + “You know I look upon Arthur as one of the family almost now,” said the + good-natured Begum; “he comes and goes when he likes; and the more I think + of his dear mother, the more I see there's few people so good—none + so good to me. And I'm sure I cried when I heard of her death, and would + have gone into mourning for her myself, only black don't become me. And I + know who his mother wanted him to marry—Laura, I mean—whom old + Lady Rockminster has taken such a fancy to, and, no wonder. She's a better + girl than my girl. I know both. And my Betsy—Blanche, I mean—ain't + been a comfort to me, Major. It's Laura Pen ought to marry. + </p> + <p> + “Marry on five hundred a year! My dear good soul, you are mad!” Major + Pendennis said. “Think over what I have said to you. Do nothing in your + affairs with that unhappy husband of yours without consulting me; and + remember that old Pendennis is always your friend.” + </p> + <p> + For some time previous, Pen's uncle had held similar language to Miss + Amory. He had pointed out to her the convenience of the match which he had + at heart, and was bound to say, that mutual convenience was of all things + the very best in the world to marry upon—the only thing. “Look at + your love-marriages, my dear young creature. The love-match people are the + most notorious of all for quarrelling afterwards; and a girl who runs away + with Jack to Gretna Green, constantly runs away with Tom to Switzerland + afterwards. The great point in marriage is for people to agree to be + useful to one another. The lady brings the means, and the gentleman avails + himself of them. My boy's wife brings the horse, and begad Pen goes in and + wins the plate. That's what I call a sensible union. A couple like that + have something to talk to each other about when they come together. If you + had Cupid himself to talk to—if Blanche and Pen were Cupid and + Psyche, begad—they'd begin to yawn after a few evenings, if they had + nothing but sentiment to speak on.” + </p> + <p> + As for Miss Amory, she was contented enough with Pen as long as there was + nobody better. And how many other young ladies are like her?—and how + many love-marriages carry on well to the last?—and how sentimental + firms do not finish in bankruptcy?—and how many heroic passions + don't dwindle down into despicable indifference, or end in shameful + defeat? + </p> + <p> + These views of life and philosophy the Major was constantly, according to + his custom, inculcating to Pen, whose mind was such that he could see the + right on both sides of many questions, and, comprehending the sentimental + life which was quite out of the reach of the honest Major's intelligence, + could understand the practical life too, and accommodate himself, or think + he could accommodate himself, to it. So it came to pass that during the + spring succeeding his mother's death he became a good deal under the + influence of his uncle's advice, and domesticated in Lady Clavering's + house; and in a measure was accepted by Miss Amory without being a suitor, + and was received without being engaged. The young people were extremely + familiar, without being particularly sentimental, and met and parted with + each other in perfect good-humour. “And I,” thought Pendennis, “am the + fellow who eight years ago had a Grand passion, and last year was raging + in a fever about Briseis!” + </p> + <p> + Yes, it was the same Pendennis, and time had brought to him, as to the + rest of us, its ordinary consequences, consolations, developments. We + alter very little. When we talk of this man or that woman being no longer + the same person whom we remember in youth, and remark (of course to + deplore) changes in our friends, we don't, perhaps, calculate that + circumstance only brings out the latent defect or quality, and does not + create it. The selfish languor and indifference of to-day's possession is + the consequence of the selfish ardour of yesterday's pursuit: the scorn + and weariness which cries vanitas vanitatum is but the lassitude of the + sick appetite palled with pleasure: the insolence of the successful + parvenu is only the necessary continuance of the career of the needy + struggler: our mental changes are like our grey hairs or our wrinkles—but + the fulfilment of the plan of mortal growth and decay: that which is + snow-white now was glossy black once; that which is sluggish obesity + to-day was boisterous rosy health a few years back; that calm weariness, + benevolent, resigned, and disappointed, was ambition, fierce and violent, + but a few years since, and has only settled into submissive repose after + many a battle and defeat. Lucky he who can bear his failure so generously, + and give up his broken sword to Fate the Conqueror with a manly and humble + heart! Are you not awestricken, you, friendly reader, who, taking the page + up for a moment's light reading, lay it down, perchance, for a graver + reflection,—to think how you, who have consummated your success or + your disaster, may be holding marked station, or a hopeless and nameless + place, in the crowd—who have passed through how many struggles of + defeat, success, crime, remorse, to yourself only known!—who may + have loved and grown cold, wept and laughed again, how often!—to + think how you are the same, You, whom in childhood you remember, before + the voyage of life began? It has been prosperous, and you are riding into + port, the people huzzaing and the guns saluting,—and the lucky + captain bows from the ship's side, and there is a care under the star on + his breast which nobody knows of: or you are wrecked, and lashed, + hopeless, to a solitary spar out at sea:—the sinking man and the + successful one are thinking each about home, very likely, and remembering + the time when they were children; alone on the hopeless spar, drowning out + of sight; alone in the midst of the crowd applauding you. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXI. Conversations + </h2> + <p> + Our good-natured Begum was at first so much enraged at this last instance + of her husband's duplicity and folly, that she refused to give Sir Francis + Clavering any aid in order to meet his debts of honour, and declared that + she would separate from him, and leave him to the consequences of his + incorrigible weakness and waste. After that fatal day's transactions at + the Derby, the unlucky gambler was in such a condition of mind that he was + disposed to avoid everybody; alike his turf-associates with whom he had + made the debts which he trembled lest he should not have the means of + paying, and his wife, his long-suffering banker, on whom he reasonably + doubted whether he should be allowed any longer to draw. When Lady + Clavering asked the next morning whether Sir Francis was in the house, she + received answer that he had not returned that night, but had sent a + messenger to his valet, ordering him to forward clothes and letters by the + bearer. Strong knew that he should have a visit or a message from him in + the course of that or the subsequent day, and accordingly got a note + beseeching him to call upon his distracted friend F. C. at Short Hotel, + Blackfriars, and ask for Mr. Francis there. For the Baronet was a + gentleman of that peculiarity of mind that he would rather tell a lie than + not, and always began a contest with fortune by running away and hiding + himself. The Boots of Mr. Short's establishment, who carried Clavering's + message to Grosvenor Place, and brought back his carpet-bag, was instantly + aware who was the owner of the bag, and he imparted his information to the + footman who was laying the breakfast-table, who carried down the news to + the servants'-hall, who took it to Mrs. Bonner, my lady's housekeeper and + confidential maid, who carried it to my lady. And thus every single person + in the Grosvenor Place establishment knew that Sir Francis was in hiding, + under the name of Francis, at an inn in the Blackfriars Road. And Sir + Francis's coachman told the news to other gentlemen's coachmen, who + carried it to their masters, and to the neighbouring Tattersall's, where + very gloomy anticipations were formed that Sir Francis Clavering was about + to make a tour in the Levant. + </p> + <p> + In the course of that day the number of letters addressed to Sir Francis + Clavering, Bart., which found their way to his hall-table, was quite + remarkable. The French cook sent in his account to my lady; the tradesmen + who supplied her ladyship's table, and Messrs. Finer and Gimcrack, the + mercers and ornamental dealers, and Madame Crinoline, the eminent + milliner, also forwarded their little bills to her ladyship, in company + with Miss Amory's private, and by no means inconsiderable, account at each + establishment. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon of the day after the Derby, when Strong (after a colloquy + with his principal at Short's Hotel, whom he found crying and drinking + Curacoa) called to transact business according to his custom at Grosvenor + Place, he found all these suspicious documents ranged in the Baronet's + study; and began to open them and examine them with a rueful countenance. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bonner, my lady's maid and housekeeper, came down upon him whilst + engaged in this occupation. Mrs. Bonner, a part of the family and as + necessary to her mistress as the Chevalier was to Sir Francis, was of + course on Lady Clavering's side in the dispute between her and her + husband, and as by duty bound even more angry than her ladyship herself. + </p> + <p> + “She won't pay, if she takes my advice,” Mrs. Bonner said. “You'll please + to go back to Sir Francis, Captain—and he lurking about in a low + public-house and don't dare to face his wife like a man!—and say + that we won't pay his debts no longer. We made a man of him, we took him + out of gaol (and other folks too perhaps), we've paid his debts over and + over again—we set him up in Parliament and gave him a house in town + and country, and where he don't dare show his face, the shabby sneak! + We've given him the horse he rides and the dinner he eats and the very + clothes he has on his back; and we will give him no more. Our fortune, + such as is left of it, is left to ourselves, and we won't waste any more + of it on this ungrateful man. We'll give him enough to live upon and leave + him, that's what we'll do: and that's what you may tell him from Susan + Bonner.” + </p> + <p> + Susan Bonner's mistress hearing of Strong's arrival sent for him at this + juncture, and the Chevalier went up to her ladyship not without hopes that + he should find her more tractable than her factotum Mrs. Bonner. Many a + time before had he pleaded his client's cause with Lady Clavering and + caused her good-nature to relent. He tried again once more. He painted in + dismal colours the situation in which he had found Sir Francis: and would + not answer for any consequences which might ensue if he could not find + means of meeting his engagements. + </p> + <p> + “Kill hisself,” laughed Mrs. Bonner, “kill hisself, will he? Dying's the + best thing he could do.” Strong vowed that he had found him with the + razors on the table; but at this, in her turn, Lady Clavering laughed + bitterly. “He'll do himself no harm, as long as there's a shilling left of + which he can rob a poor woman. His life's quite safe, Captain: you may + depend upon that. Ah! it was a bad day that ever I set eyes on him.” + </p> + <p> + “He's worse than the first man,” cried out my lady's aide-de-camp. “He was + a man, he was—a wild devil, but he had the courage of a man—whereas + this fellow—what's the use of my lady paying his bills, and selling + her diamonds, and forgiving him? He'll be as bad again next year. The very + next chance he has he'll be a-cheating of her, and robbing of her; and her + money will go to keep a pack of rogues and swindlers—I don't mean + you, Captain—you've been a good friend to us enough, bating we wish + we'd never set eyes on you.” + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier saw from the words which Mrs. Bonner had let slip regarding + the diamonds, that the kind Begum was disposed to relent once more at + least, and that there were hopes still for his principal. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, ma'am,” he said, with a real feeling of sympathy for Lady + Clavering's troubles, and admiration for her untiring good-nature, and + with a show of enthusiasm which advanced not a little his graceless + patron's cause—“anything you say against Clavering, or Mrs. Bonner + here cries out against me, is no better than we deserve, both of us, and + it was an unlucky day for you when you saw either. He has behaved cruelly + to you and if you were not the most generous and forgiving woman in the + world, I know there would be no chance for him. But you can't let the + father of your son be a disgraced man, and send little Frank into the + world with such a stain upon him. Tie him down; bind him by any promises + you like: I vouch for him that he will subscribe them.” + </p> + <p> + “And break 'em,” said Mrs. Bonner. + </p> + <p> + “And keep 'em this time,” cried out Strong. “He must keep them. If you + could have seen how he wept, ma'am! 'Oh, Strong,' he said to me, 'it's not + for myself I feel now: it's for my boy—it's for the best woman in + England, whom I have treated basely—I know I have.' He didn't intend + to bet upon this race, ma'am—indeed he didn't. He was cheated into + it: all the ring was taken in. He thought he might make the bet quite + safely, without the least risk. And it will be a lesson to him for all his + life long. To see a man cry—oh, it's dreadful.” + </p> + <p> + “He don't think much of making my dear missus cry,” said Mrs. Bonner—“poor + dear soul!—look if he does, Captain.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + “If you've the soul of a man, Clavering,” Strong said to his principal, + when he recounted this scene to him, “you'll keep your promise this time: + and, so help me Heaven! if you break word with her, I'll turn against you, + and tell all.” + </p> + <p> + “What all?” cried Mr. Francis, to whom his ambassador brought the news + back at Short's Hotel, where Strong found the Baronet crying and drinking + curacoa. + </p> + <p> + “Psha! Do you suppose I am a fool?” burst out Strong. “Do you suppose I + could have lived so long in the world, Frank Clavering, without having my + eyes about me? You know I have but to speak and you are a beggar + to-morrow. And I am not the only man who knows your secret.” + </p> + <p> + “Who else does?” gasped Clavering. + </p> + <p> + “Old Pendennis does, or I am very much mistaken. He recognised the man the + first night he saw him, when he came drunk into your house.” + </p> + <p> + “He knows it, does he?” shrieked out Clavering. “Damn him—kill him.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd like to kill us all, wouldn't you, old boy?” said Strong, with a + sneer, puffing his cigar. + </p> + <p> + The Baronet dashed his weak hand against his forehead; perhaps the other + had interpreted his wish rightly. “Oh, Strong!” he cried, “if I dared, I'd + put an end to myself, for I'm the d——-est miserable dog in all + England. It's that that makes me so wild and reckless. It's that which + makes me take to drink” (and he drank, with a trembling hand, a bumper of + his fortifier—the curacoa), “and to live about with these thieves. I + know they're thieves, every one of 'em, d——d thieves. And—and + how can I help it?—and I didn't know it, you know—and, by Gad, + I'm innocent—and until I saw the d——d scoundrel first, I + knew no more about it than the dead—and I'll fly, and I'll go abroad + out of the reach of the confounded hells, and I'll bury myself in a + forest, by Gad! and hang myself up to a tree—and, oh—I'm the + most miserable beggar in all England!” And so with more tears, shrieks, + and curses, the impotent wretch vented his grief and deplored his unhappy + fate; and, in the midst of groans and despair and blasphemy, vowed his + miserable repentance. + </p> + <p> + The honoured proverb which declares that to be an ill wind which blows + good to nobody, was verified in the case of Sir Francis Clavering, and + another of the occupants of Mr. Strong's chambers in Shepherd's Inn. The + man was “good,” by a lucky hap, with whom Colonel Altamont made his bet; + and on the settling day of the Derby—as Captain Clinker, who was + appointed to settle Sir Francis Clavering's book for him (for Lady + Clavering by the advice of Major Pendennis, would not allow the Baronet to + liquidate his own money transactions), paid over the notes to the + Baronet's many creditors—Colonel Altamont had the satisfaction of + receiving the odds of thirty to one in fifties, which he had taken against + the winning horse of the day. + </p> + <p> + Numbers of the Colonel's friends were present on the occasion to + congratulate him on his luck—all Altamont's own set, and the gents + who met in the private parlour of the convivial Wheeler, my host of the + Harlequin's Head, came to witness their comrade's good fortune, and would + have liked, with a generous sympathy for success, to share in it. “Now was + the time,” Tom Driver had suggested to the Colonel, “to have up the specie + ship that was sunk in the Gulf of Mexico, with the three hundred and + eighty thousand dollars on board, besides bars and doubloons.” “The + Tredyddlums were very low—to be bought for an old song—never + was such an opportunity for buying shares,” Mr. Keightley insinuated; and + Jack Holt pressed forward his tobacco-smuggling scheme, the audacity of + which pleased the Colonel more than any other of the speculations proposed + to him. Then of the Harlequin's Head boys: there was Jack Rackstraw, who + knew of a pair of horses which the Colonel must buy; Tom Fleet, whose + satirical paper, The Swell, wanted but two hundred pounds of capital to be + worth a thousand a year to any man—“with such a power and influence, + Colonel, you rogue, and the entree of the green-rooms in London,” Tom + urged; whilst little Moss Abiams entreated the Colonel not to listen to + these absurd fellows with their humbugging speculations, but to invest his + money in some good bills which Moss could get for him, and which would + return him fifty per cent as safe as the Bank of England. + </p> + <p> + Each and all of these worthies came round the Colonel with their various + blandishments; but he had courage enough to resist them, and to button up + his notes in the pocket of his coat, and go home to Strong, and “sport” + the outer door of the chambers. Honest Strong had given his fellow-lodger + good advice about all his acquaintances; and though, when pressed, he did + not mind frankly taking twenty pounds himself out of the Colonel's + winnings, Strong was a great deal too upright to let others cheat him. + </p> + <p> + He was not a bad fellow when in good fortune, this Altamont. He ordered a + smart livery for Grady, and made poor old Costigan shed tears of quickly + dried gratitude by giving him a five-pound note after a snug dinner at the + Back Kitchen, and he bought a green shawl for Mrs. Bolton, and a yellow + one for Fanny: the most brilliant “sacrifices” of a Regent Street + haberdasher's window. And a short time after this, upon her birthday, + which happened in the month of June, Miss Amory received from “a friend” a + parcel containing an enormous brass inlaid writing-desk, in which there + was a set of amethysts, the most hideous eyes ever looked upon,—a + musical snuff-box, and two Keepsakes of the year before last, and + accompanied with a couple of gown pieces of the most astounding colours, + the receipt of which goods made the Sylphide laugh and wonder + immoderately. Now it is a fact that Colonel Altamont had made a purchase + of cigars and French silks from some duffers in Fleet Street about this + period; and he was found by Strong in the open Auction Room in Cheapside, + having invested some money in two desks, several pairs of richly-plated + candlesticks, a dinner epergne, and a bagatelle-board. The dinner epergne + remained at chambers, and figured at the banquets there, which the Colonel + gave pretty freely. It seemed beautiful in his eyes, until Jack Holt said + it looked as if it had been taken “in a bill.” And Jack Holt certainly + knew. + </p> + <p> + The dinners were pretty frequent at chambers, and Sir Francis Clavering + condescended to partake of them constantly. His own house was shut up: the + successor of Mirobolant, who had sent in his bills so prematurely, was + dismissed by the indignant Lady Clavering: the luxuriance of the + establishment was greatly pruned and reduced. One of the large footmen was + cashiered, upon which the other gave warning, not liking to serve without + his mate, or in a family where on'y one footman was kep'. General and + severe economical reforms were practised by the Begum in her whole + household, in consequence of the extravagance of which her graceless + husband had been guilty. The Major, as her ladyship's friend; Strong, on + the part of poor Clavering; her ladyship's lawyer, and the honest Begum + herself, executed these reforms with promptitude and severity. After + paying the Baronet's debts, the settlement of which occasioned + considerable public scandal, and caused the Baronet to sink even lower in + the world's estimation than he had been before, Lady Clavering quitted + London for Tunbridge Wells in high dudgeon, refusing to see her reprobate + husband, whom nobody pitied. Clavering remained in London patiently, by no + means anxious to meet his wife's just indignation, and sneaked in and out + of the House of Commons, whence he and Captain Raff and Mr. Marker would + go to have a game at billiards and a cigar or showed in the sporting + public-houses; or might be seen lurking about Lincoln's Inn and his + lawyers', where the principals kept him for hours waiting, and the clerks + winked at each other, as he sate in their office. No wonder that he + relished the dinners at Shepherd's Inn, and was perfectly resigned there: + resigned? he was so happy nowhere else; he was wretched amongst his + equals, who scorned him—but here he was the chief guest at the + table, where they continually addressed him with “Yes, Sir Francis” and + “No, Sir Francis,” where he told his wretched jokes, and where he quavered + his dreary little French song, after Strong had sung his Jovial chorus, + and honest Costigan had piped his Irish ditties. Such a jolly menage as + Strong's, with Grady's Irish-stew, and the Chevalier's brew of punch after + dinner, would have been welcome to many a better man than Clavering, the + solitude of whose great house at home frightened him, where he was + attended only by the old woman who kept the house, and his valet who + sneered at him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dammit,” said he to his friends in Shepherd's Inn, “that fellow of + mine, I must turn him away, only I owe him two years' wages, curse him, + and can't ask my lady. He brings me my tea cold of a morning, with a dem'd + leaden teaspoon, and he says my lady's sent all the plate to the banker's + because it ain't safe.—Now ain't it hard that she won't trust me + with a single teaspoon; ain't it ungentlemanlike, Altamont? You know my + lady's of low birth—that is—I beg your pardon—hem—that + is, it's most cruel of her not to show more confidence in me. And the very + servants begin to laugh—the damn scoundrels! I break every bone in + their great hulking bodies, curse 'em, I will.—They don't answer my + bell: and—and my man was at Vauxhall last night with one of my + dress-shirts and my velvet waistcoat on, I know it was mine—the + confounded impudent blackguard—and he went on dancing before my eyes + confound him! I'm sure he'll live to be hanged—he deserves to be + hanged—all those infernal rascals of valets.” + </p> + <p> + He was very kind to Altamont now: he listened to the Colonel's loud + stories when Altamont described how—when he was working his way home + once from New Zealand, where he had been on a whaling expedition—he + and his comrades had been obliged to slink on board at night, to escape + from their wives, by Jove—and how the poor devils put out in their + canoes when they saw the ship under sail, and paddled madly after her: how + he had been lost in the bush once for three months in New South Wales, + when he was there once on a trading speculation: how he had seen Boney at + Saint Helena, and been presented to him with the rest of the officers of + the Indiaman of which he was a mate—to all these tales (and over his + cups Altamont told many of them; and, it must be owned, lied and bragged a + great deal) Sir Francis now listened with great attention; making a point + of drinking wine with Altamont at dinner and of treating him with every + distinction. + </p> + <p> + “Leave him alone, I know what he's a-coming to,” Altamont said, laughing + to Strong, who remonstrated with him, “and leave me alone; I know what I'm + a-telling, very well. I was officer on board an Indiaman, so I was; I + traded to New South Wales, so I did, in a ship of my own, and lost her. I + became officer to the Nawaub, so I did; only me and my royal master have + had a difference, Strong—that's it. Who's the better or the worse + for what I tell? or knows anything about me? The other chap is dead—shot + in the bush, and his body reckonised at Sydney. If I thought anybody would + split, do you think I wouldn't wring his neck? I've done as good before + now, Strong—I told you how I did for the overseer before I took + leave—but in fair fight, I mean—in fair fight; or, rayther, he + had the best of it. He had his gun and bay'net, and I had only an axe. + Fifty of 'em saw it—ay, and cheered me when I did it—and I'd + do it again,—him, wouldn't I? I ain't afraid of anybody; and I'd + have the life of the man who split upon me. That's my maxim, and pass me + the liquor.—You wouldn't turn on a man. I know you. You're an honest + feller, and will stand by a feller, and have looked death in the face like + a man. But as for that lily-livered sneak—that poor lyin' swindlin' + cringin' cur of a Clavering—who stands in my shoes—stands in + my shoes, hang him! I'll make him pull my boots off and clean 'em, I will. + Ha, ha!” Here he burst out into a wild laugh, at which Strong got up and + put away the brandy-bottle. The other still laughed good-humouredly. + “You're right, old boy,” he said; “you always keep your head cool, you do—and + when I begin to talk too much—I say, when I begin to pitch, I + authorise you, and order you, and command you, to put away the + rum-bottle.” + </p> + <p> + “Take my counsel, Altamont,” Strong said, gravely, “and mind how you deal + with that man. Don't make it too much his interest to get rid of you; or + who knows what he may do?” + </p> + <p> + The event for which, with cynical enjoyment, Altamont had been on the + look-out, came very speedily. One day, Strong being absent upon an errand + for his principal, Sir Francis made his appearance in the chambers, and + found the envoy of the Nawaub alone. He abused the world in general for + being heartless and unkind to him: he abused his wife for being ungenerous + to him; he abused Strong for being ungrateful—hundreds of pounds had + he given Ned Strong—been his friend for life and kept him out of + gaol, by Jove,—and now Ned was taking her ladyship's side against + him and abetting her in her infernal unkind treatment of him. “They've + entered into a conspiracy to keep me penniless, Altamont,” the Baronet + said: “they don't give me as much pocket money as Frank has at school.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you go down to Richmond and borrow of him, Clavering?” Altamont + broke out with a savage laugh. “He wouldn't see his poor old beggar of a + father without pocket-money, would he?” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, I've been obliged to humiliate myself cruelly” Clavering + said. “Look here, sir—look here, at these pawn-tickets! Fancy a + Member of Parliament and an old English Baronet, by Gad! obliged to put a + drawing-room clock and a buhl inkstand up the spout; and a gold + duck's-head paper-holder, that I dare say cost my wife five pound, for + which they'd only give me fifteen-and-six! Oh, it's a humiliating thing, + sir, poverty to a man of my habits; and it's made me shed tears, sir,—tears; + and that d——d valet of mine—curse him, I wish he was + hanged!—he had the confounded impudence to threaten to tell my lady: + as the things in my own house weren't my own, to sell or to keep, or fling + out of window if I chose—by Gad! the confounded scoundrel. + </p> + <p> + “Cry a little; don't mind cryin' before me—it'll relieve you + Clavering,” the other said. “Why, I say, old feller, what a happy feller I + once thought you, and what a miserable son of a gun you really are!” + </p> + <p> + “It's a shame that they treat me so, ain't it?” Clavering went on,—for, + though ordinarily silent and apathetic, about his own griefs the Baronet + could whine for an hour at a time. “And—and, by Gad, sir, I haven't + got the money to pay the very cab that's waiting for me at the door; and + the porteress, that Mrs. Bolton, lent me three shillin's, and I don't like + to ask her for any more: and I asked that d——d old Costigan, + the confounded old penniless Irish miscreant, and he hadn't got a + shillin', the beggar; and Campion's out of town, or else he'd do a little + bill for me, I know he would.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you swore on your honour to your wife that you wouldn't put + your name to paper,” said Mr. Altamont, puffing at his cigar. + </p> + <p> + “Why does she leave me without pocket-money, then? Damme, I must have + money,” cried out the Baronet. “Oh, Am——, oh, Altamont, I'm + the most miserable beggar alive.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd like a chap to lend you a twenty-pound note, wouldn't you now?” the + other asked. + </p> + <p> + “If you would, I'd be grateful to you for ever—for ever, my dearest + friend,” cried Clavering. + </p> + <p> + “How much would you give? Will you give a fifty-pound bill, at six months, + for half down and half in plate?” asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I would, so help me——, and pay it on the day,” screamed + Clavering. “I'll make it payable at my banker's: I'll do anything you + like.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was only chaffing you. I'll give you twenty pound.” + </p> + <p> + “You said a pony,” interposed Clavering; “my dear fellow, you said a pony, + and I'll be eternally obliged to you; and I'll not take it as a gift—only + as a loan, and pay you back in six months. I take my oath, I will.” + </p> + <p> + “Well—well—there's the money, Sir Francis Clavering. I ain't a + bad fellow. When I've money in my pocket, dammy, I spend it like a man. + Here's five-and-twenty for you. Don't be losing it at the hells now. Don't + be making a fool of yourself. Go down to Clavering Park, and it'll keep + you ever so long. You needn't 'ave butchers' meat: there's pigs, I dare + say, on the premises: and you can shoot rabbits for dinner, you know, + every day till the game comes in. Besides, the neighbours will ask you + about to dinner, you know, sometimes: for you are a Baronet, though you + have outrun the constable. And you've got this comfort, that I'm off your + shoulders for a good bit to come—p'raps this two years—if I + don't play; and I don't intend to touch the confounded black and red: and + by that time my lady, as you call her—Jimmy, I used to say—will + have come round again; and you'll be ready for me, you know, and come down + handsomely to yours truly.” + </p> + <p> + At this juncture of their conversation Strong returned, nor did the + Baronet care much about prolonging the talk, having got the money: and he + made his way from Shepherd's Inn, and went home and bullied his servant in + a manner so unusually brisk and insolent that the man concluded his master + must have pawned some more of the house furniture, or, at any rate, have + come into possession of some ready money. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + “And yet I've looked over the house, Morgan, and I don't thin he has took + any more of the things,” Sir Francis's valet said to Major Pendennis's + man, as they met at their Club soon after. “My lady locked up a'most all + the bejews afore she went away, and he couldn't take away the picters and + looking-glasses in a cab and he wouldn't spout the fenders and fire-irons—he + ain't so bad as that. But he's got money somehow. He's so dam'd imperent + when he have. A few nights ago I sor him at Vauxhall, where I was a-polkin + with Lady Hemly Babewood's gals—a wery pleasant room that is, and an + uncommon good lot in it, hall except the 'ousekeeper, and she's + methodisticle—I was a-polkin—you're too old a cove to polk, + Mr. Morgan—and 'ere's your 'ealth—and I 'appened to 'ave on + some of Clavering's abberdashery, and he sor it too: and he didn't dare so + much as speak a word.” + </p> + <p> + “How about the house in St. John's Wood?” Mr. Morgan asked. + </p> + <p> + “Execution in it.—Sold up heverythin: ponies, and pianna, and + brougham, and all. Mrs. Montague were hoff to Boulogne,—non est + inwentus, Mr. Morgan. It's my belief she put the execution in herself: and + was tired of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Play much?” asked Morgan. + </p> + <p> + “Not since the smash. When your Governor, and the lawyers, and my lady and + him had that tremendous scene: he went down on his knees, my lady told + Mrs. Bonner, as told me,—and swear as he never more would touch a + card or a dice, or put his name to a bit of paper; and my lady was a-goin' + to give him the notes down to pay his liabilities after the race: only + your Governor said (which he wrote it on a piece of paper, and passed it + across the table to the lawyer and my lady) that some one else had better + book up for him, for he'd have kep' some of the money. He's a sly old + cove, your Gov'nor.” + </p> + <p> + The expression of “old cove,” thus flippantly applied by the younger + gentleman to himself and his master, displeased Mr. Morgan exceedingly. On + the first occasion, when Mr. Lightfoot used the obnoxious expression, his + comrade's anger was only indicated by a silent frown; but on the second + offence, Morgan, who was smoking his cigar elegantly, and holding it on + the tip of his penknife, withdrew the cigar from his lips, and took his + young friend to task. + </p> + <p> + “Don't call Major Pendennis an old cove, if you'll 'ave the goodness, + Lightfoot, and don't call me an old cove, nether. Such words ain't used in + society; and we have lived in the fust society, both at 'ome and foring. + We've been intimate with the fust statesmen of Europe. When we go abroad + we dine with Prince Metternitch and Louy Philup reg'lar. We go here to the + best houses, the tip-tops, I tell you. We ride with Lord John and the + noble Whycount at the edd of Foring Affairs. We dine with the Hearl of + Burgrave, and are consulted by the Marquis of Steyne in everythink. We + ought to know a thing or two, Mr. Lightfoot. You're a young man, I'm an + old cove, as you say. We've both seen the world, and we both know that it + ain't money, nor bein' a Baronet, nor 'avin' a town and country 'ouse, nor + a paltry five or six thousand a year.” + </p> + <p> + “It's ten, Mr. Morgan,” cried Mr. Lightfoot, with great animation. + </p> + <p> + “It may have been, sir,” Morgan said, with calm severity; “it may have + been, Mr. Lightfoot, but it ain't six now, nor five, sir. It's been + doosedly dipped and cut into, sir, by the confounded extravygance of your + master, with his helbow shakin', and his bill discountin', and his cottage + in the Regency Park, and his many wickednesses. He's a bad un, Mr. + Lightfoot,—a bad lot, sir, and that you know. And it ain't money, + sir—not such money as that, at any rate, come from a Calcuttar + attorney, and I dussay wrung out of the pore starving blacks—that + will give a pusson position in society, as you know very well. We've no + money, but we go everywhere; there's not a housekeeper's room, sir, in + this town of any consiquince, where James Morgan ain't welcome. And it was + me who got you into this Club, Lightfoot, as you very well know, though I + am an old cove, and they would have blackballed you without me as sure as + your name is Frederic.” + </p> + <p> + “I know they would, Mr. Morgan,” said the other, with much humility. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, don't call me an old cove, sir. It ain't gentlemanlike, + Frederic Lightfoot, which I knew you when you was a cab-boy, and when your + father was in trouble, and got you the place you have now when the + Frenchman went away. And if you think, sir, that because you're making up + to Mrs. Bonner, who may have saved her two thousand pound—and I dare + say she has in five-and-twenty years as she have lived confidential maid + to Lady Clavering—yet, sir, you must remember who put you into that + service; and who knows what you were before, sir, and it don't become you, + Frederic Lightfoot, to call me an old cove.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mr. Morgan—I can't do more than make an apology—will + you have a glass, sir, and let me drink your 'ealth?” + </p> + <p> + “You know I don't take sperrits. Lightfoot,” replied Morgan, appeased. + “And so you and Mrs. Bonner is going to put up together, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “She's old, but two thousand pound's a good bit, you see, Mr Morgan. And + we'll get the 'Clavering Arms' for a very little; and that'll be no bad + thing when the railroad runs through Clavering. And when we are there, I + hope you'll come and see us, Mr. Morgan.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a stoopid place, and no society,” said Mr. Morgan. “I know it well. + In Mrs Pendennis's time we used to go down, reg'lar, and the hair + refreshed me after the London racket.” + </p> + <p> + “The railroad will improve Mr. Arthur's property,” remarked Lightfoot. + “What's about the figure of it, should you say, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Under fifteen hundred, sir,” answered Morgan; at which the other, who + knew the extent of poor Arthur's acres, thrust his tongue in his cheek, + but remained wisely silent. + </p> + <p> + “Is his man any good, Mr. Morgan?” Lightfoot resumed. + </p> + <p> + “Pidgeon ain't used to society as yet; but he's young and has good + talents, and has read a good deal, and I dessay he will do very well,” + replied Morgan. “He wouldn't quite do for this kind of thing, Lightfoot, + for he ain't seen the world yet.” + </p> + <p> + When the pint of sherry for which Mr. Lightfoot called, upon Mr. Morgan's + announcement that he declined to drink spirits, had been discussed by the + two gentlemen, who held the wine up to the light, and smacked their lips, + and winked their eyes at it, and rallied the landlord as to the vintage, + in the most approved manner of connoisseurs, Morgan's ruffled equanimity + was quite restored, and he was prepared to treat his young friend with + perfect good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “What d'you think about Miss Amory, Lightfoot—tell us in confidence, + now—Do you think we should do well—you understand—if we + make Miss A. into Mrs. A. P., comprendy vous?” + </p> + <p> + “She and her Ma's always quarrellin',” said Mr. Lightfoot. “Bonner is more + than a match for the old lady, and treats Sir Francis like that—like + this year spill, which I fling into the grate. But she daren't say a word + to Miss Amory. No more dare none of us. When a visitor comes in, she + smiles and languishes, you'd think that butter wouldn't melt in her mouth: + and the minute he is gone, very likely, she flares up like a little demon, + and says things fit to send you wild. If Mr. Arthur comes, it's 'Do let's + sing that there delightful Song!' or, 'Come and write me them pooty verses + in this halbum!' and very likely she's been a-rilin' her mother, or + sticking pins into her maid, a minute before. She do stick pins into her + and pinch her. Mary Hann showed me one of her arms quite black and blue; + and I recklect Mrs. Bonner, who's as jealous of me as a old cat, boxed her + ears for showing me. And then you should see Miss at luncheon, when + there's nobody but the family! She makes b'leave she never heats, and my! + you should only jest see her. She has Mary Hann to bring her up plum-cakes + and creams into her bedroom; and the cook's the only man in the house + she's civil to. Bonner says, how, the second season in London, Mr. + Soppington was a-goin' to propose for her, and actially came one day, and + sor her fling a book into the fire, and scold her mother so, that he went + down softly by the back droring-room door, which he came in by; and next + thing we heard of him was, he was married to Miss Rider. Oh, she's a + devil, that little Blanche, and that's my candig apinium, Mr. Morgan.” + </p> + <p> + “Apinion, not apinium, Lightfoot, my good fellow,” Mr. Morgan said, with + parental kindness, and then asked of his own bosom with a sigh, why the + deuce does my Governor want Master Arthur to marry such a girl as this? + and the tete-a-tete of the two gentlemen was broken up by the entry of + other gentlemen, members of the Club—when fashionable town-talk, + politics, cribbage, and other amusements ensued, and the conversation + became general. + </p> + <p> + The Gentleman's Club was held in the parlour of the Wheel of Fortune + public-house, in a snug little by-lane, leading out of one of the great + streets of Mayfair, and frequented by some of the most select gentlemen + about town. Their masters' affairs, debts, intrigues, adventures; their + ladies' good and bad qualities and quarrels with their husbands; all the + family secrets were here discussed with perfect freedom and confidence, + and here, when about to enter into a new situation, a gentleman was + enabled to get every requisite information regarding the family of which + he proposed to become a member. Liveries it may be imagined were excluded + from this select precinct; and the powdered heads of the largest + metropolitan footmen might bow down in vain entreating admission into the + Gentleman's Club. These outcast giants in plush took their beer in an + outer apartment of the Wheel of Fortune, and could no more get an entry + into the Clubroom than a Pall Mall tradesman or a Lincoln's Inn attorney + could get admission into Bays's or Spratt's. And it is because the + conversation which we have permitted to overhear here, in some measure + explains the characters and bearings of our story, that we have ventured + to introduce the reader into a society so exclusive. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXII. The Way of the World + </h2> + <p> + A short time after the piece of good fortune which befell Colonel Altamont + at Epsom, that gentleman put into execution his projected foreign tour, + and the chronicler of the polite world who goes down to London Bridge for + the purpose of taking leave of the people of fashion who quit this + country, announced that among the company on board the Soho to Antwerp + last Saturday, were “Sir Robert, Lady, and the Misses Hodge; Mr. Serjeant + Kewsy, and Mrs. and Miss Kewsy; Colonel Altamont, Major Coddy, etc.” The + Colonel travelled in state, and as became a gentleman: he appeared in a + rich travelling costume; he drank brandy-and-water freely during the + passage, and was not sick, as some of the other passengers were; and he + was attended by his body-servant; the faithful Irish legionary who had + been for some time in waiting upon himself and Captain Strong in their + chambers of Shepherd's Inn. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier partook of a copious dinner at Blackwall with his departing + friend the Colonel, and one or two others, who drank many healths to + Altamont at that liberal gentleman's expense. “Strong, old boy,” the + Chevalier's worthy chum said, “if you want a little money, now's your + time. I'm your man. You're a good feller, and have been a good feller to + me, and a twenty-pound note, more or less, will make no odds to me,” But + Strong said, No, he didn't want any money; he was flush, quite flush—“that + is, not flush enough to pay you back your last loan, Altamont, but quite + able to carry on for some time to come,” and so, with a not uncordial + greeting between them, the two parted. Had the possession of money really + made Altamont more honest and amiable than he had hitherto been, or only + caused him to seem more amiable in Strong's eyes? Perhaps he really was + better, and money improved him. Perhaps it was the beauty of wealth Strong + saw and respected. But he argued within himself, “This poor devil, this + unlucky outcast of a returned convict, is ten times as good a fellow as my + friend Sir Francis Clavering, Bart. He has pluck and honesty in his way. + He will stick to a friend, and face an enemy. The other never had courage + to do either. And what is it that has put the poor devil under a cloud? He + was only a little wild, and signed his father-in-law's name. Many a man + has done worse, and come to no wrong, and holds his head up. Clavering + does. No, he don't hold his head up: he never did in his best days.” And + Strong, perhaps, repented him of the falsehood which he had told to the + free-handed Colonel, that he was not in want of money; but it was a + falsehood on the side of honesty, and the Chevalier could not bring down + his stomach to borrow a second time from his outlawed friend. Besides, he + could get on. Clavering had promised him some: not that Clavering's + promises were much to be believed, but the Chevalier was of a hopeful + turn, and trusted in many chances of catching his patron, and waylaying + some of those stray remittances and supplies, in the procuring of which + for his principal lay Mr. Strong's chief business. + </p> + <p> + He had grumbled about Altamont's companionship in the Shepherd's Inn + chambers; but he found those lodgings more glum now without his partner + than with him. The solitary life was not agreeable to his social soul; and + he had got into extravagant and luxurious habits, too, having a servant at + his command to run his errands, to arrange his toilets, and to cook his + meal. It was rather a grand and touching sight now to see the portly and + handsome gentleman painting his own boots, and broiling his own mutton + chop. It has been before stated that the Chevalier had a wife, a Spanish + lady of Vittoria, who had gone back to her friends, after a few months' + union with the Captain, whose head she broke with a dish. He began to + think whether he should not go back and see his Juanita. The Chevalier was + growing melancholy after the departure of his friend the Colonel; or, to + use his own picturesque expression, was “down on his luck.” These moments + of depression and intervals of ill fortune occur constantly in the lives + of heroes; Marius at Minturme, Charles Edward in the Highlands, Napoleon + before Elba. What great man has not been called upon to face evil fortune? + </p> + <p> + From Clavering no supplies were to be had for some time, the + five-and-twenty pounds or the “pony,” which the exemplary Baronet had + received from Mr. Altamont, had fled out of Clavering's keeping as swiftly + as many previous ponies. He had been down the river with a choice party of + sporting gents, who dodged the police and landed in Essex, where they put + up Billy Bluck to fight Dick the cabman whom the Baronet backed, and who + had it all his own way for thirteen rounds, when, by an unlucky blow in + the windpipe, Billy killed him. “It's always my luck, Strong,” Sir Francis + said; “the betting was three to one on the cabman, and I thought myself as + sure of thirty pound, as if I had it in my pocket. And dammy, I owe my man + Lightfoot fourteen pound now which he's lent and paid for me: and he duns + me—the confounded impudent blackguard: and I wish to Heaven I knew + any way of getting a bill done, or of screwing a little out of my lady! + I'll give you half, Ned, upon my soul and honour, I'll give you half if + you can get anybody to do us a little fifty.” + </p> + <p> + But Ned said sternly that he had given his word of honour, as a gentleman, + that he would be no party to any future bill transactions in which her + husband might engage (who had given his word of honour too), and the + Chevalier said that he, at least, would keep his word, and would black his + own boots all his life rather than break his promise. And what is more, he + vowed he would advise Lady Clavering that Sir Francis was about to break + his faith towards her upon the very first hint which he could get that + such was Clavering's intention. + </p> + <p> + Upon this information Sir Francis Clavering, according to his custom, + cried and cursed very volubly. He spoke of death as his only resource. He + besought and implored his dear Strong, his best friend, his dear old Ned, + not to throw him over: and when he quitted his dearest Ned, as he went + down the stairs of Shepherd's Inn, swore and blasphemed at Ned as the most + infernal villain, and traitor, and blackguard, and coward under the sun, + and wished Ned was in his grave, and in a worse place, only he would like + the confounded ruffian to live, until Frank Clavering had had his revenge + out of him. + </p> + <p> + In Strong's chambers the Baronet met a gentleman whose visits were now, as + it has been shown, very frequent in Shepherd's Inn, Mr. Samuel Huxter, of + Clavering. That young fellow, who had poached the walnuts in Clavering + Park in his youth, and had seen the Baronet drive through the street at + home with four horses, and prance up to church with powdered footmen, had + an immense respect for his Member, and a prodigious delight in making his + acquaintance. He introduced himself with much blushing and trepidation, as + a Clavering man—son of Mr. Huxter, of the market-place—father + attended Sir Francis's keeper, Coxwood, when his gun burst and took off + three fingers—proud to make Sir Francis's acquaintance. All of which + introduction Sir Francis received affably. And honest Huxter talked about + Sir Francis to the chaps at Bartholomew's: and told Fanny, in the lodge, + that, after all, there was nothing like a thoroughbred un, a regular good + old English gentleman, one of the olden time! To which Fanny replied, that + she thought Sir Francis was an ojous creature—she didn't know why—but + she couldn't abear him—she was sure he was wicked, and low, and mean—she + knew he was; and when Sam to this replied that Sir Francis was very + affable, and had borrowed half a sov' of him quite kindly, Fanny burst + into a laugh, pulled Sam's long hair (which was not yet of irreproachable + cleanliness), patted his chin, and called him a stoopid, stoopid, old + foolish stoopid, and said that Sir Francis was always borrering money of + everybody, and that Mar had actially refused him twice, and had had to + wait three months to get seven shillings which he had borrowed of 'er. + </p> + <p> + “Don't say 'er but her, borrer but borrow, actially but actually, Fanny,” + Mr. Huxter replied—not to a fault in her argument, but to + grammatical errors in her statement. + </p> + <p> + “Well then, her, and borrow, and hactually—there then, you stoopid,” + said the other; and the scholar made such a pretty face that the grammar + master was quickly appeased, and would have willingly given her a hundred + more lessons on the spot at the price which he took for that one. + </p> + <p> + Of course Mrs. Bolton was by, and I suppose that Fanny and Dr. Sam were on + exceedingly familiar and confidential terms by this time, and that time + had brought to the former certain consolations, and soothed certain + regrets, which are deucedly bitter when they occur, but which are, no more + than tooth-pulling, or any other pang, eternal. + </p> + <p> + As you sit, surrounded by respect and affection; happy, honoured, and + flattered in your old age; your foibles gently indulged; your least words + kindly cherished; your garrulous old stories received for the hundredth + time with dutiful forbearance, and never-failing hypocritical smiles; the + women of your house constant in their flatteries; the young men hushed and + attentive when you begin to speak; the servants awestricken; the tenants + cap in hand, and ready to act in the place of your worship's horses when + your honour takes a drive—it has often struck you, O thoughtful + Dives! that this respect, and these glories, are for the main part + transferred, with your fee simple, to your successor—that the + servants will bow, and the tenants shout, for your son as for you; that + the butler will fetch him the wine (improved by a little keeping) that's + now in your cellar; and that, when your night is come, and the light of + your life is gone down, as sure as the morning rises after you and without + you, the sun of prosperity and flattery shines on your heir. Men come and + bask in the halo of consols and acres that beams round about him: the + reverence is transferred with the estate; of which, with all its + advantages, pleasures, respect, and good-will, he in turn becomes the + life-tenant. How long do you wish or expect that your people will regret + you? How much time does a man devote to grief before he begins to enjoy? A + great man must keep his heir at his feast like a living memento mori. If + he holds very much by life, the presence of the other must be a constant + sting and warning. “Make ready to go,” says the successor to your honour; + “I am waiting: and I could hold it as well as you.” + </p> + <p> + What has this reference to the possible reader, to do with any of the + characters of this history? Do we wish to apologise for Pen because he has + got a white hat, and because his mourning for his mother is fainter? All + the lapse of years, all the career of fortune, all the events of life, + however strongly they may move or eagerly excite him, never can remove + that sainted image from his heart, or banish that blessed love from its + sanctuary. If he yields to wrong, the dear eyes will look sadly upon him + when he dares to meet them; if he does well, endures pain, or conquers + temptation, the ever present love will greet him, he knows, with approval + and pity; if he falls, plead for him; if he suffers, cheer him;—be + with him and accompany him always until death is past; and sorrow and sin + are no more. Is this mere dreaming, or, on the part of an idle + story-teller, useless moralising? May not the man of the world take his + moment, too, to be grave and thoughtful? Ask of your own hearts and + memories, brother and sister, if we do not live in the dead; and (to speak + reverently) prove God by love? + </p> + <p> + Of these matters Pen and Warrington often spoke in many a solemn and + friendly converse in after days; and Pendennis's mother was worshipped in + his memory, and canonised there, as such a saint ought to be. Lucky he in + life who knows a few such women! A kind provision of Heaven it was, that + sent us such; and gave us to admire that touching and wonderful spectacle + of innocence, and love, and beauty. + </p> + <p> + But as it is certain that if, in the course of these sentimental + conversations, any outer stranger, Major Pendennis for instance, had + walked into Pen's chambers, Arthur and Warrington would have stopped their + talk, and chosen another subject, and discoursed about the Opera, or the + last debate in Parliament, or Miss Jones's marriage with Captain Smith, or + what not,—so, let us imagine that the public steps in at this + juncture, and stops the confidential talk between author and reader, and + begs us to resume our remarks about this world, with which both are + certainly better acquainted than with that other one into which we have + just been peeping. + </p> + <p> + On coming into his property, Arthur Pendennis at first comported himself + with a modesty and equanimity which obtained his friend Warrington's + praises, though Arthur's uncle was a little inclined to quarrel with his + nephew's meanness of spirit, for not assuming greater state and + pretensions now that he had entered on the enjoyment of his kingdom. He + would have had Arthur installed in handsome quarters, and riding on showy + park hacks, or in well-built cabriolets, every day. “I am too absent,” + Arthur said, with a laugh, “to drive a cab in London; the omnibus would + cut me in two, or I should send my horse's head into the ladies' + carriage-windows; and you wouldn't have me driven about by my servant like + an apothecary, uncle?” No, Major Pendennis would on no account have his + nephew appear like an apothecary; the august representative of the house + of Pendennis must not so demean himself. And when Arthur, pursuing his + banter, said, “And yet, I dare say, sir, my father was proud enough when + he first set up his gig,” the old Major hemmed and ha'd, and his wrinkled + face reddened with a blush as he answered, “You know what Buonaparte said, + sir, 'Il faut laver son linge sale en famille.' There is no need, sir, for + you to brag that your father was a—a medical man. He came of a most + ancient but fallen house, and was obliged to reconstruct the family + fortunes as many a man of good family has done before him. You are like + the fellow in Sterne, sir—the Marquis who came to demand his sword + again. Your father got back yours for you. You are a man of landed estate, + by Gad, sir, and a gentleman—never forget you are a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Then Arthur slily turned on his uncle the argument which he had heard the + old gentleman often use regarding himself. “In the society which I have + the honour of frequenting through your introduction, who cares to ask + about my paltry means or my humble gentility, uncle?” he asked. “It would + be absurd of me to attempt to compete with the great folks; and all that + they can ask from us is, that we should have a decent address and good + manners.” + </p> + <p> + “But for all that, sir, I should belong to a better Club or two,” the + uncle answered: “I should give an occasional dinner, and select my society + well; and I should come out of that horrible garret in the Temple, sir.” + And so Arthur compromised by descending to the second floor in Lamb Court: + Warrington still occupying his old quarters, and the two friends being + determined not to part one from the other. Cultivate kindly, reader, those + friendships of your youth: it is only in that generous time that they are + formed. How different the intimacies of after days are, and how much + weaker the grasp of your own hand after it has been shaken about in twenty + years' commerce with the world, and has squeezed and dropped a thousand + equally careless palms! As you can seldom fashion your tongue to speak a + new language after twenty, the heart refuses to receive friendship pretty + soon: it gets too hard to yield to the impression. + </p> + <p> + So Pen had many acquaintances, and being of a jovial and easy turn, got + more daily: but no friend like Warrington; and the two men continued to + live almost as much in common as the Knights of the Temple, riding upon + one horse (for Pen's was at Warrington's service), and having their + chambers and their servitor in common. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Warrington had made the acquaintance of Pen's friends of Grosvenor + Place during their last unlucky season in London, and had expressed + himself no better satisfied with Sir Francis and Lady Clavering and her + ladyship's daughter than was the public in general. “The world is right,” + George said, “about those people. The young men laugh and talk freely + before those ladies, and about them. The girl sees people whom she has no + right to know, and talks to men with whom no girl should have an intimacy. + Did you see those two reprobates leaning over Lady Clavering's carriage in + the Park the other day, and leering under Miss Blanche's bonnet? No good + mother would let her daughter know those men, or admit them within her + doors.” + </p> + <p> + “The Begum is the most innocent and good-natured soul alive,” interposed + Pen. “She never heard any harm of Captain Blackball, or read that trial in + which Charley Lovelace figures. Do you suppose that honest ladies read and + remember the Chronique Scandaleuse as well as you, you old grumbler?” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like Laura Bell to know those fellows?” Warrington asked, his + face turning rather red. “Would you let any woman you loved be + contaminated by their company? I have no doubt that the poor Begum is + ignorant of their histories. It seems to me she is ignorant of a great + number of better things. It seems to me that your honest Begum is not a + lady, Pen. It is not her fault, doubtless, that she has not had the + education, or learned the refinements of a lady.” + </p> + <p> + “She is as moral as Lady Portsea, who has all the world at her balls, and + as refined as Mrs. Bull, who breaks the King's English, and has half a + dozen dukes at her table,” Pen answered, rather sulkily. “Why should you + and I be more squeamish than the rest of the world? Why are we to visit + the sins of her father on this harmless kind creature? She never did + anything but kindness to you or any mortal soul. As far as she knows she + does her best. She does not set up to be more than she is. She gives you + the best dinners she can buy, and the best company she can get. She pays + the debts of that scamp of a husband of hers. She spoils her boy like the + most virtuous mother in England. Her opinion about literary matters, to be + sure, is not much; and I daresay she never read a line of Wordsworth, or + heard of Tennyson in her life.” + </p> + <p> + “No more has Mrs. Flanagan the laundress,” growled out Pen's Mentor; “no + more has Betty the housemaid; and I have no word of blame against them. + But a high-souled man doesn't make friends of these. A gentleman doesn't + choose these for his companions, or bitterly rues it afterwards if he do. + Are you, who are setting up to be a man of the world and a philosopher, to + tell me that the aim of life is to guttle three courses and dine off + silver? Do you dare to own to yourself that your ambition in life is good + claret, and that you'll dine with any, provided you get a stalled ox to + feed on? You call me a Cynic—why, what a monstrous Cynicism it is, + which you and the rest of you men of the world admit! I'd rather live upon + raw turnips and sleep in a hollow tree, or turn backwoodsman or savage, + than degrade myself to this civilisation, and own that a French cook was + the thing in life best worth living for.” + </p> + <p> + “Because you like a raw beefsteak and a pipe afterwards,” broke out Pen, + “you give yourself airs of superiority over people whose tastes are more + dainty, and are not ashamed of the world they live in. Who goes about + professing particular admiration, or esteem, or friendship, or gratitude + even, for the people one meets every day? If A. asks me to his house, and + gives me his best, I take his good things for what they are worth and no + more. I do not profess to pay him back in friendship, but in the + conventional money of society. When we part, we part without any grief. + When we meet, we are tolerably glad to see one another. If I were only to + live with my friends, your black muzzle, old George, is the only face I + should see.” + </p> + <p> + “You are your uncle's pupil,” said Warrington, rather sadly; “and you + speak like a worldling.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” asked Pendennis; “why not acknowledge the world I stand + upon, and submit to the conditions of the society which we live in and + live by? I am older than you, George, in spite of your grizzled whiskers, + and have seen much more of the world than you have in your garret here, + shut up with your books and your reveries and your ideas of + one-and-twenty. I say, I take the world as it is, and being of it, will + not be ashamed of it. If the time is out of joint, have I any calling or + strength to set it right?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I don't think you have much of either,” growled Pen's + interlocutor. + </p> + <p> + “If I doubt whether I am better than my neighbour,” Arthur continued, “if + I concede that I am no better,—I also doubt whether he is better + than I. I see men who begin with ideas of universal reform, and who, + before their beards are grown, propound their loud plans for the + regeneration of mankind, give up their schemes after a few years of + bootless talking and vainglorious attempts to lead their fellows; and + after they have found that men will no longer bear them, as indeed they + never were in the least worthy to be heard, sink quietly into the + ranks-and-file,—acknowledging their aims impracticable, or thankful + that they were never put into practice. The fiercest reformers grow calm, + and are faire to put up with things as they are: the loudest Radical + orators become dumb, quiescent placemen: the most fervent Liberals when + out of power, become humdrum Conservatives or downright tyrants or despots + in office. Look at the Thiers, look at Guizot, in opposition and in place! + Look at the Whigs appealing to the country, and the Whigs in power! Would + you say that the conduct of these men is an act of treason, as the + Radicals bawl,—who would give way in their turn, were their turn + ever to come? No, only that they submit to circumstances which are + stronger than they,—march as the world marches towards reform, but + at the world's pace (and the movements of the vast body of mankind must + needs be slow), forgo this scheme as impracticable, on account of + opposition,—that as immature, because against the sense of the + majority,—are forced to calculate drawbacks and difficulties, as + well as to think of reforms and advances,—and compelled finally to + submit, and to wait, and to compromise.” + </p> + <p> + “The Right Honourable Arthur Pendennis could not speak better, or be more + satisfied with himself, if he was First Lord of the Treasury and + Chancellor of the Exchequer,” Warrington said. + </p> + <p> + “Self-satisfied? Why self-satisfied?” continued Pen. “It seems to me that + my scepticism is more respectful and more modest than the revolutionary + ardour of other folks. Many a patriot of eighteen, many a Spouting-Club + orator, would turn the Bishops out of the House of Lords to-morrow, and + throw the Lords out after the Bishops, and throw the Throne into the + Thames after the Peers and the Bench. Is that man more modest than I, who + takes these institutions as I find them, and waits for time and truth to + develop, or fortify, or (if you like) destroy them? A college tutor, or a + nobleman's toady, who appears one fine day as my right reverend lord, in a + silk apron and a shovel-hat, and assumes benedictory airs over me, is + still the same man we remember at Oxbridge, when he was truckling to the + tufts, and bullying the poor undergraduates in the lecture-room. An + hereditary legislator, who passes his time with jockeys and black-legs and + ballet-girls, and who is called to rule over me and his other betters + because his grandfather made a lucky speculation in the funds, or found a + coal or tin mine on his property, or because his stupid ancestor happened + to be in command of ten thousand men as brave as himself, who overcame + twelve thousand Frenchmen, or fifty thousand Indians—such a man, I + say, inspires me with no more respect than the bitterest democrat can feel + towards him. But, such as he is, he is a part of the old society to which + we belong and I submit to his lordship with acquiescence; and he takes his + place above the best of us at all dinner-parties, and there bides his + time. I don't want to chop his head off with a guillotine, or to fling mud + at him in the streets. When they call such a man a disgrace to his order; + and such another, who is good and gentle, refined and generous, who + employs his great means in promoting every kindness and charity, and art + and grace of life, in the kindest and most gracious manner, an ornament to + his rank—the question as to the use and propriety of the order is + not in the least affected one way or other. There it is, extant among us, + a part of our habits, the creed of many of us, the growth of centuries, + the symbol of a most complicated tradition—there stand my lord the + bishop and my lord the hereditary legislator—what the French call + transactions both of them,—representing in their present shape + mail-clad barons and double-sworded chiefs (from whom their lordships the + hereditaries, for the most part, don't descend), and priests, professing + to hold an absolute truth and a divinely inherited power, the which truth + absolute our ancestors burned at the stake, and denied there; the which + divine transmissible power still exists in print—to be believed, or + not, pretty much at choice; and of these, I say, I acquiesce that they + exist, and no more. If you say that these schemes, devised before printing + was known, or steam was born; when thought was an infant, scared and + whipped; and truth under its guardians was gagged, and swathed, and + blindfolded, and not allowed to lift its voice, or to look out or to walk + under the sun; before men were permitted to meet, or to trade, or to speak + with each other—if any one says (as some faithful souls do) that + these schemes are for ever, and having been changed and modified + constantly are to be subject to no further development or decay, I laugh, + and let the man speak. But I would have toleration for these, as I would + ask it for my own opinions; and if they are to die, I would rather they + had a decent and natural than an abrupt and violent death.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have sacrificed to Jove,” Warrington said, “had you lived in + the time of the Christian persecutions.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I would,” said Pen, with some sadness. “Perhaps I am a coward,—perhaps + my faith is unsteady; but this is my own reserve. What I argue here is + that I will not persecute. Make a faith or a dogma absolute, and + persecution becomes a logical consequence; and Dominic burns a Jew, or + Calvin an Arian, or Nero a Christian, or Elizabeth or Mary a Papist or + Protestant; or their father both or either, according to his humour; and + acting without any pangs of remorse,—but, on the contrary, notions + of duty fulfilled. Make dogma absolute, and to inflict or to suffer death + becomes easy and necessary; and Mahomet's soldiers shouting, 'Paradise! + Paradise!' and dying on the Christian spears, are not more or less + praiseworthy than the same men slaughtering a townful of Jews, or cutting + off the heads of all prisoners who would not acknowledge that there was + but one Prophet of God.” + </p> + <p> + “A little while since, young one,” Warrington said, who had been listening + to his friend's confessions neither without sympathy nor scorn, for his + mood led him to indulge in both, “you asked me why I remained out of the + strife of the world, and looked on at the great labour of my neighbour + without taking any part in the struggle? Why, what a mere dilettante you + own yourself to be, in this confession of general scepticism, and what a + listless spectator yourself! You are six-and-twenty years old; and as + blase as a rake of sixty. You neither hope much nor care much, nor believe + much. You doubt about other men as much as about yourself. Were it made of + such pococuranti as you, the world would be intolerable; and I had rather + live in a wilderness of monkeys, and listen to their chatter, than in a + company of men who denied everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Were the world composed of Saint Bernards or Saint Dominies, it would be + equally odious,” said Pen, “and at the end of a few scores of years would + cease to exist altogether. Would you have every man with his head shaved, + and every woman in a cloister,—carrying out to the full the ascetic + principle? Would you have conventicle hymns twanging from every lane in + every city in the world? Would you have all the birds of the forest sing + one note and fly with one feather? You call me a sceptic because I + acknowledge what is; and in acknowledging that, be it linnet or lark, or + priest or parson, be it, I mean, any single one of the infinite varieties + of the creatures of God (whose very name I would be understood to + pronounce with reverence, and never to approach but with distant awe), I + say that the study and acknowledgment of that variety amongst men + especially increases our respect and wonder for the Creator, Commander, + and Ordainer of all these minds, so different and yet so united,—meeting + in a common adoration, and offering up, each according to his degree and + means of approaching the Divine centre, his acknowledgment of praise and + worship, each singing (to recur to the bird simile) his natural song.” + </p> + <p> + “And so, Arthur, the hymn of a saint, or the ode of a poet, or the chant + of a Newgate thief, are all pretty much the same in your philosophy,” said + George. + </p> + <p> + “Even that sneer could be answered were it to the point,” Pendennis + replied; “but it is not; and it could be replied to you, that even to the + wretched outcry of the thief on the tree, the wisest and the best of all + teachers we know of, the untiring Comforter and Consoler, promised a + pitiful hearing and a certain hope. Hymns of saints! odes of poets! who + are we to measure the chances and opportunities, the means of doing, or + even judging, right and wrong, awarded to men; and to establish the rule + for meting out their punishments and rewards? We are as insolent and + unthinking in judging of men's morals as of their intellects. We admire + this man as being a great philosopher, and set down the other as a + dullard, not knowing either, or the amount of truth in either, or being + certain of the truth anywhere. We sing Te Deum for this hero who has won a + battle, and De Profundis for that other one who has broken out of prison, + and has been caught afterwards by the policeman. Our measure of rewards + and punishments is most partial and incomplete, absurdly inadequate, + utterly worldly, and we wish to continue it into the next world. Into that + next and awful world we strive to pursue men, and send after them our + impotent party verdicts of condemnation or acquittal. We set up our paltry + little rods to measure Heaven immeasurable, as if, in comparison to that, + Newton's mind or Pascal's or Shakspeare's was any loftier than mine; as if + the ray which travels from the sun would reach me sooner than the man who + blacks my boots. Measured by that altitude, the tallest and the smallest + among us are so alike diminutive and pitifully base, that I say we should + take no count of the calculation, and it is a meanness to reckon the + difference.” + </p> + <p> + “Your figure fails there, Arthur,” said the other, better pleased; “if + even by common arithmetic we can multiply as we can reduce almost + infinitely, the Great Reckoner must take count of all; and the small is + not small, or the great great, to his infinity.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't call those calculations in question,” Arthur said; “I only say + that yours are incomplete and premature; false in consequence, and, by + every operation, multiplying into wider error. I do not condemn the men + who murdered Socrates and damned Galileo. I say that they damned Galileo + and murdered Socrates.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet but a moment since you admitted the propriety of acquiescence in + the present, and, I suppose, all other tyrannies?” + </p> + <p> + “No: but that if an opponent menaces me, of whom and without cost of blood + and violence I can get rid, I would rather wait him out, and starve him + out, than fight him out. Fabius fought Hannibal sceptically. Who was his + Roman coadjutor, whom we read of in Plutarch when we were boys, who + scoffed at the other's procrastination and doubted his courage, and + engaged the enemy and was beaten for his pains?” + </p> + <p> + In these speculations and confessions of Arthur, the reader may perhaps + see allusions to questions which, no doubt, have occupied and discomposed + himself, and which he has answered by very different solutions to those + come to by our friend. We are not pledging ourselves for the correctness + of his opinions, which readers will please to consider are delivered + dramatically, the writer being no more answerable for them, than for the + sentiments uttered by any other character of the story: our endeavour is + merely to follow out, in its progress, the development of the mind of a + worldly and selfish, but not ungenerous or unkind or truth-avoiding man. + And it will be seen that the lamentable stage to which his logic at + present has brought him, is one of general scepticism and sneering + acquiescence in the world as it is; or if you like so to call it, a belief + qualified with scorn in all things extant. The tastes and habits of such a + man prevent him from being a boisterous demagogue, and his love of truth + and dislike of cant keep him from advancing crude propositions, such as + many loud reformers are constantly ready with; much more of uttering + downright falsehoods in arguing questions or abusing opponents, which he + would die or starve rather than use. It was not in our friend's nature to + be able to utter certain lies; nor was he strong enough to protest against + others, except with a polite sneer; his maxim being, that he owed + obedience to all Acts of Parliament, as long as they were not repealed. + </p> + <p> + And to what does this easy and sceptical life lead a man? Friend Arthur + was a Sadducee, and the Baptist might be in the Wilderness shouting to the + poor, who were listening with all their might and faith to the preacher's + awful accents and denunciations of wrath or woe or salvation; and our + friend the Sadducee would turn his sleek mule with a shrug and a smile + from the crowd, and go home to the shade of his terrace, and muse over + preacher and audience, and turn to his roll of Plato, or his pleasant + Greek songbook babbling of honey and Hybla, and nymphs and fountains and + love. To what, we say, does this scepticism lead? It leads a man to a + shameful loneliness and selfishness, so to speak—the more shameful, + because it is so good-humoured and conscienceless and serene. Conscience! + What is conscience? Why accept remorse? What is public or private faith? + Mythuses alike enveloped in enormous tradition. If seeing and + acknowledging the lies of the world, Arthur, as see them you can with only + too fatal a clearness, you submit to them without any protest further than + a laugh: if, plunged yourself in easy sensuality, you allow the whole + wretched world to pass groaning by you unmoved: if the fight for the truth + is taking place, and all men of honour are on the ground armed on the one + side or the other, and you alone are to lie on your balcony and smoke your + pipe out of the noise and the danger, you had better have died, or never + have been at all, than such a sensual coward. + </p> + <p> + “The truth, friend!” Arthur said, imperturbably; “where is the truth? Show + it me. That is the question between us. I see it on both sides. I see it + on the Conservative side of the house, and amongst the Radicals, and even + on the ministerial benches. I see it in this man, who worships by Act of + Parliament, and is rewarded with a silk apron and five thousand a year; in + that man, who, driven fatally by the remorseless logic of his creed, gives + up everything, friends, fame, dearest ties, closest vanities, the respect + of an army of churchmen, the recognised position of a leader, and passes + over, truth-impelled, to the enemy, in whose ranks he will serve + henceforth as a nameless private soldier:—I see the truth in that + man, as I do in his brother, whose logic drives him to quite a different + conclusion, and who, after having passed a life in vain endeavours to + reconcile an irreconcilable book, flings it at last down in despair, and + declares, with tearful eyes, and hands up to heaven, his revolt and + recantation. If the truth is with all these, why should I take side with + any one of them? Some are called upon to preach: let them preach. Of these + preachers there are somewhat too many, methinks, who fancy they have the + gift. But we cannot all be parsons in church, that is clear. Some must sit + silent and listen, or go to sleep mayhap. Have we not all our duties? The + head charity-boy blows the bellows; the master canes the other boys in the + organ-loft; the clerk sings out Amen from the desk; and the beadle with + the staff opens the door for his Reverence, who rustles in silk up to the + cushion. I won't cane the boys, nay, or say Amen always, or act as the + church's champion and warrior, in the shape of the beadle with the staff; + but I will take off my hat in the place, and say my prayers there too, and + shake hands with the clergyman as he steps on the grass outside. Don't I + know that his being there is a compromise, and that he stands before me an + Act of Parliament? That the church he occupies was built for other + worship? That the Methodist chapel is next door; and that Bunyan the + tinker is bawling out the tidings of damnation on the common hard by? Yes, + I am a Sadducee; and I take things as I find them, and the world, and the + Acts of Parliament of the world, as they are; and as I intend to take a + wife, if I find one—not to be madly in love and prostrate at her + feet like a fool—not to worship her as an angel, or to expect to + find her as such—but to be good-natured to her, and courteous, + expecting good-nature and pleasant society from her in turn. And so, + George, if ever you hear of my marrying, depend on it, it won't be a + romantic attachment on my side: and if you hear of any good place under + Government, I have no particular scruples that I know of, which would + prevent me from accepting your offer.” + </p> + <p> + “O Pen, you scoundrel! I know what you mean,” here Warrington broke out. + “This is the meaning of your scepticism, of your quietism, of your + atheism, my poor fellow. You're going to sell yourself, and Heaven help + you! You are going to make a bargain which will degrade you and make you + miserable for life, and there's no use talking of it. If you are once bent + on it, the devil won't prevent you.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, he's on my side, isn't he, George?” said Pen with a + laugh. “What good cigars these are! Come down and have a little dinner at + the Club; the chef's in town, and he'll cook a good one for me. No, you + won't? Don't be sulky, old boy, I'm going down to—to the country + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIII. Which accounts perhaps for Chapter LXI. + </h2> + <p> + The informationregarding the affairs of the Clavering family, which Major Pendennis had + acquired through Strong, and by his own personal interference as the + friend of the house, was such as almost made the old gentleman pause in + any plans which he might have once entertained for his nephew's benefit. + To bestow upon Arthur a wife with two such fathers-in-law, as the two + worthies whom the guileless and unfortunate Lady Clavering had drawn in + her marriage ventures, was to benefit no man. And though the one, in a + manner, neutralised the other, and the appearance of Amory or Altamont in + public would be the signal for his instantaneous withdrawal and condign + punishment,—for the fugitive convict had cut down the officer in + charge of him,—and a rope would be inevitably his end; if he came + again under British authorities; yet, no guardian would like to secure for + his ward a wife, whose parent was to be got rid of in such a way; and the + old gentleman's notion always had been that Altamont, with the gallows + before his eyes, would assuredly avoid recognition; while, at the same + time, by holding the threat of his discovery over Clavering, the latter, + who would lose everything by Amory's appearance, would be a slave in the + hands of the person who knew so fatal a secret. + </p> + <p> + But if the Begum paid Clavering's debts many times more, her wealth would + be expended altogether upon this irreclaimable reprobate; and her heirs, + whoever they might be, would succeed but to an emptied treasury; and Miss + Amory, instead of bringing her husband a good income and a seat in + Parliament, would bring to that individual her person only, and her + pedigree with that lamentable note of sus. per coll. at the name of the + last male of her line. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, to the old schemer revolving these things in his mind, + another course yet open; the which will appear to the reader who may take + the trouble to peruse a conversation, which presently ensued, between + Major Pendennis and the honourable Baronet, the Member for Clavering. + </p> + <p> + When a man, under pecuniary difficulties, disappears from among his usual + friends and equals,—dives out of sight, as it were, from the flock + of birds in which he is accustomed to sail, it is wonderful at what + strange and distant nooks he comes up again for breath. I have known a + Pall Mall lounger and Rotten Row buck, of no inconsiderable fashion, + vanish from amongst his comrades of the Clubs and the Park, and be + discovered, very happy and affable, at an eighteenpenny ordinary in + Billingsgate: another gentleman, of great learning and wit, when + outrunning the constable (were I to say he was a literary man, some + critics would vow that I intended to insult the literary profession), once + sent me his address at a little public-house called the “Fox under the + Hill,” down a most darksome and cavernous archway in the Strand. Such a + man, under such misfortunes, may have a house, but he is never in his + house; and has an address where letters may be left; but only simpletons + go with the hopes of seeing him.—Only a few of the faithful know + where he is to be found, and have the clue to his hiding-place. So, after + the disputes with his wife, and the misfortunes consequent thereon, to + find Sir Francis Clavering at home was impossible. “Ever since I hast him + for my book, which is fourteen pound, he don't come home till three + o'clock, and purtends to be asleep when I bring his water of a mornin', + and dodges hout when I'm downstairs,” Mr. Lightfoot remarked to his friend + Morgan; and announced that he should go down to my Lady, and be butler + there, and marry his old woman. In like manner, after his altercations + with Strong, the Baronet did not come near him, and fled to other haunts, + out of the reach of the Chevalier's reproaches;—out of the reach of + conscience, if possible, which many of us try to dodge and leave behind us + by changes of scene and other fugitive stratagems. + </p> + <p> + So, though the elder Pendennis, having his own ulterior object, was bent + upon seeing Pen's country neighbour and representative in Parliament, it + took the Major no inconsiderable trouble and time before he could get him + into such a confidential state and conversation, as were necessary for the + ends which the Major had in view. For since the Major had been called in + as family friend, and had cognisance of Clavering's affairs, conjugal and + pecuniary, the Baronet avoided him: as he always avoided all his lawyers + and agents when there was an account to be rendered, or an affair of + business to be discussed between them; and never kept any appointment but + when its object was the raising of money. Thus, previous to catching this + most shy and timorous bird, the Major made more than one futile attempt to + hold him;—on one day it was a most innocent-looking invitation to + dinner at Greenwich, to meet a few friends; the Baronet accepted, + suspected something, and did not come; leaving the Major (who indeed + proposed to represent in himself the body of friends) to eat his whitebait + alone:—on another occasion the Major wrote and asked for ten + minutes' talk, and the Baronet instantly acknowledged the note, and made + the appointment at four o'clock the next day at Bays's precisely (he + carefully underlined the “precisely”); but though four o'clock came, as in + the course of time and destiny it could not do otherwise, no Clavering + made his appearance. Indeed, if he had borrowed twenty pounds of + Pendennis, he could not have been more timid, or desirous of avoiding the + Major; and the latter found that it was one thing to seek a man, and + another to find him. + </p> + <p> + Before the close of that day in which Strong's patron had given the + Chevalier the benefit of so many blessings before his face and curses + behind his back, Sir Francis Clavering, who had pledged his word and his + oath to his wife's advisers to draw or accept no more bills of exchange, + and to be content with the allowance which his victimised wife still + awarded him, had managed to sign his respectable name to a piece of + stamped paper, which the Baronet's friend, Mr. Moss Abrams, had carried + off, promising to have the bill “done” by a party with whose intimacy Mr. + Abrams was favoured. And it chanced that Strong heard of this transaction + at the place where the writings had been drawn,—in the back-parlour, + namely, of Mr. Santiago's cigar-shop, where the Chevalier was constantly + in the habit of spending an hour in the evening. + </p> + <p> + “He is at his old work again,” Mr. Santiago told his customer. “He and + Moss Abrams were in my parlour. Moss sent out my boy for a stamp. It must + have been a bill for fifty pound. I heard the Baronet tell Moss to date it + two months back. He will pretend that it is an old bill, and that he + forgot it when he came to a settlement with his wife the other day. I dare + say they will give him some more money now he is clear.” A man who has the + habit of putting his unlucky name to “promises to pay” at six months, has + the satisfaction of knowing, too, that his affairs are known and + canvassed, and his signature handed round among the very worst knaves and + rogues of London. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Santiago's shop was close by St. James's Street and Bury Street, where + we have had the honour of visiting our friend Major Pendennis in his + lodgings. The Major was walking daintily towards his apartment, as Strong, + burning with wrath and redolent of Havanna, strode along the same pavement + opposite to him. + </p> + <p> + “Confound these young men: how they poison everything with their smoke,” + thought the Major. “Here comes a fellow with mustachios and a cigar. Every + fellow who smokes and wears mustachios is a low fellow. Oh! it's Mr. + Strong.—I hope you are well, Mr. Strong?” and the old gentleman, + making a dignified bow to the Chevalier, was about to pass into his house; + directing towards the lock of the door, with trembling hand, the polished + door-key. + </p> + <p> + We have said that, at the long and weary disputes and conferences + regarding the payment of Sir Francis Clavering's last debts, Strong and + Pendennis had both been present as friends and advisers of the Baronet's + unlucky family. Strong stopped and held out his hand to his brother + negotiator, and old Pendennis put out towards him a couple of ungracious + fingers. + </p> + <p> + “What is your good news?” said Major Pendennis, patronising the other + still further, and condescending to address to him an observation; for old + Pendennis had kept such good company all his life, that he vaguely + imagined he honoured common men by speaking to them. “Still in town, Mr. + Strong? I hope I see you well.” + </p> + <p> + “My news is bad news, sir,” Strong answered; “it concerns our friends at + Tunbridge Wells, and I should like to talk to you about it. Clavering is + at his old tricks again, Major Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! Pray do me the favour to come into my lodging,” cried the Major + with awakened interest; and the pair entered and took possession of his + drawing-room. Here seated, Strong unburthened himself of his indignation + to the Major, and spoke at large of Clavering's recklessness and + treachery. “No promises will bind him, sir,” he said. “You remember when + we met, sir, with my lady's lawyer, how he wouldn't be satisfied with + giving his honour, but wanted to take his oath on his knees to his wife, + and rang the bell for a Bible, and swore perdition on his soul if he ever + would give another bill. He has been signing one this very day, sir: and + will sign as many more as you please for ready money: and will deceive + anybody, his wife or his child, or his old friend, who has backed him a + hundred times. Why, there's a bill of his and mine will be due next week.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought we had paid all.” + </p> + <p> + “Not that one,” Strong said, blushing. “He asked me not to mention it, and—and—I + had half the money for that, Major; And they will be down on me. But I + don't care for it; I'm used to it. It's Lady Clavering that riles me. It's + a shame that that good-natured woman, who has paid him out of gaol a score + of times, should be ruined by his heartlessness. A parcel of bill-stealers + boxers, any rascals, get his money; and he don't scruple to throw an + honest fellow over. Would you believe it, sir, he took money of Altamont—you + know whom I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed? of that singular man, who I think came tipsy once to Sir + Francis's house?” Major Pendennis said, with impenetrable countenance. + “Who is Altamont, Mr. Strong?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I don't know, if you don't know,” the Chevalier answered, with + a look of surprise and suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “To tell you frankly,” said the Major, “I have my suspicions—I + suppose—mind, I only suppose—that in our friend Clavering's a + life—who, between you and me, Captain Strong, we must own about as + loose a fish as any in my acquaintance—there are, no doubt, some + queer secrets and stories which he would not like to have known: none of + us would. And very likely this fellow, who calls himself Altamont, knows + some story against Clavering, and has some hold on him, and gets money out + of him on the strength of his information. I know some of the best men of + the best families in England who are paying through the nose in that way. + But their private affairs are no business of mine, Mr. Strong; and it is + not to be supposed that because I go and dine with a man, I pry into his + secrets, or am answerable for all his past life. And so with our friend + Clavering, I am most interested for his wife's sake, and her daughter's, + who is a most charming creature: and when her ladyship asked me, I looked + into her affairs, and tried to set them straight; and shall do so again, + you understand, to the best of my humble power and ability, if I can make + myself useful. And if I am called upon—you understand, if I am + called upon—and—by the way, this Mr. Altamont, Mr. Strong? How + is this Mr. Altamont? I believe you are acquainted with him. Is he in + town?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that I am called upon to know where he is, Major Pendennis,” + said Strong, rising and taking up his hat in dudgeon, for the Major's + patronising manner and impertinence of caution offended the honest + gentleman not a little. + </p> + <p> + Pendennis's manner altered at once from a tone of hauteur to one of + knowing good-humour. “Ah, Captain Strong, you are cautious too, I see; and + quite right, my good sir, quite right. We don't know what ears walls may + have, sir, or to whom we may be talking; and as a man of the world, and an + old soldier,—an old and distinguished soldier, I have been told, + Captain Strong,—you know very well that there is no use in throwing + away your fire; you may have your ideas, and I may put two and two + together and have mine. But there are things which don't concern him that + many a man had better not know, eh, Captain? and which I, for one, won't + know until I have reason for knowing them: and that I believe is your + maxim too. With regard to our friend the Baronet, I think with you, it + would be most advisable that he should be checked in his imprudent + courses; and most strongly reprehend any man's departure from his word, or + any conduct of his which can give any pain to his family, or cause them + annoyance in any way. That is my full and frank opinion, and I am sure it + is yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Mr. Strong, drily. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it; delighted that an old brother soldier should + agree with me so fully. And I am exceedingly glad of the lucky meeting + which has procured me the good fortune of your visit. Good evening. Thank + you. Morgan, show the door to Captain Strong.” + </p> + <p> + And Strong, preceded by Morgan, took his leave of Major Pendennis; the + Chevalier not a little puzzled at the old fellow's prudence; and the + valet, to say the truth, to the full as much perplexed at his master's + reticence. For Mr. Morgan, in his capacity of accomplished valet, moved + here and there in a house as silent as a shadow; and, as it so happened, + during the latter part of his master's conversation with his visitor, had + been standing very close to the door, and had overheard not a little of + the talk between the two gentlemen, and a great deal more than he could + understand. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that Altamont? know anything about him and Strong?” Mr. Morgan + asked of Mr. Lightfoot, on the next convenient occasion when they met at + the Club. + </p> + <p> + “Strong's his man of business, draws the Governor's bills, and indosses + 'em, and does his odd jobs and that; and I suppose Altamont's in it too,” + Mr. Lightfoot replied. “That kite-flying, you know, Mr. M., always takes + two or three on 'em to set the paper going. Altamont put the pot on at the + Derby, and won a good bit of money. I wish the Governor could get some + somewhere, and I could get my book paid up.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think my Lady would pay his debts again?” Morgan asked. “Find out + that for me, Lightfoot, and I'll make it worth your while, my boy.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + Major Pendennis had often said with a laugh, that his valet Morgan was a + much richer man than himself: and, indeed, by long course of careful + speculation, this wary and silent attendant had been amassing a + considerable sum of money, during the year which he had passed in the + Major's service, where he had made the acquaintance of many other valets + of distinction, from whom he had learned the affairs of their principals. + When Mr. Arthur came into his property, but not until then, Morgan had + surprised the young gentleman, by saying that he had a little sum of + money, some fifty or a hundred pound, which he wanted to lay out to + advantage; perhaps the gentlemen in the Temple, knowing about affairs and + business and that, could help a poor fellow to a good investment? Morgan + would be very much obliged to Mr. Arthur, most grateful and obliged + indeed, if Arthur could tell him of one. When Arthur laughingly replied, + that he knew nothing about money matters, and knew no earthly way of + helping Morgan, the latter, with the utmost simplicity, was very grateful, + very grateful indeed, to Mr. Arthur, and if Mr. Arthur should want a + little money before his rents was paid, perhaps he would kindly remember + that his uncle's old and faithful servant had some as he would like to put + out: and be most proud if he could be useful anyways to any of the family. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Fairoaks, who was tolerably prudent and had no need of ready + money, would as soon have thought of borrowing from his uncle's servant as + of stealing the valet's pocket-handkerchief, and was on the point of + making some haughty reply to Morgan's offer, but was checked by the humour + of the transaction. Morgan a capitalist! Morgan offering to lend to him—The + joke was excellent. On the other hand, the man might be quite innocent, + and the proposal of money a simple offer of good-will. So Arthur withheld + the sarcasm that was rising to his lips, and contented himself by + declining Mr. Morgan's kind proposal. He mentioned the matter to his + uncle, however, and congratulated the latter on having such a treasure in + his service. + </p> + <p> + It was then that the Major said that he believed Morgan had been getting + devilish rich for a devilish long time; in fact, he had bought the house + in Bury Street, in which his master was a lodger and had actually made a + considerable sum of money, from his acquaintance with the Clavering family + and his knowledge obtained through his master that the Begum would pay all + her husband's debts, by buying up as many of the Baronet's acceptances as + he could raise money to purchase. Of these transactions the Major, + however, knew no more than most gentlemen do of their servants, who live + with us all our days and are strangers to us, so strong custom is, and so + pitiless the distinction between class and class. + </p> + <p> + “So he offered to lend you money, did he?” the elder Pendennis remarked to + his nephew. “He's a dev'lish sly fellow, and a dev'lish rich fellow; and + there's many a nobleman would like to have such a valet in his service, + and borrow from him too. And he ain't a bit changed, Monsieur Morgan. He + does his work just as well as ever—he's always ready to my bell—steals + about the room like a cat—he's so dev'lishly attached to me, + Morgan!” + </p> + <p> + On the day of Strong's visit, the Major bethought him of Pen's story, and + that Morgan might help him, and rallied the valet regarding his wealth + with that free and insolent way which so high-placed a gentleman might be + disposed to adopt towards so unfortunate a creature. + </p> + <p> + “I hear that you have got some money to invest, Morgan,” said the Major. + </p> + <p> + “It's Mr. Arthur has been telling, hang him,” thought the valet. + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad my place is such a good one.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir—I've no reason to complain of my place, nor of my + master,” replied Morgan, demurely. + </p> + <p> + “You're a good fellow: and I believe you are attached to me; and I'm glad + you get on well. And I hope you'll be prudent, and not be taking a + public-house or that kind of thing.” + </p> + <p> + A public-house, thought Morgan—me in a public-house!—the old + fool!—Dammy, if I was ten years younger I'd set in Parlyment before + I died, that I would.—“No, thank you kindly, sir. I don't think of + the public line, sir. And I've got my little savings pretty well put out, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You do a little in the discounting way, eh, Morgan?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, a very little—I—I beg your pardon, sir—might + I be so free as to ask a question——” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on, my good fellow,” the elder said, graciously. + </p> + <p> + “About Sir Francis Clavering's paper, sir? Do you think he's any longer + any good, sir? Will my Lady pay on 'em, any more, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “What, you've done something in that business already?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, a little,” replied Morgan, dropping down his eyes. “And I don't + mind owning, sir, and I hope I may take the liberty of saying, sir, that a + little more would make me very comfortable if it turned out as well as the + last.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, how much have you netted by him, in Gad's name?” asked the Major. + </p> + <p> + “I've done a good bit, sir, at it: that I own, sir. Having some + information, and made acquaintance with the fam'ly through your kindness, + I put on the pot, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You did what?” + </p> + <p> + “I laid my money on, sir—I got all I could, and borrowed, and bought + Sir Francis's bills; many of 'em had his name, and the gentleman's as is + just gone out, Edward Strong, Esquire, sir: and of course I know of the + blow-hup and shindy as is took place in Grosvenor Place, sir: and as I may + as well make my money as another, I'd be very much obleeged to you if + you'd tell me whether my Lady will come down any more.” + </p> + <p> + Although Major Pendennis was as much surprised at this intelligence + regarding his servant, as if he had heard that Morgan was a disguised + Marquis, about to throw off his mask and assume his seat in the House of + Peers; and although he was of course indignant at the audacity of the + fellow who had dared to grow rich under his nose, and without his + cognisance; yet he had a natural admiration for every man who represented + money and success, and found himself respecting Morgan, and being rather + afraid of that worthy, as the truth began to dawn upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Morgan,” said he, “I mustn't ask how rich you are; and the richer + the better for your sake, I'm sure. And if I could give you any + information that could serve you, I would speedily help you. But frankly, + if Lady Clavering asks me whether she shall pay any more of Sir Francis's + debts, I shall advise and I hope she won't, though I fear she will—and + that is all I know. And so you are aware that Sir Francis is beginning + again in his—eh—reckless and imprudent course?” + </p> + <p> + “At his old games, sir—can't prevent that gentleman. He will do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Strong was saying that a Mr. Moss Abrams was the holder of one of Sir + Francis Clavering's notes. Do you know anything of this Mr. Abrams; or the + amount of the bill?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know the bill, know Abrams quite well, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would find out about it for me. And I wish you would find out + where I can see Sir Francis Clavering, Morgan.” + </p> + <p> + And Morgan said, “Thank you, sir, yes, sir, I will, sir;” and retired from + the room, as he had entered it, with his usual stealthy respect and quiet + humility; leaving the Major to muse and wonder over what he had just + heard. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the valet informed Major Pendennis that he had seen Mr. + Abrams; what was the amount of the bill that gentleman was desirous to + negotiate; and that the Baronet would be sure to be in the back-parlour of + the Wheel of Fortune Tavern that day at one o'clock. + </p> + <p> + To this appointment Sir Francis Clavering was punctual, and as at one + o'clock he sate in the parlour of the tavern in question, surrounded by + spittoons, Windsor chairs, cheerful prints of boxers, trotting horses, and + pedestrians, and the lingering of last night's tobacco fumes—as the + descendant of an ancient line sate in this delectable place accommodated + with an old copy of Bell's Life in London, much blotted with beer, the + polite Major Pendennis walked into the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “So it's you, old boy?” asked the Baronet, thinking that Mr. Moss Abrams + had arrived with the money. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Sir Francis Clavering? I wanted to see you, and followed + you here,” said the Major, at sight of whom the other's countenance fell. + </p> + <p> + Now that he had his opponent before him, the Major was determined to make + a brisk and sudden attack upon him, and went into action at once. “I + know,” he continued, “who is the exceedingly disreputable person for whom + you took me, Clavering; and the errand which brought you here.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't your business, is it?” asked the Baronet, with a sulky and + deprecatory look. “Why are you following me about and taking the command, + and meddling in my affairs, Major Pendennis? I've never done you any harm, + have I? I've never had your money. And I don't choose to be dodged about + in this way, and domineered over. I don't choose it, and I won't have it. + If Lady Clavering has any proposal to make to me, let it be done in the + regular way, and through the lawyers. I'd rather not have you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not come from Lady Clavering,” the Major said, “but of my own + accord, to try and remonstrate with you, Clavering, and see if you can be + kept from ruin. It is but a month ago that you swore on your honour, and + wanted to get a Bible to strengthen the oath, that you would accept no + more bills, but content yourself with the allowance which Lady Clavering + gives you. All your debts were paid with that proviso, and you have broken + it; this Mr. Abrams has a bill of yours for sixty pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “It's an old bill. I take my solemn oath it's an old bill,” shrieked out + the Baronet. + </p> + <p> + “You drew it yesterday, and you dated it three months back purposely. By + Gad, Clavering, you sicken me with lies, I can't help telling you so. I've + no patience with you, by Gad. You cheat everybody, yourself included. I've + seen a deal of the world, but I never met your equal at humbugging. It's + my belief you had rather lie than not.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you come here, you old—old beast, to tempt me to—to + pitch into you, and—and knock your old head off?” said the Baronet, + with a poisonous look of hatred at the Major. + </p> + <p> + “What, sir?” shouted out the old Major, rising to his feet and clasping + his cane, and looking so fiercely, that the Baronet's tone instantly + changed towards him. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Clavering, piteously, “I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to + be angry, or say anything unkind, only you're so damned harsh to me, Major + Pendennis. What is it you want of me? Why have you been hunting me so? Do + you want money out of me too? By Jove, you know I've not got a shilling,”—and + so Clavering, according to his custom, passed from a curse into a whimper. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis saw, from the other's tone, that Clavering knew his secret + was in the Major's hands. + </p> + <p> + “I've no errand from anybody, or no design upon you,” Pendennis said, “but + an endeavour, if it's not too late, to save you and your family from utter + ruin, through the infernal recklessness of your courses. I knew your + secret——” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know it when I married her; upon my oath I didn't know it till + the d——d scoundrel came back and told me himself; and it's the + misery about that which makes me so reckless, Pendennis; indeed it is,” + the Baronet cried, clasping his hands. + </p> + <p> + “I knew your secret from the very first day when I saw Amory come drunk + into your dining-room in Grosvenor Place. I never forget faces. I remember + that fellow in Sydney a convict, and he remembers me. I know his trial, + the date of his marriage, and of his reported death in the bush. I could + swear to him. And I know that you are no more married to Lady Clavering + than I am. I've kept your secret well enough, for I've not told a single + soul that I know it,—not your wife, not yourself till now.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Lady C., it would cut her up dreadfully,” whimpered Sir Francis; + “and it wasn't my fault, Major; you know it wasn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather than allow you to go on ruining her as you do; I will tell her, + Clavering, and tell all the world too; that is what I swear I will do, + unless I can come to some terms with you, and put some curb on your + infernal folly. By play, debt, and extravagance of all kind, you've got + through half your wife's fortune, and that of her legitimate heirs, mind—her + legitimate heirs. Here it must stop. You can't live together. You're not + fit to live in a great house like Clavering; and before three years' more + were over would not leave a shilling to carry on. I've settled what must + be done. You shall have six hundred a year; you shall go abroad and live + on that. You must give up Parliament, and get on as well as you can. If + you refuse, I give you my word I'll make the real state of things known + to-morrow; I'll swear to Amory, who, when identified, will go back to the + country from whence he came, and will rid the widow of you and himself + together. And so that boy of yours loses at once all title to old Spell's + property, and it goes to your wife's daughter. Ain't I making myself + pretty clearly understood?” + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't be so cruel to that poor boy, would you, Pendennis?” asked + the father, pleading piteously; “hang it, think about him. He's a nice + boy: though he's dev'lish wild, I own he's dev'lish wild.” + </p> + <p> + “It's you who are cruel to him,” said the old moralist. “Why, sir, you'll + ruin him yourself inevitably in three years.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but perhaps I won't have such dev'lish bad luck, you know;—the + luck must turn: and I'll reform, by Gad, I'll reform. And if you were to + split on me, it would cut up my wife so; you know it would, most + infernally.” + </p> + <p> + “To be parted from you,” said the old Major, with a sneer; “you know she + won't live with you again.” + </p> + <p> + “But why can't Lady C. live abroad, or at Bath, or at Tunbridge, or at the + doose, and I go on here?” Clavering continued. “I like being here better + than abroad, and I like being in Parliament. It's dev'lish convenient + being in Parliament. There's very few seats like mine left; and if I gave + it to 'em, I should not wonder the ministry would give me an island to + govern, or some dev'lish good thing; for you know I'm a gentleman of + dev'lish good family, and have a handle to my name, and—and that + sort of thing, Major Pendennis. Eh, don't you see? Don't you think they'd + give me something dev'lish good if I was to play my cards well? And then, + you know, I'd save money, and be kept out of the way of the confounded + hells and rouge et noir—and—and so I'd rather not give up + Parliament, please.” For at one instant to hate and defy a man, at the + next to weep before him, and at the next to be perfectly confidential and + friendly with him, was not an unusual process with our versatile-minded + Baronet. + </p> + <p> + “As for your seat in Parliament,” the Major said, with something of a + blush on his cheek, and a certain tremor, which the other did not see, + “you must part with that, Sir Francis Clavering, to—to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What! are you going into the House, Major Pendennis?” + </p> + <p> + “No—not I; but my nephew, Arthur, is a very clever fellow and would + make a figure there: and when Clavering had two members, his father might + very likely have been one; and—and should like Arthur to be there,” + the Major said. + </p> + <p> + “Dammy, does he know it, too?” cried out Clavering. + </p> + <p> + “Nobody knows anything out of this room,” Pendennis answered; and if you + do this favour for me, I hold my tongue. “If not, I'm a man of my word, + and will do what I have said.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Major,” said Sir Francis, with a peculiarly humble smile “You—You + couldn't get me my first quarter in advance, could you, like the best of + fellows? You can do anything with Lady Clavering; and, upon my oath, I'll + take up that bill of Abrams'. The little dam scoundrel, I know he'll do me + in the business—he always does; and if you could do this for me, + we'd see, Major.” + </p> + <p> + “And I think your best plan would be to go down in September to Clavering + to shoot, and take my nephew with you, and introduce him. Yes, that will + be the best time. And we will try and manage about the advance.” (Arthur + may lend him that, thought old Pendennis. Confound him, a seat in + Parliament is worth a hundred and fifty pounds.) “And, Clavering, you + understand, of course, my nephew knows nothing about this business. You + have a mind to retire: he is a Clavering man and a good representative for + the borough; you introduce him, and your people vote for him—you + see.” + </p> + <p> + “When can you get me the hundred and fifty, Major? When shall I come and + see you? Will you be at home this evening or to-morrow morning? Will you + have anything here? They've got some dev'lish good bitters in the bar. I + often have a glass of bitters, it sets one up so.” + </p> + <p> + The old Major would take no refreshment; but rose and took his leave of + the Baronet, who walked with him to the door of the Wheel of Fortune, and + then strolled into the bar, where he took a glass of gin and bitters with + the landlady there: and a gentleman connected with the ring (who boarded + at the Wheel of F.) coming in, he and Sir Francis Clavering and the + landlord talked about the fights and the news of the sporting world in + general; and at length Mr. Moss Abrams arrived with the proceeds of the + Baronet's bill, from which his own handsome commission was deducted, and + out of the remainder Sir Francis “stood” a dinner at Greenwich to his + distinguished friend, and passed the evening gaily at Vauxhall. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Major Pendennis, calling a cab in Piccadilly, drove to Lamb + Court, Temple, where he speedily was closeted with his nephew in deep + conversation. + </p> + <p> + After their talk they parted on very good terms, and it was in consequence + of that unreported conversation, whereof the reader nevertheless can + pretty well guess the bearing, that Arthur expressed himself as we have + heard in the colloquy with Warrington, which is reported in the last + chapter. + </p> + <p> + When a man is tempted to do a tempting thing, he can find a hundred + ingenious reasons for gratifying his liking; and Arthur thought very much + that he would like to be in Parliament, and that he would like to + distinguish himself there, and that he need not care much what side he + took, as there was falsehood and truth on every side. And on this and on + other matters he thought he would compromise with his conscience, and that + Sadduceeism was a very convenient and good-humoured profession of faith. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIV. Phyllis and Corydon + </h2> + <p> + On a picturesque common in the neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells, Lady + Clavering had found a pretty villa, whither she retired after her conjugal + disputes at the end of that unlucky London season. Miss Amory, of course, + accompanied her mother, and Master Clavering came home for the holidays, + with whom Blanche's chief occupation was to fight and quarrel. But this + was only a home pastime, and the young schoolboy was not fond of home + sports. He found cricket, and horses, and plenty of friends at Tunbridge. + The good-natured Begum's house was filled with a constant society of young + gentlemen of thirteen, who ate and drank much too copiously of tarts and + champagne, who rode races on the lawn, and frightened the fond mother, who + smoked and made themselves sick, and the dining-room unbearable to Miss + Blanche. She did not like the society of young gentlemen of thirteen. + </p> + <p> + As for that fair young creature, any change as long as it was change was + pleasant to her; and for a week or two she would have liked poverty and a + cottage, and bread-and-cheese; and, for a night, perhaps, a dungeon and + bread-and-water, and so the move to Tunbridge was by no means unwelcome to + her. She wandered in the woods, and sketched trees and farmhouses; she + read French novels habitually; she drove into Tunbridge Wells pretty + often, and to any play, or ball, or conjurer, or musician who might happen + to appear in the place; she slept a great deal; she quarrelled with Mamma + and Frank during the morning; she found the little village school and + attended it, and first fondled the girls and thwarted the mistress, then + scolded the girls and laughed at the teacher; she was constant at church, + of course. It was a pretty little church, of immense antiquity—a + little Anglo-Norman bijou, built the day before yesterday, and decorated + with all sorts of painted windows, carved saints' heads, gilt scripture + texts, and open pews. Blanche began forthwith to work a most correct + high-church altar-cover for the church. She passed for a saint with the + clergyman for a while, whom she quite took in, and whom she coaxed, and + wheedled, and fondled so artfully, that poor Mrs. Smirke, who at first was + charmed with her, then bore with her, then would hardly speak to her, was + almost mad with jealousy. Mrs. Smirke was the wife of our old friend + Smirke, Pen's tutor and poor Helen's suitor. He had consoled himself for + her refusal with a young lady from Clapham whom his mamma provided. When + the latter died, our friend's views became every day more and more + pronounced. He cut off his coat collar, and let his hair grow over his + back. He rigorously gave up the curl which he used to sport on his + forehead, and the tie of his neckcloth, of which he was rather proud. He + went without any tie at all. He went without dinner on Fridays. He read + the Roman Hours, and intimated that he was ready to receive confessions in + the vestry. The most harmless creature in the world, he was denounced as a + black and most dangerous Jesuit and Papist, by Muffin of the Dissenting + chapel, and Mr. Simeon Knight at the old church. Mr. Smirke had built his + chapel-of-ease with the money left him by his mother at Clapham. Lord! + lord! what would she have said to hear a table called an altar! to see + candlesticks on it! to get letters signed on the Feast of Saint So-and-so, + or the Vigil of Saint What-do-you-call-'em! All these things did the boy + of Clapham practise; his faithful wife following him. But when Blanche had + a conference of near two hours in the vestry with Mr. Smirke, Belinda + paced up and down on the grass, where there were only two little + grave-stones as yet; she wished that she had a third there: only, only he + would offer very likely to that creature, who had infatuated him in a + fortnight. No, she would retire; she would go into a convent, and profess + and leave him. Such bad thoughts had Smirke's wife and his neighbours + regarding him; these, thinking him in direct correspondence with the + Bishop of Rome; that, bewailing errors to her even more odious and fatal; + and yet our friend meant no earthly harm. The post-office never brought + him any letters from the Pope; he thought Blanche, to be sure, at first, + the most pious, gifted, right-thinking, fascinating person he had ever + met; and her manner of singing the Chants delighted him—but after a + while he began to grow rather tired of Miss Amory, her ways and graces + grew stale somehow; then he was doubtful about Miss Amory; then she made a + disturbance in his school, lost her temper, and rapped the children's + fingers. Blanche inspired this admiration and satiety, somehow, in many + men. She tried to please them, and flung out all her graces at once; came + down to them with all her jewels on, all her smiles, and cajoleries, and + coaxings, and ogles. Then she grew tired of them and of trying to please + them, and never having cared about them, dropped them: and the men grew + tired of her, and dropped her too. It was a happy night for Belinda when + Blanche went away; and her husband, with rather a blush and a sigh, said + “he had been deceived in her; he had thought her endowed with many + precious gifts, he feared they were mere tinsel; he thought she had been a + right-thinking person, he feared she had merely made religion an amusement—she + certainly had quite lost her temper to the schoolmistress, and beat Polly + Rucker's knuckles cruelly.” Belinda flew to his arms, there was no + question about the grave or the veil any more. He tenderly embraced her on + the forehead. “There is none like thee, my Belinda,” he said, throwing his + fine eyes up to the ceiling, “precious among women!” As for Blanche, from + the instant she lost sight of him and Belinda, she never thought or cared + about either any more. + </p> + <p> + But when Arthur went down to pass a few days at Tunbridge Wells with the + Begum, this stage of indifference had not arrived on Miss Blanche's part + or on that of the simple clergyman. Smirke believed her to be an angel and + wonder of a woman. Such a perfection he had never seen, and sate listening + to her music in the summer evenings, open-mouthed, rapt in wonder, + tea-less, and bread-and-butter-less. Fascinating as he had heard the music + of the opera to be—he had never but once attended an exhibition of + that nature (which he mentioned with a blush and a sigh—it was on + that day when he had accompanied Helen and her son to the play at + Chatteris)—he could not conceive anything more delicious, more + celestial, he had almost said, than Miss Amory's music. She was a most + gifted being: she had a precious soul: she had the most remarkable talents—to + all outward seeming, the most heavenly disposition, etc. etc. It was in + this way that, being then at the height of his own fever and bewitchment + for Blanche, Smirke discoursed to Arthur about her. + </p> + <p> + The meeting between the two old acquaintances had been very cordial. + Arthur loved anybody who loved his mother; Smirke could speak on that + theme with genuine feeling and emotion. They had a hundred things to tell + each other of what had occurred in their lives. “Arthur would perceive,” + Smirke said, “that his—his views on Church matters had developed + themselves since their acquaintance.” Mrs. Smirke, a most exemplary + person, seconded them with all her endeavours. He had built this little + church on his mother's demise, who had left him provided with a + sufficiency of worldly means. Though in the cloister himself, he had heard + of Arthur's reputation. He spoke in the kindest and most saddened tone; he + held his eyelids down, and bowed his fair head on one side. Arthur was + immensely amused with him; with his airs; with his follies and simplicity; + with his blank stock and long hair; with his real goodness, kindness, + friendliness of feeling. And his praises of Blanche pleased and surprised + our friend not a little, and made him regard her with eyes of particular + favour. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, Blanche was very glad to see Arthur; as one is glad to see + an agreeable man in the country, who brings down the last news and stories + from the great city; who can talk better than most country-folks, at least + can talk that darling London jargon, so dear and indispensable to London + people, so little understood by persons out of the world. The first day + Pen came down, he kept Blanche laughing for hours after dinner. She sang + her songs with redoubled spirit. She did not scold her mother; she fondled + and kissed her, to the honest Begum's surprise. When it came to be + bedtime, she said, “Deja!” with the prettiest air of regret possible; and + was really quite sorry to go to bed, and squeezed Arthur's hand quite + fondly. He on his side gave her pretty palm a very cordial pressure. Our + young gentleman was of that turn, that eyes very moderately bright dazzled + him. + </p> + <p> + “She is very much improved,” thought Pen, looking out into the night, + “very much. I suppose the Begum won't mind my smoking with the window + open. She's a jolly good old woman, and Blanche is immensely improved. I + liked her manner with her mother tonight. I liked her laughing way with + that stupid young cub of a boy, whom they oughtn't to allow to get tipsy. + She sang those little verses very prettily; they were devilish pretty + verses too, though I say it who shouldn't say it.” And he hummed a tune + which Blanche had put to some verses of his own. “Ah! what a fine night! + How jolly a cigar is at night! How pretty that little Saxon church looks + in the moonlight! I wonder what old Warrington's doing? Yes, she's a + dayvlish nice little thing, as my uncle says.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, heavenly!” Here broke out a voice from a clematis-covered casement + near—a girl's voice: it was the voice of the author of 'Mes Larmes.' + </p> + <p> + Pen burst into a laugh. “Don't tell about my smoking,” he said, leaning + out of his own window. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! go on! I adore it,” cried the lady of 'Mes Larmes.' “Heavenly night! + heavenly, heavenly moon! but I must shut my window, and not talk to you on + account of les moeurs. How droll they are, les moeurs! Adieu.” And Pen + began to sing the Goodnight to Don Basilio. + </p> + <p> + The next day they were walking in the fields together, laughing and + chattering—the gayest pair of friends. They talked about the days of + their youth, and Blanche was prettily sentimental. They talked about + Laura, dearest Laura—Blanche had loved her as a sister: was she + happy with that odd Lady Rockminster? Wouldn't she come and stay with them + at Tunbridge? Oh, what walks they would take together! What songs they + would sing—the old, old songs! Laura's voice was splendid. Did + Arthur—she must call him Arthur—remember the songs they sang + in the happy old days, now he was grown such a great man, and had such a + succes? etc. etc. + </p> + <p> + And the day after, which was enlivened with a happy ramble through the + woods to Penshurst, and a sight of that pleasant park and hall, came that + conversation with the curate which we have narrated, and which made our + young friend think more and more. + </p> + <p> + “Is she all this perfection?” he asked himself. “Has she become serious + and religious? Does she tend schools, and visit the poor? Is she kind to + her mother and brother? Yes, I am sure of that, I have seen her.” And + walking with his old tutor over his little parish, and going to visit his + school, it was with inexpressible delight that Pen found Blanche seated + instructing the children, and fancied to himself how patient she must be, + how good-natured, how ingenuous, how really simple in her tastes, and + unspoiled by the world. + </p> + <p> + “And do you really like the country?” he asked her, as they walked + together. + </p> + <p> + “I should like never to see that odious city again. O Arthur—that + is, Mr.—well, Arthur, then—one's good thoughts grow up in + these sweet woods and calm solitudes, like those flowers which won't bloom + in London, you know. The gardener comes and changes our balconies once a + week. I don't think I shall bear to look London in the face again—its + odious, smoky, brazen face! But, heigho!” + </p> + <p> + “Why that sigh, Blanche?” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind why.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do mind why. Tell me, tell me everything.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you hadn't come down;” and a second edition of 'Mes Soupirs' came + out. + </p> + <p> + “You don't want me, Blanche?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want you to go away. I don't think this house will be very happy + without you, and that's why I wish that you never had come.” + </p> + <p> + 'Mes Soupirs' were here laid aside, and 'Mes Larmes' had begun. + </p> + <p> + Ah! What answer is given to those in the eyes of a young woman? What is + the method employed for drying them? What took place? O ringdoves and + roses, O dews and wildflowers, O waving greenwoods and balmy airs of + summer! Here were two battered London rakes, taking themselves in for a + moment, and fancying that they were in love with each other, like Phillis + and Corydon! + </p> + <p> + When one thinks of country houses and country walks, one wonders that any + man is left unmarried. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXV. Temptation + </h2> + <p> + Easy and frank-spoken as Pendennis commonly was with Warrington, how came + it that Arthur did not inform the friend and depository of all his + secrets, of the little circumstances which had taken place at the villa + near Tunbridge Wells? He talked about the discovery of his old tutor + Smirke, freely enough, and of his wife, and of his Anglo-Norman church, + and of his departure from Clapha to Rome; but, when asked about Blanche, + his answers were evasive or general: he said she was a good-natured clever + little thing, that rightly guided she make no such bad wife after all, but + that he had for the moment no intention of marriage, that his days of + romance were over, that he was contented with his present lot, and so + forth. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime there came occasionally to Lamb Court, Temple, pretty + little satin envelopes, superscribed in the neatest handwriting, and + sealed with one of those admirable ciphers, which, if Warrington had been + curious enough to watch his friend's letters, or indeed if the cipher had + been decipherable, would have shown George that Mr. Arthur was in + correspondence with a young lady whose initials were B. A. To these pretty + little compositions Mr. Pen replied in his best and gallantest manner; + with jokes, with news of the town, with points of wit, nay, with pretty + little verses very likely, in reply to the versicles of the Muse of 'Mes + Larmes.' Blanche we know rhymes with “branch,” and “stanch,” and “launch,” + and no doubt a gentleman of Pen's ingenuity would not forgo these + advantages of position, and would ring the pretty little changes upon + these pleasing notes. Indeed we believe that those love-verses of Mr. + Pen's, which had such a pleasing success in the 'Roseleaves,' that + charming Annual edited by Lady Violet Lebas, and illustrated by portraits + of the female nobility by the famous artist Pinkney, were composed at this + period of our hero's life; and were first addressed to Blanche per post, + before they figured in print, cornets as it were to Pinkney's pictorial + garland. + </p> + <p> + “Verses are all very well,” the elder Pendennis said, who found Pen + scratching down one of these artless effusions at the Club as he was + waiting for his dinner; “and letter-writing if mamma allows it, and + between such old country friends of course there may be a correspondence, + and that sort of thing—but mind, Pen, and don't commit yourself, my + boy. For who knows what the doose may happen? The best way is to make your + letters safe. I never wrote a letter in all my life that would commit me, + and demmy, sir, I have had some experience of women.” And the worthy + gentleman, growing more garrulous and confidential with his nephew as he + grew older, told many affecting instances of the evil results consequent + upon this want of caution to many persons in “Society;”—how from + using too ardent expressions in some poetical notes to the widow Naylor, + young Spoony had subjected himself to a visit of remonstrance from the + widow's brother, Colonel Flint; and thus had been forced into a marriage + with a woman old enough to be his mother: how when Louisa Salter had at + length succeeded in securing young Sir John Bird, Hopwood, of the Blues, + produced some letters which Miss S. had written to him, and caused a + withdrawal on Bird's part, who afterwards was united to Miss Stickney, of + Lyme Regis, etc. The Major, if he had not reading, had plenty of + observation, and could back his wise saws with a multitude of modern + instances, which he had acquired in a long and careful perusal of the + great book of the world. + </p> + <p> + Pen laughed at the examples, and blushing a little at his uncle's + remonstrances, said that he would bear them in mind and be cautious. He + blushed, perhaps, because he had borne them in mind; because he was + cautious: because in his letters to Miss Blanche he had from instinct, or + honesty perhaps, refrained from any avowals which might compromise him. + “Don't you remember the lesson I had, sir, in Lady Mirabel's—Miss + Fotheringay's affair? I am not to be caught again, uncle,” Arthur said + with mock frankness and humility. Old Pendennis congratulated himself and + his nephew heartily on the latter's prudence and progress, and was pleased + at the position which Arthur was taking as a man of the world. + </p> + <p> + No doubt, if Warrington had been consulted, his opinion would have been + different: and he would have told Pen that the boy's foolish letters were + better than the man's adroit compliments and slippery gallantries; that to + win the woman he loves, only a knave or a coward advances under cover, + with subterfuges, and a retreat secured behind him: but Pen spoke not on + this matter to Mr. Warrington, knowing pretty well that he was guilty, and + what his friend's verdict would be. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Altamont had not been for many weeks absent on his foreign tour, + Sir Francis Clavering having retired meanwhile into the country pursuant + to his agreement with Major Pendennis, when the ills of fate began to fall + rather suddenly and heavily upon the sole remaining partner of the little + firm of Shepherd's Inn. When Strong, at parting with Altamont, refused the + loan proffered by the latter in the fulness of his purse and the + generosity of his heart, he made such a sacrifice to conscience and + delicacy as caused him many an after twinge and pang; and he felt—it + was not very many hours in his life he had experienced the feeling—that + in this juncture of his affairs he had been too delicate and too + scrupulous. Why should a fellow in want refuse a kind offer kindly made? + Why should a thirsty man decline a pitcher of water from a friendly hand, + because it was a little soiled? Strong's conscience smote him for refusing + what the other had fairly come by, and generously proffered: and he + thought ruefully, now it was too late, that Altamont's cash would have + been as well in his pocket as in that of the gambling—house + proprietor at Baden or Ems, with whom his Excellency would infallibly + leave his Derby winnings. It was whispered among the tradesmen, + bill-discounters, and others who had commercial dealings with Captain + Strong, that he and the Baronet had parted company, and that the Captain's + “paper” was henceforth of no value. The tradesmen, who had put a wonderful + confidence in him hitherto,—for who could resist Strong's jolly face + and frank and honest demeanour?—now began to pour in their bills + with a cowardly mistrust and unanimity. The knocks at the Shepherd's Inn + chambers door were constant, and tailors, bootmakers, pastrycooks who had + furnished dinners, in their own persons, or by the boys their + representatives, held levees on Strong's stairs. To these were added one + or two persons of a less clamorous but far more sly and dangerous sort,—the + young clerks of lawyers, namely, who lurked about the Inn, or concerted + with Mr. Campion's young man in the chambers hard by, having in their + dismal pocketbooks copies of writs to be served on Edward Strong, + requiring him to appear on an early day next term before our Sovereign + Lady the Queen, and answer to, etc. etc. + </p> + <p> + From this invasion of creditors, poor Strong, who had not a guinea in his + pocket, had, of course, no refuge but that of the Englishman's castle, + into which he retired, shutting the outer and inner door upon the enemy, + and not quitting his stronghold until after nightfall. Against this outer + barrier the foe used to come and knock and curse in vain, whilst the + Chevalier peeped at them from behind the little curtain which he had put + over the orifice of his letter-box; and had the dismal satisfaction of + seeing the faces of furious clerk and fiery dun, as they dashed up against + the door and retreated from it. But as they could not be always at his + gate, or sleep on his staircase, the enemies of the Chevalier sometimes + left him free. + </p> + <p> + Strong, when so pressed by his commercial antagonists, was not quite alone + in his defence against them, but had secured for himself an ally or two. + His friends were instructed to communicate with him by a system of private + signals: and they thus kept the garrison from starving by bringing in + necessary supplies, and kept up Strong's heart and prevented him from + surrendering by visiting him and cheering him in his retreat. Two of Ned's + most faithful allies were Huxter and Miss Fanny Bolton: when hostile + visitors were prowling about the Inn, Fanny's little sisters were taught a + particular cry or jodel, which they innocently whooped in the court: when + Fanny and Huxter came up to visit Strong, they archly sang this same note + at his door; when that barrier was straightway opened, the honest garrison + came out smiling, the provisions and the pot of porter were brought in, + and in the society of his faithful friends the beleaguered one passed a + comfortable night. There are some men who could not live under this + excitement, but Strong was a brave man, as we have said, who had seen + service and never lost heart in peril. + </p> + <p> + But besides allies, our general had secured for himself, under + difficulties, that still more necessary aid, a retreat. It has been + mentioned in a former part of this history, how Messrs. Costigan and Bows + lived in the house next door to Captain Strong, and that the window of one + of their rooms was not very far off the kitchen-window which was situated + in the upper story of Strong's chambers. A leaden water-pipe and gutter + served for the two; and Strong, looking out from his kitchen one day, saw + that he could spring with great ease up to the sill of his neighbour's + window, and clamber up the pipe which communicated from one to the other. + He had laughingly shown this refuge to his chum, Altamont; and they had + agreed that it would be as well not to mention the circumstance to Captain + Costigan, whose duns were numerous, and who would be constantly flying + down the pipe into their apartments if this way of escape were shown to + him. + </p> + <p> + But now that the evil days were come, Strong made use of the passage, and + one afternoon burst in upon Bows and Costigan with his jolly face, and + explained that the enemy was in waiting on his staircase, and that he had + taken this means of giving them the slip. So while Mr. Marks's + aides-de-camp were in waiting in the passage of No. 3, Strong walked down + the steps of No. 4, dined at the Albion, went to the play, and returned + home at midnight, to the astonishment of Mrs. Bolton and Fanny, who had + not seen him quit his chambers and could not conceive how he could have + passed the line of sentries. + </p> + <p> + Strong bore this siege for some weeks with admirable spirit and + resolution, and as only such an old and brave soldier would, for the pains + and privations which he had to endure were enough to depress any man of + ordinary courage; and what vexed and riled him (to use his own expression) + was the infernal indifference and cowardly ingratitude of Clavering, to + whom he wrote letter after letter, which the Baronet never acknowledged by + a single word, or by the smallest remittance, though a five-pound note, as + Strong said, at that time would have been a fortune to him. + </p> + <p> + But better days were in store for the Chevalier, and in the midst of his + despondency and perplexities there came to him a most welcome aid. “Yes, + if it hadn't been for this good fellow here,” said Strong,—“for a + good fellow you are, Altamont, my boy, and hang me if I don't stand by you + as long as I live,—I think, Pendennis, it would have been all up + with Ned Strong. I was the fifth week of my being kept a prisoner, for I + couldn't be always risking my neck across that water-pipe, and taking my + walks abroad through poor old Cos's window, and my spirit was quite + broken, sir—dammy, quite beat, and I was thinking of putting an end + to myself, and should have done it in another week, when who should drop + down from heaven but Altamont!” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven ain't exactly the place, Ned,” said Altamont. “I came from + Baden-Baden,” said he, “and I'd had a deuced lucky month there, that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, he took up Marks's bill, and he paid the other fellows that + were upon me, like a man, sir, that he did,” said Strong, + enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + “And I shall be very happy to stand a bottle of claret for this company, + and as many more as the company chooses,” said Mr. Altamont, with a blush. + “Hallo! waiter, bring us a magnum of the right sort, do you hear? And + we'll drink our healths all round, sir—and may every good fellow + like Strong find another good fellow to stand by him at a pinch. That's my + sentiment, Mr. Pendennis, though I don't like your name.” + </p> + <p> + “No! And why?” asked Arthur. + </p> + <p> + Strong pressed the Colonel's foot under the table here; and Altamont, + rather excited, filled up another bumper, nodded to Pen, drank off his + wine, and said, “He was a gentleman, and that was sufficient, and they + were all gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + The meeting between these “all gentlemen” took place at Richmond, whither + Pendennis had gone to dinner, and where he found the Chevalier and his + friend at table in the coffee-room. Both of the latter were exceedingly + hilarious, talkative, and excited by wine; and Strong, who was an + admirable story-teller, told the story of his own siege, and adventures, + and escapes with great liveliness and humour, and described the talk of + the sheriff's officers at his door, the pretty little signals of Fanny, + the grotesque exclamations of Costigan when the Chevalier burst in at his + window, and his final rescue by Altamont, in a most graphic manner, and so + as greatly to interest his hearers. + </p> + <p> + “As for me, it's nothing,” Altamont said. “When a ship's paid off, a chap + spends his money, you know. And it's the fellers at the black and red at + Baden-Baden that did it. I won a good bit of money there, and intend to + win a good bit more, don't I, Strong? I'm going to take him with me. I've + got a system. I'll make his fortune, I tell you. I'll make your fortune, + if you like—dammy, everybody's fortune. But what I'll do, and no + mistake, boys, I promise you. I'll put in for that little Fanny. Dammy, + sir, what do you think she did? She had two pound, and I'm blest if she + didn't go and lend it to Ned Strong! Didn't she, Ned? Let's drink her + health.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” said Arthur, and pledged this toast with the greatest + cordiality. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Altamont then began, with the greatest volubility, at great length, to + describe his system. He said that it was infallible, if played with + coolness; that he had it from a chap at Baden, who had lost by it, it was + true, but because he had not enough capital; if he could have stood one + more turn of the wheel, he would have had all his money back; that he and + several more chaps were going to make a bank, and try it; and that he + would put every shilling he was worth into it, and had come back to the + country for the express purpose of fetching away his money, and Captain + Strong; that Strong should play for him; that he could trust Strong and + his temper much better than he could his own; and much better than + Bloundell-Bloundell or the Italian that “stood in.” As he emptied his + bottle, the Colonel described at full length all his plans and prospects + to Pen, who was interested in listening to his story, and the confessions + of his daring and lawless good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “I met that queer fellow Altamont the other day,” Pen said to his uncle, a + day or two afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “Altamont? What Altamont? There's Lord Westport's son,” said the Major. + </p> + <p> + “No, no; the fellow who came tipsy into Clavering's dining-room one day + when we were there,” said the nephew, laughing, “he said he did not like + the name of Pendennis, though he did me the honour to think that I was a + good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know any man of the name of Altamont, I give you my honour,” said + the impenetrable Major; “and as for your acquaintance, I think the less + you have to do with him the better, Arthur.” + </p> + <p> + Arthur laughed again. “He is going to quit the country, and make his + fortune by a gambling system. He and my amiable college acquaintance, + Bloundell, are partners, and the Colonel takes out Strong with him as + aide-de-camp. What is it that binds the Chevalier and Clavering, I + wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think, mind you, Pen, I should think, but of course I have only + the idea, that there has been something in Clavering's previous life which + gives these fellows and some others a certain power over him; and if there + should be no such a secret, which affair of ours, my boy, dammy, I say, it + ought to be a lesson to a man to keep himself straight in life, and not to + give any man a chance over him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I think you have some means of persuasion over Clavering, uncle, or + why should he give me that seat in Parlament?” + </p> + <p> + “Clavering thinks he ain't fit for Parliament,” the Major answered. “No + more he is. What's to prevent him from putting you or anybody else into + his place if he likes? Do you think that Government or the Opposition would + make any bones about accepting the seat if he offered it to them! Why + should you be more squeamish than the first men, and the most honourable + men, and men of the highest birth and position in the country, begad?” The + Major had an answer of this kind to most of Pen's objections, and Pen + accepted his uncle's replies, not so much because he believed them, but + because he wished to believe them. We do a thing—which of us has + not?—not because “everybody does it,” but because we like it; and + our acquiescence, alas! proves not that everybody is right, but that we + and the rest of the world are poor creatures alike. + </p> + <p> + At his next visit to Tunbridge, Mr. Pen did not forget to amuse Miss + Blanche with the history which he had learned at Richmond of the + Chevalier's imprisonment, and of Altamont's gallant rescue. And after he + had told his tale in his usual satirical way, he mentioned with praise and + emotion little Fanny's generous behaviour to the Chevalier, and Altamont's + enthusiasm in her behalf. + </p> + <p> + Miss Blanche was somewhat jealous, and a good deal piqued and curious + about Fanny. Among the many confidential little communications which + Arthur made to Miss Amory in the course of their delightful rural drives + and their sweet evening walks, it may be supposed that our hero would not + forget a story so interesting to himself and so likely to be interesting + to her, as that of the passion and cure of the poor little Ariadne of + Shepherd's Inn. His own part in that drama he described, to do him + justice, with becoming modesty; the moral which he wished to draw from the + tale being one in accordance with his usual satirical mood, viz., that + women get over their first loves quite as easily as men do (for the fair + Blanche, in their intimes conversations, did not cease to twit Mr. Pen + about his notorious failure in his own virgin attachment to the + Fotheringay), and, number one being withdrawn, transfer themselves to + number two without much difficulty. And poor little Fanny was offered up + in sacrifice as an instance to prove this theory. What griefs she had + endured and surmounted, what bitter pangs of hopeless attachment she had + gone through, what time it had taken to heal those wounds of the tender + little bleeding heart, Mr. Pen did not know, or perhaps did not choose to + know; for he was at once modest and doubtful about his capabilities as a + conqueror of hearts, and averse to believe that he had executed any + dangerous ravages on that particular one, though his own instance and + argument told against himself in this case; for if, as he said, Miss Fanny + was by this time in love with her surgical adorer, who had neither good + looks, nor good manners, nor wit, nor anything but ardour and fidelity to + recommend him, must she not in her first sickness of the love-complaint + have had a serious attack, and suffered keenly for a man who had certainly + a number of the showy qualities which Mr. Huxter wanted? + </p> + <p> + “You wicked odious creature,” Miss Blanche said, “I believe that you are + enraged with Fanny for being so impudent as to forget you, and that you + are actually jealous of Mr. Huxter.” Perhaps Miss Amory was right, as the + blush which came in spite of himself and tingled upon Pendennis's cheek + (one of those blows with which a man's vanity is constantly slapping his + face) proved to Pen that he was angry to think he had been superseded by + such a rival. By such a fellow as that! without any conceivable good + quality! O Mr. Pendennis! (although this remark does not apply to such a + smart fellow as you) if Nature had not made that provision for each sex in + the credulity of the other, which sees good qualities where none exist, + good looks in donkeys' ears, wit in their numskulls, and music in their + bray, there would not have been near so much marrying and giving in + marriage as now obtains, and as is necessary for the due propagation and + continuance of the noble race to which we belong. + </p> + <p> + “Jealous or not,” Pen said, “and, Blanche, I don't say no, I should have + liked Fanny to have come to a better end than that. I don't like histories + that end in that cynical way; and when we arrive at the conclusion of the + story of a pretty girl's passion, to find such a figure as Huxter's at the + last page of the tale. Is a life a compromise, my lady fair, and the end + of the battle of love an ignoble surrender? Is the search for the Cupid + which my poor little Psyche pursued in the darkness—the god of her + soul's longing—the god of the blooming cheek and rainbow pinions,—to + result in Huxter smelling of tobacco and gallypots? I wish, though I don't + see it in life, that people could be like Jenny and Jessamy, or my Lord + and Lady Clementina in the story-books and fashionable novels, and at once + under the ceremony, and, as it were, at the parson's benediction, become + perfectly handsome and good and happy ever after.” + </p> + <p> + “And don't you intend to be good and happy, pray, Monsieur le Misanthrope—and + are you very discontented with your lot—and will your marriage be a + compromise”—(asked the author of 'Mes Larmes,' with a charming moue)—“and + is your Psyche an odious vulgar wretch? You wicked satirical creature, I + can't abide you! You take the hearts of young things, play with them, and + fling them away with scorn. You ask for love and trample on it. You—you + make me cry, that you do, Arthur, and—and don't—and I won't be + consoled in that way—and I think Fanny was quite right in leaving + such a heartless creature.” + </p> + <p> + “Again, I don't say no,” said Pen, looking very gloomily at Blanche, and + not offering by any means to repeat the attempt at consolation, which had + elicited that sweet monosyllable “don't” from the young lady. “I don't + think I have much of what people call heart; but I don't profess it. I + made my venture when I was eighteen, and lighted my lamp and went in + search of Cupid. And what was my discovery of love?—a vulgar + dancing-woman! I failed, as everybody does, almost everybody; only it is + luckier to fail before marriage than after.” + </p> + <p> + “Merci du choix, Monsieur,” said the Sylphide, making a curtsey. + </p> + <p> + “Look, my little Blanche,” said Pen, taking her hand, and with his voice + of sad good-humour; “at least I stoop to no flatteries.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite the contrary,” said Miss Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “And tell you no foolish lies, as vulgar men do. Why should you and I, + with our experience, ape romance and dissemble passion? I do not believe + Miss Blanche Amory to be peerless among the beautiful, nor the greatest + poetess, nor the most surpassing musician, any more than I believe you to + be the tallest woman in the whole world—like the giantess whose + picture we saw as we rode through the fair yesterday. But if I don't set + you up as a heroine, neither do I offer you your very humble servant as a + hero. But I think you are—well, there, I think you are very + sufficiently good-looking.” + </p> + <p> + “Merci,” Miss Blanche said, with another curtsey. + </p> + <p> + “I think you sing charmingly. I'm sure you're clever. I hope and believe + that you are good-natured, and that you will be companionable.” + </p> + <p> + “And so, provided I bring you a certain sum of money and a seat in + Parliament, you condescend to fling to me your royal pocket-handkerchief,” + said Blanche. “Que d'honneur! We used to call your Highness the Prince of + Fairoaks. What an honour to think that I am to be elevated to the throne, + and to bring the seat in Parliament as backsheesh to the sultan! I am glad + I am clever, and that I can play and sing to your liking; my songs will + amuse my lord's leisure.” + </p> + <p> + “And if thieves are about the house,” said Pen, grimly pursuing the + simile, “forty besetting thieves in the shape of lurking cares and enemies + in ambush and passions in arms, my Morgiana will dance round me with a + tambourine, and kill all my rogues and thieves with a smile. Won't she?” + But Pen looked as if he did not believe that she would. “Ah, Blanche,” he + continued after a pause, “don't be angry; don't be hurt at my + truth-telling.—Don't you see that I always take you at your word? + You say you will be a slave and dance—I say, dance. You say, 'I take + you with what you bring:' I say, 'I take you with what you bring.' To the + necessary deceits and hypocrisies of our life, why add any that are + useless and unnecessary? If I offer myself to you because I think we have + a fair chance of being happy together, and because by your help I may get + for both of us a good place and a not undistinguished name, why ask me to + feign raptures and counterfeit romance, in which neither of us believe? Do + you want me to come wooing in a Prince Prettyman's dress from the + masquerade warehouse, and to pay you compliments like Sir Charles + Grandison? Do you want me to make you verses as in the days when we were—when + we were children? I will if you like, and sell them to Bacon and Bungay + afterwards. Shall I feed my pretty princess with bonbons?” + </p> + <p> + “Mais j'adore les bonbons, moi,” said the little Sylphide, with a queer + piteous look. + </p> + <p> + “I can buy a hatful at Fortnum and Mason's for a guinea. And it shall have + its bonbons, its pooty little sugar-plums, that it shall,” Pen said with a + bitter smile. “Nay, my dear, nay, my dearest little Blanche, don't cry. + Dry the pretty eyes, I can't bear that;” and he proceeded to offer that + consolation which the circumstance required, and which the tears, the + genuine tears of vexation, which now sprang from the angry eyes of the + author of 'Mes Larmes' demanded. + </p> + <p> + The scornful and sarcastic tone of Pendennis quite frightened and overcame + the girl. “I—I don't want your consolation. I—I never was—so—spoken + to before—by any of my—my—by anybody”—she sobbed + out, with much simplicity. + </p> + <p> + “Anybody!” shouted out Pen, with a savage burst of laughter, and Blanche + blushed one of the most genuine blushes which her cheek had ever + exhibited, and she cried out, “O Arthur, vous etes un homme terrible!” She + felt bewildered, frightened, oppressed, the worldly little flirt who had + been playing at love for the last dozen years of her life, and yet not + displeased at meeting a master. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Arthur,” she said, after a pause in this strange love-making. + “Why does Sir Francis Clavering give up his seat in Parliament?” + </p> + <p> + “Au fait, why does he give it to me?” asked Arthur, now blushing in his + turn. + </p> + <p> + “You always mock me, sir,” she said. “If it is good to be in Parliament, + why does Sir Francis go out?” + </p> + <p> + “My uncle has talked him over. He always said that you were not + sufficiently provided for. In the—the family disputes, when your + mamma paid his debts so liberally, it was stipulated, I suppose, that you—that + is, that I—that is, upon my word, I don't know why he goes out of + Parliament,” Pen said, with rather a forced laugh. “You see, Blanche, that + you and I are two good little children, and that this marriage has been + arranged for us by our mammas and uncles, and that we must be obedient, + like a good little boy and girl.” + </p> + <p> + So, when Pen went to London, he sent Blanche a box of bonbons, each + sugar-plum of which was wrapped up in ready-made French verses, of the + most tender kind; and, besides, despatched to her some poems of his own + manufacture, quite as artless and authentic; and it was no wonder that he + did not tell Warrington what his conversations with Miss Amory had been, + of so delicate a sentiment were they, and of a nature so necessarily + private. + </p> + <p> + And if, like many a worse and better man, Arthur Pendennis, the widow's + son, was meditating an apostasy, and going to sell himself to—we all + know whom,—at least the renegade did not pretend to be a believer in + the creed to which he was ready to swear. And if every woman and man in + this kingdom, who has sold her or himself for money or position, as Mr. + Pendennis was about to do, would but purchase a copy of his memoirs, what + tons of volumes Messrs. Bradbury and Evans would sell! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVI. In which Pen begins his Canvass + </h2> + <p> + Melancholy as the great house at Clavering Park had been in the days + before his marriage, when its bankrupt proprietor was a refugee in foreign + lands, it was not much more cheerful now when Sir Francis Clavering came + to inhabit it. The greater part of the mansion was shut up, and the + Baronet only occupied a few of the rooms on the ground floor, where his + housekeeper and her assistant from the lodge-gate waited upon the luckless + gentleman in his forced retreat, and cooked a part of the game which he + spent the dreary mornings in shooting. Lightfoot, his man, had passed over + to my Lady's service; and, as Pen was informed in a letter from Mr. + Smirke, who performed the ceremony, had executed his prudent intention of + marrying Mrs. Bonner, my Lady's woman, who, in her mature years, was + stricken with the charms of the youth, and endowed him with her savings + and her mature person. + </p> + <p> + To be landlord and landlady of the Clavering Arms was the ambition of both + of them; and it was agreed that they were to remain in Lady Clavering's + service until quarter-day arrived, when they were to take possession of + their hotel. Pen graciously promised that he would give his election + dinner there, when the Baronet should vacate his seat in the young man's + favour; and, as it had been agreed by his uncle, to whom Clavering seemed + to be able to refuse nothing, Arthur came down in September on a visit to + Clavering Park, the owner of which was very glad to have a companion who + would relieve his loneliness, and perhaps would lend him a little ready + money. + </p> + <p> + Pen furnished his host with these desirable supplies a couple of days + after he had made his appearance at Clavering: and no sooner were these + small funds in Sir Francis's pocket, than the latter found he had business + at Chatteris and at the neighbouring watering-places, of which———shire + boasts many, and went off to see to his affairs, which were transacted, as + might be supposed, at the county race-grounds and billiard-rooms. Arthur + could live alone well enough, having many mental resources and amusements + which did not require other persons' company: he could walk with the + gamekeeper of a morning, and for the evenings there was a plenty of books + and occupation for a literary genius like Mr. Arthur, who required but a + cigar and a sheet of paper or two to make the night pass away pleasantly. + In truth, in two or three days he had found the society of Sir Francis + Clavering perfectly intolerable; and it was with a mischievous eagerness + and satisfaction that he offered Clavering the little pecuniary aid which + the latter according to his custom solicited, and supplied him with the + means of taking flight from his own house. + </p> + <p> + Besides, our ingenious friend had to ingratiate himself with the + townspeople of Clavering, and with the voters of the borough which he + hoped to represent; and he set himself to this task with only the more + eagerness, remembering how unpopular he had before been in Clavering, and + determined to vanquish the odium which he had inspired amongst the simple + people there. His sense of humour made him delight in this task. Naturally + rather reserved and silent in public, he became on a sudden as frank, + easy, and jovial as Captain Strong. He laughed with everybody who would + exchange a laugh with him, shook hands right and left, with what may be + certainly called a dexterous cordiality; made his appearance at the + market-day and the farmers' ordinary; and, in fine, acted like a + consummate hypocrite, and as gentlemen of the highest birth and most + spotless integrity act when they wish to make themselves agreeable to + their constituents, and have some end to gain of the country-folks. How is + it that we allow ourselves not to be deceived, but to be ingratiated so + readily by a glib tongue, a ready laugh, and a frank manner? We know, for + the most part, that it is false coin, and we take it we know that it is + flattery, which it costs nothing to distribute to everybody, and we had + rather have it than be without it. Friend Pen went about at Clavering, + laboriously simple and adroitly pleased, and quite a different being from + the scornful and rather sulky young dandy whom the inhabitants remembered + ten years ago. + </p> + <p> + The Rectory was shut up. Doctor Portman was gone, with his gout and his + family, to Harrogate,—an event which Pen deplored very much in a + letter to the Doctor, in which, in a few kind and simple words, he + expressed his regret at not seeing his old friend, whose advice he wanted + and whose aid he might require some day: but Pen consoled himself for the + Doctor's absence by making acquaintance with Mr. Simcoe, the opposition + preacher, and with the two partners of the cloth-factory at Chatteris, and + with the Independent preacher there, all of whom he met at Clavering + Athenaeum, which the Liberal party had set up in accordance with the + advanced spirit of the age, and perhaps in opposition to the aristocratic + old reading-room, into which the Edinburgh Review had once scarcely got an + admission, and where no tradesmen were allowed an entrance. He propitiated + the younger partner of the cloth-factory, by asking him to dine in a + friendly way at the Park; he complimented the Honourable Mrs. Simcoe with + hares and partridges from the same quarter, and a request to read her + husband's last sermon; and being a little unwell one day, the rascal took + advantage of the circumstance to show his tongue to Mr. Huxter, who sent + him medicines and called the next morning. How delighted old Pendennis + would have been with his pupil! Pen himself was amused with the sport in + which he was engaged, and his success inspired him with a wicked + good-humour. + </p> + <p> + And yet, as he walked out of Clavering of a night, after “presiding” at a + meeting of the Athenaeum, or working through an evening with Mrs. Simcoe, + who, with her husband, was awed by the young Londoner's reputation, and + had heard of his social successes; as he passed over the old familiar + bridge of the rushing Brawl, and heard that well-remembered sound of + waters beneath, and saw his own cottage of Fairoaks among the trees, their + darkling outlines clear against the starlit sky, different thoughts no + doubt came to the young man's mind, and awakened pangs of grief and shame + there. There still used to be a light in the windows of the room which he + remembered so well, and in which the Saint who loved him had passed so + many hours of care and yearning and prayer. He turned away his gaze from + the faint light which seemed to pursue him with its wan reproachful gaze, + as though it was his mother's spirit watching and warning. How clear the + night was! How keen the stars shone! how ceaseless the rush of the flowing + waters! the old home trees whispered, and waved gently their dark heads + and branches over the cottage roof. Yonder, in the faint starlight + glimmer, was the terrace where, as a boy, he walked of summer evenings, + ardent and trustful, unspotted, untried, ignorant of doubts or passions; + sheltered as yet from the world's contamination in the pure and anxious + bosom of love. The clock of the near town tolling midnight, with a clang, + disturbs our wanderer's reverie, and sends him onwards towards his night's + resting-place, through the lodge into Clavering avenue, and under the dark + arcades of the rustling limes. + </p> + <p> + When he sees the cottage the next time, it is smiling in sunset; those + bedroom windows are open where the light was burning the night before; and + Pen's tenant, Captain Stokes, of the Bombay Artillery (whose mother, old + Mrs. Stokes, lives in Clavering), receives his landlord's visit with great + cordiality: shows him over the grounds and the new pond he has made in the + back-garden from the stables; talks to him confidentially about the roof + and chimneys, and begs Mr. Pendennis to name a day when he will do himself + and Mrs. Stokes the pleasure to, etc. Pen, who has been a fortnight in the + country, excuses himself for not having called sooner upon the Captain by + frankly owning that he had not the heart to do it. “I understand you, + sir,” the Captain says; and Mrs. Stokes, who had slipped away at the ring + of the bell (how odd it seemed to Pen to ring the bell!), comes down in + her best gown, surrounded by her children. The young ones clamb about + Stokes: the boy jumps into an arm-chair. It was Pen's father's arm-chair; + and Arthur remembers the days when he would as soon have thought of + mounting the king's throne as of seating himself in that arm-chair. He + asks if Miss Stokes—she is the very image of her mamma—if she + can play? He should like to hear a tune on that piano. She plays. He hears + the notes of the old piano once more, enfeebled by age, but he does not + listen to the player. He is listening to Laura singing as in the days of + their youth, and sees his mother bending and beating time over the + shoulder of the girl. + </p> + <p> + The dinner at Fairoaks given in Pen's honour by his tenant, and at which + old Mrs. Stokes, Captain Glanders, Squire Hobnel and the clergyman and his + lady from Tinckleton, were present, was very stupid and melancholy for + Pen, until the waiter from Clavering (who aided the captain's stable-boy + and Mrs. Stokes's butler) whom Pen remembered as a street boy, and who was + now indeed barber in that place, dropped a plate over Pen's shoulder, on + which Mr. Hobnell (who also employed him) remarked, “I suppose, Hodson, + your hands are slippery with bear's-grease. He's always dropping the + crockery about, that Hodson is—haw, haw!” On which Hodson blushed, + and looked so disconcerted, that Pen burst out laughing; and good-humour + and hilarity were the order of the evening. For the second course, there + was a hare and partridges top and bottom, and when after the withdrawal of + the servants Pen said to the Vicar of Tinckleton, “I think, Mr. Stooks, + you should have asked Hodson to cut the hare,” the joke was taken + instantly by the clergyman, who was followed in the course of a few + minutes by Captains Stokes and Glanders, and by Mr. Hobnell, who arrived + rather late, but with an immense guffaw. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + While Mr. Pen was engaged in the country in the above schemes, it happened + that the lady of his choice, if not of his affections, came up to London + from the Tunbridge villa bound upon shopping expeditions or important + business, and in company of old Mrs. Bonner, her mother's maid, who had + lived and quarrelled with Blanche many times since she was an infant, and + who now being about to quit Lady Clavering's service for the hymeneal + state, was anxious like a good soul to bestow some token of respectful + kindness upon her old and young mistress before she quitted them + altogether, to take her post as the wife of Lightfoot, and landlady of the + Clavering Arms. + </p> + <p> + The honest woman took the benefit of Miss Amory's taste to make the + purchase which she intended to offer her ladyship; and, requested the fair + Blanche to choose something for herself that should be to her liking, and + remind her of her old nurse who had attended her through many a wakeful + night, and eventful teething, and childish fever, and who loved her like a + child of her own a'most. These purchases were made, and as the nurse + insisted on buying an immense Bible for Blanche, the young lady suggested + that Bonner should purchase a large Johnson's Dictionary for her mamma. + Each of the two women might certainly profit by the present made to her. + </p> + <p> + Then Mrs. Bonner invested money in some bargains in linen-drapery, which + might be useful at the Clavering Arms, and bought a red and yellow + neck-handkerchief, which Blanche could see at once was intended for Mr. + Lightfoot. Younger than herself by at least five-and-twenty years, Mrs. + Bonner regarded that youth with a fondness at once parental and conjugal, + and loved to lavish ornaments on his person, which already glittered with + pins, rings, shirt-studs, and chains and seals, purchased at the good + creature's expense. + </p> + <p> + It was in the Strand that Mrs. Bonner made her purchases, aided by Miss + Blanche, who liked the fun very well; and when the old lady had bought + everything that she desired, and was leaving the shop, Blanche, with a + smiling face, and a sweet bow to one of the shopmen, said, “Pray, sir, + will you have the kindness to show us the way to Shepherd's Inn?” + </p> + <p> + Shepherd's Inn was but a few score of yards off, Old Castle Street was + close by, the elegant young shopman pointed out the turning which the + young lady was to take, and she and her companion walked off together. + </p> + <p> + “Shepherd's Inn! what can you want in Shepherd's Inn, Miss Blanche?” + Bonner inquired. “Mr. Strong lives there. Do you want to go and see the + Captain?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see the Captain very well. I like the Captain; but it is + not him I want. I want to see a dear little good girl, who was very kind + to—to Mr. Arthur when he was so ill last year, and saved his life + almost; and I want to thank her and ask her if she would like anything. I + looked out several of my dresses on purpose this morning, Bonner!” and she + looked at Bonner as if she had a right to admiration, and had performed an + act of remarkable virtue. Blanche, indeed, was very fond of sugar-plums; + she would have fed the poor upon them, when she had had enough, and given + a country girl a ball-dress, when she had worn it and was tired of it. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty girl—pretty young woman!” mumbled Mrs. Bonner. “I know I + want no pretty young women to come about Lightfoot,” and in imagination + she peopled the Clavering Arms with a harem of the most hideous + chambermaids and barmaids. + </p> + <p> + Blanche, with pink and blue, and feathers, and flowers, and trinkets (that + wondrous invention, a chatelaine, was not extant yet, or she would have + had one, we may be sure), and a shot-silk dress, and a wonderful mantle, + and a charming parasol, presented a vision of elegance and beauty such as + bewildered the eyes of Mrs. Bolton, who was scrubbing the lodge-floor of + Shepherd's Inn and caused Betsy-Jane and Ameliar-Ann to look with delight. + </p> + <p> + Blanche looked on them with a smile of ineffable sweetness and protection; + like Rowena going to see Rebecca; like Marie Antoinette visiting the poor + in the famine; like the Marchioness of Carabas alighting from her + carriage-and-four at a pauper-tenant's door, and taking from John No II. + the packet of Epsom salts for the invalid's benefit, carrying it with her + own imperial hand into the sick-room—Blanche felt a queen stepping + down from her throne to visit a subject, and enjoyed all the bland + consciousness of doing a good action. + </p> + <p> + “My good woman! I want to see Fanny—Fanny Bolton; is she here?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bolton had a sudden suspicion, from the splendour of Blanche's + appearance, that it must be a play-actor, or something worse. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with Fanny, pray?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I am Lady Clavering's daughter—you have heard of Sir Francis + Clavering? And I wish very much indeed to see Fanny Bolton.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray step in, miss.—Betsy-Jane, where's Fanny?” + </p> + <p> + Betsy-Jane said Fanny had gone into No. 3 staircase, on which Mrs. Bolton + said she was probably in Strong's rooms, and bade the child go and see if + she was there. + </p> + <p> + “In Captain Strong's rooms! oh, let us go to Captain Strong's rooms,” + cried out Miss Blanche. “I know him very well. You dearest little girl, + show us the way to Captain Strong!” cried out Miss Blanche, for the floor + reeked with the recent scrubbing, and the goddess did not like the smell + of brown-soap. + </p> + <p> + And as they passed up the stairs, a gentleman by the name of Costigan, who + happened to be swaggering about the court, and gave a very knowing look + with his “oi” under Blanche's bonnet, remarked to himself, “That's a + devilish foine gyurll, bedad, goan up to Sthrong and Altamont: they're + always having foine gyurlls up their stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Hallo—hwhat's that?” he presently said, looking up at the windows: + from which some piercing shrieks issued. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of the voice of a distressed female the intrepid Cos rushed + up the stairs as fast as his old legs would carry him, being nearly + overthrown by Strong's servant, who was descending the stair. Cos found + the outer door of Strong's chambers opened, and began to thunder at the + knocker. After many and fierce knocks, the inner door was partially + unclosed, and Strong's head appeared. + </p> + <p> + “It's oi, me boy. Hwhat's that noise, Sthrong?” asked Costigan. + </p> + <p> + “Go to the d——!” was the only answer, and the door was shut on + Cos's venerable red nose: and he went downstairs muttering threats at the + indignity offered to him, and vowing that he would have satisfaction. In + the meanwhile the reader, more lucky than Captain Costigan, will have the + privilege of being made acquainted with the secret which was withheld from + that officer. + </p> + <p> + It has been said of how generous a disposition Mr. Altamont was, and when + he was well supplied with funds how liberally he spent them. Of a + hospitable turn, he had no greater pleasure than drinking in company with + other people; so that there was no man more welcome at Greenwich and + Richmond than the Emissary of the Nawaub of Lucknow. + </p> + <p> + Now it chanced that on the day when Blanche and Mrs. Bonner ascended the + staircase to Strong's room in Shepherd's Inn, the Colonel had invited Miss + Delaval of the ——— Theatre Royal, and her mother, Mrs. + Hodge, to a little party down the river, and it had been agreed that they + were to meet at Chambers, and thence walk down to a port in the + neighbouring Strand to take water. So that when Mrs. Bonner and Mes Larmes + came to the door, where Grady, Altamont's servant, was standing, the + domestic said, “Walk in, ladies,” with the utmost affability, and led them + into the room, which was arranged as if they had been expected there. + Indeed, two bouquets of flowers, bought at Covent Garden that morning, and + instances of the tender gallantry of Altamont, were awaiting his guests + upon the table. Blanche smelt at the bouquet, and put her pretty little + dainty nose into it, and tripped about the room, and looked behind the + curtains, and at the books and prints, and at the plan of Clavering estate + hanging up on the wall; and had asked the servant for Captain Strong, and + had almost forgotten his existence and the errand about which she had + come, namely, to visit Fanny Bolton; so pleased was she with the new + adventure, and the odd, strange, delightful, droll little idea of being in + a bachelor's chambers in a queer old place in the city! + </p> + <p> + Grady meanwhile, with a pair of ample varnished boots, had disappeared + into his master's room. Blanche had hardly the leisure to remark how big + the boots were, and how unlike Mr. Strong's. + </p> + <p> + “The women's come,” said Grady, helping his master to the boots. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ask 'em if they would take a glass of anything?” asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + Grady came out—“He says, will you take anything to drink?” the + domestic asked of them; at which Blanche, amused with the artless + question, broke out into a pretty little laugh, and asked of Mrs. Bonner, + “Shall we take anything to drink?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you may take it or lave it,” said Mr. Grady, who thought his offer + slighted, and did not like the contemptuous manners of the new-comers, and + so left them. + </p> + <p> + “Will we take anything to drink?” Blanche asked again: and again began to + laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Grady,” bawled out a voice from the chamber within:—a voice that + made Mrs. Bonner start. + </p> + <p> + Grady did not answer: his song was heard from afar off, from the kitchen, + his upper room, where Grady was singing at his work. + </p> + <p> + “Grady, my coat!” again roared the voice from within. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that is not Mr. Strong's voice,” said the Sylphide, still half + laughing. “Grady my coat!—Bonner, who is Grady my coat? We ought to + go away.” + </p> + <p> + Bonner still looked quite puzzled at the sound of the voice which she had + heard. + </p> + <p> + The bedroom door here opened and the individual who had called out “Grady, + my coat,” appeared without the garment in question. + </p> + <p> + He nodded to the women, and walked across the room. “I beg your pardon, + ladies. Grady, bring my coat down, sir! Well, my dears, it's a fine day, + and we'll have a jolly lark at——” + </p> + <p> + He said no more; for here Mrs. Bonner, who had been looking at him with + scared eyes, suddenly shrieked out, “Amory! Amory!” and fell back + screaming and fainting in her chair. + </p> + <p> + The man, so apostrophised, looked at the woman an instant, and, rushing up + to Blanche, seized her and kissed her. “Yes, Betsy,” he said, “by G—it + is me. Mary Bonner knew me. What a fine gal we've grown! But it's a + secret, mind. I'm dead, though I'm your father. Your poor mother don't + know it. What a pretty gal we've grown! Kiss me—kiss me close, my + Betsy? D—— it, I love you: I'm your old father.” + </p> + <p> + Betsy or Blanche looked quite bewildered, and began to scream too—once, + twice, thrice; and it was her piercing shrieks which Captain Costigan + heard as he walked the court below. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of these shrieks the perplexed parent clasped his hands (his + wristbands were open, and on one brawny arm you could see letters tattooed + in blue), and, rushing to his apartment, came back with an eau-de-Cologne + bottle from his grand silver dressing-case, with the fragrant contents of + which he began liberally to sprinkle Bonner and Blanche. + </p> + <p> + The screams of these women brought the other occupants of the chambers + into the room: Grady from his kitchen, and Strong from his apartment in + the upper story. The latter at once saw from the aspect of the two women + what had occurred. + </p> + <p> + “Grady, go and wait in the court,” he said, “and if anybody comes—you + understand me.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it the play-actress and her mother?” said Grady. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—confound you—say that there's nobody in chambers, and the + party's off for to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I say that, sir? and after I bought them bokays?” asked Grady of + his master. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Amory, with a stamp of his foot; and Strong going to the door, + too, reached it just in time to prevent the entrance of Captain Costigan, + who had mounted the stair. + </p> + <p> + The ladies from the theatre did not have their treat to Greenwich, nor did + Blanche pay her visit to Fanny Bolton on that day. And Cos, who took + occasion majestically to inquire of Grady what the mischief was, and who + was crying?—had for answer that 'twas a woman, another of them, and + that they were, in Grady's opinion, the cause of 'most all the mischief in + the world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVII. In which Pen begins to doubt about his Election + </h2> + <p> + Whilst Pen, in his own county, was thus carrying on his selfish plans and + parliamentary schemes, news came to him that Lady Rockminster had arrived + at Baymouth, and had brought with her our friend Laura. At the + announcement that Laura his sister was near him, Pen felt rather guilty. + His wish was to stand higher in her esteem, perhaps; than in that of any + other person in the world. She was his mother's legacy to him. He was to + be her patron and protector in some sort. How would she brave the news + which he had to tell her; and how should he explain the plans which he was + meditating? He felt as if neither he nor Blanche could bear Laura's + dazzling glance of calm scrutiny, and as if he would not dare to disclose + his worldly hopes and ambitions to that spotless judge. At her arrival at + Baymouth, he wrote a letter thither which contained a great number of fine + phrases and protests of affection, and a great deal of easy satire and + raillery; in the midst of all which Mr. Pen could not help feeling that he + was in panic, and that he was acting like a rogue and hypocrite. + </p> + <p> + How was it that a simple country girl should be the object of fear and + trembling to such an accomplished gentleman as Mr. Pen? His worldly + tactics and diplomacy, his satire and knowledge of the world, could not + bear the test of her purity, he felt somehow. And he had to own to himself + that his affairs were in such a position, that he could not tell the truth + to that honest soul. As he rode from Clavering to Baymouth he felt as + guilty as a schoolboy who doesn't know his lesson and is about to face the + awful master. For is not truth the master always, and does she not have + the power and hold the book? + </p> + <p> + Under the charge of her kind, though somewhat wayward and absolute + patroness, Lady Rockminster, Laura had seen somewhat of the world in the + last year, had gathered some accomplishments, and profited by the lessons + of society. Many a girl who had been accustomed to that too great + tenderness in which Laura's early life had been passed, would have been + unfitted for the changed existence which she now had to lead. Helen + worshipped her two children, and thought, as home-bred women will, that + all the world was made for them, or to be considered after them. She + tended Laura with a watchfulness of affection which never left her. If she + had a headache, the widow was as alarmed as if there had never been an + aching head before in the world. She slept and woke, read and moved under + her mother's fond superintendence, which was now withdrawn from her, along + with the tender creature whose anxious heart would beat no more. And + painful moments of grief and depression no doubt Laura had, when she stood + in the great careless world alone. Nobody heeded her griefs or her + solitude. She was not quite the equal, in social rank, of the lady whose + companion she was, or of the friends and relatives of the imperious, but + kind old dowager. Some very likely bore her no goodwill—some, + perhaps, slighted her: it might have been that servants were occasionally + rude; their mistress certainly was often. Laura not seldom found herself + in family meetings, the confidence and familiarity of which she felt were + interrupted by her intrusion; and her sensitiveness of course was wounded + at the idea that she should give or feel this annoyance. How many + governesses are there in the world, thought cheerful Laura,—how many + ladies, whose necessities make them slaves and companions by profession! + What bad tempers and coarse unkindness have not these to encounter? How + infinitely better my lot is with these really kind and affectionate people + than that of thousands of unprotected girls! It was with this cordial + spirit that our young lady adapted herself to her new position; and went + in advance of her fortune with a trustful smile. + </p> + <p> + Did you ever know a person who met Fortune in that way, whom the goddess + did not regard kindly? Are not even bad people won by a constant + cheerfulness and a pure and affectionate heart? When the babes in the + wood, in the ballad, looked up fondly and trustfully at those notorious + rogues whom their uncle had set to make away with the little folks, we all + know how one of the rascals relented, and made away with the other—not + having the heart to be unkind to so much innocence and beauty. Oh, happy + they who have that virgin loving trust and sweet smiling confidence in the + world, and fear no evil because they think none! Miss Laura Bell was one + of these fortunate persons; and besides the gentle widow's little cross, + which, as we have seen, Pen gave her, had such a sparkling and brilliant + kohinoor in her bosom, as is even more precious than that famous jewel; + for it not only fetches a price, and is retained, by its owner in another + world where diamonds are stated to be of no value, but here, too, is of + inestimable worth to its possessor; is a talisman against evil, and + lightens up the darkness of life, like Cogia Hassan's famous stone. + </p> + <p> + So that before Miss Bell had been a year in Lady Rockminster's house, + there was not a single person in it whose love she had not won by the use + of this talisman. From the old lady to the lowest dependent of her bounty, + Laura had secured the goodwill and kindness of everybody. With a mistress + of such a temper, my Lady's woman (who had endured her mistress for forty + years, and had been clawed and scolded and jibed every day and night in + that space of time) could not be expected to have a good temper of her + own; and was at first angry against Miss Laura, as she had been against + her Ladyship's fifteen preceding companions. But when Laura was ill at + Paris, this old woman nursed her in spite of her mistress, who was afraid + of catching the fever, and absolutely fought for her medicine with Martha + from Fairoaks, now advanced to be Miss Laura's own maid. As she was + recovering, Grandjean the chef wanted to kill her by the numbers of + delicacies which he dressed for her, and wept when she ate her first slice + of chicken. The Swiss major-domo of the house celebrated Miss Bell's + praises in almost every European language, which he spoke with indifferent + incorrectness; the coachman was happy to drive her out; the page cried + when he heard she was ill; and Calverley and Coldstream (those two + footmen, so large, so calm ordinarily, and so difficult to move) broke out + into extraordinary hilarity at the news of her convalescence, and + intoxicated the page at a wine-shop, to fete Laura's recovery. Even Lady + Diana Pynsent (our former acquaintance Mr. Pynsent had married by this + time), Lady Diana, who had had a considerable dislike to Laura for some + time, was so enthusiastic as to say that she thought Miss Bell was a very + agreeable person, and that grandmamma had found a great trouvaille in her. + All this goodwill and kindness Laura had acquired, not by any arts, not by + any flattery, but by the simple force of good-nature, and by the blessed + gift of pleasing and being pleased. + </p> + <p> + On the one or two occasions when he had seen Lady Rockminster, the old + lady, who did not admire him, had been very pitiless and abrupt with our + young friend, and perhaps Pen expected when he came to Baymouth to find + Laura installed in her house in the quality of humble companion, and + treated no better than himself. When she heard of his arrival she came + running downstairs, and I am not sure that she did not embrace him in the + presence of Calverley and Coldstream: not that those gentlemen ever told: + if the fractus orbis had come to a smash, if Laura, instead of kissing + Pen, had taken her scissors and snipped off his head—Calverley and + Coldstream would have looked on impavidly, without allowing a grain of + powder to be disturbed by the calamity. + </p> + <p> + Laura had so much improved in health and looks that Pen could not but + admire her. The frank and kind eyes which met his, beamed with + good-health; the cheek which he kissed blushed with beauty. As he looked + at her, artless and graceful, pure and candid, he thought he had never + seen her so beautiful. Why should he remark her beauty now so much, and + remark too to himself that he had not remarked it sooner? He took her fair + trustful hand and kissed it fondly: he looked in her bright clear eyes, + and read in them that kindling welcome which he was always sure to find + there. He was affected and touched by the tender tone and the pure + sparkling glance; their innocence smote him somehow and moved him. + </p> + <p> + “How good you are to me, Laura—sister!” said Pen; “I don't deserve + that you should—that you should be so kind to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma left you to me,” she said, stooping down and brushing his forehead + with her lips hastily. “You know you were to come to me when you were in + trouble, or to tell me when you were very happy: that was our compact, + Arthur, last year, before we parted. Are you very happy now, or are you in + trouble—which is it?” and she looked at him with an arch glance of + kindness. “Do you like going into Parliament! Do you intend to distinguish + yourself there? How I shall tremble for your first speech!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know about the Parliament plan, then?” Pen asked. + </p> + <p> + “Know?—all the world knows! I have heard it talked about many times. + Lady Rockminster's doctor talked about it to-day. I daresay it will be in + the Chatteris paper to-morrow. It is all over the county that Sir Francis + Clavering, of Clavering, is going to retire, in behalf of Mr. Arthur + Pendennis, of Fairoaks; and that the young and beautiful Miss Blanche + Amory is——” + </p> + <p> + “What! that too?” asked Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + “That, too, dear Arthur. Tout se sait, as somebody would say, whom I + intend to be very fond of; and who I am sure is very clever and pretty. I + have had a letter from Blanche. The kindest of letters. She speaks so + warmly of you, Arthur! I hope—I know she feels what she writes.—When + is it to be, Arthur? Why did you not tell me? I may come and live with you + then, mayn't I?” + </p> + <p> + “My home is yours, dear Laura, and everything I have,” Pen said. “If I did + not tell you, it was because—because—I do not know: nothing is + decided as yet. No words have passed between us. But you think Blanche + could be happy with me—don't you? Not a romantic fondness, you know. + I have no heart, I think; I've told her so: only a sober-sided attachment:—and + want my wife on one side of the fire and my sister on the other,—Parliament + in the session and Fairoaks in the holidays, and my Laura never to leave + me until somebody who has a right comes to take her away.” + </p> + <p> + Somebody who has a right—somebody with a right! Why did Pen, as he + looked at the girl and slowly uttered the words, begin to feel angry and + jealous of the invisible somebody with the right to take her away? + Anxious, but a minute ago, how she would take the news regarding his + probable arrangements with Blanche, Pen was hurt somehow that she received + the intelligence so easily, and took his happiness for granted. + </p> + <p> + “Until somebody comes,” Laura said, with a laugh, “I will stay at home and + be aunt Laura, and take care of the children when Blanche is in the world. + I have arranged it all. I am an excellent housekeeper. Do you know I have + been to market at Paris with Mrs. Beck, and have taken some lessons from + M. Grandjean? And I have had some lessons in Paris in singing too, with + the money which you sent me, you kind boy: and I can sing much better now: + and I have learned to dance, though not so well as Blanche; and when you + become a minister of state, Blanche shall present me:” and with this, and + with a provoking good-humour, she performed for him the last Parisian + curtsey. + </p> + <p> + Lady Rockminster came in whilst this curtsey was being performed, and gave + to Arthur one finger to shake; which he took, and over which he bowed as + well as he could, which, in truth, was very clumsily. + </p> + <p> + “So you are going to be married, sir,” said the old lady. + </p> + <p> + “Scold him, Lady Rockminster, for not telling us,” Laura said, going away: + which, in truth, the old lady began instantly to do. “So you are going to + marry, and to go into Parliament in place of that good-for-nothing Sir + Francis Clavering. I wanted him to give my grandson his seat—why did + he not give my grandson his seat? I hope you are to have a great deal of + money with Miss Amory. I wouldn't take her without a great deal.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Francis Clavering is tired of Parliament,” Pen said, wincing, “and—and + I rather wish to attempt that career. The rest of the story is at least + premature.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder, when you had Laura at home, you could take up with such an + affected little creature as that,” the old lady continued. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry Miss Amory does not please your ladyship,” said Pen, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “You mean—that it is no affair of mine, and that I am not going to + marry her. Well, I'm not, and I'm very glad I am not—a little odious + thing—when I think that a man could prefer her to my Laura, I've no + patience with him, and so I tell you, Mr. Arthur Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad you see Laura with such favourable eyes,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “You are very glad, and you are very sorry. What does it matter, sir, + whether you are very glad or very sorry? A young man who prefers Miss + Amory to Miss Bell has no business to be sorry or glad. A young man who + takes up with such a crooked lump of affectation as that little Amory,—for + she is crooked, I tell you she is,—after seeing my Laura, has no + right to hold up his head again. Where is your friend Bluebeard? The tall + young man, I mean,—Warrington, isn't his name? Why does he not come + down, and marry Laura? What do the young men mean by not marrying such a + girl as that? They all marry for money now. You are all selfish and + cowards. We ran away with each other, and made foolish matches in my time. + I have no patience with the young men! When I was at Paris in the winter, + I asked all the three attaches at the Embassy why they did not fall in + love with Miss Bell? They laughed—they said they wanted money. You + are all selfish—you are all cowards.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope before you offered Miss Bell to the attaches,” said Pen, with some + heat, “you did her the favour to consult her?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Bell has only a little money. Miss Bell must marry soon. Somebody + must make a match for her, sir; and a girl can't offer herself,” said the + old dowager, with great state. “Laura, my dear, I've been telling your + cousin that all the young men are selfish; and that there is not a + pennyworth of romance left among them. He is as bad as the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you been asking Arthur why he won't marry me?” said Laura, with a + kindling smile, coming back and taking her cousin's hand. (She had been + away, perhaps, to hide some traces of emotion, which she did not wish + others to see.) “He is going to marry somebody else; and I intend to be + very fond of her, and to go and live with them, provided he then does not + ask every bachelor who comes to his house, why he does not marry me?” + </p> + <p> + The terrors of Pen's conscience being thus appeased, and his examination + before Laura over without any reproaches on the part of the latter, Pen + began to find that his duty and inclination led him constantly to + Baymouth, where Lady Rockminster informed him that a place was always + reserved for him at her table. “And I recommend you to come often,” the + old lady said, “for Grandjean is an excellent cook, and to be with Laura + and me will do your manners good. It is easy to see that you are always + thinking about yourself. Don't blush and stammer—almost all young + men are always thinking about themselves. My sons and grandsons always + were until I cured them. Come here, and let us teach you to behave + properly; you will not have to carve, that is done at the side-table. + Hecker will give you as much wine as is good for you; and on days when you + are very good and amusing you shall have some champagne. Hecker, mind what + I say. Mr. Pendennis is Miss Laura's brother; and you will make him + comfortable, and see that he does not have too much wine, or disturb me + whilst I am taking my nap after dinner. You are selfish: I intend to cure + you of being selfish. You will dine here when you have no other + engagements; and if it rains you had better put up at the hotel.” As long + as the good lady could order everybody round about her, she was not hard + to please; and all the slaves and subjects of her little dowager court + trembled before her, but loved her. + </p> + <p> + She did not receive a very numerous or brilliant society. The doctor, of + course, was admitted as a constant and faithful visitor; the vicar and his + curate; and on public days the vicar's wife and daughters, and some of the + season visitors at Baymouth, were received at the old lady's + entertainments: but generally the company was a small one, and Mr. Arthur + drank his wine by himself, when Lady Rockminster retired to take her doze, + and to be played and sung to sleep by Laura after dinner. + </p> + <p> + “If my music can give her a nap,” said the good-natured girl, “ought I not + to be very glad that it can do so much good? Lady Rockminster sleeps very + little of nights: and I used to read to her until I fell ill at Paris, + since when she will not hear of my sitting up.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not write to me when you were ill?” asked Pen, with a blush. + </p> + <p> + “What good could you do me? I had Martha to nurse me and the doctor every + day. You are too busy to write to women or to think about them. You have + your books and your newspapers, and your politics and your railroads to + occupy you. I wrote when I was well.” + </p> + <p> + And Pen looked at her, and blushed again, as he remembered that, during + all the time of her illness, he had never written to her and had scarcely + thought about her. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of his relationship, Pen was free to walk and ride with his + cousin constantly, and in the course of those walks and rides, could + appreciate the sweet frankness of her disposition, and the truth, + simplicity, and kindliness of her fair and spotless heart. In their + mother's lifetime, she had never spoken so openly or so cordially as now. + The desire of poor Helen to make an union between her two children, had + caused a reserve on Laura's part towards Pen; for which, under the altered + circumstances of Arthur's life, there was now no necessity. He was engaged + to another woman; and Laura became his sister at once,—hiding, or + banishing from herself, any doubts which she might have as to his choice; + striving to look cheerfully forward, and hope for his prosperity; + promising herself to do all that affection might do to make her mother's + darling happy. + </p> + <p> + Their talk was often about the departed mother. And it was from a thousand + stories which Laura told him that Arthur was made aware how constant and + absorbing that silent maternal devotion had been; which had accompanied + him present and absent through life, and had only ended with the fond + widow's last breath. One day the people in Clavering saw a lad in charge + of a couple of horses at the churchyard-gate: and it was told over the + place that Pen and Laura had visited Helen's grave together. Since Arthur + had come down into the country, he had been there once or twice: but the + sight of the sacred stone had brought no consolation to him. A guilty man + doing a guilty deed: a mere speculator, content to lay down his faith and + honour for a fortune and a worldly career; and owning that his life was + but a contemptible surrender—what right had he in the holy place? + what booted it to him in the world he lived in, that others were no better + than himself? Arthur and Laura rode by the gates of Fairoaks; and he shook + hands with his tenant's children, playing on the lawn and the terrace—Laura + looked steadily at the cottage wall, at the creeper on the porch and the + magnolia growing up to her window. “Mr. Pendennis rode by to-day,” one of + the boys told his mother, “with a lady, and he stopped and talked to us, + and he asked for a bit of honeysuckle off the porch, and gave it the lady. + I couldn't see if she was pretty; she had her veil down. She was riding + one of Cramp's horses, out of Baymouth.” + </p> + <p> + As they rode over the downs between home and Baymouth, Pen did not speak + much, though they rode very close together. He was thinking what a mockery + life was, and how men refuse happiness when they may have it; or, having + it, kick it down; or barter it, with their eyes open, for a little + worthless money or beggarly honour. And then the thought came, what does + it matter for the little space? The lives of the best and purest of us are + consumed in a vain desire, and end in a disappointment: as the dear soul's + who sleeps in her grave yonder. She had her selfish ambition, as much as + Caesar had; and died, baulked of her life's longing. The stone covers over + our hopes and our memories. Our place knows us not. “Other people's + children are playing on the grass,” he broke out, in a hard voice, “where + you and I used to play, Laura. And you see how the magnolia we planted has + grown up since our time. I have been round to one or two of the cottages + where my mother used to visit. It is scarcely more than a year that she is + gone, and the people whom she used to benefit care no more for her death + than for Queen Anne's. We are all selfish: the world is selfish: there are + but a few exceptions, like you, my dear, to shine like good deeds in a + naughty world, and make the blackness more dismal.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would not speak in that way, Arthur,” said Laura, looking down + and bending her head to the honeysuckle on her breast. “When you told the + little boy to give me this, you were not selfish.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty sacrifice I made to get it for you!” said the sneerer. + </p> + <p> + “But your heart was kind and full of love when you did so. One cannot ask + for more than love and kindness; and if you think humbly of yourself + Arthur, the love and kindness are—diminished—are they? I often + thought our dearest mother spoiled you at home, by worshipping you; and + that if you are—I hate the word—what you say, her too great + fondness helped to make you so. And as for the world, when men go out into + it, I suppose they cannot be otherwise than selfish. You have to fight for + yourself, and to get on for yourself, and to make a name for yourself. + Mamma and your uncle both encouraged you in this ambition. If it is a vain + thing, why pursue it? I suppose such a clever man as you intend to do a + great deal of good to the country, by going into Parliament, or you would + not wish to be there. What are you going to do when you are in the House + of Commons?” + </p> + <p> + “Women don't understand about politics, my dear,” Pen said sneering at + himself as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “But why don't you make us understand? I could never tell about Mr. + Pynsent why he should like to be there so much. He is not a clever man——” + </p> + <p> + “He certainly is not a genius, Pynsent,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Lady Diana says that he attends Committees all day; that then again he is + at the House all night; that he always votes as he is told; that he never + speaks; that he will never get on beyond a subordinate place; and as his + grandmother tells him, he is choked with red-tape. Are you going to follow + the same career; Arthur? What is there in it so brilliant that you should + be so eager for it? I would rather that you should stop at home, and write + books—good books, kind books, with gentle kind thoughts, such as you + have, dear Arthur, and such as might do people good to read. And if you do + not win fame, what then? You own it is vanity, and you can live very + happily without it. I must not pretend to advise; but I take you at your + own word about the world; and as you own it is wicked, and that it tires + you, ask you why you don't leave it?” + </p> + <p> + “And what would you have me do?” asked Arthur. + </p> + <p> + “I would have you bring your wife to Fairoaks to live there, and study, + and do good round about you. I would like to see your own children playing + on the lawn, Arthur, and that we might pray in our mother's church again + once more, dear brother. If the world is a temptation, are we not told to + pray that we may not be led into it?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think Blanche would make a good wife for a petty country + gentleman? Do you think I should become the character very well, Laura?” + Pen asked. “Remember temptation walks about the hedgerows as well as the + city streets: and idleness is the greatest tempter of all.” + </p> + <p> + “What does—does Mr. Warrington say?” said Laura, as a blush mounted + up to her cheek, and of which Pen saw the fervour, though Laura's veil + fell over her face to hide it. + </p> + <p> + Pen rode on by Laura's side silently for a while. George's name so + mentioned brought back the past to him, and the thoughts which he had once + had regarding George and Laura. Why should the recurrence of the thought + agitate him, now that he knew the union was impossible? Why should he be + curious to know if, during the months of their intimacy, Laura had felt a + regard for Warrington? From that day until the present time George had + never alluded to his story, and Arthur remembered now that since then + George had scarcely ever mentioned Laura's name. + </p> + <p> + At last he cane close to her. “Tell me something, Laura,” he said. + </p> + <p> + She put back her veil and looked at him. “What is it, Arthur?” she asked—though + from the tremor of her voice she guessed very well. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me—but for George's misfortune—I never knew him speak of + it before or since that day—would you—would you have given him—what + you refused me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Pen,” she said, bursting into tears. + </p> + <p> + “He deserved you better than I did,” poor Arthur groaned forth, with an + indescribable pang at his heart. “I am but a selfish wretch, and George is + better, nobler, truer, than I am. God bless him!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Pen,” said Laura, reaching out her hand to her cousin, and he put + his arm round her, and for a moment she sobbed on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + The gentle girl had had her secret, and told it. In the widow's last + journey from Fairoaks, when hastening with her mother to Arthur's + sick-bed, Laura had made a different confession; and it was only when + Warrington told his own story, and described the hopeless condition of his + life, that she discovered how much her feelings had changed, and with what + tender sympathy, with what great respect, delight, and admiration she had + grown to regard her cousin's friend. Until she knew that some plans she + might have dreamed of were impossible, and that Warrington, reading in her + heart, perhaps, had told his melancholy story to warn her, she had not + asked herself whether it was possible that her affections could change; + and had been shocked and seared by the discovery of the truth. How should + she have told it to Helen, and confessed her shame? Poor Laura felt guilty + before her friend, with the secret which she dared not confide to her; + felt as if she had been ungrateful for Helen's love and regard; felt as if + she had been wickedly faithless to Pen in withdrawing that love from him + which he did not even care to accept; humbled even and repentant before + Warrington, lest she should have encouraged him by undue sympathy, or + shown the preference which she began to feel. + </p> + <p> + The catastrophe which broke up Laura's home, and the grief and anguish + which she felt for her mother's death, gave her little leisure for + thoughts more selfish; and by the time she rallied from that grief the + minor one was also almost cured. It was but for a moment that she had + indulged a hope about Warrington. Her admiration and respect for him + remained as strong as ever. But the tender feeling with which she knew she + had regarded him, was schooled into such calmness, that it may be said to + have been dead and passed away. The pang which it left behind was one of + humility and remorse. “Oh, how wicked and proud I was about Arthur,” she + thought, “how self-confident and unforgiving! I never forgave from my + heart this poor girl, who was fond of him, or him for encouraging her + love; and I have been more guilty than she, poor, little, artless + creature! I, professing to love one man, could listen to another only too + eagerly; and would not pardon the change of feelings in Arthur, whilst I + myself was changing and unfaithful:” And so humiliating herself, and + acknowledging her weakness, the poor girl sought for strength and refuge + in the manner in which she had been accustomed to look for them. + </p> + <p> + She had done no wrong: but there are some folks who suffer for a fault + ever so trifling as much as others whose stout consciences can walk under + crimes of almost any weight; and poor Laura chose to fancy that she had + acted in this delicate juncture of her life as a very great criminal. She + determined that she had done Pen a great injury by withdrawing that love + which, privately in her mother's hearing, she had bestowed upon him; that + she had been ungrateful to her dead benefactress by ever allowing herself + to think of another or of violating her promise; and that, considering her + own enormous crimes, she ought to be very gentle in judging those of + others, whose temptations were much greater, very likely, and whose + motives she could not understand. + </p> + <p> + A year back Laura would have been indignant at the idea that Arthur should + marry Blanche: and her high spirit would have risen, as she thought that + from worldly motives he should stoop to one so unworthy. Now when the news + was brought to her of such a chance (the intelligence was given to her by + old Lady Rockminster, whose speeches were as direct and rapid as a slap on + the face), the humbled girl winced a little at the blow, but bore it + meekly, and with a desperate acquiescence. “He has a right to marry, he + knows a great deal more of the world than I do,” she argued with herself. + “Blanche may not be so light-minded as she seemed, and who am I to be her + judge? I daresay it is very good that Arthur should go into Parliament and + distinguish himself, and my duty is to do everything that lies in my power + to aid him and Blanche, and to make his home happy. I daresay I shall live + with them. If I am godmother to one of their children, I will leave her my + three thousand pounds!” And forthwith she began to think what she could + give Blanche out of her small treasures, and how best to conciliate her + affection. She wrote her forthwith a kind letter, in which, of course, no + mention was made of the plans in contemplation, but in which Laura + recalled old times, and spoke her goodwill, and in reply to this she + received an eager answer from Blanche: in which not a word about marriage + was said, to be sure, but Mr. Pendennis was mentioned two or three times + in the letter, and they were to be henceforth, dearest Laura, and dearest + Blanche, and loving sisters, and so forth. + </p> + <p> + When Pen and Laura reached home, after Laura's confession (Pen's noble + acknowledgment of his own inferiority and generous expression of love for + Warrington, causing the girl's heart to throb, and rendering doubly keen + those tears which she sobbed on his shoulder), a little slim letter was + awaiting Miss Bell in the hall, which she trembled rather guiltily as she + unsealed, and which Pen blushed as he recognised: for he saw instantly + that it was from Blanche. + </p> + <p> + Laura opened it hastily, and cast her eyes quickly over it, as Pen kept + his fixed on her, blushing. + </p> + <p> + “She dates from London,” Laura said. “She has been with old Bonner, Lady + Clavering's maid. Bonner is going to marry Lightfoot the butler. Where do + you think Blanche has been?” she cried out eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “To Paris, to Scotland, to the Casino?” + </p> + <p> + “To Shepherd's Inn, to see Fanny; but Fanny wasn't there, and Blanche is + going to leave a present for her. Isn't it kind of her and thoughtful?” + And she handed the letter to Pen, who read— + </p> + <p> + “'I saw Madame Mere, who was scrubbing the room, and looked at me with + very scrubby looks; but la belle Fanny was not au logis; and as I heard + that she was in Captain Strong's apartments, Bonner and I mounted au + troisieme to see this famous beauty. Another disappointment—only the + Chevalier Strong and a friend of his in the room: so we came away after + all without seeing the enchanting Fanny. + </p> + <p> + “'Je t'envoie mille et mille baisers. When will that horrid canvassing be + over? Sleeves are worn, etc. etc. etc.'” + </p> + <p> + After dinner the doctor was reading the Times. “A young gentleman I + attended when he was here some eight or nine years ago, has come into a + fine fortune,” the doctor said. “I see here announced the death of John + Henry Foker, Esq., of Logwood Hall, at Pau, in the Pyrenees, on the 15th + ult.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXVIII. In which the Major is bidden to Stand and Deliver + </h2> + <p> + Any gentleman who has frequented the Wheel of Fortune public-house, where + it may be remembered that Mr. James Morgan's Club was held, and where Sir + Francis Clavering had an interview with Major Pendennis, is aware that + there are three rooms for guests upon the ground floor, besides the bar + where the landlady sits. One is a parlour frequented by the public at + large; to another room gentlemen in livery resort; and the third + apartment, on the door of which “Private” is painted, is that hired by the + Club of “The Confidentials,” of which Messrs Morgan and Lightfoot were + members. + </p> + <p> + The noiseless Morgan had listened to the conversation between Strong and + Major Pendennis at the latter's own lodgings, and had carried away from it + matter for much private speculation; and a desire of knowledge had led him + to follow his master when the Major came to the Wheel of Fortune, and to + take his place quietly in the Confidential room, whilst Pendennis and + Clavering had their discourse in the parlour. There was a particular + corner in the Confidential room from which you could hear almost all that + passed in the next apartment; and as the conversation between the two + gentlemen there was rather angry, and carried on in a high key, Morgan had + the benefit of overhearing almost the whole of it and what he heard, + strengthened the conclusions which his mind had previously formed. + </p> + <p> + “He knew Altamont at once, did he, when he saw him in Sydney? Clavering + ain't no more married to my Lady than I am! Altamont's the man: Altamont's + a convict; young Harthur comes into Parlyment, and the Gov'nor promises + not to split. By Jove, what a sly old rogue it is, that old Gov'nor! No + wonder he's anxious to make the match between Blanche and Harthur: why, + she'll have a hundred thousand if she's a penny, and bring her man a seat + in Parlyment into the bargain.” Nobody saw, but a physiognomist would have + liked to behold, the expression of Mr. Morgan's countenance, when this + astounding intelligence was made clear to him. “But for my hage, and the + confounded preudices of society,” he said, surveying himself in the glass, + “dammy, James Morgan, you might marry her yourself.” But if he could not + marry Miss Blanche and her fortune, Morgan thought he could mend his own + by the possession of this information, and that it might be productive of + benefit to him from very many sources. Of all the persons whom the secret + affected, the greater number would not like to have it known. For + instance, Sir Francis Clavering, whose fortune it involved, would wish to + keep it quiet; Colonel Altamont, whose neck it implicated, would naturally + be desirous to hush it: and that young hupstart beast, Mr. Harthur, who + was for getting' into Parlyment on the strenth of it, and was as proud as + if he was a duke with half a millium a year (such, we grieve to say, was + Morgan's opinion of his employer's nephew), would pay anythink sooner than + let the world know that he was married to a convick's daughter, and had + got his seat in Parlyment by trafficking with this secret. As for Lady C., + Morgan thought, if she's tired of Clavering, and wants to get rid of him, + she'll pay: if she's frightened about her son, and fond of the little + beggar, she'll pay all the same: and Miss Blanche will certainly come down + handsome to the man who will put her into her rights, which she was + unjustly defrauded of them, and no mistake. “Dammy,” concluded the valet, + reflecting upon this wonderful hand which luck had given him to play, + “with such cards as these, James Morgan, you are a made man. It may be a + reg'lar enewity to me. Every one of 'em must susscribe. And with what I've + made already, I may cut business, give my old Gov'nor warning, turn + gentleman, and have a servant of my own, begad.” Entertaining himself with + calculations such as these, that were not a little likely to perturb a + man's spirit, Mr. Morgan showed a very great degree of self-command by + appearing and being calm, and by not allowing his future prospects in any + way to interfere with his present duties. + </p> + <p> + One of the persons whom the story chiefly concerned, Colonel Altamont, was + absent from London when Morgan was thus made acquainted with his history. + The valet knew of Sir Francis Clavering's Shepherd's Inn haunt, and walked + thither an hour or two after the Baronet and Pendennis had had their + conversation together. But that bird was flown; Colonel Altamont had + received his Derby winnings, and was gone to the Continent. The fact of + his absence was exceedingly vexatious to Mr. Morgan. “He'll drop all that + money at the gambling-shops on the Rhind,” thought Morgan, “and I might + have had a good bit of it. It's confounded annoying to think he's gone and + couldn't have waited a few days longer.” Hope, triumphant or deferred, + ambition or disappointment, victory or patient ambush, Morgan bore all + alike, with similar equable countenance. Until the proper day came, the + Major's boots were varnished and his hair was curled, his early cup of tea + was brought to his bedside, his oaths, rebukes, and senile satire borne, + with silent, obsequious fidelity. Who would think, to see him waiting upon + his master, packing and shouldering his trunks, and occasionally assisting + at table, at the country-houses where he might be staying, that Morgan was + richer than his employer, and knew his secrets and other people's? In the + profession Mr. Morgan was greatly respected and admired, and his + reputation for wealth and wisdom got him much renown at most + supper-tables: the younger gentlemen voted him stoopid, a feller of no + idears, and a fogey, in a word: but not one of them would not say amen to + the heartfelt prayer which some of the most serious-minded among the + gentlemen uttered, “When I die may I cut up as well as Morgan Pendennis!” + </p> + <p> + As became a man of fashion, Major Pendennis spent the autumn passing from + house to house of such country friends as were at home to receive him; and + if the Duke happened to be abroad, the Marquis in Scotland, condescending + to sojourn with Sir John or the plain Squire. To say the truth, the old + gentleman's reputation was somewhat on the wane: many of the men of his + time had died out, and the occupants of their halls and the present + wearers of their titles knew not Major Pendennis: and little cared for his + traditions of “the wild Prince and Poins,” and of the heroes of fashion + passed away. It must have struck the good man with melancholy as he walked + by many a London door, to think how seldom it was now opened for him, and + how often he used to knock at it—to what banquets and welcome he + used to pass through it—a score of years back. He began to own that + he was no longer of the present age, and dimly to apprehend that the young + men laughed at him. Such melancholy musings must come across many a Pall + Mall philosopher. The men, thinks he, are not such as they used to be in + his time: the old grand manner and courtly grace of life are gone: what is + Castlewood House and the present Castlewood, compared to the magnificence + of the old mansion and owner? The late lord came to London with four + postchaises and sixteen horses: all the North Road hurried out to look at + his cavalcade: the people in London streets even stopped as his procession + passed them. The present lord travels with five bagmen in a railway + carriage, and sneaks away from the station, smoking a cigar in a brougham. + The late lord in autumn filled Castlewood with company, who drank claret + till midnight: the present man buries himself in a hut on a Scotch + mountain, and passes November in two or three closets in an entresol at + Paris, where his amusements are a dinner at a cafe and a box at a little + theatre. What a contrast there is between his Lady Lorraine, the Regent's + Lady Lorraine, and her little ladyship of the present era! He figures to + himself the first, beautiful, gorgeous, magnificent in diamonds and + velvets, daring in rouge, the wits of the world (the old wits, the old + polished gentlemen—not the canaille of to-day with their language of + the cabstand, and their coats smelling of smoke) bowing at her feet; and + then thinks of to-day's Lady Lorraine—a little woman in a black silk + gown, like a governess, who talks astronomy, and labouring classes, and + emigration, and the deuce knows what, and lurks to church at eight o'clock + in the morning. Abbots-Lorraine, that used to be the noblest house in the + county, is turned into a monastery—a regular La Trappe. They don't + drink two glasses of wine after dinner, and every other man at table is a + country curate, with a white neckcloth, whose talk is about Polly Higson's + progress at school, or widow Watkins's lumbago. “And the other young men, + those lounging guardsmen and great lazy dandies—sprawling over sofas + and billiard-tables, and stealing off to smoke pipes in each other's + bedrooms, caring for nothing, reverencing nothing, not even an old + gentleman who has known their fathers and their betters, not even a pretty + woman—what a difference there is between these men, who poison the + very turnips and stubble-fields with their tobacco, and the gentlemen of + our time!” thinks the Major; “the breed is gone—there's no use for + 'em; they're replaced by a parcel of damned cotton-spinners and + utilitarians, and young sprigs of parsons with their hair combed down + their barks. I'm getting old: they're getting past me: they laugh at us + old boys,” thought old Pendennis. And he was not far wrong; the times and + manners which he admired were pretty nearly gone—the gay young men + “larked” him irreverently, whilst the serious youth had a grave pity and + wonder at him; which would have been even more painful to bear, had the + old gentleman been aware of its extent. But he was rather simple: his + examination of moral questions had never been very deep; it had never + struck him perhaps, until very lately, that he was otherwise than a most + respectable and rather fortunate man. Is there no old age but his without + reverence? Did youthful folly never jeer at other bald pates? For the past + two or three years, he had begun to perceive that his day was well-nigh + over, and that the men of the new time had begun to reign. + </p> + <p> + After a rather unsuccessful autumn season, then, during which he was + faithfully followed by Mr. Morgan, his nephew Arthur being engaged, as we + have seen, at Clavering, it happened that Major Pendennis came back for a + while to London, at the dismal end of October, when the fogs and the + lawyers come to town. Who has not looked with interest at those loaded + cabs, piled boxes, and crowded children, rattling through the streets on + the dun October evenings; stopping at the dark houses, where they + discharge nurse and infant, girls, matron and father, whose holidays are + over? Yesterday it was France and sunshine, or Broadstairs and liberty; + to-day comes work and a yellow fog; and, ye gods! what a heap of bills + there lies in Master's study! And the clerk has brought the lawyer's + papers from Chambers; and in half an hour the literary man knows that the + printer's boy will be in the passage; and Mr. Smith with that little + account (that particular little account) has called presentient of your + arrival, and has left word that he will call to-morrow morning at ten. Who + amongst us has not said Good-bye to his holiday; returned to dun London, + and his fate; surveyed his labours and liabilities laid out before him, + and been aware of that inevitable little account to settle? Smith and his + little account in the morning, symbolise duty, difficulty, struggle, which + you will meet, let us hope, friend, with a manly and honest heart.—And + you think of him, as the children are slumbering once more in their own + beds, and the watchful housewife tenderly pretends to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis had no special labours or bills to encounter on the morrow, + as he had no affection at home to soothe him. He had always money in his + desk sufficient for his wants; and being by nature and habit tolerably + indifferent to the wants of other people, these latter were not likely to + disturb him. But a gentleman may be out of temper though he does not owe a + shilling and though he may be ever so selfish, he must occasionally feel + dispirited and lonely. He had had two or three twinges of gout in the + country-house where he had been staying: the birds were wild and shy, and + the walking over the ploughed fields had fatigued him deucedly: the young + men had laughed at him, and he had been peevish at table once or twice: he + had not been able to get his whist of an evening: and, in fine, was glad + to come away. In all his dealings with Morgan, his valet, he had been + exceedingly sulky and discontented. He had sworn at him and abused him for + many days past. He had scalded his mouth with bad soup at Swindon. He had + left his umbrella in the railroad carriage: at which piece of + forgetfulness, he was in such a rage, that he cursed Morgan more freely + than ever. Both, the chimneys smoked furiously in his lodgings; and when + he caused the windows to be flung open, he swore so acrimoniously, that + Morgan was inclined to fling him out of window too, through that opened + casement. The valet swore after his master, as Pendennis went down the + street on his way to the Club. + </p> + <p> + Bays's was not at all pleasant. The house had been new painted, and smelt + of varnish and turpentine, and a large streak of white paint inflicted + itself on the back of the old boy's fur-collared surtout. The dinner was + not good: and the three most odious men in all London—old Hawkshaw, + whose cough and accompaniments are fit to make any man uncomfortable; old + Colonel Gripley, who seizes on all the newspapers; and that irreclaimable + old bore Jawkins, who would come and dine at the next table to Pendennis, + and describe to him every inn-bill which he had paid in his foreign tour: + each and all of these disagreeable personages and incidents had + contributed to make Major Pendennis miserable; and the Club waiter trod on + his toe as he brought him his coffee. Never alone appear the Immortals. + The Furies always hunt in company: they pursued Pendennis from home to the + Club, and from the Club home. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the Major was absent from his lodgings, Morgan had been seated in + the landlady's parlour, drinking freely of hot brandy-and-water, and + pouring out on Mrs. Brixham some of the abuse which he had received from + his master upstairs. Mrs. Brixham was Mr. Morgan's slave. He was his + landlady's landlord. He had bought the lease of the house which she + rented; he had got her name and her son's to acceptances, and a bill of + sale which made him master of the luckless widow's furniture. The young + Brixham was a clerk in an insurance office, and Morgan could put him into + what he called quod any day. Mrs. Brixham was a clergyman's widow, and Mr. + Morgan, after performing his duties on the first floor, had a pleasure in + making the old lady fetch him his bootjack and his slippers. She was his + slave. The little black profiles of her son and daughter; the very picture + of Tiddlecot Church, where she was married, and her poor dear Brixham + lived and died, was now Morgan's property, as it hung there over the + mantelpiece of his back-parlour. Morgan sate in the widow's back-room, in + the ex-curate's old horse-hair study-chair, making Mrs. Brixham bring + supper for him, and fill his glass again and again. + </p> + <p> + The liquor was bought with the poor woman's own coin, and hence Morgan + indulged in it only the more freely; and he had eaten his supper and was + drinking a third tumbler, when old Pendennis returned from the Club, and + went upstairs to his rooms. Mr. Morgan swore very savagely at him and his + bell, when he heard the latter, and finished his tumbler of brandy before + he went up to answer the summons. + </p> + <p> + He received the abuse consequent on this delay in silence, nor did the + Major condescend to read in the flushed face and glaring eyes of the man, + the anger under which he was labouring. The old gentleman's foot-bath was + at the fire; his gown and slippers awaiting him there. Morgan knelt down + to take his boots off with due subordination: and as the Major abused him + from above, kept up a growl of maledictions below at his feet. Thus, when + Pendennis was crying “Confound you, sir, mind that strap—curse you, + don't wrench my foot off,” Morgan sotto voce below was expressing a wish + to strangle him, drown him, and punch his head off. + </p> + <p> + The boots removed, it became necessary to divest Mr. Pendennis of his + coat: and for this purpose the valet had necessarily to approach very near + to his employer; so near that Pendennis could not but perceive what Mr. + Morgan's late occupation had been; to which he adverted in that simple and + forcible phraseology which men are sometimes in the habit of using to + their domestics; informing Morgan that he was a drunken beast, and that he + smelt of brandy. + </p> + <p> + At this the man broke out, losing patience, and flinging up all + subordination, “I'm drunk, am I? I'm a beast, am I? I'm d——d, + am I? you infernal old miscreant. Shall I wring your old head off, and + drownd yer in that pail of water? Do you think I'm a-goin' to bear your + confounded old harrogance, you old Wigsby! Chatter your old hivories at + me, do you, you grinning old baboon! Come on, if you are a man, and can + stand to a man. Ha! you coward, knives, knives!” + </p> + <p> + “If you advance a step, I'll send it into you,” said the Major, seizing up + a knife that was on the table near him. “Go downstairs, you drunken brute, + and leave the house; send for your book and your wages in the morning, and + never let me see your insolent face again. This d——d + impertinence of yours has been growing for some months past. You have been + growing too rich. You are not fit for service. Get out of it, and out of + the house.” + </p> + <p> + “And where would you wish me to go, pray, out of the 'ouse?” asked the + man, “and won't it be equal convenient to-morrow mornin'?—tootyfay + mame shose, sivvaplay, munseer?” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, you beast, and go!” cried out the Major. + </p> + <p> + Morgan began to laugh, with rather a sinister laugh. “Look yere, + Pendennis,” he said, seating himself; “since I've been in this room you've + called me beast, brute, dog: and d——d me, haven't you? How do + you suppose one man likes that sort of talk from another? How many years + have I waited on you, and how many damns and cusses have you given me, + along with my wages? Do you think a man's a dog, that you can talk to him + in this way? If I choose to drink a little, why shouldn't I? I've seen + many a gentleman drunk form'ly, and peraps have the abit from them. I + ain't a-goin' to leave this house, old feller, and shall I tell you why? + The house is my house, every stick of furnitur' in it is mine, excep' your + old traps, and your shower-bath, and your wigbox. I've bought the place, I + tell you, with my own industry and perseverance. I can show a hundred + pound, where you can show a fifty, or your damned supersellious nephew + either. I've served you honourable, done everythink for you these dozen + years, and I'm a dog, am I? I'm a beast, am I? That's the language for + gentlemen, not for our rank. But I'll bear it no more. I throw up your + service; I'm tired on it; I've combed your old wig and buckled your old + girths and waistbands long enough, I tell you. Don't look savage at me, + I'm sitting in my own chair, in my own room, a-telling the truth to you. + I'll be your beast, and your brute, and your dog, no more, Major Pendennis + Alf Pay.” + </p> + <p> + The fury of the old gentleman, met by the servant's abrupt revolt, had + been shocked and cooled by the concussion, as much as if a sudden + shower-bath or a pail of cold water had been flung upon him. That effect + produced, and his anger calmed, Morgan's speech had interested him, and he + rather respected his adversary, and his courage in facing him; as of old + days, in the fencing-room, he would have admired the opponent who hit him. + </p> + <p> + “You are no longer my servant,” the Major said, “and the house may be + yours; but the lodgings are mine, and you will have the goodness to leave + them. To-morrow morning, when we have settled our accounts, I shall remove + into other quarters. In the meantime, I desire to go to bed, and have not + the slightest wish for your further company.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll have a settlement, don't you be afraid,” Morgan said, getting up + from his chair. “I ain't done with you yet; nor with your family, nor with + the Clavering family, Major Pendennis; and that you shall know.” + </p> + <p> + “Have the goodness to leave the room, sir—I'm tired,” said the + Major. + </p> + <p> + “Hah! you'll be more tired of me afore you've done,” answered the man, + with a sneer, and walked out of the room; leaving the Major to compose + himself as best he might, after the agitation of this extraordinary scene. + </p> + <p> + He sate and mused by his fireside over the past events, and the confounded + impudence and ingratitude of servants; and thought how he should get a new + man: how devilish unpleasant it was for a man of his age, and with his + habits, to part with a fellow to whom he had been accustomed: how Morgan + had a receipt for boot-varnish, which was incomparably better and more + comfortable to the feet than any he had ever tried: how very well he made + mutton-broth, and tended him when he was unwell. “Gad, it's a hard thing + to lose a fellow of that sort: but he must go,” thought the Major. “He has + grown rich, and impudent since he has grown rich. He was horribly tipsy + and abusive to-night. We must part, and I must go out of the lodgings. + Dammy, I like the lodgings; I'm used to 'em. It's very unpleasant, at my + time of life, to change my quarters.” And so on, mused the old gentleman. + The shower-bath had done him good: the testiness was gone: the loss of the + umbrella, the smell of paint at the Club, were forgotten under the + superior excitement. “Confound the insolent villain!” thought the old + gentleman. “He understood my wants to a nicety: he was the best servant in + England.” He thought about his servant as a man thinks of a horse that has + carried him long and well, and that has come down with him, and is safe no + longer. How the deuce to replace him? Where can he get such another + animal? + </p> + <p> + In these melancholy cogitations the Major, who had donned his own + dressing-gown and replaced his head of hair (a little grey had been + introduced into the coiffure of late by Mr. Truefitt, which had given the + Major's head the most artless and respectable appearance); in these + cogitations, we say, the Major, who had taken off his wig and put on his + night-handkerchief, sate absorbed by the fireside, when a feeble knock + came at his door, which was presently opened by the landlady of the + lodgings. + </p> + <p> + “God bless my soul, Mrs. Brixham!” cried out the Major, startled that a + lady should behold him in the simple appareil of his night-toilet. “It—it's + very late, Mrs. Brixham.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I might speak to you, sir,” said the landlady, very piteously. + </p> + <p> + “About Morgan, I suppose? He has cooled himself at the pump. Can't take + him back, Mrs. Brixham. Impossible. I'd determined to part with him + before, when I heard of his dealings in the discount business—I + suppose you've heard of them, Mrs. Brixham? My servant's a capitalist, + begad.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir,” said Mrs. Brixham, “I know it to my cost. I borrowed from him a + little money five years ago; and though I have paid him many times over, I + am entirely in his power. I am ruined by him, sir. Everything I had is + his. He's a dreadful man.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, Mrs. Brixham? tout pis—dev'lish sorry for you, and that I must + quit your house after lodging here so long: there's no help for it. I must + go.” + </p> + <p> + “He says we must all go, sir,” sobbed out the luckless widow. “He came + downstairs from you just now—he had been drinking, and it always + makes him very wicked—and he said that you had insulted him, sir, + and treated him like a dog, and spoken to him unkindly; and he swore he + would be revenged, and—and I owe him a hundred and twenty pounds, + sir—and he has a bill of sale of all my furniture—and says he + will turn me out of my house, and send my poor George to prison. He has + been the ruin of my family, that man.” + </p> + <p> + “Dev'lish sorry, Mrs. Brixham; pray take a chair. What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Could you not intercede with him for us? George will give half his + allowance; my daughter can send something. If you will but stay on, sir, + and pay a quarter's rent in advance——” + </p> + <p> + “My good madam, I would as soon give you a quarter in advance as not, if I + were going to stay in the lodgings. But I can't; and I can't afford to + fling away twenty pounds, my good madam. I'm a poor half-pay officer, and + want every shilling I have, begad. As far as a few pounds goes—say + five pounds—I don't say—and shall be most happy, and that sort + of thing: and I'll give it you in the morning with pleasure: but—but + it's getting late, and I have made a railroad journey.” + </p> + <p> + “God's will be done, sir,” said the poor woman, drying her tears. I must + bear my fate.” + </p> + <p> + “And a dev'lish hard one it is, and most sincerely I pity you, Mrs. + Brixham. I—I'll say ten pounds, if you will permit me. Good night.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Morgan, sir, when he came downstairs, and when—when I besought + him to have pity on me, and told him he had been the ruin of my family, + said something which I did not well understand—that he would ruin + every family in the house—that he knew something would bring you + down too—and that you should pay him for your—your insolence + to him. I—I must own to you, that I went down on my knees to him, + sir; and he said, with a dreadful oath against you, that he would have you + on your knees.” + </p> + <p> + “Me?—by Gad, that is too pleasant! Where is the confounded fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “He went away, sir. He said he should see you in the morning. Oh, pray try + and pacify him, and save me and my poor boy.” And the widow went away with + this prayer, to pass her night as she might, and look for the dreadful + morrow. + </p> + <p> + The last words about himself excited Major Pendennis so much, that his + compassion for Mrs. Brixham's misfortunes was quite forgotten in the + consideration of his own case. + </p> + <p> + “Me on my knees?” thought he, as he got into bed: “confound his impudence! + Who ever saw me on my knees? What the devil does the fellow know? Gad, + I've not had an affair these twenty years. I defy him.” And the old + compaigner turned round and slept pretty sound, being rather excited and + amused by the events of the day—the last day in Bury Street, he was + determined it should be. “For it's impossible to stay on with a valet over + me, and a bankrupt landlady. What good can I do this poor devil of a + woman? I'll give her twenty pound—there's Warrington's twenty pound, + which he has just paid—but what's the use? She'll want more, and + more, and more, and that cormorant Morgan will swallow all. No, dammy, I + can't afford to know poor people; and to-morrow I'll say Good-bye—to + Mrs. Brixham and Mr. Morgan.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXIX. In which the Major neither yields his Money nor his Life + </h2> + <p> + Early next morning Pendennis's shutters were opened by Morgan, who + appeared as usual, with a face perfectly grave and respectful, bearing + with him the old gentleman's clothes, cans of water, and elaborate toilet + requisites. + </p> + <p> + “It's you, is it?” said the old fellow from his bed. “I shan't take you + back again, you understand.” + </p> + <p> + “I ave not the least wish to be took back agin, Major Pendennis,” Mr. + Morgan said, with grave dignity, “nor to serve you nor hany man. But as I + wish you to be comftable as long as you stay in my house, I came up to do + what's nessary.” And once more, and for the last time, Mr. James Morgan + laid out the silver dressing-case, and strapped the shining razor. + </p> + <p> + These offices concluded, he addressed himself to the Major with an + indescribable solemnity, and said: “Thinkin' that you would most likely be + in want of a respectable pusson, until you suited yourself, I spoke to a + young man last night, who is 'ere.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the warrior in the tent-bed. + </p> + <p> + “He ave lived in the fust famlies, and I can wouch for his + respectability.” + </p> + <p> + “You are monstrous polite,” grinned the old Major. And the truth is, that + after the occurrences of the previous evening, Morgan had gone out to his + own Club at the Wheel of Fortune, and there finding Frosch, a courier and + valet just returned from a foreign tour with young Lord Cubley, and for + the present disposable, had represented to Mr. Frosch, that he, Morgan, + had “a devil of a blow hup with his own Gov'nor, and was goin' to retire + from the business haltogether, and that if Frosch wanted a tempory job, he + might probbly have it by applying in Bury Street.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very polite,” said the Major, “and your recommendation, I am + sure, will have every weight.” + </p> + <p> + Morgan blushed; he felt his master was 'a-chaffin' of him.' “The man have + awaited on you before, sir,” he said with great dignity. “Lord De la Pole, + sir, gave him to his nephew young Lord Cubley, and he have been with him + on his foring tour, and not wishing to go to Fitzurse Castle, which + Frosch's chest is delicate, and he cannot bear the cold in Scotland, he is + free to serve you or not, as you choose.” + </p> + <p> + “I repeat, sir, that you are exceedingly polite,” said the Major. Come in, + Frosch—you will do very well—Mr. Morgan, will you have the + great kindness to——” + </p> + <p> + “I shall show him what is nessary, sir, and what is customry for you to + wish to ave done. Will you please to take breakfast 'ere or at the Club, + Major Pendennis?” + </p> + <p> + “With your kind permission, I will breakfast here, and afterwards we will + make our little arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you now oblige me by leaving the room?” + </p> + <p> + Morgan withdrew; the excessive politeness of his ex-employer made him + almost as angry as the Major's bitterest words. And whilst the old + gentleman is making his mysterious toilet, we will also modestly retire. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast, Major Pendennis and his new aide-de-camp occupied + themselves in preparing for their departure. The establishment of the old + bachelor was not very complicated. He encumbered himself with no useless + wardrobe. A bible (his mother's), a road book, Pen's novel (calf elegant), + and the Duke of Wellington's Despatches, with a few prints, maps, and + portraits of that illustrious general, and of various sovereigns and + consorts of this country, and of the General under whom Major Pendennis + had served in India, formed his literary and artistical collection: he was + always ready to march at a few hours' notice, and the cases in which he + had brought his property into his lodgings some fifteen years before, were + still in the lofts amply sufficient to receive all his goods. These, the + young woman who did the work of the house, and who was known by the name + of Betty to her mistress, and of “Slavey” to Mr. Morgan, brought down from + their resting-place, and obediently dusted and cleaned under the eyes of + the terrible Morgan. His demeanour was guarded and solemn; he had spoken + no word as yet to Mrs. Brixham respecting his threats of the past night, + but he looked as if he would execute them, and the poor widow tremblingly + awaited her fate. + </p> + <p> + Old Pendennis, armed with his cane, superintended the package of his goods + and chattels, under the hands of Mr. Frosch, and the Slavey burned such of + his papers as he did not care to keep; flung open doors and closets until + they were all empty; and now all boxes and chests were closed, except his + desk, which was ready to receive the final accounts of Mr. Morgan. + </p> + <p> + That individual now made his appearance, and brought his books. “As I wish + to speak to you in privick, peraps you will ave the kindness to request + Frosch to step downstairs,” he said, on entering. + </p> + <p> + “Bring a couple of cabs, Frosch, if you please—and wait downstairs + until I ring for you,” said the Major. Morgan saw Frosch downstairs, + watched him go along the street upon his errand, and produced his books + and accounts, which were simple and very easily settled. + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir,” said he, having pocketed the cheque which his ex-employer + gave him, and signed his name to his book with a flourish, “and now that + accounts is closed between us, sir,” he said, “I porpose to speak to you + as one man to another”—(Morgan liked the sound of his own voice; + and, as an individual, indulged in public speaking whenever he could get + an opportunity, at the Club, or the housekeeper's room)—“and I must + tell you, that I'm in possession of certing infamation.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I inquire of what nature, pray?” asked the Major. + </p> + <p> + “It's valuble information, Major Pendennis, as you know very well. I know + of a marriage as is no marriage—of a honourable Baronet as is no + more married than I am; and which his wife is married to somebody else, as + you know too, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Pendennis at once understood all. “Ha! this accounts for your behaviour. + You have been listening at the door, sir, I suppose,” said the Major, + looking very haughty; “I forgot to look at the keyhole when I went to that + public-house, or I might have suspected what sort of a person was behind + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I may have my schemes as you may have yours, I suppose,” answered Morgan. + “I may get my information, and I may act on that information, and I may + find that information valuble as anybody else may. A poor servant may have + a bit of luck as well as a gentleman, mayn't he? Don't you be putting on + your aughty looks, sir, and comin' the aristocrat over me. That's all + gammon with me. I'm an Englishman, I am, and as good as you.” + </p> + <p> + “To what the devil does this tend, sir? and how does the secret which you + have surprised concern me, I should like to know?” asked Major Pendennis, + with great majesty. + </p> + <p> + “How does it concern me, indeed! how grand we are! How does it concern my + nephew, I wonder? How does it concern my nephew's seat in Parlyment: and + to subornation of bigamy? How does it concern that? What, are you to be + the only man to have a secret, and to trade on it? Why shouldn't I go + halves, Major Pendennis? I've found it out too. Look here! I ain't goin' + to be unreasonable with you. Make it worth my while, and I'll keep the + thing close. Let Mr. Arthur take his seat, and his rich wife, if you like; + I don't want to marry her. But I will have my share, as sure as my name's + James Morgan. And if I don't——” + </p> + <p> + “And if you don't, sir—what?” Pendennis asked. + </p> + <p> + “If I don't, I split, and tell all. I smash Clavering, and have him and + his wife up for bigamy—so help me, I will! I smash young Hopeful's + marriage, and I show up you and him as makin' use of this secret, in order + to squeeze a seat in Parlyment out of Sir Francis, and a fortune out of + his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Pendennis knows no more of this business than the babe unborn, sir,” + cried the Major, aghast. “No more than Lady Clavering, than Miss Amory + does.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell that to the marines, Major,” replied the valet; “that cock won't + fight with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you doubt my word, you villain?” + </p> + <p> + “No bad language. I don't care one twopence'a'p'ny whether your word's + true or not. I tell you, I intend this to be a nice little annuity to me, + Major: for I have every one of you; and I ain't such a fool as to let you + go. I should say that you might make it five hundred a year to me among + you, easy. Pay me down the first quarter now and I'm as mum as a mouse. + Just give a note for one twenty-five. There's your cheque-book on your + desk.” + </p> + <p> + “And there's this too, you villain,” cried the old gentleman. In the desk + to which the valet pointed was a little double-barrelled pistol, which had + belonged to Pendennis's old patron; the Indian commander-in-chief, and + which had accompanied him in many a campaign. “One more word, you + scoundrel and I'll shoot you, like a mad dog. Stop—by Jove, I'll do + it now. You'll assault me, will you? You'll strike at an old man, will + you, you lying coward? Kneel down and say your prayers, sir, for by the + Lord you shall die.” + </p> + <p> + The Major's face glared with rage at his adversary, who looked terrified + before him for a moment, and at the next, with a shriek of “Murder!” + sprang towards the open window, under which a policeman happened to be on + his beat. “Murder! Police!” bellowed Mr. Morgan. + </p> + <p> + To his surprise, Major Pendennis wheeled away the table and walked to the + other window, which was also open. He beckoned the policeman. “Come up + here, policeman,” he said, and then went and placed himself against the + door. + </p> + <p> + “You miserable sneak,” he said to Morgan; “the pistol hasn't been loaded + these fifteen years, as you would have known very well, if you had not + been such a coward. That policeman is coming, and I will have him up, and + have your trunks searched; I have reason to believe that you are a thief, + sir. I know you are. I'll swear to the things.” + </p> + <p> + “You gave 'em to me—you gave 'em to me!” cried Morgan. + </p> + <p> + The Major laughed. “We'll see,” he said; and the guilty valet remembered + some fine lawn-fronted shirts—a certain gold-headed cane—an + opera-glass, which he had forgotten to bring down, and of which he had + assumed the use along with certain articles of his master's clothes, which + the old dandy neither wore nor asked for. + </p> + <p> + Policeman X entered; followed by the seared Mrs. Brixham and her + maid-of-all-work, who had been at the door and found some difficulty in + closing it against the street amateurs, who wished to see the row. The + Major began instantly to speak. + </p> + <p> + “I have had occasion to discharge this drunken scoundrel,” he said. “Both + last night and this morning he insulted and assaulted me. I am an old man + and took up a pistol. You see it is not loaded, and this coward cried out + before he was hurt. I am glad you are come. I was charging him with taking + my property, and desired to examine his trunks and his room.” + </p> + <p> + “The velvet cloak you ain't worn these three years, nor the weskits, and I + thought I might take the shirts, and I—I take my hoath I intended to + put back the hopera-glass,” roared Morgan, writhing with rage and terror. + </p> + <p> + “The man acknowledges that he is a thief,” the Major said, calmly. “He has + been in my service for years, and I have treated him with every kindness + and confidence. We will go upstairs and examine his trunks.” + </p> + <p> + In those trunks Mr. Morgan had things which he would fain keep from public + eyes. Mr. Morgan, the bill-discounter, gave goods as well as money to his + customers. He provided young spendthrifts with snuff boxes and pins and + jewels and pictures and cigars, and of a very doubtful quality those + cigars and jewels and pictures were. Their display at a police-office, the + discovery of his occult profession, and the exposure of the Major's + property, which he had appropriated, indeed, rather than stolen,—would + not have added to the reputation of Mr. Morgan. He looked a piteous image + of terror and discomfiture. + </p> + <p> + “He'll smash me, will he?” thought the Major. “I'll crush him now, and + finish with him.” + </p> + <p> + But he paused. He looked at poor Mrs. Brixham's scared face; and he + thought for a moment to himself that the man brought to bay and in prison + might make disclosures which had best be kept secret, and that it was best + not to deal too fiercely with a desperate man. + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” he said, “policeman. I'll speak with this man by himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you give Mr. Morgan in charge?” said the policeman. + </p> + <p> + “I have brought no charge as yet,” the Major said, with a significant look + at his man. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” whispered Morgan, very low. + </p> + <p> + “Go outside the door, and wait there, policeman, if you please.—Now, + Morgan, you have played one game with me, and you have not had the best of + it, my good man. No, begad, you've not had the best of it, though you had + the best hand; and you've got to pay, too, now, you scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “I've only found out, within the last week, the game which you have been + driving, you villain. Young De Boots, of the Blues, recognised you as the + man who came to barracks, and did business one-third in money, one-third + in eau-de-Cologne, and one-third in French prints, you confounded demure + old sinner! I didn't miss anything, or care a straw what you'd taken, you + booby; but I took the shot, and it hit—hit the bull's-eye, begad. + Dammy, six, I'm an old campaigner.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with me, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you. Your bills, I suppose, you keep about you in that dem'd + great leather pocket-book, don't you? You'll burn Mrs. Brixham's bill?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I ain't a-goin' to part with my property,” growled the man. + </p> + <p> + “You lent her sixty pounds five years ago. She and that poor devil of an + insurance clerk, her son, have paid you fifty pounds a year ever since; + and you have got a bill of sale of her furniture, and her note of hand for + a hundred and fifty pounds. She told me so last night. By Jove, sir, + you've bled that poor woman enough.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't give it up,” said Morgan; “If I do I'm——” + </p> + <p> + “Policeman!” cried the Major. + </p> + <p> + “You shall have the bill,” said Morgan. “You're not going to take money of + me, and you a gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall want you directly,” said the Major to X, who here entered, and + who again withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “No, my good sir,” the old gentleman continued; “I have not any desire to + have further pecuniary transactions with you; but we will draw out a + little paper, which you will have the kindness to sign. No, stop!—you + shall write it: you have improved immensely in writing of late, and have + now a very good hand. You shall sit down and write, if you please—there, + at that table—so—let me see—we may as well have the + date. Write 'Bury Street, St. James's, October 21, 18—.'” + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Morgan wrote as he was instructed, and as the pitiless old Major + continued:— + </p> + <p> + “'I, James Morgan, having come in extreme poverty into the service of + Arthur Pendennis, Esquire, of Bury Street, St. James's, a Major in her + Majesty's service, acknowledge that I received liberal wages and board + wages from my employer, during fifteen years.'—You can't object to + that, I am sure,” said the Major. + </p> + <p> + “During fifteen years,” wrote Morgan. + </p> + <p> + “'In which time, by my own care and prudence,'” the dictator resumed, “'I + have managed to amass sufficient money to purchase the house in which my + master resides, and, besides, to effect other savings. Amongst other + persons from whom I have had money, I may mention my present tenant, Mrs. + Brixham, who, in consideration of sixty pounds advanced by me five years + since, has paid back to me the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds + sterling, besides giving me a note of hand for one hundred and twenty + pounds, which I restore to her at the desire of my late master, Major + Arthur Pendennis, and therewith free her furniture, of which I had a bill + of sale.'—Have you written?” + </p> + <p> + “I think if this pistol was loaded, I'd blow your brains out,” said + Morgan. + </p> + <p> + “No, you wouldn't. You have too great a respect for your valuable life, my + good man,” the Major answered. “Let us go on and begin a new sentence. + </p> + <p> + “'And having, in return for my master's kindness, stolen his property from + him, which I acknowledge to be now upstairs in my trunks; and having + uttered falsehoods regarding his and other honourable families, I do + hereby, in consideration of his clemency to me, express my regret for + uttering these falsehoods, and for stealing his property; and declare that + I am not worthy of belief, and that I hope'—yes, begad—'that I + hope to amend for the future. Signed, James Morgan.'” + </p> + <p> + “I'm d——d if I sign it,” said Morgan. + </p> + <p> + “My good man, it will happen to you, whether you sign or no, begad,” said + the old fellow, chuckling at his own wit “There, I shall not use this, you + understand, unless—unless I am compelled to do so. Mrs. Brixham, and + our friend the policeman, will witness it, I dare say, without reading it: + and I will give the old lady back her note of hand, and say, which you + will confirm, that she and you are quits. I see there is Frosch come back + with the cab for my trunks; I shall go to an hotel.—You may come in + now, policeman; Mr. Morgan and I have arranged our little dispute. If Mrs. + Brixham will sign this paper, and you, policeman, will do so, I shall be + very much obliged to you both. Mrs. Brixham, you and your worthy landlord, + Mr. Morgan, are quits. I wish you joy of him. Let Frosch come and pack the + rest of the things.” + </p> + <p> + Frosch, aided by the Slavey, under the calm superintendence of Mr. Morgan, + carried Major Pendennis's boxes to the cabs in waiting; and Mrs. Brixham, + when her persecutor was not by, came and asked a Heaven's blessing upon + the Major, her preserver, and the best and quietest and kindest of + lodgers. And having given her a finger to shake, which the humble lady + received with a curtsey, and over which she was ready to make a speech + full of tears, the Major cut short that valedictory oration, and walked + out of the house to the hotel in Jermyn Street, which was not many steps + from Morgan's door. + </p> + <p> + That individual, looking forth from the parlour-window, discharged + anything but blessings at his parting guest; but the stout old boy could + afford not to be frightened at Mr. Morgan, and flung him a look of great + contempt and humour as he strutted away with his cane. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis had not quitted his house of Bury Street many hours, and + Mr. Morgan was enjoying his otium in a dignified manner, surveying the + evening fog, and smoking a cigar, on the door-steps, when Arthur + Pendennis, Esq., the hero of this history, made his appearance at the + well-known door. + </p> + <p> + “My uncle out, I suppose, Morgan?” he said to the functionary; knowing + full well that to smoke was treason, in the presence of the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Major Pendennis is hout, sir,” said Morgan, with gravity, bowing, but not + touching the elegant cap which he wore. “Major Pendennis have left this + ouse to-day, sir, and I have no longer the honour of being in his service, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, and where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he ave taken tempory lodgings at Cox's otel, in Jummin Street,” + said Mr. Morgan; and added, after a pause, “Are you in town for some time, + pray, sir? Are you in Chambers? I should like to have the honour of + waiting on you there: and would be thankful if you would favour me with a + quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want my uncle to take you back?” asked Arthur, insolent and + good-natured. + </p> + <p> + “I want no such thing; I'd see him——” The man glared at him + for a minute, but he stopped. “No, sir, thank you,” he said in a softer + voice; “it's only with you that I wish to speak, on some business which + concerns you; and perhaps you would favour me by walking into my house.” + </p> + <p> + “If it is but for a minute or two, I will listen to you, Morgan,” said + Arthur; and thought to himself, “I suppose the fellow wants me to + patronise him;” and he entered the house. A card was already in the front + windows, proclaiming that apartments were to be let; and having introduced + Mr. Pendennis into the dining-room, and offered him a chair, Mr. Morgan + took one himself, and proceeded to convey some information to him, of + which the reader has already had cognisance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXX. In which Pendennis counts his Eggs + </h2> + <p> + Our friend had arrived in London on that day only, though but for a brief + visit; and having left some fellow-travellers at an hotel to which he had + convoyed them from the West, he hastened to the Chambers in Lamb Court, + which were basking in as much sun as chose to visit that dreary but not + altogether comfortless building. Freedom stands in lieu of sunshine in + chambers; and Templars grumble, but take their ease in their Inn. Pen's + domestic announced to him that Warrington was in Chambers too, and, of + course, Arthur ran up to his friend's room straightway, and found it, as + of old, perfumed with the pipe, and George once more at work with his + newspapers and reviews. The pair greeted each other with the rough + cordiality which young Englishmen use one to another: and which carries a + great deal of warmth and kindness under its rude exterior. Warrington + smiled and took his pipe out of his mouth, and said, “Well, young one!” + Pen advanced and held out his hand, and said, “How are you, old boy?” And + so this greeting passed between two friends who had not seen each other + for months. Alphonse and Frederic would have rushed into each other's arms + and shrieked Ce bon coeur! ce cher Alphonse! over each other's shoulders. + Max and Wilhelm would have bestowed half a dozen kisses, scented with + Havannah, upon each other's mustachios. “Well, young one!” “How are you, + old boy?” is what two Britons say: after saving each other's lives, + possibly, the day before. To-morrow they will leave off shaking hands, and + only wag their heads at one another as they come to breakfast. Each has + for the other the very warmest confidence and regard: each would share his + purse with the other: and hearing him attacked would break out in the + loudest and most enthusiastic praise of his friend; but they part with a + mere Good-bye, they meet with a mere How-d'you-do? and they don't write to + each other in the interval. Curious, modesty, strange stoical decorum of + English friendship! “Yes, we are not demonstrative like those confounded + foreigners,” says Hardman: who not only shows no friendship, but never + felt any all his life long. + </p> + <p> + “Been in Switzerland?” says Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” says Warrington. + </p> + <p> + “Couldn't find a bit of tobacco fit to smoke till we came to Strasburg, + where I got some caporal.” The man's mind is full, very likely, of the + great sights which he has seen, of the great emotions with which the vast + works of nature have inspired it. But his enthusiasm is too coy to show + itself, even to his closest friend, and he veils it with a cloud of + tobacco. He will speak more fully of confidential evenings, however, and + write ardently and frankly about that which he is shy of saying. The + thoughts and experience of his travel will come forth in his writings; as + the learning, which he never displays in talk, enriches his style with + pregnant allusion and brilliant illustration, colours his generous + eloquence, and points his wit. + </p> + <p> + The elder gives a rapid account of the places which he has visited in his + tour. He has seen Switzerland, North Italy, and the Tyrol—he has + come home by Vienna, and Dresden, and the Rhine. He speaks about these + places in a shy sulky voice, as if he had rather not mention them at all, + and as if the sight of them had rendered him very unhappy. The outline of + the elder man's tour thus gloomily sketched out, the young one begins to + speak. He has been in the country—very much bored—canvassing + uncommonly slow—he is here for a day or two, and going on to—to + the neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells, to some friends that will be + uncommonly slow, too. How hard it is to make an Englishman acknowledge + that he is happy! + </p> + <p> + “And the seat in Parliament, Pen? Have you made it all right?” asks + Warrington. + </p> + <p> + “All right,—as soon as Parliament meets and a new writ can be + issued, Clavering retires, and I step into his shoes,” says Pen. + </p> + <p> + “And under which king does Bezonian speak or die?” asked Warrington. “Do + we come out as Liberal Conservative, or as Government man, or on our own + hook?” + </p> + <p> + “Hem! There are no politics now; every man's politics, at least, are + pretty much the same. I have not got acres enough to make me a + Protectionist; nor could I be one, I think, if I had all the land in the + county. I shall go pretty much with Government, and in advance of them + upon some social questions which I have been getting up during the + vacation;—don't grin, you old cynic, I have been getting up the Blue + Books, and intend to come out rather strong on the Sanitary and + Colonisation questions.” + </p> + <p> + “We reserve to ourselves the liberty of voting against Government, though + we are generally friendly. We are, however, friends of the people avant + tout. We give lectures at the Clavering Institute, and shake hands with + the intelligent mechanics. We think the franchise ought to be very + considerably enlarged; at the same time we are free to accept office some + day, when the House has listened to a few crack speeches from us, and the + Administration perceives our merit.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not Moses,” said Pen, with, as usual, somewhat of melancholy in his + voice. “I have no laws from Heaven to bring down to the people from the + mountain. I don't belong to the mountain at all, or set up to be a leader + and reformer of mankind. My faith is not strong enough for that; nor my + vanity, nor my hypocrisy, great enough. I will tell no lies, George, that + I promise you; and do no more than coincide in those which are necessary + and pass current, and can't be got in without recalling the whole + circulation. Give a man at least the advantage of his sceptical turn. If I + find a good thing to say in the House, I will say it; a good measure, I + will support it; a fair place, I will take it, and be glad of my luck. But + I would no more flatter a great man than a mob; and now you know as much + about my politics as I do. What call have I to be a Whig? Whiggism is not + a divine institution. Why not vote with the Liberal Conservatives? They + have done for the nation what the Whigs would never have done without + them. Who converted both?—the Radicals and the country outside. I + think the Morning Post is often right, and Punch is often wrong. I don't + profess a call, but take advantage of a chance. Parlons d'autre chose.” + </p> + <p> + “The next thing at your heart, after ambition is love, I suppose?” + Warrington said. “How have our young loves prospered? Are we going to + change our condition, and give up our chambers? Are you going to divorce + me, Arthur, and take unto yourself a wife?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so. She is very good-natured and lively. She sings, and she + don't mind smoking. She'll have a fair fortune—I don't know how much—but + my uncle augurs everything from the Begum's generosity, and says that she + will come down very handsomely. And I think Blanche is dev'lish fond of + me,” said Arthur, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “That means that we accept her caresses and her money.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't we said before that life was a transaction?” Pendennis said. “I + don't pretend to break my heart about her. I have told her pretty fairly + what my feelings are—and—and have engaged myself to her. And + since I saw her last, and for the last two months especially, whilst I + have been in the country, I think she has been growing fonder and fonder + of me; and her letters to me, and especially to Laura, seem to show it. + Mine have been simple enough—no raptures, nor vows, you understand—but + looking upon the thing as an affaire faite; and not desirous to hasten or + defer the completion.” + </p> + <p> + “And Laura? how is she?” Warrington asked frankly. + </p> + <p> + “Laura, George,” said Pen, looking his friend hard in the face—“by + heaven, Laura is the best, and noblest, and dearest girl the sun ever + shone upon.” His own voice fell as he spoke: it seemed as if he could + hardly utter the words: he stretched out his hand to his comrade, who took + it and nodded his head. + </p> + <p> + “Have you only found out that now, young un?” Warrington said after a + pause. + </p> + <p> + “Who has not learned things too late, George?” cried Arthur, in his + impetuous way, gathering words and emotion as he went on. “Whose life is + not a disappointment? Who carries his heart entire to the grave without a + mutilation? I never knew anybody who was happy quite: or who has not had + to ransom himself out of the hands of Fate with the payment of some + dearest treasure or other. Lucky if we are left alone afterwards, when we + have paid our fine, and if the tyrant visits us no more. Suppose I have + found out that I have lost the greatest prize in the world, now that it + can't be mine—that for years I had an angel under my tent, and let + her go?—am I the only one—ah, dear old boy, am I the only one? + And do you think my lot is easier to bear because I own that I deserve it? + She's gone from us. God's blessing be with her! She might have stayed, and + I lost her; it's like Undine: isn't it, George?” + </p> + <p> + “She was in this room once,” said George. + </p> + <p> + He saw her there—he heard the sweet low voice—he saw the sweet + smile and eyes shining so kindly—the face remembered so fondly—thought + of in what night-watches—blest and loved always—gone now! A + glass that had held a nosegay—a bible with Helen's handwriting—were + all that were left him of that brief flower of his life. Say it is a + dream: say it passes: better the recollection of a dream than an aimless + waking from a blank stupor. + </p> + <p> + The two friends sate in silence a while, each occupied with his own + thoughts and aware of the other's. Pen broke it presently, by saying that + he must go and seek for his uncle, and report progress to the old + gentleman. The Major had written in a very bad humour; the Major was + getting old. “I should like to see you in Parliament, and snugly settled + with a comfortable house and an heir to the name before I make my bow. + Show me these,” the Major wrote, “and then, let old Arthur Pendennis make + room for the younger fellows; he has walked the Pall Mall pave long + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a kindness about the old heathen,” said Warrington. “He cares + for somebody besides himself, at least for some other part of himself + besides that which is buttoned into his own coat;—for you and your + race. He would like to see the progeny of the Pendennises multiplying and + increasing, and hopes that they may inherit the land. The old patriarch + blesses you from the Club window of Bays's, and is carried off and buried + under the flags of St. James's Church, in sight of Piccadilly, and the + cabstand, and the carriages going to the levee. It is an edifying ending.” + </p> + <p> + “The new blood I bring into the family,” mused Pen, “is rather tainted. If + I had chosen, I think my father-in-law Amory would not have been the + progenitor I should have desired for my race; nor my grandfather-in-law + Snell; nor our Oriental ancestors. By the way, who was Amory? Amory was + lieutenant of an Indiaman. Blanche wrote some verses about him, about the + storm, the mountain wave, the seaman's grave, the gallant father, and that + sort of thing. Amory was drowned commanding a country ship between + Calcutta and Sydney; Amory and the Begum weren't happy together. She has + been unlucky in her selection of husbands, the good old lady, for, between + ourselves, a more despicable creature than Sir Francis Clavering, of + Clavering Park, Baronet, never——” “Never legislated for his + country,” broke in Warrington; at which Pen blushed rather. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, at Baden,” said Warrington, “I found our friend the Chevalier + Strong in great state, and wearing his orders. He told me that he had + quarrelled with Clavering, of whom he seemed to have almost as bad an + opinion as you have, and in fact, I think, though I will not be certain, + confided to me his opinion, that Clavering was an utter scoundrel. That + fellow Bloundell, who taught you card-playing at Oxbridge, was with + Strong; and time, I think, has brought out his valuable qualities, and + rendered him a more accomplished rascal than he was during your + undergraduateship. But the king of the place was the famous Colonel + Altamont, who was carrying all before him, giving flies to the whole + society, and breaking the bank, it was said.” + </p> + <p> + “My uncle knows something about that fellow—Clavering knows + something about him. There's something louche regarding him. But come! I + must go to Bury Street, like a dutiful nephew.” And, taking his hat, Pen + prepared to go. + </p> + <p> + “I will walk, too,” said Warrington. And they descended the stairs, + stopping, however, at Pen's chambers, which, as the reader has been + informed, were now on the lower story. + </p> + <p> + Here Pen began sprinkling himself with eau-de-Cologne, and carefully + scenting his hair and whiskers with that odoriferous water. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? You've not been smoking. Is it my pipe that has + poisoned you?” growled Warrington. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to call upon some women,” said Pen. “I'm—I'm going to + dine with 'em. They are passing through town, and are at an hotel in + Jermyn Street.” + </p> + <p> + Warrington looked with good-natured interest at the young fellow + dandifying himself up to a pitch of completeness; and appearing at length + in a gorgeous shirt-front and neckcloth, fresh gloves, and glistening + boots. George had a pair of thick high-lows, and his old shirt was torn + about the breast, and ragged at the collar, where his blue beard had worn + it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, young un,” said he, simply, “I like you to be a buck; somehow. When + I walk about with you, it is as if I had a rose in my button-hole. And you + are still affable. I don't think there is any young fellow in the Temple + turns out like you; and I don't believe you were ever ashamed of walking + with me yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't laugh at me, George.” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Pen,” continued the other, sadly, “if you write—if you write + to Laura, I wish you would say 'God bless her' from me.” + </p> + <p> + Pen blushed; and then looked at Warrington; and then—and then burst + into an uncontrollable fit of laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to dine with her,” he said. “I brought her and Lady Rockminster + up from the country to-day—made two days of it—slept last + night at Bath—I say, George, come and dine, too. I may ask any one I + please, and the old lady is constantly talking about you.” + </p> + <p> + George refused. George had an article to write. George hesitated; and oh, + strange to say! at last he agreed to go. It was agreed that they should go + and call upon the ladies; and they marched away in high spirits to the + hotel in Jermyn Street. Once more the dear face shone upon him; once more + the sweet voice spoke to him, and the tender hand pressed a welcome. + </p> + <p> + There still wanted half an hour to dinner. “You will go and see your uncle + now, Mr. Pendennis,” old Lady Rockminster said. “You will not bring him to + dinner-no—his old stories are intolerable; and I want to talk to Mr. + Warrington; I daresay he will amuse us. I think we have heard all your + stories. We have been together for two whole days, and I think we are + getting tired of each other.” + </p> + <p> + So, obeying her ladyship's orders, Arthur went downstairs and walked to + his uncle's lodgings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXI. Fiat Justitia + </h2> + <p> + The dinner was served when Arthur returned, and Lady Rockminster began to + scold him for arriving late. But Laura, looking at her cousin, saw that + his face was so pale and scared, that she interrupted her imperious + patroness; and asked, with tender alarm, what had happened? Was Arthur + ill? + </p> + <p> + Arthur drank a large bumper of sherry. “I have heard the most + extraordinary news; I will tell you afterwards,” he said, looking at the + servants. He was very nervous and agitated during the dinner. “Don't tramp + and beat so with your feet under the table,” Lady Rockminster said. “You + have trodden on Fido, and upset his saucer. You see Mr. Warrington keeps + his boots quiet.” + </p> + <p> + At the dessert—it seemed as if the unlucky dinner would never be + over—Lady Rockminster said, “This dinner has been exceedingly + stupid. I suppose something has happened, and that you want to speak to + Laura. I will go and have my nap. I am not sure that I shall have any tea—no. + Good night, Mr. Warrington. You must come again, and when there is no + business to talk about.” And the old lady, tossing up her head, walked + away from the room with great dignity. + </p> + <p> + George and the others had risen with her, and Warrington was about to go + away, and was saying “Good night” to Laura, who, of course, was looking + much alarmed about her cousin, when Arthur said, “Pray, stay, George. You + should hear my news too, and give me your counsel in this case. I hardly + know how to act in it.” + </p> + <p> + “It's something about Blanche, Arthur,” said Laura, her heart beating, and + her cheek blushing as she thought it had never blushed in her life. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—and the most extraordinary story,” said Pen. “When I left you + to go to my uncle's lodgings, I found his servant, Morgan, who has been + with him so long, at the door, and he said that he and his master had + parted that morning; that my uncle had quitted the house, and had gone to + an hotel—this hotel. I asked for him when I came in; but he was gone + out to dinner. Morgan then said that he had something of a most important + nature to communicate to me, and begged me to step into the house; his + house it is now. It appears the scoundrel has saved a great deal of money + whilst in my uncle's service, and is now a capitalist and a millionaire, + for what I know. Well, I went into the house, and what do you think he + told me? This must be a secret between us all—at least if we can + keep it, now that it is in possession of that villain. Blanche's father is + not dead. He has come to life again. The marriage between Clavering and + the Begum is no marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “And Blanche, I suppose, is her grandfather's heir,” said Warrington. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps: but the child of what a father! Amory is an escaped convict—Clavering + knows it; my uncle knows it—and it was with this piece of + information held over Clavering in terrorem that the wretched old man got + him to give up his borough to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Blanche doesn't know it,” said Laura, “nor poor Lady Clavering?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Pen; “Blanche does not even know the history of her father. She + knew that he and her mother had separated, and had heard as a child, from + Bonner, her nurse, that Mr. Amory was drowned in New South Wales. He was + there as a convict, not as a ship's-captain, as the poor girl thought. + Lady Clavering has told me that they were not happy, and that her husband + was a bad character. She would tell me all, she said, some day: and I + remember her saying to me, with tears in her eyes, that it was hard for a + woman to be forced to own that she was glad to hear her husband was dead: + and that twice in her life she should have chosen so badly. What is to be + done now? The man can't show and claim his wife: death is probably over + him if he discovers himself: return to transportation certainly. But the + rascal has held the threat of discovery over Clavering for some time past, + and has extorted money from him time after time.” + </p> + <p> + “It is our friend Colonel Altamont, of course,” said Warrington “I see all + now.” + </p> + <p> + “If the rascal comes back,” continued Arthur, “Morgan, who knows his + secret, will use it over him—and having it in his possession, + proposes to extort money from us all. The d——d rascal supposed + I was cognisant of it,” said Pen, white with anger; “asked me if I would + give him an annuity to keep it quiet; threatened me, me, as if I was + trafficking with this wretched old Begum's misfortune, and would extort a + seat in Parliament out of that miserable Clavering. Good heavens! was my + uncle mad, to tamper in such a conspiracy? Fancy our mother's son, Laura, + trading on such a treason!” + </p> + <p> + “I can't fancy it, dear Arthur,” said Laura, seizing Arthur's hand, and + kissing it. + </p> + <p> + “No!” broke out Warrington's deep voice, with a tremor; he surveyed the + two generous and loving young people with a pang of indescribable love and + pain. “No. Our boy can't meddle with such a wretched intrigue as that. + Arthur Pendennis can't marry a convict's daughter; and sit in Parliament + as member for the hulks. You must wash your hands of the whole affair, + Pen. You must break off. You must give no explanations of why and + wherefore, but state that family reasons render a match impossible. It is + better that those poor women should fancy you false to your word than that + they should know the truth. Besides, you can get from that dog Clavering—I + can fetch that for you easily enough an acknowledgment that the reasons + which you have given to him as the head of the family are amply sufficient + for breaking off the union. Don't you think with me, Laura?” He scarcely + dared to look her in the face as he spoke. Any lingering hope that he + might have—any feeble hold that he might feel upon the last spar of + his wrecked fortune, he knew he was casting away; and he let the wave of + his calamity close over him. Pen had started up whilst he was speaking, + looking eagerly at him. He turned his head away. He saw Laura rise up also + and go to Pen, and once more take his hand and kiss it. “She thinks so too—God + bless her!” said George. + </p> + <p> + “Her father's shame is not Blanche's fault, dear Arthur, is it?” Laura + said, very pale, and speaking very quickly. “Suppose you had been married, + would you desert her because she had done no wrong? Are you not pledged to + her? Would you leave her because she is in misfortune? And if she is + unhappy, wouldn't you console her? Our mother would, had she been here.” + And, as she spoke, the kind girl folded her arms round him, and buried her + face upon his heart. + </p> + <p> + “Our mother is an angel with God,” Pen sobbed out. “And you are the + dearest and best of women—the dearest, the dearest and the best. + Teach me my duty. Pray for me that I may do it—pure heart. God bless + you—God bless you, my sister!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” groaned out Warrington, with his head in his hands. “She is + right,” he murmured to himself. “She can't do any wrong, I think—that + girl.” Indeed, she looked and smiled like an angel. Many a day after he + saw that smile—saw her radiant face as she looked up at Pen—saw + her putting back her curls, blushing and smiling, and still looking fondly + towards him. + </p> + <p> + She leaned for a moment her little fair hand on the table, playing on it. + “And now, and now,” she said, looking at the two gentlemen— + </p> + <p> + “And what now?” asked George. + </p> + <p> + “And now we will have some tea,” said Miss Laura, with her smile. + </p> + <p> + But before this unromantic conclusion to a rather sentimental scene could + be suffered to take place, a servant brought word that Major Pendennis had + returned to the hotel, and was waiting to see his nephew. Upon this + announcement, Laura, not without some alarm, and an appealing look to Pen, + which said, “Behave yourself well—hold to the right, and do your + duty—be gentle, but firm with your uncle”—Laura, we say, with + these warnings written in her face, took leave of the two gentlemen, and + retreated to her dormitory. Warrington, who was not generally fond of tea, + yet grudged that expected cup very much. Why could not old Pendennis have + come in an hour later? Well, an hour sooner or later, what matter? The + hour strikes at last. The inevitable moment comes to say Farewell, The + hand is shaken, the door closed, and the friend gone; and, the brief joy + over, you are alone. “In which of those many windows of the hotel does her + light beam?” perhaps he asks himself as he passes down the street. He + strides away to the smoking-room of a neighbouring Club, and, there + applies himself to his usual solace of a cigar. Men are brawling and + talking loud about politics, opera-girls, horse-racing, the atrocious + tyranny of the committee:—bearing this sacred secret about him, he + enters into this brawl. Talk away, each louder than the other. Rattle and + crack jokes. Laugh and tell your wild stories. It is strange to take one's + place and part in the midst of the smoke and din, and think every man here + has his secret ego most likely, which is sitting lonely and apart, away in + the private chamber, from the loud game in which the rest of us is + joining! + </p> + <p> + Arthur, as he traversed the passages of the hotel, felt his anger rousing + up within him. He was indignant to think that yonder old gentleman whom he + was about to meet, should have made him such a tool and puppet, and so + compromised his honour and good name. The old fellow's hand was very cold + and shaky when Arthur took it. He was coughing; he was grumbling over the + fire; Frosch could not bring his dressing-gown or arrange his papers as + that d——d confounded impudent scoundrel of a Morgan. The old + gentleman bemoaned himself, and cursed Morgan's ingratitude with peevish + pathos. + </p> + <p> + “The confounded impudent scoundrel! He was drunk last night, and + challenged me to fight him, Pen; and, begad, at one time I was so excited + that I thought I should have driven a knife into him; and the infernal + rascal has made ten thousand pound, I believe—and deserves to be + hanged, and will be; but, curse him, I wish he could have lasted out my + time. He knew all my ways, and, dammy, when I rang the bell, the + confounded thief brought the thing I wanted—not like that stupid + German lout. And what sort of time have you had in the country? Been a + good deal with Lady Rockminster? You can't do better. She is one of the + old school—vieille ecole, bonne ecole, hey? Dammy, they don't make + gentlemen and ladies now; and in fifty years you'll hardly know one man + from another. But they'll last my time. I ain't long for this business: I + am getting very old, Pen, my boy; and, gad, I was thinking to-day, as I + was packing up my little library, there's a bible amongst the books that + belonged to my poor mother; I would like you to keep that, Pen. I was + thinking, sir, that you would most likely open the box when it was your + property, and the old fellow was laid under the sod, sir,” and the Major + coughed and wagged his old head over the fire. + </p> + <p> + His age—his kindness, disarmed Pen's anger somewhat, and made Arthur + feel no little compunction for the deed which he was about to do. He knew + that the announcement which he was about to make would destroy the darling + hope of the old gentleman's life, and create in his breast a woeful anger + and commotion. + </p> + <p> + “Hey—hey—I'm off, sir,” nodded the Elder; “but I'd like to + read a speech of yours in the Times before I go—'Mr. Pendennis said, + Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking'—hey, sir? hey, Arthur? + Begad, you look dev'lish well and healthy, sir. I always said my brother + Jack would bring the family right. You must go down into the west, and buy + the old estate, sir. Nec tenui penna, hey? We'll rise again, sir—rise + again on the wing—and, begad, I shouldn't be surprised that you will + be a Baronet before you die.” + </p> + <p> + His words smote Pen. “And it is I,” he thought, “that am going to fling + down the poor old fellow's air-castle. Well, it must be. Here goes.—I—I + went into your lodgings at Bury Street, though I did not find you,” Pen + slowly began—“and I talked with Morgan, uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” The old gentleman's cheek began to flush involuntarily, and he + muttered, “The cat's out of the bag now, begad!” + </p> + <p> + “He told me a story, sir, which gave me the deepest surprise and pain,” + said Pen. + </p> + <p> + The Major tried to look unconcerned. “What—that story about—about—What-d'-you-call-'em, + hey?” + </p> + <p> + “About Miss Amory's father—about Lady Clavering's first husband, and + who he is, and what.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem—a dev'lish awkward affair!” said the old man, rubbing his nose. + “I—I've been aware of that—eh—confounded circumstance + for some time.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had known it sooner, or not at all,” said Arthur, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “He is all safe,” thought the Senior, greatly relieved. “Gad! I should + have liked to keep it from you altogether—and from those two poor + women, who are as innocent as unborn babes in the transaction.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right. There is no reason why the two women should hear it; and I + shall never tell them—though that villain, Morgan, perhaps may,” + Arthur said, gloomily. “He seems disposed to trade upon his secret, and + has already proposed terms of ransom to me. I wish I had known of the + matter earlier, sir. It is not a very pleasant thought to me that I am + engaged to a convict's daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “The very reason why I kept it from you—my dear boy. But Miss Amory + is not a convict's daughter, don't you see? Miss Amory is the daughter of + Lady Clavering, with fifty or sixty thousand pounds for a fortune; and her + father-in-law, a Baronet and country gentleman, of high reputation, + approves of the match, and gives up his seat in Parliament to his + son-in-law. What can be more simple?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it true, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Begad, yes, it is true, of course it's true. Amory's dead. I tell you he + is dead. The first sign of life he shows, he is dead. He can't appear. We + have him at a deadlock, like the fellow in the play—the 'Critic,' + hey?—dev'lish amusing play, that 'Critic.' Monstrous witty man, + Sheridan; and so was his son. By Gad, sir, when I was at the Cape, I + remember——” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman's garrulity, and wish to conduct Arthur to the Cape, + perhaps arose from a desire to avoid the subject which was nearest his + nephew's heart; but Arthur broke out, interrupting him—“If you had + told me this tale sooner, I believe you would have spared me and yourself + a great deal of pain and disappointment; and I should not have found + myself tied to an engagement from which I can't, in honour, recede.” + </p> + <p> + “No, begad, we've fixed you—and a man who's fixed to a seat in + Parliament, and a pretty girl, with a couple of thousand a year, is fixed + to no bad thing, let me tell you,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Great Heavens, sir!” said Arthur, “are you blind? Can't you see?” + </p> + <p> + “See what, young gentleman?” asked the other. + </p> + <p> + “See, that rather than trade upon this secret of Amory's,” Arthur cried + out, “I would go and join my father-in-law at the hulks! See, that rather + than take a seat in Parliament as a bribe from Clavering for silence, I + would take the spoons off the table! See, that you have given me a felon's + daughter for a wife; doomed me to poverty and shame; cursed my career when + it might have been—when it might have been so different but for you! + Don't you see that we have been playing a guilty game, and have been + overreached;—that in offering to marry this poor girl, for the sake + of her money, and the advancement she would bring, I was degrading myself, + and prostituting my honour?” + </p> + <p> + “What in Heaven's name do you mean, sir?” cried the old man. + </p> + <p> + “I mean to say that there is a measure of baseness which I can't pass,” + Arthur said. “I have no other words for it, and am sorry if they hurt you. + I have felt, for months past, that my conduct in this affair has been + wicked, sordid, and worldly. I am rightly punished by the event, and + having sold myself for money and a seat in Parliament, by losing both.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean that you lose either?” shrieked the old gentleman. “Who + the devil's to take your fortune or your seat away from you? By G—, + Clavering shall give 'em to you. You shall have every shilling of eighty + thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll keep my promise to Miss Amory, sir,” said Arthur. + </p> + <p> + “And, begad, her parents shall keep theirs to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, please God,” Arthur answered. “I have sinned, but, Heaven help + me, I will sin no more. I will let Clavering off from that bargain which + was made without my knowledge. I will take no money with Blanche but that + which was originally settled upon her; and I will try to make her happy. + You have done it. You have brought this on me, sir. But you knew no + better: and I forgive——” + </p> + <p> + “Arthur—in God's name—in your father's, who, by Heavens, was + the proudest man alive, and had the honour of the family always at heart—in + mine—for the sake of a poor broken-down old fellow, who has always + been dev'lish fond of you—don't fling this chance away—I pray + you, I beg you, I implore you, my dear, dear boy, don't fling this chance + away. It's the making of you. You're sure to get on. You'll be a Baronet; + it's three thousand a year: dammy, on my knees, there, I beg of you, don't + do this.” + </p> + <p> + And the old man actually sank down on his knees, and, seizing one of + Arthur's hands, looked up piteously at him. It was cruel to remark the + shaking hands, the wrinkled and quivering face, the old eyes weeping and + winking, the broken voice. “Ah, sir,” said Arthur, with a groan, “you have + brought pain enough on me, spare me this. You have wished me to marry + Blanche. I marry her. For God's sake, sir, rise! I can't bear it.” + </p> + <p> + “You—you mean to say that you will take her as a beggar, and be one + yourself?” said the old gentleman, rising up and coughing violently. + </p> + <p> + “I look at her as a person to whom a great calamity has befallen, and to + whom I am promised. She cannot help the misfortune; and as she had my word + when she was prosperous, I shall not withdraw it now she is poor. I will + not take Clavering's seat, unless afterwards it should be given of his + free will. I will not have a shilling more than her original fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Have the kindness to ring the bell,” said the old gentleman. “I have done + my best, and said my say; and I'm a dev'lish old fellow. And—and—it + don't matter. And—and Shakspeare was right—and Cardinal Wolsey—begad—'and + had I but served my God as I've served you'—yes, on my knees, by + Jove, to my own nephew—I mightn't have been—Good night, sir, + you needn't trouble yourself to call again.” + </p> + <p> + Arthur took his hand, which the old man left to him; it was quite passive + and clammy. He looked very much oldened; and it seemed as if the contest + and defeat had quite broken him. + </p> + <p> + On the next day he kept his bed, and refused to see his nephew. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXII. In which the Decks begin to clear + </h2> + <p> + When, arrayed in his dressing-gown, Pen walked up, according to custom, to + Warrington's chambers next morning, to inform his friend of the issue of + the last night's interview with his uncle, and to ask, as usual, for + George's advice and opinion, Mrs. Flanagan, the laundress, was the only + person whom Arthur found in the dear old chambers. George had taken a + carpet-bag, and was gone. His address was to his brother's house, in + Suffolk. Packages addressed to the newspaper and review for which he wrote + lay on the table, awaiting delivery. + </p> + <p> + “I found him at the table, when I came, the dear gentleman!” Mrs. Flanagan + said, “writing at his papers, and one of the candles was burned out; and + hard as his bed is, he wasn't in it all night, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, having sat at the Club until the brawl there became intolerable to + him, George had walked home, and had passed the night finishing some work + on which he was employed, and to the completion of which he bent himself + with all his might. The labour was done, and the night was worn away + somehow, and the tardy November dawn came and looked in on the young man + as he sate over his desk. In the next day's paper, or quarter's review, + many of us very likely admired the work of his genius, the variety of his + illustration, the fierce vigour of his satire, the depth of his reason. + There was no hint in his writing of the other thoughts which occupied him, + and always accompanied him in his work—a tone more melancholy than + was customary, a satire more bitter and impatient than that which he + afterwards showed, may have marked the writings of this period of his life + to the very few persons who knew his style or his name. We have said + before, could we know the man's feelings as well as the author's thoughts—how + interesting most books would be!—more interesting than merry. I + suppose harlequin's face behind his mask is always grave, if not + melancholy—certainly each man who lives by the pen, and happens to + read this, must remember, if he will, his own experiences, and recall many + solemn hours of solitude and labour. What a constant care sate at the side + of the desk and accompanied him! Fever or sickness were lying possibly in + the next room: a sick child might be there, with a wife watching over it + terrified and in prayer: or grief might be bearing him down, and the cruel + mist before the eyes rendering the paper scarce visible as he wrote on it, + and the inexorable necessity drove on the pen. What man among us has not + had nights and hours like these? But to the manly heart—severe as + these pangs are, they are endurable: long as the night seems, the dawn + comes at last, and the wounds heal, and the fever abates, and rest comes, + and you can afford to look back on the past misery with feelings that are + anything but bitter. + </p> + <p> + Two or three books for reference, fragments of torn-up manuscript, drawers + open, pens and inkstand, lines half visible on the blotting-paper, a bit + of sealing-wax twisted and bitten and broken into sundry pieces—such + relics as these were about the table, and Pen flung himself down in + George's empty chair—noting things according to his wont, or in + spite of himself. There was a gap in the bookcase (next to the old College + Plato, with the Boniface Arms), where Helen's bible used to be. He has + taken that with him, thought Pen. He knew why his friend was gone. Dear, + dear old George! + </p> + <p> + Pen rubbed his hand over his eyes. Oh, how much wiser, how much better, + how much nobler he is than I! he thought. Where was such a friend, or such + a brave heart? Where shall I ever hear such a frank voice, and kind + laughter? Where shall I ever see such a true gentleman? No wonder she + loved him. God bless him! What was I compared to him? What could she do + else but love him? To the end of our days we will be her brothers, as fate + wills that we can be no more. We'll be her knights, and wait on her: and + when we're old, we'll say how we loved her. Dear, dear old George! + </p> + <p> + When Pen descended to his own chambers, his eye fell on the letter-box of + his outer door, which he had previously overlooked, and there was a little + note to A. P., Esq., in George's well-known handwriting, George had put + into Pen's box probably as he was going away. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear Pen,—I shall be half-way home when you breakfast, and intend + to stay over Christmas, in Norfolk, or elsewhere. + + “I have my own opinion of the issue of matters about which we talked + in J——— St. yesterday; and think my presence de trop. + + “Vale. G. W.” + + “Give my very best regards and adieux to your cousin.” + </pre> + <p> + And so George was gone, and Mrs. Flanagan, the laundress, ruled over his + empty chambers. + </p> + <p> + Pen of course had to go and see his uncle on the day after their colloquy, + and not being admitted, he naturally went to Lady Rockminster's + apartments, where the old lady instantly asked for Bluebeard, and insisted + that he should come to dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Bluebeard is gone,” Pen said, and he took out poor George's scrap of + paper, and handed it to Laura, who looked at it—did not look at Pen + in return, but passed the paper back to him, and walked away. Pen rushed + into an eloquent eulogium upon his dear old George to Lady Rockminster, + who was astonished at his enthusiasm. She had never heard him so warm in + praise of anybody; and told him with her usual frankness, that she didn't + think it had been in his nature to care so much about any other person. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Pendennis was passing in Waterloo Place, in one of his many walks + to the hotel where Laura lived, and whither duty to his uncle carried + Arthur every day, Arthur saw issuing from Messrs. Gimcrack's celebrated + shop an old friend, who was followed to his brougham by an obsequious + shopman bearing parcels. The gentleman was in the deepest mourning: the + brougham, the driver, and the horse were in mourning. Grief in easy + circumstances and supported by the comfortablest springs and cushions, was + typified in the equipage and the little gentleman, its proprietor. + </p> + <p> + “What, Foker! Hail, Foker!” cried out Pen—the reader, no doubt, has + likewise recognised Arthur's old schoolfellow—and he held out his + hand to the heir of the late lamented John Henry Foker, Esq., the master + of Logwood and other houses, the principal partner in the great brewery of + Foker and Co.: the greater portion of Foker's Entire. + </p> + <p> + A little hand, covered with a glove of the deepest ebony, and set off by + three inches of a snowy wristband, was put forth to meet Arthur's + salutation. The other little hand held a little morocco case, containing, + no doubt, something precious, of which Mr. Foker had just become + proprietor in Messrs. Gimcrack's shop. Pen's keen eyes and satiric turn + showed him at once upon what errand Mr. Foker had been employed; and he + thought of the heir in Horace pouring forth the gathered wine of his + father's vats; and that human nature is pretty much the same in Regent + Street as in the Via Sacra. + </p> + <p> + “Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi!” said Arthur. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the other. “Yes. Thank you—very much obliged. How do you + do, Pen?—very busy—good-bye!” and he jumped into the black + brougham, and sate like a little black Care behind the black coachman. He + had blushed on seeing Pen, and shown other signs of guilt and + perturbation, which Pen attributed to the novelty of his situation; and on + which he began to speculate in his usual sardonic manner. + </p> + <p> + “Yes: so wags the world,” thought Pen. “The stone closes over Harry the + Fourth, and Harry the Fifth reigns in his stead. The old ministers at the + brewery come and kneel before him with their books; the draymen, his + subjects, fling up their red caps, and shout for him. What a grave + deference and sympathy the bankers and the lawyers show! There was too + great a stake at issue between those two that they should ever love each + other very cordially. As long as one man keeps another out of twenty + thousand a year, the younger must be always hankering after the crown, and + the wish must be the father to the thought of possession. Thank Heaven, + there was no thought of money between me and our dear mother, Laura.” + </p> + <p> + “There never could have been. You would have spurned it!” cried Laura. + “Why make yourself more selfish than you are, Pen; and allow your mind to + own for an instant that it would have entertained such—such dreadful + meanness? You make me blush for you, Arthur: you make me——” + her eyes finished this sentence, and she passed her handkerchief across + them. + </p> + <p> + “There are some truths which women will never acknowledge,” Pen said, “and + from which your modesty always turns away. I do not say that I ever knew + the feeling, only that I am glad I had not the temptation. Is there any + harm in that confession of weakness?” + </p> + <p> + “We are all taught to ask to be delivered from evil, Arthur,” said Laura, + in a low voice. “I am glad if you were spared from that great crime; and + only sorry to think that you could by any possibility have been led into + it. But you never could; and you don't think you could. Your acts are + generous and kind: you disdain mean actions. You take Blanche without + money, and without a bribe. Yes, thanks be to Heaven, dear brother. You + could not have sold yourself away; I knew you could not when it came to + the day, and you did not. Praise be—be where praise is due. Why does + this horrid scepticism pursue you, my Arthur? Why doubt and sneer at your + own heart—at every one's? Oh, if you knew the pain you give me—how + I lie awake and think of those hard sentences, dear brother, and wish them + unspoken, unthought!” + </p> + <p> + “Do I cause you many thoughts and many tears, Laura?” asked Arthur. The + fulness of innocent love beamed from her in reply. A smile heavenly pure, + a glance of unutterable tenderness, sympathy, pity, shone in her face—all + which indications of love and purity Arthur beheld and worshipped in her, + as you would watch them in a child, as one fancies one might regard them + in an angel. + </p> + <p> + “I—I don't know what I have done,” he said, simply, “to have merited + such regard from two such women. It is like undeserved praise, Laura—or + too much good fortune, which frightens one—or a great post, when a + man feels that he is not fit for it. Ah, sister, how weak and wicked we + are; how spotless, and full of love and truth, Heaven made you! I think + for some of you there has been no fall,” he said, looking at the charming + girl with an almost paternal glance of admiration. “You can't help having + sweet thoughts, and doing good actions. Dear creature! they are the + flowers which you bear.” + </p> + <p> + “And what else, sir?” asked Laura. “I see a sneer coming over your face. + What is it? Why does it come to drive all the good thoughts away?” + </p> + <p> + “A sneer, is there? I was thinking, my dear, that nature in making you so + good and loving did very well: but——” + </p> + <p> + “But what? What is that wicked but? and why are you always calling it up?” + </p> + <p> + “But will come in spite of us. But is reflection. But is the sceptic's + familiar, with whom he has made a compact; and if he forgets it, and + indulges in happy day-dreams, or building of air-castles, or listens to + sweet music let us say, or to the bells ringing to church, But taps at the + door, and says, Master, I am here. You are my master; but I am yours. Go + where you will you can't travel without me. I will whisper to you when you + are on your knees at church. I will be at your marriage pillow. I will sit + down at your table with your children. I will be behind your deathbed + curtain. That is what But is,” Pen said. + </p> + <p> + “Pen, you frighten me,” cried Laura. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what But came and said to me just now, when I was looking at + you? But said, If that girl had reason as well as love, she would love you + no more. If she knew you as you are—the sullied, selfish being which + you know—she must part from you, and could give you no love and no + sympathy. Didn't I say,” he added fondly, “that some of you seem exempt + from the fall? Love you know; but the knowledge of evil is kept from you.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this you young folks are talking about?” asked Lady Rockminster, + who at this moment made her appearance in the room, having performed, in + the mystic retirement of her own apartments, and under the hands of her + attendant, those elaborate toilet-rites without which the worthy old lady + never presented herself to public view. “Mr. Pendennis, you are always + coming here.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very pleasant to be here,” Arthur said; “and we were talking, when + you came in, about my friend Foker, whom I met just now; and who, as your + ladyship knows, has succeeded to his father's kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “He has a very fine property, he has fifteen thousand a year. He is my + cousin. He is a very worthy young man. He must come and see me,” said Lady + Rockminster, with a look at Laura. + </p> + <p> + “He has been engaged for many years past to his cousin, Lady——” + </p> + <p> + “Lady Ann is a foolish little chit,” Lady Rockminster said, with much + dignity; “and I have no patience with her. She has outraged every feeling + of society. She has broken her father's heart, and thrown away fifteen + thousand a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Thrown away? What has happened?” asked Pen. + </p> + <p> + “It will be the talk of the town in a day or two; and there is no need why + I should keep the secret any longer,” said Lady Rockminster, who had + written and received a dozen letters on the subject. “I had a letter + yesterday from my daughter, who was staying at Drummington until all the + world was obliged to go away on account of the frightful catastrophe which + happened there. When Mr. Foker came home from Nice, and after the funeral, + Lady Ann went down on her knees to her father, said that she never could + marry her cousin, that she had contracted another attachment, and that she + must die rather than fulfil her contract. Poor Lord Rosherville, who is + dreadfully embarrassed, showed his daughter what the state of his affairs + was, and that it was necessary that the arrangements should take place; + and in fine, we all supposed that she had listened to reason, and intended + to comply with the desires of her family. But what has happened?—last + Thursday she went out after breakfast with her maid, and was married in + the very church in Drummington Park to Mr. Hobson, her father's own + chaplain and her brother's tutor; a red-haired widower with two children. + Poor dear Rosherville is in a dreadful way: he wishes Henry Foker should + marry Alice or Barbara; but Alice is marked with the small-pox, and + Barbara is ten years older than he is. And, of course, now the young man + is his own master, he will think of choosing for himself. The blow on Lady + Agnes is very cruel. She is inconsolable. She has the house in Grosvenor + Street for her life, and her settlement, which was very handsome. Have you + not met her? Yes, she dined one day at Lady Clavering's—the first + day I saw you, and a very disagreeable young man I thought you were. But I + have formed you. We have formed him, haven't we, Laura? Where is + Bluebeard? let him come. That horrid Grindley, the dentist, will keep me + in town another week.” + </p> + <p> + To the latter part of her ladyship's speech Arthur gave no ear. He was + thinking for whom could Foker be purchasing those trinkets which he was + carrying away from the jeweller's? Why did Harry seem anxious to avoid + him? Could he be still faithful to the attachment which had agitated him + so much, and sent him abroad eighteen months back? Psha! The bracelets and + presents were for some of Harry's old friends of the Opera or the French + theatre. Rumours from Naples and Paris, rumours such as are borne to Club + smoking-rooms, had announced that the young man had found distractions; + or, precluded from his virtuous attachment, the poor fellow had flung + himself back upon his old companions and amusements—not the only man + or woman whom society forces into evil, or debars from good; not the only + victim of the world's selfish and wicked laws. + </p> + <p> + As a good thing when it is to be done cannot be done too quickly, Laura + was anxious that Pen's marriage intentions should be put into execution as + speedily as possible, and pressed on his arrangements with rather a + feverish anxiety. Why could she not wait? Pen could afford to do so with + perfect equanimity, but Laura would hear of no delay. She wrote to Pen: + she implored Pen: she used every means to urge expedition. It seemed as if + she could have no rest until Arthur's happiness was complete. + </p> + <p> + She offered herself to dearest Blanche to come and stay at Tunbridge with + her, when Lady Rockminster should go on her intended visit to the reigning + house of Rockminster; and although the old dowager scolded, and ordered, + and commanded, Laura was deaf and disobedient: she must go to Tunbridge, + she would go to Tunbridge: she who ordinarily had no will of her own, and + complied smilingly with anybody's whim and caprices, showed the most + selfish and obstinate determination in this instance. The dowager lady + must nurse herself in her rheumatism, she must read herself to sleep, if + she would not hear her maid, whose voice croaked, and who made sad work of + the sentimental passages in the novels—Laura must go,—and be + with her new sister. In another week, she proposed, with many loves and + regards to dear Lady Clavering, to pass some time with dearest Blanche. + </p> + <p> + Dearest Blanche wrote instantly in reply to dearest Laura's No. 1, to say + with what extreme delight she should welcome her sister: how charming it + would be to practise their old duets together, to wander o'er the grassy + sward, and amidst the yellowing woods of Penshurst and Southborough! + Blanche counted the hours till she should embrace her dearest friend. + </p> + <p> + Laura, No. 2, expressed her delight at dearest Blanche's affectionate + reply. She hoped that their friendship would never diminish; that the + confidence between them would grow in after years; that they should have + no secrets from each other; that the aim of the life of each would be to + make one person happy. + </p> + <p> + Blanche, No. 2, followed in two days. “How provoking! Their house was very + small, the two spare bedrooms were occupied by that horrid Mrs. Planter + and her daughter, who had thought proper to fall ill (she always fell ill + in country-houses), and she could not or would not be moved for some + days.” + </p> + <p> + Laura, No. 3. “It was indeed very provoking. L. had hoped to hear one of + dearest B.'s dear songs on Friday; but she was the more consoled to wait, + because Lady R. was not very well, and liked to be nursed by her. Poor + Major Pendennis was very unwell, too, in the same hotel—too unwell + even to see Arthur, who was constant in his calls on his uncle. Arthur's + heart was full of tenderness and affection. She had known Arthur all her + life. She would answer”—yes, even in italics she would answer—“for + his kindness, his goodness, and his gentleness.” + </p> + <p> + Blanche, No. 3. “What is this most surprising, most extraordinary letter + from A. P.? What does dearest Laura know about it? What has happened? + What, what mystery is enveloped under his frightful reserve?” + </p> + <p> + Blanche, No. 3, requires an explanation; and it cannot be better given + than in the surprising and mysterious letter of Arthur Pendennis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIII. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Huxter + </h2> + <p> + “Dear Blanche,” Arthur wrote, “you are always reading and dreaming pretty + dramas, and exciting romances in real life: are you now prepared to enact + a part of one? And not the pleasantest part, dear Blanche, that in which + the heroine takes possession of her father's palace and wealth, and + introducing her husband to the loyal retainers and faithful vassals, + greets her happy bridegroom with 'All of this is mine and thine,'—but + the other character, that of the luckless lady, who suddenly discovers + that she is not the Prince's wife, but Claude Melnotte's the beggar's: + that of Alnaschar's wife, who comes in just as her husband has kicked over + the tray of porcelain which was to be the making of his fortune—But + stay; Alnaschar, who kicked down the china, was not a married man; he had + cast his eye on the Vizier's daughter, and his hopes of her went to the + ground with the shattered bowls and tea-cups. + </p> + <p> + “Will you be the Vizier's daughter, and refuse and laugh to scorn + Alnaschar, or will you be the Lady of Lyons, and love the penniless Claude + Melnotte? I will act that part if you like. I will love you my best in + return. I will do my all to make your humble life happy: for humble it + will be: at least the odds are against any other conclusion; we shall live + and die in a poor prosy humdrum way. There will be no stars and epaulettes + for the hero of our story. I shall write one or two more stories, which + will presently be forgotten. I shall be called to the Bar, and try to get + on in my profession: perhaps some day, if I am very lucky, and work very + hard (which is absurd), I may get a colonial appointment, and you may be + an Indian Judge's lady. Meanwhile. I shall buy back the Pall Mall Gazette; + the publishers are tired of it since the death of poor Shandon, and will + sell it for a small sum. Warrington will be my right hand, and write it up + to a respectable sale. I will introduce you to Mr. Finucane the + sub-editor, and I know who in the end will be Mrs. Finucane,—a very + nice gentle creature, who has lived sweetly through a sad life and we will + jog on, I say, and look out for better times, and earn our living + decently. You shall have the opera-boxes, and superintend the fashionable + intelligence, and break your little heart in the poet's corner. Shall we + live over the offices?—there are four very good rooms, a kitchen, + and a garret for Laura, in Catherine Street in the Strand; or would you + like a house in the Waterloo Road?—it would be very pleasant, only + there is that halfpenny toll at the Bridge. The boys may go to King's + College, mayn't they? Does all this read to you like a joke? + </p> + <p> + “Ah, dear Blanche, it is no joke, and I am sober and telling the truth. + Our fine day-dreams are gone. Our carriage has whirled out of sight like + Cinderella's: our house in Belgravia has been whisked away into the air by + a malevolent Genius, and I am no more a member of Parliament than I am a + Bishop on his bench in the House of Lords, or a Duke with a garter at his + knee. You know pretty well what my property is, and your own little + fortune: we may have enough with those two to live in decent comfort; to + take a cab sometimes when we go out to see our friends, and not to deny + ourselves an omnibus when we are tired. But that is all: is that enough + for you, my little dainty lady? I doubt sometimes whether you can bear the + life which I offer you—at least, it is fair that you should know + what it will be. If you say, 'Yes, Arthur, I will follow your fate + whatever it may be, and be a loyal and loving wife to aid and cheer you'—come + to me, dear Blanche, and may God help me so that I may do my duty to you. + If not, and you look to a higher station, I must not bar Blanche's fortune—I + will stand in the crowd, and see your ladyship go to Court when you are + presented, and you shall give me a smile from your chariot window. I saw + Lady Mirabel going to the drawing-room last season: the happy husband at + her side glittered with stars and cordons. All the flowers in the garden + bloomed in the coachman's bosom. Will you have these and the chariot, or + walk on foot and mend your husband's stockings? + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell you now—afterwards I might, should the day come when + we may have no secrets from one another—what has happened within the + last few hours which has changed all my prospects in life: but so it is, + that I have learned something which forces me to give up the plans which I + had formed, and many vain and ambitious hopes in which I had been + indulging. I have written and despatched a letter to Sir Francis + Clavering, saying that I cannot accept his seat in Parliament until after + my marriage; in like manner I cannot and will not accept any larger + fortune with you than that which has always belonged to you since your + grandfather's death, and the birth of your half-brother. Your good mother + is not in the least aware—I hope she never may be—of the + reasons which force me to this very strange decision. They arise from a + painful circumstance, which is attributable to none of our faults; but, + having once befallen, they are as fatal and irreparable as that shock + which overset honest Alnaschar's porcelain, and shattered all his hopes + beyond the power of mending. I write gaily enough, for there is no use in + bewailing such a hopeless mischance. We have not drawn the great prize in + the lottery, dear Blanche: but I shall be contented enough without it, if + you can be so; and I repeat, with all my heart, that I will do my best to + make you happy. + </p> + <p> + “And now, what news shall I give you? My uncle is very unwell, and takes + my refusal of the seat in Parliament in sad dudgeon: the scheme was his, + poor old gentleman, and he naturally bemoans its failure. But Warrington, + Laura, and I had a council of war: they know this awful secret, and back + me in my decision. You must love George as you love what is generous and + upright and noble; and as for Laura—she must be our Sister, Blanche, + our Saint, our good Angel. With two such friends at home, what need we + care for the world without; or who is member for Clavering, or who is + asked or not asked to the great balls of the season?” + </p> + <p> + To this frank communication came back the letter from Blanche to Laura, + and one to Pen himself, which perhaps his own letter justified. “You are + spoiled by the world,” Blanche wrote; “you do not love your poor Blanche + as she would be loved, or you would not offer thus lightly to take her or + to leave her, no, Arthur, you love me not—a man of the world, you + have given me your plighted troth, and are ready to redeem it; but that + entire affection, that love whole and abiding, where—where is that + vision of my youth? I am but a pastime of your life, and I would be its + all;—but a fleeting thought, and I would be your whole soul. I would + have our two hearts one; but ah, my Arthur, how lonely yours is! how + little you give me of it! You speak of our parting with a smile on your + lip; of our meeting, and you care not to hasten it! Is life but a + disillusion, then, and are the flowers of our garden faded away? I have + wept—I have prayed—I have passed sleepless hours—I have + shed bitter, bitter tears over your letter! To you I bring the gushing + poesy of my being—the yearnings of the soul that longs to be loved—that + pines for love, love, love, beyond all!—that flings itself at your + feet, and cries, Love me, Arthur! Your heart beats no quicker at the + kneeling appeal of my love!—your proud eye is dimmed by no tear of + sympathy!—you accept my soul's treasure as though 'twere dross! not + the pearls from the unfathomable deeps of affection! not the diamonds from + the caverns of the heart. You treat me like a slave, and bid me bow to my + master! Is this the guerdon of a free maiden—is this the price of a + life's passion? Ah me! when was it otherwise? when did love meet with + aught but disappointment? Could I hope (fond fool!) to be the exception to + the lot of my race; and lay my fevered brow on a heart that comprehended + my own? Foolish girl that I was! One by one, all the flowers of my young + life have faded away; and this, the last, the sweetest, the dearest, the + fondly, the madly loved, the wildly cherished—where is it? But no + more of this. Heed not my bleeding heart.—Bless you, bless you + always, Arthur! + </p> + <p> + “I will write more when I am more collected. My racking brain renders + thought almost impossible. I long to see Laura! She will come to us + directly we return from the country, will she not? And you, cold one! + </p> + <p> + “B.” + </p> + <p> + The words of this letter were perfectly clear, and written in Blanche's + neatest hand upon her scented paper; and yet the meaning of the + composition not a little puzzled Pen. Did Blanche mean to accept or to + refuse his polite offer? Her phrases either meant that Pen did not love + her, and she declined him, or that she took him, and sacrificed herself to + him, cold as he was. He laughed sardonically over the letter, and over the + transaction which occasioned it. He laughed to think how Fortune had + jilted him, and how he deserved his slippery fortune. He turned over and + over the musky gilt-edged riddle. It amused his humour: he enjoyed it as + if it had been a funny story. + </p> + <p> + He was thus seated, twiddling the queer manuscript in his hand, joking + grimly to himself, when his servant came in with a card from a gentleman, + who wished to speak to him very particularly. And if Pen had gone out into + the passage, he would have seen, sucking his stick, rolling his eyes, and + showing great marks of anxiety, his old acquaintance, Mr. Samuel Huxter. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Huxter on particular business! Pray, beg Mr. Huxter to come in,” said + Pen, amused rather; and not the less so when poor Sam appeared before him. + </p> + <p> + “Pray take a chair, Mr. Huxter,” said Pen, in his most superb manner. “In + what way can I be of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I had rather not speak before the flunk—before the man, Mr. + Pendennis:” on which Mr. Arthur's attendant quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + “I'm in a fix,” said Mr. Huxter, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “She sent me to you,” continued the young surgeon. + </p> + <p> + “What, Fanny? Is she well? I was coming to see her, but I have had a great + deal of business since my return to London.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard of you through my governor and Jack Hobnell,” broke in Huxter. “I + wish you joy, Mr. Pendennis, both of the borough and the lady, sir. Fanny + wishes you joy, too,” he added, with something of a blush. + </p> + <p> + “There's many a slip between the cup and the lip! Who knows what may + happen, Mr. Huxter, or who will sit in Parliament for Clavering next + session?” + </p> + <p> + “You can do anything with my governor,” continued Mr. Huxter. “You got him + Clavering Park. The old boy was very much pleased, sir, at your calling + him in. Hobnell wrote me so. Do you think you could speak to the governor + for me, Mr. Pendennis?” + </p> + <p> + “And tell him what?” + </p> + <p> + “I've gone and done it, sir,” said Huxter, with a particular look. + </p> + <p> + “You—you don't mean to say you have—you have done any wrong to + that dear little creature, sir?” said Pen, starting up in a great fury. + </p> + <p> + “I hope not,” said Huxter, with a hangdog look: “but I've married her. And + I know there will be an awful shindy at home. It was agreed that I should + be taken into partnership when I had passed the College, and it was to + have been Huxter and Son. But I would have it, confound it. It's all over + now, and the old boy's wrote me that he's coming up to town for drugs: he + will be here to-morrow, and then it must all come out.” + </p> + <p> + “And when did this event happen?” asked Pen, not over well pleased, most + likely, that a person who had once attracted some portion of his royal + good graces should have transferred her allegiance, and consoled herself + for his loss. + </p> + <p> + “Last Thursday was five weeks—it was two days after Miss Amory came + to Shepherd's Inn,” Huxter answered. + </p> + <p> + Pen remembered that Blanche had written and mentioned her visit. “I was + called in,” Huxter said. “I was in the Inn looking after old Cos's leg; + and about something else too, very likely: and I met Strong, who told me + there was a woman taken ill in Chambers, and went up to give her my + professional services. It was the old lady who attends Miss Amory—her + housekeeper, or some such thing. She was taken with strong hysterics: I + found her kicking and screaming like a good one—in Strong's chamber, + along with him and Colonel Altamont, and Miss Amory crying and as pale as + a sheet; and Altamont fuming about—a regular kick-up. They were two + hours in the Chambers; and the old woman went whooping off in a cab. She + was much worse than the young one. I called in Grosvenor Place next day to + see if I could be of any service, but they were gone without so much as + thanking me: and the day after I had business of my own to attend to—a + bad business too,” said Mr. Huxter, gloomily. “But it's done, and can't be + undone; and we must make the best of it” + </p> + <p> + She has known the story for a month, thought Pen, with a sharp pang of + grief, and a gloomy sympathy—this accounts for her letter of to-day. + She will not implicate her father, or divulge his secret; she wishes to + let me off from the marriage—and finds a pretext—the generous + girl! + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who Altamont is, sir?” asked Huxter, after the pause during + which Pen had been thinking of his own affairs. “Fanny and I have talked + him over, and we can't help fancying that it's Mrs. Lightfoot's first + husband come to life again, and she who has just married a second. Perhaps + Lightfoot won't be very sorry for it,” sighed Huxter, looking savagely at + Arthur, for the demon of jealousy was still in possession of his soul; and + now, and more than ever since his marriage, the poor fellow fancied that + Fanny's heart belonged to his rival. + </p> + <p> + “Let us talk about your affairs,” said Pen. “Show me how I can be of any + service to you, Huxter. Let me congratulate you on your marriage. I am + thankful that Fanny, who is so good, so fascinating, so kind a creature, + has found an honest man, and a gentleman who will make her happy. Show me + what I can do to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “She thinks you can, sir,” said Huxter, accepting Pen's proffered hand, + “and I'm very much obliged to you, I'm sure; and that you might talk over + my father, and break the business to him, and my mother, who always has + her back up about being a clergyman's daughter. Fanny ain't of a good + family, I know, and not up to us in breeding and that—but she's a + Huxter now.” + </p> + <p> + “The wife takes the husband's rank, of course,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “And with a little practice in society,” continued Huxter, imbibing his + stick, “she'll be as good as any girl in Clavering. You should hear her + sing and play on the piano. Did you ever? Old Bows taught her. And she'll + do on the stage, if the governor was to throw me over; but I'd rather not + have her there. She can't help being a coquette, Mr. Pendennis, she can't + help it. Dammy, sir! I'll be bound to say, that two or three of the + Bartholomew chaps, that I've brought into my place, are sitting with her + now: even Jack Linton, that I took down as my best man, is as bad as the + rest, and she will go on singing and making eyes at him. It's what Bows + says, if there were twenty men in a room, and one not taking notice of + her, she wouldn't be satisfied until the twentieth was at her elbow.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have her mother with her,” said Pen, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “She must keep the lodge. She can't see so much of her family as she used. + I can't, you know, sir, go on with that lot. Consider my rank in life,” + said Huxter, putting a very dirty hand up to his chin. + </p> + <p> + “Au fait,” said Mr. Pen, who was infinitely amused, and concerning whom + mutato nomine (and of course concerning nobody else in the world) the + fable might have been narrated. + </p> + <p> + As the two gentlemen were in the midst of this colloquy, another knock + came to Pen's door, and his servant presently announced Mr. Bows. The old + man followed slowly, his pale face blushing, and his hand trembling + somewhat as he took Pen's. He coughed, and wiped his face in his checked + cotton pocket-handkerchief, and sate down with his hands on his knees, the + sunshining on his bald head. Pen looked at the homely figure with no small + sympathy and kindness. This man, too, has had his griefs and his wounds, + Arthur thought. This man, too, has brought his genius and his heart, and + laid them at a woman's feet; where she spurned them. The chance of life + has gone against him, and the prize is with that creature yonder. Fanny's + bridegroom, thus mutely apostrophised, had winked meanwhile with one eye + at old Bows, and was driving holes in the floor with the cane which he + loved. + </p> + <p> + “So we have lost, Mr. Bows, and here is the lucky winner,” Pen said, + looking hard at the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Here is the lucky winner, sir, as you say.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you have come from my place?” asked Huxter, who, having winked + at Bows with one eye, now favoured Pen with a wink of the other—a + wink which seemed to say, “Infatuated old boy—you understand—over + head and ears in love with her poor old fool.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have been there ever since you went away. It was Mrs. Sam who sent + me after you: who said that she thought you might be doing something + stupid—something like yourself, Huxter.” + </p> + <p> + “There's as big fools as I am,” growled the young surgeon. + </p> + <p> + “A few, p'raps,” said the old man; “not many, let us trust. Yes, she sent + me after you for fear you should offend Mr. Pendennis; and I daresay + because she thought you wouldn't give her message to him, and beg him to + go and see her; and she knew I would take her errand. Did he tell you + that, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Huxter blushed scarlet, and covered his confusion with an imprecation. Pen + laughed; the scene suited his bitter humour more and more. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt Mr. Huxter was going to tell me,” Arthur said, “and very + much flattered I am sure I shall be to pay my respects to his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “It's in Charterhouse Lane, over the baker's, on the right hand side as + you go from St. John's Street,” continued Bows, without any pity. “You + know Smithfield, Mr. Pendennis? St. John's Street leads into Smithfield. + Doctor Johnson has been down the street many a time with ragged shoes, and + a bundle of penny-a-lining for the Gent's Magazine. You literary gents are + better off now—eh? You ride in your cabs, and wear yellow kid gloves + now.” + </p> + <p> + “I have known so many brave and good men fail, and so many quacks and + impostors succeed, that you mistake me if you think I am puffed up by my + own personal good luck, old friend,” Arthur said, sadly. “Do you think the + prizes of life are carried by the most deserving? and set up that mean + test of prosperity for merit? You must feel that you are as good as I. I + have never questioned it. It is you that are peevish against the freaks of + fortune, and grudge the good luck that befalls others. It's not the first + time you have unjustly accused me, Bows.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are not far wrong, sir,” said the old fellow, wiping his bald + forehead. “I am thinking about myself and grumbling; most men do when they + get on that subject. Here's the fellow that's got the prize in the + lottery; here's the fortunate youth.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you are driving at,” Huxter said, who had been much + puzzled as the above remarks passed between his two companions. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not,” said Bows, drily. “Mrs. H. sent me here to look after you, + and to see that you brought that little message to Mr. Pendennis, which + you didn't, you see, and so she was right. Women always are; they have + always a reason for everything. Why, sir,” he said, turning round to Pen + with a sneer, “she had a reason even for giving me that message. I was + sitting with her after you left us, very quiet and comfortable; I was + talking away, and she was mending your shirts, when your two young + friends, Jack Linton and Bob Blades, looked in from Bartholomew's; and + then it was she found out that she had this message to send. You needn't + hurry yourself, she don't want you back again; they'll stay these two + hours, I daresay.” + </p> + <p> + Huxter arose with great perturbation at this news, and plunged his stick + into the pocket of his paletot, and seized his hat. + </p> + <p> + “You'll come and see us, sir, won't you?” he said to Pen. “You'll talk + over the governor, won't you, sir, if I can get out of this place and down + to Clavering?” + </p> + <p> + “You will promise to attend me gratis if ever I fall ill at Fairoaks, will + you, Huxter?” Pen said, good-naturedly. “I will do anything I can for you. + I will come and see Mrs. Huxter immediately, and we will conspire together + about what is to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that would send him out, sir,” Bows said, dropping into his + chair again as soon as the young surgeon had quitted the room. “And it's + all true, sir—every word of it. She wants you back again, and sends + her husband after you. She cajoles everybody, the little devil. She tries + it on you, on me, on poor Costigan, on the young chaps from Bartholomew's. + She's got a little court of 'em already. And if there's nobody there, she + practises on the old German baker in the shop, or coaxes the black sweeper + at the crossing.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she fond of that fellow?” asked Pen. + </p> + <p> + “There is no accounting for likes and dislikes,” Bows answered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she is fond of him; and having taken the thing into her head, she + would not rest until she married him. They had their banns published at + St. Clement's, and nobody heard it or knew any just cause or impediment. + And one day she slips out of the porter's lodge and has the business done, + and goes off to Gravesend with Lothario; and leaves a note for me to go + and explain all things to her Ma. Bless you! the old woman knew it as well + as I did, though she pretended ignorance. And so she goes, and I'm alone + again. I miss her, sir, tripping along that court, and coming for her + singing lesson; and I've no heart to look into the porter's lodge now, + which looks very empty without her, the little flirting thing. And I go + and sit and dangle about her lodgings, like an old fool. She makes 'em + very trim and nice, though; gets up all Huxter's shirts and clothes: cooks + his little dinner, and sings at her business like a little lark. What's + the use of being angry? I lent 'em three pound to go on with: for they + haven't got a shilling till the reconciliation, and Pa comes down.” + </p> + <p> + When Bows had taken his leave, Pen carried his letter from Blanche, and + the news which he had just received, to his usual adviser, Laura. It was + wonderful upon how many points Mr. Arthur, who generally followed his own + opinion, now wanted another person's counsel. He could hardly so much as + choose a waistcoat without referring to Miss Bell: if he wanted to buy a + horse he must have Miss Bell's opinion; all which marks of deference + tended greatly to the amusement of the shrewd old lady with whom Miss Bell + lived, and whose plans regarding her protegee we have indicated. + </p> + <p> + Arthur produced Blanche's letter then to Laura, and asked her to interpret + it. Laura was very much agitated and puzzled by the contents of the note. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” she said, “as if Blanche is acting very artfully.” + </p> + <p> + “And wishes so to place matters that she may take me or leave me? Is it + not so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, I am afraid, a kind of duplicity which does not augur well for + your future happiness; and is a bad reply to your own candour and honesty, + Arthur. Do you know, I think, I think—I scarcely like to say what I + think,” said Laura with a deep blush; but of course the blushing young + lady yielded to her cousin's persuasion, and expressed what her thoughts + were. “It looks to me, Arthur, as if there might be—there might be + somebody else,” said, Laura, with a repetition of the blush. + </p> + <p> + “And if there is,” broke in Arthur, “and if I am free once again, will the + best and dearest of all women——” + </p> + <p> + “You are not free, dear brother,” Laura said calmly. “You belong to + another; of whom I own it grieves me to think ill. But I can't do + otherwise. It is very odd that in this letter she does not urge you to + tell her the reason why you have broken arrangements which would have been + so advantageous to you; and avoids speaking on the subject. She somehow + seems to write as if she knows her father's secret.” + </p> + <p> + Pen said, “Yes, she must know it;” and told the story, which he had just + heard from Huxter, of the interview at Shepherd's Inn. + </p> + <p> + “It was not so that she described the meeting,” said Laura; and, going to + her desk, produced from it that letter of Blanche's which mentioned her + visit to Shepherd's Inn. 'Another disappointment—only the Chevalier + Strong and a friend of his in the room.' This was all that Blanche had + said. “But she was bound to keep her father's secret, Pen,” Laura added. + “And yet, and yet—it is very puzzling.” + </p> + <p> + The puzzle was this, that for three weeks after this eventful discovery + Blanche had been only too eager about her dearest Arthur; was urging, as + strongly as so much modesty could urge, the completion of the happy + arrangements which were to make her Arthur's for ever; and now it seemed + as if something had interfered to mar these happy arrangements—as if + Arthur poor was not quite so agreeable to Blanche as Arthur rich and a + member of Parliament—as if there was some mystery. At last she said: + </p> + <p> + “Tunbridge Wells is not very far off, is it, Arthur? Hadn't you better go + and see her?” + </p> + <p> + They had been in town a week, and neither had thought of that simple plan + before! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXIV. Shows how Arthur had better have taken a Return-ticket + </h2> + <p> + The train carried Arthur only too quickly to Tunbridge, though he had time + to review all the circumstances of his life as he made the brief journey; + and to acknowledge to what sad conclusions his selfishness and waywardness + had led him. “Here is the end of hopes and aspirations,” thought he, “of + romance and ambitions! Where I yield or where I am obstinate, I am alike + unfortunate; my mother implores me, and I refuse an angel! Say I had taken + her; forced on me as she was, Laura would never have been an angel to me. + I could not have given her my heart at another's instigation; I never + could have known her as she is had I been obliged to ask another to + interpret her qualities and point out her virtues. I yield to my uncle's + solicitations, and accept on his guarantee Blanche, and a seat in + Parliament, and wealth, and ambition, and a career; and see!—fortune + comes and leaves me the wife without the dowry, which I had taken in + compensation of a heart. Why was I not more honest, or am I not less so? + It would have cost my poor old uncle no pangs to accept Blanche's fortune + whencesoever it came; he can't even understand, he is bitterly indignant, + heart-stricken, almost, at the scruples which actuate me in refusing it. I + dissatisfy everybody. A maimed, weak, imperfect wretch, it seems as if I + am unequal to any fortune. I neither make myself nor any one connected + with me happy. What prospect is there for this poor little frivolous girl, + who is to take my obscure name and share my fortune? I have not even + ambition to excite me, or self-esteem enough to console myself, much more + her, for my failure. If I were to write a book that should go through + twenty editions, why, I should be the very first to sneer at my + reputation. Say I could succeed at the Bar, and achieve a fortune by + bullying witnesses and twisting evidence; is that a fame which would + satisfy my longings, or a calling in which my life would be well spent? + How I wish I could be that priest opposite, who never has lifted his eyes + from his breviary, except when we were in Reigate tunnel, when he could + not see; or that old gentleman next him, who scowls at him with eyes of + hatred over his newspaper. The priest shuts his eyes to the world, but has + his thoughts on the book, which is his directory to the world to come. His + neighbour hates him as a monster, tyrant, persecutor, and fancies burning + martyrs, and that pale countenance looking on, and lighted up by the + flame. These have no doubts; these march on trustfully, bearing their load + of logic.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to look at the paper, sir?” here interposed the stout + gentleman (it had a flaming article against the order of the black-coated + gentleman who was travelling with them in the carriage), and Pen thanked + him and took it, and pursued his reverie, without reading two sentences of + the journal. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, would you take either of those men's creeds, with its + consequences?” he thought. “Ah me! you must bear your own burthen, fashion + your own faith, think your own thoughts, and pray your own prayer. To what + mortal ear could I tell all, if I had a mind? or who could understand all? + Who can tell another's shortcomings, lost opportunities, weigh the + passions which overpower, the defects which incapacitate reason?—what + extent of truth and right his neighbour's mind is organised to perceive + and to do?—what invisible and forgotten accident, terror of youth, + chance or mischance of fortune, may have altered the whole current of + life? A grain of sand may alter it, as the flinging of a pebble may end + it. Who can weigh circumstances, passions, temptations, that go to our + good and evil account, save One, before whose awful wisdom we kneel, and + at whose mercy we ask absolution? Here it ends,” thought Pen; “this day or + to-morrow will wind up the account of my youth; a weary retrospect, alas! + a sad history, with many a page I would fain not look back on! But who has + not been tired or fallen, and who has escaped without scars from that + struggle?” And his head fell on his breast, and the young man's heart + prostrated itself humbly and sadly before that Throne where sits wisdom, + and love, and pity for all, and made its confession. “What matters about + fame or poverty!” he thought. “If I marry this woman I have chosen, may I + have strength and will to be true to her, and to make her happy. If I have + children, pray God teach me to speak and to do the truth among them, and + to leave them an honest name. There are no splendours for my marriage. + Does my life deserve any? I begin a new phase of it; a better than the + last may it be, I pray Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + The train stopped at Tunbridge as Pen was making these reflections; and he + handed over the newspaper to his neighbour, of whom he took leave, while + the foreign clergyman in the opposite corner still sate with his eyes on + his book. Pen jumped out of the carriage then, his carpet-bag in hand, and + briskly determined to face his fortune. + </p> + <p> + A fly carried him rapidly to Lady Clavering's house from the station; and, + as he was transported thither, Arthur composed a little speech, which he + intended to address to Blanche, and which was really as virtuous, honest, + and well-minded an oration as any man of his turn of mind, and under his + circumstances, could have uttered. The purport of it was—“Blanche, I + cannot understand from your last letter what your meaning is, or whether + my fair and frank proposal to you is acceptable or no. I think you know + the reason which induces me to forgo the worldly advantages which a union + with you offered, and which I could not accept without, as I fancy, being + dishonoured. If you doubt of my affection, here I am ready to prove it. + Let Smirke be called in, and let us be married out of hand; and with all + my heart I purpose to keep my vow, and to cherish you through life, and to + be a true and a loving husband to you.” + </p> + <p> + From the fly Arthur sprang out then to the hall-door, where he was met by + a domestic whom he did not know. The man seemed to be surprised at the + approach of the gentleman with the carpet-bag, which he made no attempt to + take from Arthur's hands. “Her Ladyship's not at home, sir,” the man + remarked. + </p> + <p> + “I am Mr. Pendennis,” Arthur said. “Where is Lightfoot?” + </p> + <p> + “Lightfoot is gone,” answered the man. “My Lady is out, and my orders was——” + </p> + <p> + “I hear Miss Amory's voice in the drawing-room,” said Arthur. “Take the + bag to a dressing-room, if you please;” and, passing by the porter, he + walked straight towards that apartment, from which, as the door opened, a + warble of melodious notes issued. + </p> + <p> + Our little Siren was at her piano singing with all her might and + fascinations. Master Clavering was asleep on the sofa, indifferent to the + music; but near Blanche sat a gentleman who was perfectly enraptured with + her strain, which was of a passionate and melancholy nature. + </p> + <p> + As the door opened, the gentleman started up with Hullo! the music + stopped, with a little shriek from the singer; Frank Clavering woke up + from the sofa, and Arthur came forward and said, “What, Foker! how do you + do, Foker?” He looked at the piano, and there, by Miss Amory's side, was + just such another purple-leather box as he had seen in Harry's hand three + days before, when the heir of Logwood was coming out of a jeweller's shop + in Waterloo Place. It was opened, and curled round the white satin cushion + within was, oh, such a magnificent serpentine bracelet, with such a + blazing ruby head and diamond tail! + </p> + <p> + “How de-do, Pendennis?” said Foker. Blanche made many motions of the + shoulders, and gave signs of unrest and agitation. And she put her + handkerchief over the bracelet, and then she advanced, with a hand which + trembled very much, to greet Pen. + </p> + <p> + “How is dearest Laura?” she said. The face of Foker looking up from his + profound mourning—that face, so piteous and puzzled, was one which + the reader's imagination must depict for himself; also that of Master + Frank Clavering, who, looking at the three interesting individuals with an + expression of the utmost knowingness, had only time to ejaculate the + words, “Here's a jolly go!” and to disappear sniggering. + </p> + <p> + Pen, too, had restrained himself up to that minute; but looking still at + Foker, whose ears and cheeks tingled with blushes, Arthur burst out into a + fit of laughter, so wild and loud, that it frightened Blanche much more + than any the most serious exhibition. + </p> + <p> + “And this was the secret, was it? Don't blush and turn away, Foker, my + boy. Why, man, you are a pattern of fidelity. Could I stand between + Blanche and such constancy—could I stand between Miss Amory and + fifteen thousand a year?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that, Mr. Pendennis,” Blanche said, with great dignity. “It is + not money, it is not rank, it is not gold that moves me; but it is + constancy, it is fidelity, it is a whole trustful loving heart offered to + me, that I treasure—yes, that I treasure!” And she made for her + handkerchief, but, reflecting what was underneath it, she paused. “I do + not disown, I do not disguise—my life is above disguise—to him + on whom it is bestowed, my heart must be for ever bare—that I once + thought I loved you,—yes, thought I was beloved by you, I own! How I + clung to that faith! How I strove, I prayed, I longed to believe it! But + your conduct always—your own words so cold, so heartless, so unkind, + have undeceived me. You trifled with the heart of the poor maiden! You + flung me back with scorn the troth which I had plighted! I have explained + all—all to Mr. Foker.” + </p> + <p> + “That you have,” said Foker, with devotion, and conviction in his looks. + </p> + <p> + “What, all?” said Pen, with a meaning look at Blanche. “It is I am in + fault, is it? Well, well, Blanche, be it so. I won't appeal against your + sentence, and bear it in silence. I came down here looking to very + different things, Heaven knows, and with a heart most truly and kindly + disposed towards you. I hope you may be happy with another, as, on my + word, it was my wish to make you so; and I hope my honest old friend here + will have a wife worthy of his loyalty, his constancy, and affection. + Indeed they deserve the regard of any woman—even Miss Blanche Amory. + Shake hands, Harry; don't look askance at me. Has anybody told you that I + was a false and heartless character?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you're a——” Foker was beginning, in his wrath, when + Blanche interposed. + </p> + <p> + “Henry, not a word!—I pray you let there be forgiveness!” + </p> + <p> + “You're an angel, by Jove, you're an angel!” said Foker, at which Blanche + looked seraphically up to the chandelier. + </p> + <p> + “In spite of what has passed, for the sake of what has passed, I must + always regard Arthur as a brother,” the seraph continued; “we have known + each other years, we have trodden the same fields, and plucked the same + flowers together. Arthur! Henry! I beseech you to take hands and to be + friends! Forgive you!—I forgive you, Arthur, with my heart I do. + Should I not do so for making me so happy?” + </p> + <p> + “There is only one person of us three whom I pity, Blanche,” Arthur said, + gravely, “and I say to you again, that I hope you will make this good + fellow, this honest and loyal creature, happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy! O Heavens!” said Harry. He could not speak. His happiness gushed + out at his eyes. “She don't know—she can't know how fond I am of + her, and—and who am I? a poor little beggar, and she takes me up and + says she'll try and I—I—love me. I ain't worthy of so much + happiness. Give us your hand, old boy, since she forgives you after your + heartless conduct, and says she loves you. I'll make you welcome. I tell + you I'll love everybody who loves her. By—-, if she tells me to kiss + the ground I'll kiss it. Tell me to kiss the ground! I say, tell me. I + love you so. You see I love you so.” + </p> + <p> + Blanche looked up seraphically again. Her gentle bosom heaved. She held + out one hand as if to bless Harry, and then royally permitted him to kiss + it. She took up the pocket-handkerchief and hid her own eyes, as the other + fair hand was abandoned to poor Harry's tearful embrace. + </p> + <p> + “I swear that is a villain who deceives such a loving creature as that,” + said Pen. + </p> + <p> + Blanche laid down the handkerchief, and put hand No. 2 softly on Foker's + head, which was bent down kissing and weeping over hand No. 1. “Foolish + boy?” she said, “it shall be loved as it deserves: who could help loving + such a silly creature!” + </p> + <p> + And at this moment Frank Clavering broke in upon the sentimental trio. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Pendennis!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Frank!” + </p> + <p> + “The man wants to be paid, and go back. He's had some beer.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go back with him,” cried Pen. “Good-bye, Blanche. God bless you, + Foker, old friend. You know, neither of you want me here.” He longed to be + off that instant. + </p> + <p> + “Stay—I must say one word to you. One word in private, if you + please,” Blanche said. “You can trust us together, can't you, Henry?” The + tone in which the word Henry was spoken, and the appeal, ravished Foker + with delight. “Trust you!” said he. “Oh, who wouldn't trust you! Come + along, Franky, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Let's have a cigar,” said Frank, as they went into the hall. + </p> + <p> + “She don't like it,” said Foker, gently. + </p> + <p> + “Law bless you—she don't mind. Pendennis used to smoke regular,” + said the candid youth. + </p> + <p> + “It was but a short word I had to say,” said Blanche to Pen, with great + calm, when they were alone. “You never loved me, Mr. Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “I told you how much,” said Arthur. “I never deceived you.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you will go back and marry Laura,” continued Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “Was that what you had to say?” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “You are going to her this very night, I am sure of it. There is no + denying it. You never cared for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Et vous?” + </p> + <p> + “Et moi, c'est different. I have been spoilt early. I cannot live out of + the world, out of excitement. I could have done so, but it is too late. If + I cannot have emotions, I must have the world. You would offer me neither + one nor the other. You are blase in everything, even in ambition. You had + a career before you, and you would not take it. You give it up!—for + what?—for a betise, for an absurd scruple. Why would you not have + that seat, and be such a puritain? Why should you refuse what is mine by + right, by right, entendez-vous?” + </p> + <p> + “You know all, then?” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Only within a month. But I have suspected ever since Baymouth—n'importe + since when. It is not too late. He is as if he had never been; and there + is a position in the world before you yet. Why not sit in Parliament, + exert your talent, and give a place in the world to yourself, to your + wife? I take celui-la. Il est bon. Il est riche. Il est—vous le + connaissez autant que moi enfin. Think you that I would not prefer un + homme qui fera parler de moi? If the secret appears I am rich a millions. + How does it affect me? It is not my fault. It will never appear.” + </p> + <p> + “You will tell Harry everything, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Je comprends. Vous refusez,” said Blanche, savagely. “I will tell Harry + at my own time, when we are married. You will not betray me, will you? + You, having a defenceless girl's secret, will not turn upon her and use + it? S'il me plait de le cacher, mon secret; pourquoi le donnerai je? Je + l'aime, mon pauvre pere, voyez-vous? I would rather live with that man + than with you fades intriguers of the world. I must have emotions—il + m'en donne. Il m'ecrit. Il ecrit tres-bien, voyez-vous—comme un + pirate—comme un Bohemien—comme un homme. But for this I would + have said to my mother—Ma mere! quittons ce lache mari, cette lache + societe—retournons a mon pere.” + </p> + <p> + “The pirate would have wearied you like the rest,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Eh! Il me faut des emotions,” said Blanche. Pen had never seen her or + known so much about her in all the years of their intimacy as he saw and + knew now: though he saw more than existed in reality. For this young lady + was not able to carry out any emotion to the full; but had a sham + enthusiasm, a sham hatred, a sham love, a sham taste, a sham grief, each + of which flared and shone very vehemently for an instant, but subsided and + gave place to the next sham emotion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXV. A Chapter of Match-making + </h2> + <p> + Upon the platform at Tunbridge, Pen fumed and fretted until the arrival of + the evening train to London, a full half-hour,—six hours it seemed + to him; but even this immense interval was passed, the train arrived, the + train sped on, the London lights came in view—a gentleman who forgot + his carpet-bag in the train rushed at a cab, and said to the man, “Drive + as hard as you can go to Jermyn Street.” The cabman, although a + hansom-cabman, said Thank you for the gratuity which was put into his + hand, and Pen ran up the stairs of the hotel to Lady Rockminster's + apartments. Laura was alone in the drawing-room, reading, with a pale + face, by the lamp. The pale face looked up when Pen opened the door. May + we follow him? The great moments of life are but moments like the others. + Your doom is spoken in a word or two. A single look from the eyes; a mere + pressure of the hand may decide it; or of the lips, though they cannot + speak. + </p> + <p> + When Lady Rockminster, who has had her after-dinner nap, gets up and goes + into her sitting-room, we may enter with her ladyship. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, young people!” are the first words she says, and her + attendant makes wondering eyes over her shoulder. And well may she say so; + and well may the attendant cast wondering eyes; for the young people are + in an attitude; and Pen in such a position as every young lady who reads + this has heard tell of, or has seen, or hopes, or at any rate deserves to + see. + </p> + <p> + In a word, directly he entered the room, Pen went up to Laura of the pale + face, who had not time even to say, What, back so soon? and seizing her + outstretched and trembling hand just as she was rising from her chair, + fell down on his knees before her, and said quickly, “I have seen her. She + has engaged herself to Harry Foker—and—and Now, Laura?” + </p> + <p> + The hand gives a pressure—the eyes beam a reply—the quivering + lips answer, though speechless. Pen's head sinks down in the girl's lap, + as he sobs out, “Come and bless us, dear mother,” and arms as tender as + Helen's once more enfold him. + </p> + <p> + In this juncture it is that Lady Rockminster comes in and says, “Upon my + word, young people! Beck! leave the room. What do you want poking your + nose in here?” + </p> + <p> + Pen starts up with looks of triumph, still holding Laura's hand. “She is + consoling me for my misfortune, ma'am,” he says. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by kissing her hand? I don't know what you will be next + doing.” + </p> + <p> + Pen kissed her Ladyship's. “I have been to Tunbridge,” he says, “and seen + Miss Amory; and find on my arrival that—that a villain has + transplanted me in her affections,” he says with a tragedy air. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all? Is that what you were whimpering on your knees about?” says + the old lady, growing angry. “You might have kept the news till + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—another has superseded me,” goes on Pen; “but why call him + villain? He is brave, he is constant, he is young, he is wealthy, he is + beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “What stuff are you talking, sir?” cried the old lady. “What has + happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Amory has jilted me, and accepted Henry Foker, Esq. I found her + warbling ditties to him as he lay at her feet; presents had been accepted, + vows exchanged, these ten days. Harry was old Mrs. Planter's rheumatism, + which kept dearest Laura out of the house. He is the most constant and + generous of men. He has promised the living of Logwood to Lady Ann's + husband, and given her a splendid present on her marriage; and he rushed + to fling himself at Blanche's feet the instant he found he was free.” + </p> + <p> + “And so, as you can't get Blanche, you put up with Laura; is that it, + sir?” asked the old lady. + </p> + <p> + “He acted nobly,” Laura said. + </p> + <p> + “I acted as she bade me,” said Pen. “Never mind how, Lady Rockminster; but + to the best of my knowledge and power. And if you mean that I am not + worthy of Laura, I know it, and pray Heaven to better me; and if the love + and company of the best and purest creature in the world can do so, at + least I shall have these to help me.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm, hm,” replied the old lady to this, looking with rather an appeased + air at the young people. “It is all very well; but I should have preferred + Bluebeard.” + </p> + <p> + And now Pen, to divert the conversation from a theme which was growing + painful to some parties present, bethought him of his interview with + Huxter in the morning, and of Fanny Bolton's affairs, which he had + forgotten under the immediate pressure and excitement of his own. And he + told the ladies how Huxter had elevated Fanny to the rank of wife, and + what terrors he was in respecting the arrival of his father. He described + the scene with considerable humour, taking care to dwell especially upon + that part of it which concerned Fanny's coquetry and irrepressible desire + of captivating mankind; his meaning being, “You see, Laura, I was not so + guilty in that little affair; it was the girl who made love to me, and I + who resisted. As I am no longer present, the little siren practises her + arts and fascinations upon others. Let that transaction be forgotten in + your mind, if you please; or visit me with a very gentle punishment for my + error.” + </p> + <p> + Laura understood his meaning under the eagerness of his explanations. “If + you did any wrong, you repented, dear Pen,” she said; “and you know,” she + added, with meaning eyes and blushes, “that I have no right to reproach + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm!” grumbled the old lady; “I should have preferred Bluebeard.” + </p> + <p> + “The past is broken away. The morrow is before us. I will do my best to + make your morrow happy, dear Laura,” Pen said. His heart was humbled by + the prospect of his happiness: it stood awestricken in the contemplation + of her sweet goodness and purity. He liked his wife better that she had + owned to that passing feeling for Warrington, and laid bare her generous + heart to him. And she—very likely she was thinking, “How strange it + is that I ever should have cared for another! I am vexed almost to think I + care for him so little, am so little sorry that he is gone away. Oh, in + these past two months how I have learned to love Arthur! I care about + nothing but Arthur: my waking and sleeping thoughts are about him; he is + never absent from me. And to think that he is to be mine, mine! and that I + am to marry him, and not to be his servant as I expected to be only this + morning; for I would have gone down on my knees to Blanche to beg her to + let me live with him. And now—Oh, it is too much. Oh, mother! + mother, that you were here!” Indeed, she felt as if Helen were there—by + her actually, though invisibly. A halo of happiness beamed from her. + </p> + <p> + She moved with a different step, and bloomed with a new beauty. Arthur saw + the change; and the old Lady Rockminster remarked it with her shrewd eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What a sly demure little wretch you have been,” she whispered to Laura—while + Pen, in great spirits, was laughing, and telling his story about Huxter—“and + how you have kept your secret!” + </p> + <p> + “How are we to help the young couple?” said Laura. Of course Miss Laura + felt an interest in all young couples, as generous lovers always love + other lovers. + </p> + <p> + “We must go and see them,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Of course we must go and see them,” said Laura. “I intend to be very fond + of Fanny. Let us go this instant. Lady Rockminster, may I have the + carriage?” + </p> + <p> + “Go now!—why, you stupid creature, it is eleven o'clock at night. + Mr. and Mrs. Huxter have got their nightcaps on, I dare say. And it is + time for you to go now. Good night, Mr. Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + Arthur and Laura begged for ten minutes more. + </p> + <p> + “We will go to-morrow morning, then. I will come and fetch you with + Martha.” + </p> + <p> + “An earl's coronet,” said Pen, who, no doubt, was pleased himself, “will + have a great effect in Lamb Court and Smithfield. Stay—Lady + Rockminster, will you join us in a little conspiracy?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean conspiracy, young man?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you please to be a little ill to-morrow; and when old Mr. Huxter + arrives, will you let me call him in? If he is put into a good humour at + the notion of attending a baronet in the country, what influence won't a + countess have on him? When he is softened—when he is quite ripe, we + will break the secret upon him; bring in the young people, extort the + paternal benediction, and finish the comedy.” + </p> + <p> + “A parcel of stuff,” said the old lady. “Take your hat, sir. Come away, + miss. There—my head is turned another way. Good night, young + people.” And who knows but the old lady thought of her own early days as + she went away on Laura's arm, nodding her head and humming to herself? + </p> + <p> + With the early morning came Laura and Martha according to appointment; and + the desired sensation was, let us hope, effected in Lamb Court, whence the + three proceeded to wait upon Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Huxter, at their + residence in Charterhouse Lane. + </p> + <p> + The two ladies looked at each other with great interest, and not a little + emotion on Fanny's part. She had not seen her “guardian,” as she was + pleased to call Pen in consequence of his bequest, since the event had + occurred which had united her to Mr. Huxter. + </p> + <p> + “Samuel told me how kind you had been,” she said. “You were always very + kind, Mr. Pendennis. And—and I hope your friend is better, who was + took ill in Shepherd's Inn, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Laura,” said the other, with a blush. “I am—that is, I + was—that is, I am Arthur's sister; and we shall always love you for + being so good to him when he was ill. And when we live in the country, I + hope we shall see each other. And I shall be always happy to hear of your + happiness, Fanny.” + </p> + <p> + “We are going to do what you and Huxter have done, Fanny.—Where is + Huxter? What nice, snug lodgings you've got! What a pretty cat!” + </p> + <p> + While Fanny is answering these questions in reply to Pen, Laura says to + herself—“Well, now really! is this the creature about whom we were + all so frightened? What could he see in her? She's a homely little thing, + but such manners! Well, she was very kind to him,—bless her for + that.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Samuel had gone out to meet his Pa. Mrs. Huxter said that the old + gentleman was to arrive that day at the Somerset Coffee-house, in the + Strand; and Fanny confessed that she was in a sad tremor about the + meeting. “If his parent casts him off, what are we to do?” she said. “I + shall never pardon myself for bringing ruing on my 'usband's 'ead. You + must intercede for us, Mr. Arthur. If mortal man can, you can bend and + influence Mr. Huxter senior.” Fanny still regarded Pen in the light of a + superior being, that was evident. No doubt Arthur thought of the past, as + he marked the solemn little tragedy-airs and looks, the little ways, the + little trepidations, vanities, of the little bride. As soon as the + interview was over, entered Messrs. Linton and Blades, who came, of + course, to visit Huxter, and brought with them a fine fragrance of + tobacco. They had watched the carriage at the baker's door, and remarked + the coronet with awe. They asked of Fanny who was that uncommonly heavy + swell who had just driven off? and pronounced the countess was of the + right sort. And when they heard that it was Mr. Pendennis and his sister, + they remarked that Pen's father was only a sawbones; and that he gave + himself confounded airs; they had been in Huxter's company on the night of + his little altercation with Pen in the Back Kitchen. + </p> + <p> + Returning homewards through Fleet Street, and as Laura was just stating to + Pen's infinite amusement that Fanny was very well, but that really there + was no beauty in her,—there might be, but she could not see it,—as + they were locked near Temple Bar, they saw young Huxter returning to his + bride. “The governor had arrived; was at the Somerset Coffee-house—was + in tolerable good-humour—something about the railway: but he had + been afraid to speak about—about that business. Would Mr. Pendennis + try it on?” + </p> + <p> + Pen said he would go and call at that moment upon Mr. Huxter, and see what + might be done. Huxter junior would lurk outside whilst that awful + interview took place. The coronet on the carriage inspired his soul also + with wonder; and old Mr. Huxter himself beheld it with delight, as he + looked from the coffee-house window on that Strand which it was always a + treat to him to survey. + </p> + <p> + “And I can afford to give myself a lark, sir,” said Mr. Huxter, shaking + hands with Pen. “Of course you know the news? we have got our bill, sir. + We shall have our branch line—our shares are up, sir—and we + buy your three fields along the Brawl, and put a pretty penny into your + pocket, Mr. Pendennis.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!—that was good news.” Pen remembered that there was a letter + from Mr. Tatham, at Chambers, these three days; but he had not opened the + communication, being interested with other affairs. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you don't intend to grow rich, and give up practice,” said Pen. + “We can't lose you at Clavering, Mr. Huxter; though I hear very good + accounts of your son. My friend, Dr. Goodenough speaks most highly of his + talents. It is hard that a man of your eminence, though, should be kept in + a country town.” + </p> + <p> + “The metropolis would have been my sphere of action, sir,” said Mr. + Huxter, surveying the Strand. “But a man takes his business where he finds + it; and I succeeded to that of my father.” + </p> + <p> + “It was my father's, too,” said Pen. “I sometimes wish I had followed it.” + </p> + <p> + “You, sir, have taken a more lofty career,” said the old gentleman. “You + aspire to the senate: and to literary honours. You wield the poet's pen, + sir, and move in the circles of fashion. We keep an eye upon you at + Clavering. We read your name in the lists of the select parties of the + nobility. Why, it was only the other day that my wife was remarking how + odd it was that at a party at the Earl of Kidderminster's your name was + not mentioned. To what member of the aristocracy may I ask does that + equipage belong from which I saw you descend? The Countess Dowager of + Rockminster? How is her Ladyship?” + </p> + <p> + “Her Ladyship is not very well; and when I heard that you were coming to + town, I strongly urged her to see you, Mr. Huxter,” Pen said. Old Huxter + felt, if he had a hundred votes for Clavering, he would give them all to + Pen. + </p> + <p> + “There is an old friend of yours in the carriage—a Clavering lady, + too—will you come out and speak to her?” asked Pen. The old surgeon + was delighted to speak to a coroneted carriage in the midst of the full + Strand: he ran out bowing and smiling. Huxter junior, dodging about the + district, beheld the meeting between his father and Laura, saw the latter + put out her hand, and presently, after a little colloquy with Pen, beheld + his father actually jump into the carriage, and drive away with Miss Bell. + </p> + <p> + There was no room for Arthur, who came back, laughing, to the young + surgeon, and told him whither his parent was bound. During the whole of + the journey, that artful Laura coaxed, and wheedled, and cajoled him so + adroitly, that the old gentleman would have granted her anything; and Lady + Rockminster achieved the victory over him by complimenting him on his + skill, and professing her anxiety to consult him. What were her Ladyship's + symptoms? Should he meet her Ladyship's usual medical attendant? Mr. Jones + was called out of town? He should be delighted to devote his very best + energies and experience to her Ladyship's service. + </p> + <p> + He was so charmed with his patient, that he wrote home about her to his + wife and family; he talked of nothing but Lady Rockminster to Samuel, when + that youth came to partake of beefsteak and oyster-sauce and accompany his + parent to the play. There was a simple grandeur, a polite urbanity, a + high-bred grace about her Ladyship, which he had never witnessed in any + woman. Her symptoms did not seem alarming; he had prescribed—Spir: + Ammon: Aromat: with a little Spir: Menth: Pip: and orange-flower, which + would be all that was necessary. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Bell seemed to be on the most confidential and affectionate footing + with her Ladyship. She was about to form a matrimonial connexion. All + young people ought to marry. Such were her Ladyship's words; and the + Countess condescended to ask respecting my own family, and I mentioned you + by name to her Ladyship, Sam, my boy. I shall look in to-morrow, when, if + the remedies which I have prescribed for her Ladyship have had the effect + which I anticipate, I shall probably follow them up by a little Spir: + Lavend: Comp:—and so set my noble patient up. What is the theatre + which is most frequented by the—by the higher classes in town, hey, + Sam! and to what amusement will you take an old country doctor to-night, + hey, sir?” + </p> + <p> + On the next day, when Mr. Huxter called in Jermyn Street at twelve + o'clock, Lady Rockminster had not yet left her room, but Miss Bell and Mr. + Pendennis were in waiting to receive him. Lady Rockminster had had a most + comfortable night, and was getting on as well as possible. How had Mr. + Huxter amused himself? at the theatre? with his son? What a capital piece + it was, and how charmingly Mrs. O'Leary looked and sang it! and what a + good fellow young Huxter was! liked by everybody, an honour to his + profession. He has not his father's manners, I grant you, or that + old-world tone which is passing away from us, but a more excellent, + sterling fellow never lived. “He ought to practise in the country whatever + you do, sir,” said Arthur—“he ought to marry—other people are + going to do so—and settle.” + </p> + <p> + “The very words that her Ladyship used yesterday, Mr. Pendennis. He ought + to marry. Sam should marry, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The town is full of temptations, sir,” continued Pen. The old gentleman + thought of that houri, Mrs. O'Leary. + </p> + <p> + “There is no better safeguard for a young man than an early marriage with + an honest affectionate creature.” + </p> + <p> + “No better, sir, no better.” + </p> + <p> + “And love is better than money, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed it is,” said Miss Bell. + </p> + <p> + “I agree with so fair an authority,” said the old gentleman, with a bow. + </p> + <p> + “And—and suppose, sir,” Pen said, “that I had a piece of news to + communicate to you.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless my soul, Mr. Pendennis! what do you mean?” asked the old + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I had to tell you that a young man, carried away by an + irresistible passion for an admirable and most virtuous young creature—whom + everybody falls in love with—had consulted the dictates of reason + and his heart, and had married. Suppose I were to tell you that that man + is my friend; that our excellent, our truly noble friend the Countess + Dowager of Rockminster is truly interested about him (and you may fancy + what a young man can do in life when THAT family is interested for him); + suppose I were to tell you that you know him—that he is here—that + he is——” + </p> + <p> + “Sam married! God bless my soul, sir, you don't mean that!” + </p> + <p> + “And to such a nice creature, dear Mr. Huxter.” + </p> + <p> + “Her Ladyship is charmed with her,” said Pen, telling almost the first fib + which he has told in the course of this story. + </p> + <p> + “Married! the rascal, is he?” thought the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “They will do it, sir,” said Pen; and went and opened the door. Mr. and + Mrs. Samuel Huxter issued thence, and both came and knelt down before the + old gentleman. The kneeling little Fanny found favour in his sight. There + must have been some thing attractive about her, in spite of Laura's + opinion. + </p> + <p> + “Will never do so any more, sir,” said Sam. + </p> + <p> + “Get up, sir,” said Mr. Huxter. And they got up, and Fanny came a little + nearer and a little nearer still, and looked so pretty and pitiful, that + somehow Mr. Huxter found himself kissing the little crying-laughing thing, + and feeling as if he liked it. + </p> + <p> + “What's your name, my dear?” he said, after a minute of this sport. + </p> + <p> + “Fanny, papa,” said Mrs. Samuel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXXVI. Exeunt Omnes + </h2> + <p> + Our characters are all a month older than they were when the + last-described adventures and conversations occurred, and a great number + of the personages of our story have chanced to reassemble at the little + country town where we were first introduced to them. Frederic Lightfoot, + formerly maitre d'hotel in the service of Sir Francis Clavering, of + Clavering Park, Bart., has begged leave to inform the nobility and gentry + of ———shire that he has taken that well-known and + comfortable hotel, the Clavering Arms, in Clavering, where he hopes for + the continued patronage of the gentlemen and families of the county. “This + ancient and well-established house,” Mr. Lightfoot's manifesto states, + “has been repaired and decorated in a style of the greatest comfort. + Gentlemen hunting with the Dumplingbeare hounds will find excellent + stabling and loose-boxes for horses at the Clavering Arms. A commodious + billiard-room has been attached to the hotel, and the cellars have been + furnished with the choicest wines and spirits, selected, without regard to + expense, by C. L. Commercial gentlemen will find the Clavering Arms a most + comfortable place of resort: and the scale of charges has been regulated + for all, so as to meet the economical spirit of the present times.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, there is a considerable air of liveliness about the old inn. The + Clavering arms have been splendidly repainted over the gateway. The + coffee-room windows are bright and fresh, and decorated with Christmas + holly; the magistrates have met in petty sessions in the card-room of the + old Assembly. The farmers' ordinary is held as of old, and frequented by + increased numbers, who are pleased with Mrs. Lightfoot's cuisine. Her + Indian curries and Mulligatawny soup are especially popular: Major Stokes, + the respected tenant of Fairoaks Cottage, Captain Glanders, H.P., and + other resident gentry, have pronounced in their favour, and have partaken + of them more than once both in private and at the dinner of the Clavering + Institute, attendant on the incorporation of the reading-room, and when + the chief inhabitants of that flourishing little town met together and did + justice to the hostess's excellent cheer. The chair was taken by Sir + Francis Clavering, Bart., supported by the esteemed rector, Dr. Portman; + the vice chair being ably filled by Barker, Esq. (supported by the Rev. J. + Simcoe and the Rev. S. Jowls), the enterprising head of the ribbon factory + in Clavering, and chief director of the Clavering and Chatteris Branch of + the Great Western Railway, which will be opened in another year, and upon + the works of which the engineers and workmen are now busily engaged. + </p> + <p> + “An interesting event, which is likely to take place in the life of our + talented townsman, Arthur Pendennis, Esq., has, we understand, caused him + to relinquish the intentions which he had of offering himself as a + candidate for our borough: and rumour whispers” (says the Chatteris + Champion, Clavering Agriculturist, and Baymouth Fisherman,—that + independent county paper, so distinguished for its unswerving principles + and loyalty to the British oak, and so eligible a medium for + advertisements)—rumour states, says the C. C. C. A. and B. F., “that + should Sir Francis Clavering's failing health oblige him to relinquish his + seat in Parliament, he will vacate it in favour of a young gentleman of + colossal fortune and related to the highest aristocracy of the empire, who + is about to contract a matrimonial alliance with an accomplished and + lovely lady, connected by the nearest ties with the respected family at + Clavering Park. Lady Clavering and Miss Amory have arrived at the Park for + the Christmas holidays; and we understand that a large number of the + aristocracy are expected, and that festivities of a peculiarly interesting + nature will take place there at the commencement of the new year.” + </p> + <p> + The ingenious reader will be enabled, by the help of the above + announcement, to understand what has taken place during the little break + which has occurred in our narrative. Although Lady Rockminster grumbled a + little at Laura's preference for Pendennis over Bluebeard, those who are + aware of the latter's secret will understand that the young girl could + make no other choice, and the kind old lady who had constituted herself + Miss Bell's guardian was not ill pleased that she was to fulfil the great + purpose in life of young ladies and marry. She informed her maid of the + interesting event that very night, and of course Mrs. Beck, who was + perfectly aware of every single circumstance, and kept by Martha, of + Fairoaks, in the fullest knowledge of what was passing, was immensely + surprised and delighted. “Mr. Pendennis's income is so much; the railroad + will give him so much more, he states; Miss Bell has so much, and may + probably have a little more one day. For persons in their degree, they + will be able to manage very well. And I shall speak to my nephew Pynsent, + who I suspect was once rather attached to her,—but of course that + was out of the question ('Oh! of course, my lady; I should think so + indeed!')—not that you know anything whatever about it, or have any + business to think at all on the subject,—I shall speak to George + Pynsent, who is now chief secretary of the Tape and Sealing Wax Office, + and have Mr. Pendennis made something. And, Beck, in the morning you will + carry down my compliments to Major Pendennis, and say that I shall pay him + a visit at one o'clock.”—“Yes,” muttered the old lady, “the Major + must be reconciled, and he must leave his fortune to Laura's children.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, at one o'clock, the Dowager Lady Rockminster appeared at + Major Pendennis's, who was delighted, as may be imagined, to receive so + noble a visitor. The Major had been prepared, if not for the news which + her Ladyship was about to give him, at least with the intelligence that + Pen's marriage with Miss Amory was broken off. The young gentleman + bethinking him of his uncle, for the first time that day it must be owned, + and meeting his new servant in the hall of the hotel, asked after the + Major's health from Mr. Frosch; and then went into the coffee-room of the + hotel, where he wrote a half-dozen lines to acquaint his guardian with + what had occurred. “Dear uncle,” he said, “if there has been any question + between us, it is over now. I went to Tunbridge Wells yesterday, and found + that somebody else had carried off the prize about which we were + hesitating. Miss A., without any compunction for me, has bestowed herself + upon Harry Foker, with his fifteen thousand a year. I came in suddenly + upon their loves, and found and left him in possession. + </p> + <p> + “And you'll be glad to hear, Tatham writes me, that he has sold three of + my fields at Fairoaks to the Railroad Company, at a great figure. I will + tell you this, and more when we meet; and am always your affectionate,—A. + P.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I am aware of what you were about to tell me,” the Major said, + with a most courtly smile and bow to Pen's ambassadress. “It was a very + great kindness of your Ladyship to think of bringing me the news. How well + you look! How very good you are! How very kind you have always been to + that young man!” + </p> + <p> + “It was for the sake of his uncle,” said Lady Rockminster, most politely. + </p> + <p> + “He has informed me of the state of affairs, and written me a nice note,—yes, + a nice note,” continued the old gentleman; “and I find he has had an + increase to his fortune,—yes; and, all things considered, I don't + much regret that this affair with Miss Amory is manquee, though I wished + for it once, in fact, all things considered, I am very glad of it.” + </p> + <p> + “We must console him, Major Pendennis,” continued the lady; “we must get + him a wife.” The truth then came across the Major's mind, and he saw for + what purpose Lady Rockminster had chosen to assume the office of + ambassadress. + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary to enter into the conversation which ensued, or to + tell at any length how her Ladyship concluded a negotiation which, in + truth, was tolerably easy. There could be no reason why Pen should not + marry according to his own and his mother's wish; and as for Lady + Rockminster, she supported the marriage by intimations which had very + great weight with the Major, but of which we shall say nothing, as her + ladyship (now, of course, much advanced in years) is still alive, and the + family might be angry; and, in fine, the old gentleman was quite overcome + by the determined graciousness of the lady, and her fondness for Laura. + Nothing, indeed, could be more bland and kind than Lady Rockminster's + whole demeanour, except for one moment when the Major talked about his boy + throwing himself away, at which her ladyship broke out into a little + speech, in which she made the Major understand, what poor Pen and his + friends acknowledge very humbly, that Laura was a thousand times too good + for him. Laura was fit to be the wife of a king,—Laura was a paragon + of virtue and excellence. And it must be said, that when Major Pendennis + found that a lady of the rank of the Countess of Rockminster seriously + admired Miss Bell, he instantly began to admire her himself. + </p> + <p> + So that when Herr Frosch was requested to walk upstairs to Lady + Rockminster's apartments, and inform Miss Bell and Mr. Arthur Pendennis + that the Major would receive them, and Laura appeared blushing and happy + as she hung on Pen's arm, the Major gave a shaky hand to one and the + other, with unaffected emotion and cordiality, and then went through + another salutation to Laura, which caused her to blush still more. Happy + blushes! bright eyes beaming with the light of love! The story-teller + turns from this group to his young audience, and hopes that one day their + eyes may all shine so. + </p> + <p> + Pen having retreated in the most friendly manner, and the lovely Blanche + having bestowed her young affections upon a blushing bridegroom with + fifteen thousand a year, there was such an outbreak of happiness in Lady + Clavering's heart and family as the good Begum had not known for many a + year, and she and Blanche were on the most delightful terms of cordiality + and affection. The ardent Foker pressed onwards the happy day, and was as + anxious as might be expected to abridge the period of mourning which had + put him in possession of so many charms and amiable qualities, of which he + had been only, as it were, the heir-apparent, not the actual owner, until + then. The gentle Blanche, everything that her affianced lord could desire, + was not averse to gratify the wishes of her fond Henry. Lady Clavering + came up from Tunbridge. Milliners and jewellers were set to work and + engaged to prepare the delightful paraphernalia of Hymen. Lady Clavering + was in such a good humour, that Sir Francis even benefited by it, and such + a reconciliation was effected between this pair, that Sir Francis came to + London, sate at the head of his own table once more, and appeared + tolerably flush of money at his billiard-rooms and gambling-houses again. + One day, when Major Pendennis and Arthur went to dine in Grosvenor Place, + they found an old acquaintance established in the quality of major-domo, + and the gentleman in black, who, with perfect politeness and gravity, + offered them their choice of sweet or dry champagne, was no other than Mr. + James Morgan. The Chevalier Strong was one of the party; he was in high + spirits and condition, and entertained the company with accounts of his + amusements abroad. + </p> + <p> + “It was my Lady who invited me,” said Strong to Arthur, under his voice—“that + fellow Morgan looked as black as thunder when I came in. He is about no + good here. I will go away first, and wait for you and Major Pendennis at + Hyde Park Gate.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Morgan helped Major Pendennis to his great-coat when he was quitting + the house; and muttered something about having accepted a temporary + engagement with the Clavering family. + </p> + <p> + “I have got a paper of yours, Mr. Morgan,” said the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Which you can show, if you please, to Sir Francis, sir, and perfectly + welcome,” said Mr. Morgan, with downcast eyes. “I'm very much obliged to + you, Major Pendennis, and if I can pay you for all your kindness I will.” + </p> + <p> + Arthur overheard the sentence, and saw the look of hatred which + accompanied it, suddenly cried out that he had forgotten his handkerchief, + and ran upstairs to the drawing-room again. Foker was still there; still + lingering about his siren. Pen gave the siren a look full of meaning, and + we suppose that the siren understood meaning looks, for when, after + finding the veracious handkerchief of which he came in quest, he once more + went out, the siren, with a laughing voice, said, “Oh, Arthur—Mr. + Pendennis—I want you to tell dear Laura something!” and she came out + to the door. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” she asked, shutting the door. + </p> + <p> + “Have you told Harry? Do you know that villain Morgan knows all?” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Have you told Harry?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she said. “You won't betray me?” + </p> + <p> + “Morgan will,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “No, he won't,” said Blanche. “I have promised him—n'importe. Wait + until after our marriage—Oh, until after our marriage—Oh, how + wretched I am,” said the girl, who had been all smiles, and grace, and + gaiety during the evening. + </p> + <p> + Arthur said, “I beg and implore you to tell Harry. Tell him now. It is no + fault of yours. He will pardon you anything. Tell him to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “And give her this—Il est la—with my love, please; and I beg + your pardon for calling you back; and if she will be at Madame Crinoline's + at half-past three, and if Lady Rockminster can spare her, I should so + like to drive with her in the park;” and she went in, singing and kissing + her little hand, as Morgan the velvet-footed came up the carpeted stair. + </p> + <p> + Pen heard Blanche's piano breaking out into brilliant music as he went + down to join his uncle; and they walked away together. Arthur briefly told + him what he had done. “What was to be done?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “What is to be done, begad?” said the old gentleman. “What is to be done + but to leave it alone? Begad, let us be thankful,” said the old fellow, + with a shudder, “that we are out of the business, and leave it to those it + concerns.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope to Heaven she'll tell him,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “Begad, she'll take her own course,” said the old man. “Miss Amory is a + dev'lish wide-awake girl, sir, and must play her own cards; and I'm doosid + glad you are out of it—doosid glad, begad. Who's this smoking? Oh, + it's Mr. Strong again. He wants to put in his oar, I suppose. I tell you, + don't meddle in the business, Arthur.” + </p> + <p> + Strong began once or twice, as if to converse upon the subject, but the + Major would not hear a word. He remarked on the moonlight on Apsley House, + the weather, the cabstands—anything but that subject. He bowed + stiffly to Strong, and clung to his nephew's arm, as he turned down St. + James's Street, and again cautioned Pen to leave the affair alone. “It had + like to have cost you so much, sir, that you may take my advice,” he said. + </p> + <p> + When Arthur came out of the hotel, Strong's cloak and cigar were visible a + few doors off. The jolly Chevalier laughed as they met. “I'm an old + soldier, too,” he said. “I wanted to talk to you, Pendennis. I have heard + of all that has happened, and all the chops and changes that have taken + place during my absence. I congratulate you on your marriage, and I + congratulate you on your escape, too,—you understand me. It was not + my business to speak, but I know this, that a certain party is as arrant a + little—well—well, never mind what. You acted like a man and a + trump, and are well out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no reason to complain,” said Pen. “I went back to beg and entreat + poor Blanche to tell Foker all: I hope, for her sake, she will; but I fear + not. There is but one policy, Strong, there is but one.” + </p> + <p> + “And lucky he that can stick to it,” said the Chevalier. “That rascal + Morgan means mischief. He has been lurking about our chambers for the last + two months: he has found out that poor mad devil Amory's secret. He has + been trying to discover where he was: he has been pumping Mr. Bolton, and + making old Costigan drunk several times. He bribed the Inn porter to tell + him when we came back: and he has got into Clavering's service on the + strength of his information. He will get very good pay for it, mark my + words, the villain.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is Amory?” asked Pen. + </p> + <p> + “At Boulogne, I believe. I left him there, and warned him not to come + back. I have broken with him, after a desperate quarrel, such as one might + have expected with such a madman. And I'm glad to think that he is in my + debt now, and that I have been the means of keeping him out of more harms + than one.” + </p> + <p> + “He has lost all his winnings, I suppose,” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “No: he is rather better than when he went away, or was a fortnight ago. + He had extraordinary luck at Baden: broke the bank several nights, and was + the fable of the place. He lied himself there with a fellow by the name of + Bloundell, who gathered about him a society of all sorts of sharpers, male + and female, Russians, Germans, French, English. Amory got so insolent, + that I was obliged to thrash him one day within an inch of his life. I + couldn't help myself; the fellow has plenty of pluck, and I had nothing + for it but to hit out.” + </p> + <p> + “And did he call you out?” said Pen. + </p> + <p> + “You think if I had shot him I should have done nobody any harm? No, sir; + I waited for his challenge, but it never came and the next time I met him + he begged my pardon, and said, 'Strong, I beg your pardon; you whopped me + and you served me right.' I shook hands: but I couldn't live with him + after that. I paid him what I owed him the night before,” said Strong with + a blush, “I pawned everything to pay him, and then I went with my last ten + florins, and had a shy at the roulette. If I had lost, I should have let + him shoot me in the morning. I was weary of my life. By Jove, sir, isn't + it a shame that a man like me, who may have had a few bills out, but who + never deserted a friend, or did an unfair action, shouldn't be able to + turn his hand to anything to get bread? I made a good night, sir, at + roulette, and I've done with that. I'm going into the wine business. My + wife's relations live at Cadiz. I intend to bring over Spanish wine and + hams; there's a fortune to be made by it, sir,—a fortune—here's + my card. If you want any sherry or hams, recollect Ned Strong is your + man.” And the Chevalier pulled out a handsome card, stating that Strong + and Company, Shepherd's Inn, were sole agents of the celebrated Diamond + Manzanilla of the Duke of Garbanzos, Grandee of Spain of the First Class; + and of the famous Toboso hams, fed on acorns only in the country of Don + Quixote. “Come and taste 'em, sir,—come and try 'em at my chambers. + You see, I've an eye to business, and by Jove this time I'll succeed.” + </p> + <p> + Pen laughed as he took the card. “I don't know whether I shall be allowed + to go to bachelors' parties,” he said. “You know I'm going to——” + </p> + <p> + “But you must have sherry, sir. You must have sherry.” + </p> + <p> + “I will have it from you, depend on it,” said the other. “And I think you + are very well out of your other partnership. That worthy Altamont and his + daughter correspond, I hear,” Pen added after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; she wrote him the longest rigmarole letters, that I used to read: + the sly little devil; and he answered under cover to Mrs. Bonner. He was + for carrying her off the first day or two, and nothing would content him + but having back his child. But she didn't want to come, as you may fancy; + and he was not very eager about it.” Here the Chevalier burst out in a + laugh. “Why, sir, do you know what was the cause of our quarrel and boxing + match? There was a certain widow at Baden, a Madame la Baronne de la + Cruche-cassee, who was not much better than himself, and whom the + scoundrel wanted to marry; and would, but that I told her he was married + already. I don't think that she was much better than he was. I saw her on + the pier at Boulogne the day I came to England.” + </p> + <p> + And now we have brought up our narrative to the point, whither the + announcement in the Chatteris Champion had already conducted us. + </p> + <p> + It wanted but very, very few days before that blissful one when Foker + should call Blanche his own; the Clavering folks had all pressed to see + the most splendid new carriage in the whole world, which was standing in + the coach-house at the Clavering Arms; and shown, in grateful return for + drink, commonly, by Mr. Foker's head-coachman. Madame Fribsby was occupied + in making some lovely dresses for the tenants' daughters, who were to + figure as a sort of bridesmaids' chorus at the breakfast and marriage + ceremony. And immense festivities were to take place at the Park upon this + delightful occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Huxter, yes; a happy tenantry, its country's pride, will + assemble in the baronial hall, where the beards will wag all. The ox shall + be slain, and the cup they'll drain; and the bells shall peal quite + genteel; and my father-in-law, with the tear of sensibility bedewing his + eye, shall bless us at his baronial porch. That shall be the order of + proceedings, I think, Mr. Huxter; and I hope we shall see you and your + lovely bride by her husband's side; and what will you please to drink, + sir? Mrs. Lightfoot, madam, you will give to my excellent friend and + body-surgeon, Mr. Huxter, Mr. Samuel Huxter, M.R.C.S., every refreshment + that your hostel affords, and place the festive amount to my account; and + Mr. Lightfoot, sir, what will you take? though you've had enough already, + I think; yes, ha.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke Harry Foker in the bar of the Clavering Arms. He had apartments + at that hotel, and had gathered a circle of friends round him there. He + treated all to drink who came. He was hail-fellow with every man. He was + so happy! He danced round Madame Fribsby, Mrs. Lightfoot's great ally, as + she sate pensive in the bar. He consoled Mrs. Lightfoot, who had already + begun to have causes of matrimonial disquiet; for the truth must be told, + that young Lightfoot, having now the full command of the cellar, had none + over his own unbridled desires, and was tippling and tipsy from morning + till night. And a piteous sight it was for his fond wife to behold the big + youth reeling about the yard and coffee-room, or drinking with the farmers + and tradesmen his own neat wines and carefully selected stock of spirits. + </p> + <p> + When he could find time, Mr. Morgan the butler came from the Park, and + took a glass at the expense of the landlord of the Clavering Arms. He + watched poor Lightfoot's tipsy vagaries with savage sneers. Mrs. Lightfoot + felt always doubly uncomfortable when her unhappy spouse was under his + comrade's eye. But a few months married, and to think he had got to this! + Madame Fribsby could feel for her. Madame Fribsby could tell her stories + of men every bit as bad. She had had her own woes too, and her sad + experience of men. So it is that nobody seems happy altogether; and that + there's bitters, as Mr. Foker remarked, in the cup of every man's life. + And yet there did not seem to be any in his, the honest young fellow! It + was brimming over with happiness and good-humour. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Morgan was constant in his attentions to Foker. “And yet I don't like + him somehow,” said the candid young man to Mrs. Lightfoot. “He always + seems as if he was measuring me for my coffin somehow. Pa-in-law's afraid + of him; pa-in-law's, ahem! never mind, but ma-in-law's a trump, Mrs. + Lightfoot.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed my Lady was,” and Mrs. Lightfoot owned, with a sigh, that perhaps + it had been better for her had she never left her mistress. + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell,” + continued Mr. Foker; “and he wants to be taken as my head man. Blanche + wants me to take him. Why does Miss Amory like him so?” + </p> + <p> + “Did Miss Blanche like him so?” The notion seemed to disturb Mrs. + Lightfoot very much; and there came to this worthy landlady another cause + for disturbance. A letter, bearing the Boulogne postmark, was brought to + her one morning, and she and her husband were quarrelling over it as Foker + passed down the stairs by the bar, on his way to the Park. His custom was + to breakfast there, and bask a while in the presence of Armida; then, as + the company of Clavering tired him exceedingly, and he did not care for + sporting, he would return for an hour or two to billiards and the society + of the Clavering Arms; then it would be time to ride with Miss Amory, and, + after dining with her, he left her and returned modestly to his inn. + </p> + <p> + Lightfoot and his wife were quarrelling over the letter. What was that + letter from abroad? Why was she always having letters from abroad? Who + wrote 'em?—he would know. He didn't believe it was her brother. It + was no business of his? It was a business of his; and, with a curse, he + seized hold of his wife, and dashed at her pocket for the letter. + </p> + <p> + The poor woman gave a scream; and said, “Well, take it.” Just as her + husband seized on the letter, and Mr. Foker entered at the door, she gave + another scream at seeing him, and once more tried to seize the paper. + Lightfoot opened it, shaking her away, and an enclosure dropped down on + the breakfast-table. + </p> + <p> + “Hands off, man alive!” cried little Harry, springing in. “Don't lay hands + on a woman, sir. The man that lays his hand upon a woman, save in the way + of kindness, is a—hallo! it's a letter for Miss Amory. What's this, + Mrs. Lightfoot?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lightfoot began, in piteous tones of reproach to her husband,—“You + unmanly! to treat a woman so who took you off the street. Oh, you coward, + to lay your hand upon your wife! Why did I marry you? Why did I leave my + Lady for you? Why did I spend eight hundred pound in fitting up this house + that you might drink and guzzle?” + </p> + <p> + “She gets letters, and she won't tell me who writes letters,” said Mr. + Lightfoot, with a muzzy voice; “it's a family affair, sir. Will you take + anything, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I will take this letter to Miss Amory, as I am going to the Park,” said + Foker, turning very pale; and taking it up from the table, which was + arranged for the poor landlady's breakfast, he went away. + </p> + <p> + “He's comin'—dammy, who's a-comin'? Who's J. A., Mrs. Lightfoot—curse + me, who's J. A.?” cried the husband. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lightfoot cried out, “Be quiet, you tipsy brute, do,” and running to + her bonnet and shawl, threw them on, saw Mr. Foker walking down the + street, took the by-lane which skirts it, and ran as quickly as she could + to the lodge-gate, Clavering Park. Foker saw a running figure before him, + but it was lost when he got to the lodge-gate. He stopped and asked, “Who + was that who had just come in? Mrs. Bonner, was it?” He reeled almost in + his walk: the trees swam before him. He rested once or twice against the + trunks of the naked limes. + </p> + <p> + Lady Clavering was in the breakfast-room with her son, and her husband + yawning over his paper. “Good morning, Harry,” said the Begum. “Here's + letters, lots of letters; Lady Rockminster will be here on Tuesday instead + of Monday, and Arthur and the Major come to-day; and Laura is to go to Dr. + Portman's, and come to church from there: and—what's the matter, my + dear? What makes you so pale, Harry?” + </p> + <p> + “Where is Blanche!” asked Harry, in a sickening voice—“not down + yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Blanche is always the last,” said the boy, eating muffins; “she's a + regular dawdle, she is. When you're not here, she lays in bed till + lunch-time.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, Frank,” said the mother. + </p> + <p> + Blanche came down presently, looking pale, and with rather an eager look + towards Foker; then she advanced and kissed her mother, and had a face + beaming with her very best smiles on when she greeted Harry. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, sir?” she said, and put out both her hands. + </p> + <p> + “I'm ill,” answered Harry. “I—I've brought a letter for you, + Blanche.” + </p> + <p> + “A letter, and from whom is it, pray? Voyons,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know—I should like to know,” said Foker. + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell until I see it?” asked Blanche. + </p> + <p> + “Has Mrs. Bonner not told you?” he said, with a shaking voice;—“there's + some secret. You give her the letter, Lady Clavering.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Clavering, wondering, took the letter from poor Foker's shaking hand, + and looked at the superscription. As she looked at it, she too began to + shake in every limb, and with a scared face she dropped the letter, and + running up to Frank, clutched the boy to her, and burst out with a sob—“Take + that away—it's impossible, it's impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” cried Blanche, with rather a ghastly smile; “the + letter is only from—from a poor pensioner and relative of ours.” + </p> + <p> + “It's not true, it's not true,” screamed Lady Clavering. “No, my Frank—is + it, Clavering?” + </p> + <p> + Blanche had taken up the letter, and was moving with it towards the fire, + but Foker ran to her and clutched her arm—“I must see that letter,” + he said; “give it me. You shan't burn it.” + </p> + <p> + “You—you shall not treat Miss Amory so in my house,” cried the + Baronet; “give back the letter, by Jove!” + </p> + <p> + “Read it—and look at her,” Blanche cried, pointing to her mother; + “it—it was for her I kept the secret! Read it, cruel man!” + </p> + <p> + And Foker opened and read the letter:— + </p> + <p> + “I have not wrote, my darling Betsy, this three weeks; but this is to give + her a father's blessing, and I shall come down pretty soon as quick as my + note, and intend to see the ceremony, and my son-in-law. I shall put up at + Bonner's. I have had a pleasant autumn, and am staying here at an hotel + where there is good company, and which is kep' in good style. I don't know + whether I quite approve of your throwing over Mr. P. for Mr. F., and don't + think Foker's such a pretty name, and from your account of him he seems a + muff, and not a beauty. But he has got the rowdy, which is the thing. So + no more, my dear little Betsy, till we meet, from your affectionate + father, J. Amory Altamont.” + </p> + <p> + “Read it, Lady Clavering; it is too late to keep it from you now,” said + poor Foker; and the distracted woman, having cast her eyes over it, again + broke out into hysterical screams, and convulsively grasped her son. + </p> + <p> + “They have made an outcast of you, my boy,” she said. “They've dishonoured + your old mother; but I'm innocent, Frank; before God, I'm innocent. I + didn't know this, Mr. Foker; indeed, indeed, I didn't.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure you didn't,” said Foker, going up and kissing her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Generous, generous Harry!” cried out Blanche, in an ecstasy. But he + withdrew his hand, which was upon her side, and turned from her with a + quivering lip. “That's different,” he says. + </p> + <p> + “It was for her sake—for her sake, Harry.” Again Miss Amory is in an + attitude. + </p> + <p> + “There was something to be done for mine,” said Foker. “I would have taken + you, whatever you were. Everything's talked about in London. I knew that + your father had come to—to grief. You don't think it was—it + was for your connexion I married you? D—— it all! I've loved + you with all my heart and soul for two years, and you've been playing with + me, and cheating me,” broke out the young man, with a cry. “Oh, Blanche, + Blanche, it's a hard thing, a hard thing!” and he covered his face with + his hands, and sobbed behind them. + </p> + <p> + Blanche thought, “Why didn't I tell him that night when Arthur warned me?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't refuse her, Harry,” cried out Lady Clavering. “Take her, take + everything I have. It's all hers, you know, at my death. This boy's + disinherited.”—(Master Frank, who had been looking as scared at the + strange scene, here burst into a loud cry.) “Take every shilling. Give me + just enough to live, and to go and hide my head with this child, and to + fly from both. Oh, they've both been bad, bad men. Perhaps he's here now. + Don't let me see him. Clavering, you coward, defend me from him.” + </p> + <p> + Clavering started up at this proposal. “You ain't serious, Jemima? You + don't mean that?” he said. “You won't throw me and Frank over? I didn't + know it, so help me ——. Foker, I'd no more idea of it than the + dead—until the fellow came and found me out, the d——d + escaped convict scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + “The what?” said Foker. Blanche gave a scream. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” screamed out the Baronet in his turn, “yes, a d——d + runaway convict—a fellow that forged his father-in-law's name—a + d——d attorney, and killed a fellow in Botany Bay, hang him—and + ran into the Bush, curse him; I wish he'd died there. And he came to me, a + good six years ago, and robbed me; and I've been ruining myself to keep + him, the infernal scoundrel! And Pendennis knows it, and Strong knows it, + and that d——d Morgan knows it, and she knows it, ever so long; + and I never would tell it, never: and I kept it from my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “And you saw him, and you didn't kill him, Clavering, you coward?” said + the wife of Amory. “Come away, Frank; your father's a coward. I am + dishonoured, but I'm your old mother, and you'll—you'll love me, + won't you?” + </p> + <p> + Blanche, eploree, went up to her mother; but Lady Clavering shrank from + her with a sort of terror. “Don't touch me,” she said; “you've no heart; + you never had. I see all now. I see why that coward was going to give up + his place in Parliament to Arthur; yes, that coward! and why you + threatened that you would make me give you half Frank's fortune. And when + Arthur offered to marry you without a shilling, because he wouldn't rob my + boy, you left him, and you took poor Harry. Have nothing to do with her, + Harry. You're good, you are. Don't marry that—that convict's + daughter. Come away, Frank, my darling; come to your poor old mother. + We'll hide ourselves; but we're honest, yes, we are honest.” + </p> + <p> + All this while a strange feeling of exultation had taken possession of + Blanche's mind. That month with poor Harry had been a weary month to her. + All his fortune and splendour scarcely sufficed to make the idea of + himself supportable. She was wearied of his simple ways, and sick of + coaxing and cajoling him. + </p> + <p> + “Stay, mamma; stay, madam!” she cried out, with a gesture which was always + appropriate, though rather theatrical; “I have no heart, have I? I keep + the secret of my mother's shame. I give up my rights to my half-brother + and my bastard brother, yes, my rights and my fortune. I don't betray my + father, and for this I have no heart. I'll have my rights now, and the + laws of my country shall give them to me. I appeal to my country's laws—yes, + my country's laws! The persecuted one returns this day. I desire to go to + my father.” And the little lady swept round her hand, and thought that she + was a heroine. + </p> + <p> + “You will, will you?” cried out Clavering, with one of his usual oaths. + “I'm a magistrate, and dammy, I'll commit him. Here's a chaise coming; + perhaps it's him. Let him come.” + </p> + <p> + A chaise was indeed coming up the avenue; and the two women shrieked each + their loudest, expecting at that moment to see Altamont arrive. + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and Mr. Morgan announced Major Pendennis and Mr. + Pendennis, who entered, and found all parties engaged in this fierce + quarrel. A large screen fenced the breakfast-room from the hall; and it is + probable that, according to his custom, Mr. Morgan had taken advantage of + the screen to make himself acquainted with all that occurred. + </p> + <p> + It had been arranged on the previous day that the young people should + ride; and at the appointed hour in the afternoon, Mr. Foker's horses + arrived from the Clavering Arms. But Miss Blanche did not accompany him on + this occasion. Pen came out and shook hands with him on the door-steps; + and Harry Foker rode away, followed by his groom in mourning. The whole + transactions which have occupied the most active part of our history were + debated by the parties concerned during those two or three hours. Many + counsels had been given, stories told, and compromises suggested; and at + the end, Harry Foker rode away, with a sad “God bless you!” from Pen. + There was a dreary dinner at Clavering Park, at which the lately installed + butler did not attend; and the ladies were both absent. After dinner, Pen + said, “I will walk down to Clavering and see if he is come.” And he walked + through the dark avenue, across the bridge and road by his own cottage,—the + once quiet and familiar fields of which were flaming with the kilns and + forges of the artificers employed on the new railroad works; and so he + entered the town, and made for the Clavering Arms. + </p> + <p> + It was past midnight when he returned to Clavering Park. He was + exceedingly pale and agitated. “Is Lady Clavering up yet?” he asked. Yes, + she was in her own sitting-room. He went up to her, and there found the + poor lady in a piteous state of tears and agitation. + </p> + <p> + “It is I,—Arthur,” he said, looking in; and entering, he took her + hand very affectionately and kissed it. “You were always the kindest of + friends to me, dear Lady Clavering,” he said. “I love you very much. I + have got some news for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't call me by that name,” she said, pressing his hand. “You were + always a good boy, Arthur; and it's kind of you to come now,—very + kind. You sometimes look very like your ma, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear good Lady Clavering,” Arthur repeated, with particular emphasis, + “something very strange has happened.” + </p> + <p> + “Has anything happened to him?” gasped Lady Clavering. “Oh, it's horrid to + think I should be glad of it—horrid!” + </p> + <p> + “He is well. He has been and is gone, my dear lady. Don't alarm yourself;—he + is gone, and you are Lady Clavering still.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it true? what he sometimes said to me,” she screamed out,—“that + he——” + </p> + <p> + “He was married before he married you,” said Pen. “He has confessed it + to-night. He will never come back.” There came another shriek from Lady + Clavering, as she flung her arms round Pen, and kissed him, and burst into + tears on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + What Pen had to tell, through a multiplicity of sobs and interruptions, + must be compressed briefly, for behold our prescribed limit is reached, + and our tale is coming to its end. With the Branch Coach from the + railroad, which had succeeded the old Alacrity and Perseverance, Amory + arrived, and was set down at the Clavering Arms. He ordered his dinner at + the place under his assumed name of Altamont; and, being of a jovial turn, + he welcomed the landlord, who was nothing loth, to a share of his wine. + Having extracted from Mr. Lightfoot all the news regarding the family at + the Park, and found, from examining his host, that Mrs. Lightfoot, as she + said, had kept his counsel, he called for more wine of Mr. Lightfoot; and + at the end of this symposium, both, being greatly excited, went into Mrs. + Lightfoot's bar. + </p> + <p> + She was there taking tea with her friend, Madame Fribsby; and Lightfoot + was by this time in such a happy state as not to be surprised at anything + which might occur, so that, when Altamont shook hands with Mrs. Lightfoot + as an old acquaintance, the recognition did not appear to him to be in the + least strange, but only a reasonable cause for further drinking. The + gentlemen partook then of brandy-and-water, which they offered to the + ladies, not heeding the terrified looks of one or the other. + </p> + <p> + Whilst they were so engaged, at about six o'clock in the evening, Mr. + Morgan, Sir Francis Clavering's new man, came in, and was requested to + drink. He selected his favourite beverage, and the parties engaged in + general conversation. + </p> + <p> + After a while Mr. Lightfoot began to doze. Mr. Morgan had repeatedly given + hints to Mrs. Fribsby to quit the premises; but that lady, strangely + fascinated, and terrified it would seem, or persuaded by Mrs. Lightfoot + not to go, kept her place. Her persistence occasioned much annoyance to + Mr. Morgan, who vented his displeasure in such language as gave pain to + Mrs. Lightfoot, and caused Mr. Altamont to say, that he was a rum + customer, and not polite to the sex. + </p> + <p> + The altercation between the two gentlemen became very painful to the + women, especially to Mrs. Lightfoot, who did everything to soothe Mr. + Morgan; and, under pretence of giving a pipe-light to the stranger, she + handed him a paper on which she had privily written the words, “He knows + you. Go.” There may have been something suspicious in her manner of + handing, or in her guest's of reading, the paper; for when he got up a + short time afterwards, and said he would go to bed, Morgan rose too, with + a laugh, and said it was too early to go to bed. + </p> + <p> + The stranger then said he would go to his bedroom. Morgan said he would + show him the way. + </p> + <p> + At this the guest said, “Come up. I've got a brace of pistols up there to + blow out the brains of any traitor or skulking spy,” and glared so + fiercely upon Morgan, that the latter, seizing hold of Lightfoot by the + collar, and waking him, said, “John Amory, I arrest you in the Queen's + name. Stand by me, Lightfoot. This capture is worth a thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + He put forward his hand as if to seize his prisoner, but the other, + doubling his fist, gave Morgan with his left hand so fierce a blow on the + chest, that it knocked him back behind Mr. Lightfoot. That gentleman, who + was athletic and courageous, said he would knock his guest's head off, and + prepared to do so, as the stranger, tearing off his coat, and cursing both + of his opponents, roared to them to come on. + </p> + <p> + But with a piercing scream Mrs. Lightfoot flung herself before her + husband, whilst with another and louder shriek Madame Fribsby ran to the + stranger, and calling out “Armstrong, Johnny Armstrong!” seized hold of + his naked arm, on which a blue tattooing of a heart and M. F. were + visible. + </p> + <p> + The ejaculation of Madame Fribsby seemed to astound and sober the + stranger. He looked down upon her, and cried out, “it's Polly, by Jove.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Fribsby continued to exclaim, “This is not Amory. This is Johnny + Armstrong, my wicked—wicked husband, married to me in St. Martin's + Church, mate on board an Indiaman, and he left me two months after, the + wicked wretch. This is John Armstrong—here's the mark on his arm + which he made for me.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger said, “I am John Armstrong, sure enough, Polly. I'm John + Armstrong, Amory, Altamont—and let 'em all come on, and try what + they can do against a British sailor. Hurray, who's for it?” + </p> + <p> + Morgan still called out, “Arrest him!” But Mrs. Lightfoot said, “Arrest + him! arrest you, you mean spy! What! stop the marriage and ruin my lady, + and take away the Clavering Arms from us?” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say he'd take away the Clavering Arms from us?” asked Mr. + Lightfoot, turning round. “Hang him, I'll throttle him.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep him, darling, till the coach passes to the up train. It'll be here + now directly.” + </p> + <p> + “D—— him, I'll choke him if he stirs,” said Lightfoot. And so + they kept Morgan until the coach came, and Mr. Amory or Armstrong went + away back to London. + </p> + <p> + Morgan had followed him: but of this event Arthur Pendennis did not inform + Lady Clavering, and left her invoking blessings upon him at her son's + door, going to kiss him as he was asleep. It had been a busy day. + </p> + <p> + We have to chronicle the events of but one day more, and that was a day + when Mr. Arthur, attired in a new hat, a new blue frock-coat and blue + handkerchief, in a new fancy waistcoat, new boots, and new shirt-studs + (presented by the Right Honourable the Countess Dowager of Rockminster), + made his appearance at a solitary breakfast-table, in Clavering Park, + where he could scarce eat a single morsel of food. Two letters were laid + by his worship's plate; and he chose to open the first, which was in a + round clerk-like hand, in preference to the second more familiar + superscription. + </p> + <p> + Note 1 ran as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Garbanzos Wine Company, Shepherd's Inn.—Monday. + </p> + <p> + “My Dear Pendennis,—In congratulating you heartily upon the event + which is to make you happy for life, I send my very kindest remembrances + to Mrs. Pendennis, whom I hope to know even longer than I have already + known her. And when I call her attention to the fact, that one of the most + necessary articles to her husband's comfort is pure sherry, I know I shall + have her for a customer for your worship's sake. + </p> + <p> + “But I have to speak to you of other than my own concerns. Yesterday + afternoon, a certain J. A. arrived at my chambers from Clavering, which he + had left under circumstances of which you are doubtless now aware. In + spite of our difference, I could not but give him food and shelter (and he + partook freely both of the Garbanzos Amontillado and the Toboso ham), and + he told me what had happened to him, and many other surprising adventures. + The rascal married at sixteen, and has repeatedly since performed that + ceremony—in Sydney, in New Zealand, in South America, in Newcastle, + he says, first, before he knew our poor friend the milliner. He is a + perfect Don Juan. + </p> + <p> + “And it seemed as if the commendatore had at last overtaken him, for, as + we were at our meal, there came three heavy knocks at my outer door, which + made our friend start. I have sustained a siege or two here, and went to + my usual place to reconnoitre. Thank my stars I have not a bill out in the + world, and besides, those gentry do not come in that way. I found that it + was your uncle's late valet, Morgan, and a policeman (I think a sham + policeman), and they said they had a warrant to take the person of John + Armstrong, alias Amory, alias Altamont, a runaway convict, and threatened + to break in the oak. + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir, in my own days of captivity I had discovered a little passage + along the gutter into Bows and Costigan's window, and I sent Jack Alias + along this covered way, not without terror of his life, for it had grown + very cranky; and then, after a parley, let in Mons. Morgan and friend. + </p> + <p> + “The rascal had been instructed about that covered way, for he made for + the room instantly, telling the policeman to go downstairs and keep the + gate; and he charged up my little staircase as if he had known the + premises. As he was going out of the window we heard a voice that you + know, from Bows's garret, saying, 'Who are ye, and hwhat the divvle are ye + at? You'd betther leave the gutther; bedad there's a man killed himself + already.' + </p> + <p> + “And as Morgan, crossing over and looking into the darkness, was trying to + see whether this awful news was true, he took a broomstick, and with a + vigorous dash broke down the pipe of communication—and told me this + morning, with great glee, that he was reminded of that 'aisy sthratagem by + remembering his dorling Emilie, when she acted the pawrt of Cora in the + Plee—and by the bridge in Pezawro, bedad.' I wish that scoundrel + Morgan had been on the bridge when the General tried his 'sthratagem.' + </p> + <p> + “If I hear more of Jack Alias I will tell you. He has got plenty of money + still, and I wanted him to send some to our poor friend the milliner; but + the scoundrel laughed, and said he had no more than he wanted, but offered + to give anybody a lock of his hair. Farewell—be happy! and believe + me always truly yours, E. Strong.” + </p> + <p> + “And now for the other letter,” said Pen. “Dear old fellow!” and he kissed + the seal before he broke it. + </p> + <p> + “Warrington, Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + “I must not let the day pass over without saying a God bless you, to both + of you. May Heaven make you happy, dear Arthur, and dear Laura. I think, + Pen, that you have the best wife in the world; and pray that, as such, you + will cherish her and tend her. The chambers will be lonely without you, + dear Pen; but if I am tired, I shall have a new home to go to in the house + of my brother and sister. I am practising in the nursery here, in order to + prepare for the part of Uncle George. Farewell! make your wedding tour, + and come back to your affectionate G. W.” + </p> + <p> + Pendennis and his wife read this letter together after Doctor Portman's + breakfast was over, and the guests were gone; and when the carriage was + waiting amidst the crowd at the Doctor's outer gate. But the wicket led + into the churchyard of St. Mary's, where the bells were pealing with all + their might, and it was here, over Helen's green grass, that Arthur showed + his wife George's letter. For which of those two—for grief was it or + for happiness, that Laura's tears abundantly fell on the paper? And once + more, in the presence of the sacred dust, she kissed and blessed her + Arthur. + </p> + <p> + There was only one marriage on that day at Clavering Church; for in spite + of Blanche's sacrifices for her dearest mother, honest Harry Foker could + not pardon the woman who had deceived her husband, and justly argued that + she would deceive him again. He went to the Pyramids and Syria, and there + left his malady behind him, and returned with a fine beard, and a supply + of tarbooshes and nargillies, with which he regales all his friends. He + lives splendidly, and, through Pen's mediation, gets his wine from the + celebrated vintages of the Duke of Garbanzos. + </p> + <p> + As for poor Cos, his fate has been mentioned in an early part of this + story. No very glorious end could be expected to such a career. Morgan is + one of the most respectable men in the parish of St. James's, and in the + present political movement has pronounced himself like a man and a Briton. + And Bows,—on the demise of Mr. Piper, who played the organ at + Clavering, little Mrs. Sam Hunter, who has the entire command of Doctor + Portman, brought Bows down from London to contest the organ-loft, and her + candidate carried the chair. When Sir Francis Clavering quitted this + worthless life, the same little indefatigable canvasser took the borough + by storm, and it is now represented by Arthur Pendennis, Esq. Blanche + Amory, it is well known, married at Paris, and the saloons of Madame la + Comtesse de Montmorenci de Valentinois were amongst the most suivis of + that capital. The duel between the Count and the young and fiery + Representative of the Mountain, Alcide de Mirobo, arose solely from the + latter questioning at the Club the titles borne by the former nobleman. + Madame de Montmorenci de Valentinois travelled after the adventure: and + Bungay bought her poems, and published them, with the Countess's coronet + emblazoned on the Countess's work. + </p> + <p> + Major Pendennis became very serious in his last days, and was never so + happy as when Laura was reading to him with her sweet voice, or listening + to his stories. For this sweet lady is the friend of the young and the + old: and her life is always passed in making other lives happy. + </p> + <p> + “And what sort of a husband would this Pendennis be?” many a reader will + ask, doubting the happiness of such a marriage and the fortune of Laura. + The querists, if they meet her, are referred to that lady herself, who, + seeing his faults and wayward moods—seeing and owning that there are + men better than he—loves him always with the most constant + affection. His children or their mother have never heard a harsh word from + him; and when his fits of moodiness and solitude are over, welcome him + back with a never-failing regard and confidence. His friend is his friend + still,—entirely heart-whole. That malady is never fatal to a sound + organ. And George goes through his part of godpapa perfectly, and lives + alone. If Mr. Pen's works have procured him more reputation than has been + acquired by his abler friend, whom no one knows, George lives contented + without the fame. If the best men do not draw the great prizes in life, we + know it has been so settled by the Ordainer of the lottery. We own, and + see daily, how the false and worthless live and prosper, while the good + are called away, and the dear and young perish untimely,—we perceive + in every man's life the maimed happiness, the frequent falling, the + bootless endeavour, the struggle of Right and Wrong, in which the strong + often succumb and the swift fail: we see flowers of good blooming in foul + places, as, in the most lofty and splendid fortunes, flaws of vice and + meanness, and stains of evil; and, knowing how mean the best of us is, let + us give a hand of charity to Arthur Pendennis, with all his faults and + shortcomings, who does not claim to be a hero, but only a man and a + brother. + </p> + <p> + THE END <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of Pendennis, by +William Makepeace Thackeray + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF PENDENNIS *** + +***** This file should be named 7265-h.htm or 7265-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/2/6/7265/ + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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