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diff --git a/old/files/relative.htm b/old/files/relative.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..66a1738 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/relative.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22216 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Charles O'malley, Vol. 2 by Charles Lever. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + 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%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + 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: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h1> + CHARLES O'MALLEY + </h1> + <h3> + The Irish Dragoon + </h3> + <h2> + BY CHARLES LEVER. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume +2 (of 2), by Charles Lever + +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.net + + +Title: Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume 2 (of 2) + +Author: Charles Lever + +Release Date: August 14, 2004 [EBook #8674] +Last Updated: November 6, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLES O'MALLEY, II. *** + + + + +Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team. Illustrated +HTML by David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + CHARLES O'MALLEY + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + The Irish Dragoon + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + BY CHARLES LEVER. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY PHIZ. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + IN TWO VOLUMES. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + VOL. II. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0001.jpg" alt="Exorcising a Spirit. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> CHARLES O'MALLEY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_CONC"> CONCLUSION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> L'ENVOI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Exorcising a Spirit. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> A Flying Shot. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> O'malley Following the Custom of his Country. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Mr. Free Turned Spaniard. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Charley Trying a Charger. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Going out to Dinner. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> Disadvantage of Breakfasting over a + Duelling-party. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> The Tables Turned. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> Mr. Free Pipes While his Friends Pipe-clay. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> A Hunting Turn-out in the Peninsula. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> Mike Capturing the Trumpeter. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> Captain Mickey Free Relating his Heroic + Deeds. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> Baby Blake. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> Mickey Astonishes the Natives. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> The Gentlemen Who Never Sleep. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> Death of Hammersley. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> The Welcome Home. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHARLES O'MALLEY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE IRISH DRAGOON. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + THE DOCTOR'S TALE.[1] + </p> + <p> + "It is now some fifteen years since—if it wasn't for O'Shaughnessy's + wrinkles, I could not believe it five—we were quartered in Loughrea. + There were, besides our regiment, the Fiftieth and the Seventy-third, and + a troop or two of horse artillery, and the whole town was literally a + barrack, and as you may suppose, the pleasantest place imaginable. All the + young ladies, and indeed all those that had got their brevet some years + before, came flocking into the town, not knowing but the Devil might + persuade a raw ensign or so to marry some of them. + </p> + <p> + "Such dinner parties, such routs and balls, never were heard of west of + Athlone. The gayeties were incessant; and if good feeding, plenty of + claret, short whist, country dances, and kissing could have done the + thing, there wouldn't have been a bachelor with a red coat for six miles + around. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + 1 [ I cannot permit the reader to fall into the same blunder, with + regard to the worthy "Maurice," as my friend Charles O'Malley has done. + It is only fair to state that the doctor in the following tale was + hoaxing the "dragoon." A braver and a better fellow than Quill never + existed, equally beloved by his brother officers, as delighted in for + his convivial talents. His favorite amusement was to invent some story + or adventure in which, mixing up his own name with that of some friend + or companion, the veracity of the whole was never questioned. Of this + nature was the pedigree he devised in the last chapter of Vol. I. to + impose upon O'Malley, who believed implicitly all he told him.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "You know the west, O'Mealey, so I needn't tell you what the Galway girls + are like: fine, hearty, free-and-easy, talking, laughing devils, but as + deep and 'cute as a Master in Chancery; ready for any fun or merriment, + but always keeping a sly look-out for a proposal or a tender + acknowledgment, which—what between the heat of a ball-room, whiskey + negus, white satin shoes, and a quarrel with your guardian—it's ten + to one you fall into before you're a week in the same town with them. + </p> + <p> + "As for the men, I don't admire them so much: pleasant and cheerful enough + when they're handicapping the coat off your back, and your new tilbury for + a spavined pony and a cotton umbrella, but regular devils if you come to + cross them the least in life; nothing but ten paces, three shots apiece, + to begin and end with something like Roger de Coverley, when every one has + a pull at his neighbor. I'm not saying they're not agreeable, + well-informed, and mild in their habits; but they lean overmuch to + corduroys and coroners' inquests for one's taste farther south. However, + they're a fine people, take them all in all; and if they were not + interfered with, and their national customs invaded with road-making, + petty-sessions, grand-jury laws, and a stray commission now and then, they + are capable of great things, and would astonish the world. + </p> + <p> + "But as I was saying, we were ordered to Loughrea after being fifteen + months in detachments about Birr, Tullamore, Kilbeggan, and all that + country; the change was indeed a delightful one, and we soon found + ourselves the centre of the most marked and determined civilities. I told + you they were wise people in the west; this was their calculation: the + line—ours was the Roscommon militia—are here to-day, there + to-morrow; they may be flirting in Tralee this week, and fighting on the + Tagus the next; not that there was any fighting there in those times, but + then there was always Nova Scotia and St. John's, and a hundred other + places that a Galway young lady knew nothing about, except that people + never came back from them. Now, what good, what use was there in falling + in love with them? Mere transitory and passing pleasure that was. But as + for us: there we were; if not in Kilkenny we were in Cork. Safe out and + come again; no getting away under pretence of foreign service; no excuse + for not marrying by any cruel pictures of the colonies, where they make + spatch-cocks of the officers' wives and scrape their infant families to + death with a small tooth-comb. In a word, my dear O'Mealey, we were at a + high premium; and even O'Shaughnessy, with his red head and the legs you + see, had his admirers. There now, don't be angry, Dan; the men, at least, + were mighty partial to you. + </p> + <p> + "Loughrea, if it was a pleasant, was a very expensive place. White gloves + and car hire,—there wasn't a chaise in the town,—short whist, + too (God forgive me if I wrong them, but I wonder were they honest), cost + money; and as our popularity rose, our purses fell; till at length, when + the one was at the flood, the other was something very like low water. + </p> + <p> + "Now, the Roscommon was a beautiful corps; no petty jealousies, no little + squabbling among the officers, no small spleen between the major's wife + and the paymaster's sister,—all was amiable, kind, brotherly, and + affectionate. To proceed, I need only mention one fine trait of them,—no + man ever refused to indorse a brother officer's bill. To think of asking + the amount or even the date would be taken personally; and thus we went on + mutually aiding and assisting each other,—the colonel drawing on me, + I on the major, the senior captain on the surgeon, and so on, a regular + cross-fire of 'promises to pay,' all stamped and regular. + </p> + <p> + "Not but the system had its inconveniences; for sometimes an obstinate + tailor or bootmaker would make a row for his money, and then we'd be + obliged to get up a little quarrel between the drawer and the acceptor of + the bill; they couldn't speak for some days, and a mutual friend to both + would tell the creditor that the slightest imprudence on his part would + lead to bloodshed; 'and the Lord help him! if there was a duel, he'd be + proved the whole cause of it.' This and twenty other plans were employed; + and finally, the matter would be left to arbitration among our brother + officers, and I need not say, they behaved like trumps. But + notwithstanding all this, we were frequently hard pressed for cash; as the + colonel said, 'It's a mighty expensive corps.' Our dress was costly; not + that it had much lace and gold on it, but that, what between falling on + the road at night, shindies at mess, and other devilment, a coat lasted no + time. Wine, too, was heavy on us; for though we often changed our wine + merchant, and rarely paid him, there was an awful consumption at the mess! + </p> + <p> + "Now, what I have mentioned may prepare you for the fact that before we + were eight weeks in garrison, Shaugh and myself, upon an accurate + calculation of our conjoint finances, discovered that except some vague + promises of discounting here and there through the town, and seven and + fourpence in specie, we were innocent of any pecuniary treasures. This was + embarrassing; we had both embarked in several small schemes of pleasurable + amusement, had a couple of hunters each, a tandem, and a running account—I + think it <i>galloped</i>—at every shop in the town. + </p> + <p> + "Let me pause for a moment here, O'Mealey, while I moralize a little in a + strain I hope may benefit you. Have you ever considered—of course + you have not, you're too young and unreflecting—how beautifully + every climate and every soil possesses some one antidote or another to its + own noxious influences? The tropics have their succulent and juicy fruits, + cooling and refreshing; the northern latitudes have their beasts with fur + and warm skin to keep out the frost-bites; and so it is in Ireland. + Nowhere on the face of the habitable globe does a man contract such habits + of small debt, and nowhere, I'll be sworn, can he so easily get out of any + scrape concerning them. They have their tigers in the east, their + antelopes in the south, their white bears in Norway, their buffaloes in + America; but we have an animal in Ireland that beats them all hollow,—a + country attorney! + </p> + <p> + "Now, let me introduce you to Mr. Matthew Donevan. Mat, as he was + familiarly called by his numerous acquaintances, was a short, florid, rosy + little gentleman of some four or five-and-forty, with a well-curled wig of + the fairest imaginable auburn, the gentle wave of the front locks, which + played in infantine loveliness upon his little bullet forehead, + contrasting strongly enough with a cunning leer of his eye, and a certain + <i>nisi prius</i> laugh that however it might please a client, rarely + brought pleasurable feelings to his opponent in a cause. + </p> + <p> + "Mat was a character in his way; deep, double, and tricky in everything + that concerned his profession, he affected the gay fellow,—liked a + jolly dinner at Brown's Hotel, would go twenty miles to see a + steeple-chase and a coursing match, bet with any one when the odds were + strong in his favor, with an easy indifference about money that made him + seem, when winning, rather the victim of good luck than anything else. As + he kept a rather pleasant bachelor's house, and liked the military much, + we soon became acquainted. Upon him, therefore, for reasons I can't + explain, both our hopes reposed; and Shaugh and myself at once agreed that + if Mat could not assist us in our distresses, the case was a bad one. + </p> + <p> + "A pretty little epistle was accordingly concocted, inviting the worthy + attorney to a small dinner at five o'clock the next day, intimating that + we were to be perfectly alone, and had a little business to discuss. True + to the hour, Mat was there; and as if instantly guessing that ours was no + regular party of pleasure, his look, dress, and manner were all in keeping + with the occasion,—quiet, subdued, and searching. + </p> + <p> + "When the claret had been superseded by the whiskey, and the confidential + hours were approaching, by an adroit allusion to some heavy wager then + pending, we brought our finances upon the <i>tapis</i>. The thing was done + beautifully,—an easy <i>adagio</i> movement, no violent transition; + but hang me if old Mat didn't catch the matter at once. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, it's there ye are, Captain!' said he, with his peculiar grin. + 'Two-and-sixpence in the pound, and no assets.' + </p> + <p> + "'The last is nearer the mark, my old boy,' said Shaugh, blurting out the + whole truth at once. The wily attorney finished his tumbler slowly, as if + giving himself time for reflection, and then, smacking his lips in a + preparatory manner, took a quick survey of the room with his piercing + green eye. + </p> + <p> + "'A very sweet mare of yours that little mouse-colored one is, with the + dip in the back; and she has a trifling curb—may be it's a spavin, + indeed—in the near hind-leg. You gave five-and-twenty for her, now, + I'll be bound?' + </p> + <p> + "'Sixty guineas, as sure as my name's Dan,' said Shaugh, not at all + pleased at the value put upon his hackney; 'and as to spavin and curb, + I'll wager double the sum she has neither the slightest trace of one nor + the other.' + </p> + <p> + "'I'll not take the bet,' said Mat, dryly. 'Money's scarce in these + parts.' + </p> + <p> + "This hit silenced us both; and our friend continued,— + </p> + <p> + "'Then there's the bay horse,—a great strapping, leggy beast he is + for a tilbury; and the hunters, worth nothing here; they don't know this + country. Them's neat pistols; and the tilbury is not bad—' + </p> + <p> + "'Confound you!' said I, losing all patience; 'we didn't ask you here to + appraise our movables. We want to raise the wind without that.' + </p> + <p> + "'I see, I perceive,' said Mat, taking a pinch of snuff very leisurely as + he spoke,—'I see. Well, that is difficult, very difficult just now. + I've mortgaged every acre of ground in the two counties near us, and a + sixpence more is not to be had that way. Are you lucky at the races?' + </p> + <p> + "'Never win a sixpence.' + </p> + <p> + "'What can you do at whist?' + </p> + <p> + "'Revoke, and get cursed by my partner; devil a more!' + </p> + <p> + "'That's mighty bad, for otherwise, we might arrange something for you. + Well, I only see one thing for it; you must marry. A wife with some money + will get you out of your present difficulties; and we'll manage that + easily enough.' + </p> + <p> + "'Come, Dan,' said I, for Shaugh was dropping asleep; 'cheer up, old + fellow. Donevan has found the way to pull us through our misfortunes. A + girl with forty thousand pounds, the best cock shooting in Ireland, an old + family, a capital cellar, all await ye,—rouse up, there!' + </p> + <p> + "'I'm convanient,' said Shaugh, with a look intended to be knowing, but + really very tipsy. + </p> + <p> + "'I didn't say much for her personal attractions, Captain,' said Mat; + 'nor, indeed, did I specify the exact sum; but Mrs. Rogers Dooley, of + Clonakilty, might be a princess—' + </p> + <p> + "'And so she shall be, Mat; the O'Shaughnessys were Kings of Ennis in the + time of Nero and I'm only waiting for a trifle of money to revive the + title. What's her name?' + </p> + <p> + "'Mrs. Rogers Dooley.' + </p> + <p> + "'Here's her health, and long life to her,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'And may the Devil cut the toes + Of all her foes, + That we may know them by their limping.' +</pre> + <p> + "This benevolent wish uttered, Dan fell flat upon the hearth-rug, and was + soon sound asleep. I must hasten on; so need only say that, before we + parted that night, Mat and myself had finished the half-gallon bottle of + Loughrea whiskey, and concluded a treaty for the hand and fortune of Mrs. + Rogers Dooley. He being guaranteed a very handsome percentage on the + property, and the lady being reserved for choice between Dan and myself, + which, however, I was determined should fall upon my more fortunate + friend. + </p> + <p> + "The first object which presented itself to my aching senses the following + morning was a very spacious card of invitation from Mr. Jonas Malone, + requesting me to favor him with the seductions of my society the next + evening to a ball; at the bottom of which, in Mr. Donevan's hand, I read,— + </p> + <p> + "'Don't fail; you know who is to be there. I've not been idle since I saw + you. Would the captain take twenty-five for the mare?' + </p> + <p> + "'So far so good,' thought I, as entering O'Shaughnessy's quarters, I + discovered him endeavoring to spell out his card, which, however, had no + postscript. We soon agreed that Mat should have his price; so sending a + polite answer to the invitation, we despatched a still more civil note to + the attorney, and begged of him, as a weak mark of esteem, to accept the + mouse-colored mare as a present." + </p> + <p> + Here O'Shaughnessy sighed deeply, and even seemed affected by the + souvenir. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Dan, we did it all for the best. Oh, O'Mealey, he was a cunning + fellow; but no matter. We went to the ball, and to be sure, it was a great + sight. Two hundred and fifty souls, where there was not good room for the + odd fifty; such laughing, such squeezing, such pressing of hands and + waists in the staircase, and then such a row and riot at the top,—four + fiddles, a key bugle, and a bagpipe, playing 'Haste to the wedding,' + amidst the crash of refreshment-trays, the tramp of feet, and the sounds + of merriment on all sides! + </p> + <p> + "It's only in Ireland, after all, people have fun. Old and young, merry + and morose, the gay and cross-grained, are crammed into a lively + country-dance; and ill-matched, ill-suited, go jigging away together to + the blast of a bad band, till their heads, half turned by the noise, the + heat, the novelty, and the hubbub, they all get as tipsy as if they were + really deep in liquor. + </p> + <p> + "Then there is that particularly free-and-easy tone in every one about. + Here go a couple capering daintily out of the ball-room to take a little + fresh air on the stairs, where every step has its own separate flirtation + party; there, a riotous old gentleman, with a boarding-school girl for his + partner, has plunged smack into a party at loo, upsetting cards and + counters, and drawing down curses innumerable. Here are a merry knot round + the refreshments, and well they may be; for the negus is strong punch, and + the biscuit is tipsy cake,—and all this with a running fire of good + stories, jokes, and witticisms on all sides, in the laughter for which + even the droll-looking servants join as heartily as the rest. + </p> + <p> + "We were not long in finding out Mrs. Rogers, who sat in the middle of a + very high sofa, with her feet just touching the floor. She was short, fat, + wore her hair in a crop, had a species of shining yellow skin, and a + turned-up nose, all of which were by no means prepossessing. Shaugh and + myself were too hard-up to be particular, and so we invited her to dance + alternately for two consecutive hours, plying her assiduously with negus + during the lulls in the music. + </p> + <p> + "Supper was at last announced, and enabled us to recruit for new efforts; + and so after an awful consumption of fowl, pigeon-pie, ham, and brandy + cherries, Mrs. Rogers brightened up considerably, and professed her + willingness to join the dancers. As for us, partly from exhaustion, partly + to stimulate our energies, and in some degree to drown reflection, we + drank deep, and when we reached the drawing-room, not only the agreeable + guests themselves, but even the furniture, the venerable chairs, and the + stiff old sofa seemed performing 'Sir Roger de Coverley.' How we conducted + ourselves till five in the morning, let our cramps confess; for we were + both bed-ridden for ten days after. However, at last Mrs. Rogers gave in, + and reclining gracefully upon a window-seat, pronounced it a most elegant + party, and asked me to look for her shawl. While I perambulated the + staircase with her bonnet on my head, and more wearing apparel than would + stock a magazine, Shaugh was roaring himself hoarse in the street, calling + Mrs. Rogers' coach. + </p> + <p> + "'Sure, Captain,' said the lady, with a tender leer, 'it's only a chair.' + </p> + <p> + "'And here it is,' said I, surveying a very portly-looking old sedan, + newly painted and varnished, that blocked up half the hall. + </p> + <p> + "'You'll catch cold, my angel,' said Shaugh, in a whisper, for he was + coming it very strong by this; 'get into the chair. Maurice, can't you + find those fellows?' said he to me, for the chairmen had gone down-stairs, + and were making very merry among the servants. + </p> + <p> + "'She's fast now,' said I, shutting the door to. 'Let us do the gallant + thing, and carry her home ourselves.' Shaugh thought this a great notion; + and in a minute we mounted the poles and sallied forth, amidst a great + chorus of laughing from all the footmen, maids, and teaboys that filled + the passage. + </p> + <p> + "'The big house, with the bow-window and the pillars, Captain,' said a + fellow, as we issued upon our journey. "'I know it,' said I. 'Turn to the + left after you pass the square.' + </p> + <p> + "'Isn't she heavy?' said Shaugh, as he meandered across the narrow streets + with a sidelong motion that must have suggested to our fair inside + passenger some notions of a sea voyage. In truth, I must confess our + progress was rather a devious one,—now zig-zagging from side to + side, now getting into a sharp trot, and then suddenly pulling up at a + dead stop, or running the machine chuck against a wall, to enable us to + stand still and gain breath. + </p> + <p> + "'Which way now?' cried he, as we swung round the angle of a street and + entered the large market-place; 'I'm getting terribly tired.' + </p> + <p> + "'Never give in, Dan. Think of Clonakilty and the old lady herself.' Here + I gave the chair a hoist that evidently astonished our fair friend, for a + very imploring cry issued forth immediately after. + </p> + <p> + "'To the right, quick-step, forward, charge!' cried I; and we set off at a + brisk trot down a steep narrow lane. + </p> + <p> + "'Here it is now,—the light in the window. Cheer up.' + </p> + <p> + "As I said this we came short up to a fine, portly-looking doorway, with + great stone pillars and cornice. + </p> + <p> + "'Make yourself at home, Maurice,' said he; 'bring her in.' So saying, we + pushed forward—for the door was open—and passed boldly into a + great flagged hall, silent and cold, and dark as the night itself. + </p> + <p> + "'Are you sure we're right?' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'All right,' said I; 'go ahead.' + </p> + <p> + "And so we did, till we came in sight of a small candle that burned dimly + at a distance from us. + </p> + <p> + "'Make for the light,' said I; but just as I said so Shaugh slipped and + fell flat on the flagway. The noise of his fall sent up a hundred echoes + in the silent building, and terrified us both dreadfully. After a minute's + pause, by one consent we turned and made for the door, falling almost at + every step, and frightened out of our senses, we came tumbling together + into the porch, and out in the street, and never drew breath till we + reached the barracks. Meanwhile let me return to Mrs. Rogers. The dear old + lady, who had passed an awful time since she left the ball, had just + rallied out of a fainting fit when we took to our heels; so after + screaming and crying her best, she at last managed to open the top of the + chair, and by dint of great exertions succeeded in forcing the door, and + at length freed herself from bondage. She was leisurely groping her way + round it in the dark, when her lamentations, being heard without, woke up + the old sexton of the chapel,—for it was there we placed her,—who, + entering cautiously with a light, no sooner caught a glimpse of the great + black sedan and the figure beside it than he also took to his heels, and + ran like a madman to the priest's house. + </p> + <p> + "'Come, your reverence, come, for the love of marcy! Sure didn't I see him + myself! Oh, wirra, wirra!' + </p> + <p> + "'What is it, ye ould fool?' said M'Kenny. + </p> + <p> + "'It's Father Con Doran, your reverence, that was buried last week, and + there he is up now, coffin and all, saying a midnight Mass as lively as + ever.' + </p> + <p> + "Poor Mrs. Rogers, God help her! It was a trying sight for her when the + priest and the two coadjutors and three little boys and the sexton all + came in to lay her spirit; and the shock she received that night, they + say, she never got over. + </p> + <p> + "Need I say, my dear O'Mealey, that our acquaintance with Mrs. Rogers was + closed? The dear woman had a hard struggle for it afterwards. Her + character was assailed by all the elderly ladies in Loughrea for going off + in our company, and her blue satin, piped with scarlet, utterly ruined by + a deluge of holy water bestowed on her by the pious sexton. It was in vain + that she originated twenty different reports to mystify the world; and + even ten pounds spent in Masses for the eternal repose of Father Con Doran + only increased the laughter this unfortunate affair gave rise to. As for + us, we exchanged into the line, and foreign service took us out of the + road of duns, debts, and devilment, and we soon reformed, and eschewed + such low company." + </p> + <p> + The day was breaking ere we separated; and amidst the rich and fragrant + vapors that exhaled from the earth, the faint traces of sunlight dimly + stealing told of the morning. My two friends set out for Torrijos, and I + pushed boldly forward in the direction of the Alberche. + </p> + <p> + It was a strange thing that although but two days before the roads we were + then travelling had been the line of retreat of the whole French army, not + a vestige of their equipment nor a trace of their <i>matériel</i> had been + left behind. In vain we searched each thicket by the wayside for some + straggling soldier, some wounded or wearied man; nothing of the kind was + to be seen. Except the deeply-rutted road, torn by the heavy wheels of the + artillery, and the white ashes of a wood fire, nothing marked their + progress. + </p> + <p> + Our journey was a lonely one. Not a man was to be met with. The houses + stood untenanted; the doors lay open; no smoke wreathed from their + deserted hearths. The peasantry had taken to the mountains; and although + the plains were yellow with the ripe harvest, and the peaches hung + temptingly upon the trees, all was deserted and forsaken. I had often seen + the blackened walls and broken rafters, the traces of the wild revenge and + reckless pillage of a retiring army. The ruined castle and the desecrated + altar are sad things to look upon; but, somehow, a far heavier depression + sunk into my heart as my eye ranged over the wide valleys and broad hills, + all redolent of comfort, of beauty, and of happiness, and yet not one man + to say, "This is my home; these are my household gods." The birds carolled + gayly in each leafy thicket; the bright stream sung merrily as it rippled + through the rocks; the tall corn, gently stirred by the breeze, seemed to + swell the concert of sweet sounds; but no human voice awoke the echoes + there. It was as if the earth was speaking in thankfulness to its Maker, + while man,—ungrateful and unworthy man,—pursuing his ruthless + path of devastation and destruction, had left no being to say, "I thank + Thee for all these." + </p> + <p> + The day was closing as we drew near the Alberche, and came in sight of the + watch-fires of the enemy. Far as the eye could reach their column + extended, but in the dim twilight nothing could be seen with accuracy; yet + from the position their artillery occupied, and the unceasing din of + baggage wagons and heavy carriages towards the rear, I came to the + conclusion that a still farther retreat was meditated. A picket of light + cavalry was posted upon the river's bank, and seemed to watch with + vigilance the approaches to the stream. + </p> + <p> + Our bivouac was a dense copse of pine-trees, exactly opposite to the + French advanced posts, and there we passed the night,—fortunately a + calm and starlight one; for we dared not light fires, fearful of + attracting attention. + </p> + <p> + During the long hours I lay patiently watching the movements of the enemy + till the dark shadows hid all from sight; and even then, as my ears caught + the challenge of a sentry or the footsteps of some officer in his round, + my thoughts were riveted upon them, and a hundred vague fancies as to the + future were based upon no stronger foundation than the clink of a firelock + or the low-muttered song of a patrol. + </p> + <p> + Towards morning I slept; and when day broke my first glance was towards + the river-side. But the French were gone, noiselessly, rapidly. Like one + man that vast army had departed, and a dense column of dust towards the + horizon alone marked the long line of march where the martial legions were + retreating. + </p> + <p> + My mission was thus ended; and hastily partaking of the humble breakfast + my friend Mike provided for me, I once more set out and took the road + towards headquarters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + THE SKIRMISH. + </p> + <p> + For several months after the battle of Talavera my life presented nothing + which I feel worth recording. Our good fortune seemed to have deserted us + when our hopes were highest; for from the day of that splendid victory we + began our retrograde movement upon Portugal. Pressed hard by overwhelming + masses of the enemy, we saw the fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Almeida + fall successively into their hands. The Spaniards were defeated wherever + they ventured upon a battle; and our own troops, thinned by sickness and + desertion, presented but a shadow of that brilliant army which only a few + months previous had followed the retiring French beyond the frontiers of + Portugal. + </p> + <p> + However willing I now am—and who is not—to recognize the + genius and foresight of that great man who then held the destinies of the + Peninsula within his hands, I confess at the time I speak of I could ill + comprehend and still less feel contented with the successive retreats our + forces made; and while the words Torres Vedras brought nothing to my mind + but the last resting-place before embarkation, the sad fortunes of Corunna + were now before me, and it was with a gloomy and desponding spirit I + followed the routine of my daily duty. + </p> + <p> + During these weary months, if my life was devoid of stirring interest or + adventure, it was not profitless. Constantly employed at the outposts, I + became thoroughly inured to all the roughing of a soldier's life, and + learned in the best of schools that tacit obedience which alone can form + the subordinate or ultimately fit its possessor for command himself. + </p> + <p> + Humble and unobtrusive as such a career must ever be, it was not without + its occasional rewards. From General Crawfurd I more than once obtained + most kind mention in his despatches, and felt that I was not unknown or + unnoticed by Sir Arthur Wellesley himself. At that time these testimonies, + slight and passing as they were, contributed to the pride and glory of my + existence; and even now—shall I confess it?—when some gray + hairs are mingling with the brown, and when my old dragoon swagger is + taming down into a kind of half-pay shamble, I feel my heart warm at the + recollection of them. + </p> + <p> + Be it so; I care not who smiles at the avowal. I know of little better + worth remembering as we grow old than what pleased us while we were young. + With the memory of the kind words once spoken come back the still kinder + looks of those who spoke them, and better than all, that early feeling of + budding manhood, when there was neither fear nor distrust. Alas! these are + the things, and not weak eyes and tottering limbs, which form the burden + of old age. Oh, if we could only go on believing, go on trusting, go on + hoping to the last, who would shed tears for the bygone feats of his + youthful days, when the spirit that evoked them lived young and vivid as + before? + </p> + <p> + But to my story. While Ciudad Rodrigo still held out against the besieging + French,—its battered walls and breached ramparts sadly foretelling + the fate inevitably impending,—we were ordered, together with the + 16th Light Dragoons, to proceed to Gallegos, to reinforce Crawfurd's + division, then forming a corps of observation upon Massena's movements. + </p> + <p> + The position he occupied was a most commanding one,—the crown of a + long mountain ridge, studded with pine-copse and cork-trees, presenting + every facility for light-infantry movements; and here and there gently + sloping towards the plain, offering a field for cavalry manoeuvres. + Beneath, in the vast plain, were encamped the dark legions of France, + their heavy siege-artillery planted against the doomed fortress, while + clouds of their cavalry caracoled proudly before us, as if in taunting + sarcasm at our inactivity. + </p> + <p> + Every artifice which his natural cunning could suggest, every taunt a + Frenchman's vocabulary contains, had been used by Massena to induce Sir + Arthur Wellesley to come to the assistance of the beleagured fortress: but + in vain. In vain he relaxed the energy of the siege, and affected + carelessness. In vain he asserted that the English were either afraid or + else traitors to their allies. The mind of him he thus assailed was + neither accessible to menace nor to sarcasm. Patiently abiding his time, + he watched the progress of events, and provided for that future which was + to crown his country's arms with success and himself with undying glory. + </p> + <p> + Of a far different mettle was the general formed under whose orders we + were now placed. Hot, passionate, and impetuous, relying upon bold and + headlong heroism rather than upon cool judgment and well-matured plans, + Crawfurd felt in war all the asperity and bitterness of a personal + conflict. Ill brooking the insulting tone of the wily Frenchman, he + thirsted for any occasion of a battle, and his proud spirit chafed against + the colder counsels of his superior. + </p> + <p> + On the very morning we joined, the pickets brought in the intelligence + that the French patrols were nightly in the habit of visiting the villages + at the outposts and committing every species of cruel indignity upon the + wretched inhabitants. Fired at this daring insult, our general resolved to + cut them off, and formed two ambuscades for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + Six squadrons of the 14th were despatched to Villa del Puerco, three of + the 16th to Baguetto, while some companies of the 95th, and the caçadores, + supported by artillery, were ordered to hold themselves in reserve, for + the enemy were in force at no great distance from us. + </p> + <p> + The morning was just breaking as an aide-de-camp galloped up with the + intelligence that the French had been seen near the Villa del Puerco, a + body of infantry and some cavalry having crossed the plain, and + disappeared in that direction. While our colonel was forming us, with the + intention of getting between them and their main body, the tramp of horses + was heard in the wood behind, and in a few moments two officers rode up. + The foremost, who was a short, stoutly-built man of about forty, with a + bronzed face and eye of piercing black, shouted out as we wheeled into + column:— + </p> + <p> + "Halt, there! Why, where the devil are you going? That's your ground!" So + saying, and pointing straight towards the village with his hand, he would + not listen to our colonel's explanation that several stone fences and + enclosures would interfere with cavalry movements, but added, "Forward, I + say! Proceed!" + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, the nature of the ground separated our squadron, as the + colonel anticipated; and although we came on at a topping pace, the French + had time to form in square upon a hill to await us, and when we charged, + they stood firmly, and firing with a low and steady aim, several of our + troopers fell. As we wheeled round, we found ourselves exactly in front of + their cavalry coming out of Baguilles; so dashing straight at them, we + revenged ourselves for our first repulse by capturing twenty-nine + prisoners, and wounding several others. + </p> + <p> + The French infantry were, however, still unbroken; and Colonel Talbot rode + boldly up with five squadrons of the 14th; but the charge, pressed home + with all its gallantry, failed also, and the colonel fell mortally + wounded, and fourteen of his troopers around him. Twice we rode round the + square, seeking for a weak point, but in vain; the gallant Frenchman who + commanded, Captain Guache, stood fearlessly amidst his brave followers, + and we could hear him, as he called out from time to time,— + </p> + <p> + "<i>C'est ça mes enfans! Trés bien fait, mes braves!</i>" + </p> + <p> + And at length they made good their retreat, while we returned to the camp, + leaving thirty-two troopers and our brave colonel dead upon the field in + this disastrous affair. + </p> + <p> + The repulse we had met with, so contrary to all our hopes and + expectations, made that a most gloomy day to all of us. The brave fellows + we had left behind us, the taunting cheer of the French infantry, the + unbroken ranks against which we rode time after time in vain, never left + our minds; and a sense of shame of what might be thought of us at + headquarters rendered the reflection still more painful. + </p> + <p> + Our bivouac, notwithstanding all our efforts, was a sad one, and when the + moon rose, some drops of heavy rain falling at intervals in the still, + unruffled air threatened a night of storm; gradually the sky grew darker + and darker, the clouds hung nearer to the earth, and a dense, thick mass + of dark mist shrouded every object. The heavy cannonade of the siege was + stilled; nothing betrayed that a vast army was encamped near us; their + bivouac fires were even imperceptible; and the only sound we heard was the + great bell of Ciudad Rodrigo as it struck the hour, and seemed, in the + mournful cadence of its chime, like the knell of the doomed citadel. + </p> + <p> + The patrol which I commanded had to visit on its rounds the most advanced + post of our position. This was a small farm-house, which, standing upon a + little rising ledge of ground, was separated from the French lines by a + little stream tributary to the Aguda. A party of the 14th were picketed + here, and beneath them in the valley, scarce five hundred yards distant, + was the detachment of cuirassiers which formed the French outpost. As we + neared our picket the deep voice of the sentry challenged us; and while + all else was silent as the grave, we could hear from the opposite side the + merry chorus of a French <i>chanson à boire</i>, with its clattering + accompaniment of glasses, as some gay companions were making merry + together. + </p> + <p> + Within the little hut which contained <i>our</i> fellows, the scene was a + different one. The three officers who commanded sat moodily over a + wretched fire of wet wood; a solitary candle dimly lighted the dismantled + room, where a table but ill-supplied with cheer stood unminded and uncared + for. + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley," cried Baker, as I came in, "what is the night about? And + what's Crawfurd for next?" + </p> + <p> + "We hear," cried another, "that he means to give battle to-morrow; but + surely Sir Arthur's orders are positive enough. Gordon himself told me + that he was forbidden to fight beyond the Coa, but to retreat at the first + advance of the enemy." + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid," replied I, "that retreating is his last thought just now. + Ammunition has just been served out, and I know the horse artillery have + orders to be in readiness by daybreak." + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Hampden, with a half-bitter tone. "Nothing like going + through with it. If he is to be brought to court-martial for disobedience, + he'll take good care we sha'n't be there to see it." + </p> + <p> + "Why, the French are fifty thousand strong!" said Baker. "Look there, what + does that mean, now? That's a signal from the town." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a rocket of great brilliancy shot up into the sky, and + bursting at length fell in millions of red lustrous sparks on every side, + showing forth the tall fortress, and the encamped army around it, with all + the clearness of noonday. It was a most splendid sight; and though the + next moment all was dark as before, we gazed still fixedly into the gloomy + distance, straining our eyes to observe what was hid from our view + forever. + </p> + <p> + "That must be a signal," repeated Baker. + </p> + <p> + "Begad! if Crawfurd sees it he'll interpret it as a reason for fighting. I + trust he's asleep by this time," said Hampden. "By-the-bye, O'Malley, did + you see the fellows at work in the trenches? How beautifully clear it was + towards the southward!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I remarked that! and what surprised me was the openness of their + position in that direction. Towards the San Benito mole I could not see a + man." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, they'll not attack on that side; but if we really are—" + </p> + <p> + "Stay, Hampden!" said I, interrupting him, "a thought has just struck me. + At sunset, I saw, through my telescope, the French engineers marking with + their white tape the line of a new entrenchment in that quarter. Would it + not be a glorious thing to move the tape, and bring the fellows under the + fire of San Benito?" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, O'Malley, that is a thought worth a troop to you!" + </p> + <p> + "Far more likely to forward his promotion in the next world than in this," + said Baker, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "By no means," added I. "I marked the ground this evening, and have it + perfectly in my mind. If we were to follow the bend of the river, I'll be + bound to come right upon the spot; by nearing the fortress we'll escape + the sentries; and all this portion is open to us." + </p> + <p> + The project thus loosely thrown out was now discussed in all its bearings. + Whatever difficulties it presented were combated so much to our own + satisfaction, that at last its very facility damped our ardor. Meanwhile + the night wore on, and the storm of rain so long impending began to + descend in very torrents; hissing along the parched ground, it rose in a + mist, while overhead the heavy thunder rolled in long unbroken peals; the + crazy door threatened to give way at each moment, and the whole building + trembled to its foundation. + </p> + <p> + "Pass the brandy down here, Hampden, and thank your stars you're where you + are. Eh, O'Malley? You'll defer your trip to San Benito for finer + weather." + </p> + <p> + "Well, to come to the point," said Hampden, "I'd rather begin my + engineering at a more favorable season; but if O'Malley's for it—" + </p> + <p> + "And O'Malley <i>is</i> for it," said I, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Then faith, I'm not the man to balk his fancy; and as Crawfurd is so bent + upon fighting to-morrow, it don't make much difference. Is it a bargain?" + </p> + <p> + "It is; here's my hand on it." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, boys, I'll have none of this; we've been prettily cut up this + morning already. You shall not go upon this foolish excursion." + </p> + <p> + "Confound it, old fellow! it's all very well for you to talk, with the + majority before you, next step; but here we are, if peace came to-morrow, + scarcely better than we left England. No, no; if O'Malley's ready—and + I see he is so before me—What have you got there? Oh, I see; that's + our tape line; capital fun, by George! The worst of it is, they'll make us + colonels of engineers. Now then, what's your plan—on foot or + mounted?" + </p> + <p> + "Mounted, and for this reason, the country is all open; if we are to have + a run for it, our thoroughbreds ought to distance them; and as we must + expect to pass some of their sentries, our only chance is on horseback." + </p> + <p> + "My mind is relieved of a great load," said Hampden; "I was trembling in + my skin lest you should make it a walking party. I'll do anything you like + in the saddle, from robbing the mail to cutting out a frigate; but I never + was much of a foot-pad." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mike," said I, as I returned to the room with my trusty follower, + "are the cattle to be depended on?" + </p> + <p> + "If we had a snaffle in Malachi Daly's mouth [my brown horse], I'd be + afeared of nothing, sir; but if it comes to fencing, with that cruel bit,—but + sure, you've a light hand, and let him have his head, if it's wall." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, he thinks it a fox-chase!" said Hampden. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it the same, sir?" said Mike, with a seriousness that made the + whole party smile. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hope we shall not be earthed, any way," said I. "Now, the next + thing is, who has a lantern? Ah! the very thing; nothing better. Look to + your pistols, Hampden; and Mike, here's a glass of grog for you; we'll + want you. And now, one bumper for good luck. Eh, Baker, won't you pledge + us?" + </p> + <p> + "And spare a little for me," said Hampden. "How it does rain! If one + didn't expect to be water-proofed before morning, one really wouldn't go + out in such weather." + </p> + <p> + While I busied myself in arranging my few preparations, Hampden proceeded + gravely to inform Mike that we were going to the assistance of the + besieged fortress, which could not possibly go on without us. + </p> + <p> + "Tare and ages!" said Mike, "that's mighty quare; and the blue rocket was + a letter of invitation, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Exactly," said Hampden; "and you see there's no ceremony between us. + We'll just drop in, in the evening, in a friendly way." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, upon my conscience, I'd wait, if I was you, till the family + wasn't in confusion. They have enough on their hands just now." + </p> + <p> + "So you'll not be persuaded?" said Baker. "Well, I frankly tell you, that + come what will of it, as your senior officer I'll report you to-morrow. + I'll not risk myself for any such hair-brained expeditions." + </p> + <p> + "A mighty pleasant look-out for me," said Mike; "if I'm not shot to-night, + I may be flogged in the morning." + </p> + <p> + This speech once more threw us into a hearty fit of laughter, amidst which + we took leave of our friends, and set forth upon our way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + THE LINES OF CIUDAD RODRIGO. + </p> + <p> + The small, twinkling lights which shone from the ramparts of Ciudad + Rodrigo were our only guide, as we issued forth upon our perilous + expedition. The storm raged, if possible, even more violently than before, + and gusts of wind swept along the ground with the force of a hurricane; so + that at first, our horses could scarcely face the tempest. Our path lay + along the little stream for a considerable way; after which, fording the + rivulet, we entered upon the open plain, taking care to avoid the French + outpost on the extreme left, which was marked by a bivouac fire, burning + under the heavy downpour of rain, and looking larger through the dim + atmosphere around it. + </p> + <p> + I rode foremost, followed closely by Hampden and Mike; not a word was + spoken after we crossed the stream. Our plan was, if challenged by a + patrol, to reply in French and press on; so small a party could never + suggest the idea of attack, and we hoped in this manner to escape. + </p> + <p> + The violence of the storm was such that many of our precautions as to + silence were quite unnecessary; and we had advanced to a considerable + extent into the plain before any appearance of the encampment struck us. + At length, on mounting a little rising ground, we perceived several fires + stretching far away to the northward; while still to our left, there + blazed one larger and brighter than the others. We now found that we had + not outflanked their position as we intended, and learning from the + situation of the fires, that we were still only at the outposts, we + pressed sharply forward, directing our course by the twin stars that shone + from the fortress. + </p> + <p> + "How heavy the ground is here!" whispered Hampden, as our horses sunk + above the fetlocks. "We had better stretch away to the right; the rise of + the hill will favor us." + </p> + <p> + "Hark!" said I; "did you not hear something? Pull up,—silence now. + Yes, there they come. It's a patrol; I hear their tramp." As I spoke, the + measured tread of infantry was heard above the storm, and soon after a + lantern was seen coming along the causeway near us. The column passed + within a few yards of where we stood. I could even recognize the black + covering of the shakos as the light fell on them. "Let us follow them," + whispered I; and the next moment we fell in upon their track, holding our + cattle well in hand, and ready to start at a moment. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Qui va là?</i>" a sentry demanded. + </p> + <p> + "<i>La deuxième division</i>," cried a hoarse voice. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Halte là! la consigne?</i>" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Wagram!</i>" repeated the same voice as before, while his party + resumed their march; and the next moment the patrol was again upon his + post, silent and motionless as before. + </p> + <p> + "<i>En avant, Messieurs!</i>" said I, aloud, as soon as the infantry had + proceeded some distance,—"<i>en avant!</i>" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Qui va là?</i>" demanded the sentry, as we came along at a sharp trot. + </p> + <p> + "<i>L'état-major, Wagram!</i>" responded I, pressing on without drawing + rein; and in a moment we had regained our former position behind the + infantry. We had scarcely time to congratulate ourselves upon the success + of our scheme, when a tremendous clattering noise in front, mingled with + the galloping of horses and the cracking of whips, announced the approach + of the artillery as they came along by a narrow road which bisected our + path; and as they passed between us and the column, we could hear the + muttered sentences of the drivers, cursing the unseasonable time for an + attack, and swearing at their cattle in no measured tones. + </p> + <p> + "Did you hear that?" whispered Hampden; "the battery is about to be + directed against the San Benito, which must be far away to the left. I + heard one of the troop saying that they were to open their fire at + daybreak." + </p> + <p> + "All right, now," said I; "look there!" + </p> + <p> + From the hill we now stood upon a range of lanterns was distinctly + visible, stretching away for nearly half a mile. + </p> + <p> + "There are the trenches; they must be at work, too. See how the lights are + moving from place to place! Straight now. Forward!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, I pressed my horse boldly on. + </p> + <p> + We had not proceeded many minutes when the sounds of galloping were heard + coming along behind us. + </p> + <p> + "To the right, in the hollow," cried I. "Be still." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had we moved off when several horsemen galloped up, and drawing + their reins to breathe their horses up the hill, we could hear their + voices as they conversed together. + </p> + <p> + In the few broken words we could catch, we guessed that the attack upon + San Benito was only a feint to induce Crawfurd to hold his position, while + the French, marching upon his flank and front, were to attack him with + overwhelming masses and crush him. + </p> + <p> + "You hear what's in store for us, O'Malley?" whispered Hampden. "I think + we could not possibly do better than hasten back with the intelligence." + </p> + <p> + "We must not forget what we came for, first," said I; and the next moment + we were following the horsemen, who from their helmets seemed to be + horse-artillery officers. + </p> + <p> + The pace our guides rode at showed us that they knew their ground. We + passed several sentries, muttering something at each time, and seeming as + if only anxious to keep up with our party. + </p> + <p> + "They've halted," said I. "Now to the left there; gently here, for we must + be in the midst of their lines. Ha! I knew we were right. See there!" + </p> + <p> + Before us, now, at a few hundred yards, we could perceive a number of men + engaged upon the field. Lights were moving from place to place rapidly, + while immediately in front a strong picket of cavalry were halted. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove! there's sharp work of it to-night," whispered Hampden. "They do + intend to surprise us to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Gently now, to the left," said I, as cautiously skirting the little hill, + I kept my eye firmly fixed upon the watch-fire. + </p> + <p> + The storm, which for some time had abated considerably, was now nearly + quelled, and the moon again peeped forth amidst masses of black and watery + clouds. + </p> + <p> + "What good fortune for us!" thought I, at this moment, as I surveyed the + plain before me. + </p> + <p> + "I say, O'Malley, what are those fellows at yonder, where the blue light + is burning?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah! the very people we want; these are the sappers. Now for it; that's + our ground. We'll soon come upon their track now." + </p> + <p> + We pressed rapidly forward, passing an infantry party as we went. The blue + light was scarcely a hundred yards off; we could even hear the shouting of + the officers to their men in the trenches, when suddenly my horse came + down upon his head, and rolling over, crushed me to the earth. + </p> + <p> + "Not hurt, my boy," cried I, in a subdued tone, as Hampden jumped down + beside me. + </p> + <p> + It was the angle of a trench I had fallen into; and though both my horse + and myself felt stunned for the moment, we rallied the next minute. + </p> + <p> + "Here is the very spot," said I. "Now, Mike, catch the bridles and follow + us closely." + </p> + <p> + Guiding ourselves along the edge of the trench, we crept stealthily + forward; the only watch-fire near was where the engineer party was halted, + and our object was to get outside of this. + </p> + <p> + "My turn this time," said Hampden, as he tripped suddenly, and fell head + foremost upon the grass. + </p> + <p> + As I assisted him to rise, something caught my ankle, and on stooping I + found it was a cord pegged fast into the ground, and lying only a few + inches above it. + </p> + <p> + "Now, steady! See here; this is their working line. Pass your hand along + it there, and let us follow it out." + </p> + <p> + While Hampden accordingly crept along on one side, I tracked the cord upon + the other. Here I found it terminating upon a small mound, where probably + some battery was to be erected. I accordingly gathered it carefully up, + and was returning towards my friend, when what was my horror to hear + Mike's voice, conversing, as it seemed to me, with some one in French. + </p> + <p> + I stood fixed to the spot, my very heart beating almost in my mouth as I + listened. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Qui êtes-vous done, mon ami?</i>" inquired a hoarse, deep voice, a few + yards off. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Bon cheval, non</i> beast, <i>sacré nom de Dieu!</i>" A hearty burst + of laughter prevented my hearing the conclusion of Mike's French. + </p> + <p> + I now crept forward upon my hands and knees, till I could catch the dark + outline of the horses, one hand fixed upon my pistol trigger, and my sword + drawn in the other. Meanwhile the dialogue continued. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Vous êtes d'Alsace, n'est-ce-pas?</i>" asked the Frenchman, kindly + supposing that Mike's French savored of Strasburg. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, blessed Virgin! av I might shoot him," was the muttered reply. + </p> + <p> + Before I had time to see the effect of the last speech, I pressed forward + with a bold spring, and felled the Frenchman to the earth. My hand had + scarcely pressed upon his mouth, when Hampden was beside me. Snatching up + the pistol I let fall, he held it to the man's chest and commanded him to + be silent. To unfasten his girdle and bind the Frenchman's hands behind + him, was the work of a moment; and as the sharp click of the pistol-cock + seemed to calm his efforts to escape, we soon succeeded in fastening a + handkerchief tight across his mouth, and the next minute he was placed + behind Mike's saddle, firmly attached to this worthy individual by his + sword-belt. + </p> + <p> + "Now, a clear run home for it, and a fair start," said Hampden, as he + sprang into the saddle. + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, for it," I replied, as turning my horse's head towards our + lines, I dashed madly forward. + </p> + <p> + The moon was again obscured, but still the dark outline of the hill which + formed our encampment was discernible on the horizon. Riding side by side, + on we hurried,—now splashing through the deep wet marshes, now + plunging through small streams. Our horses were high in mettle, and we + spared them not. By taking a wide <i>détour</i> we had outflanked the + French pickets, and were almost out of all risk, when suddenly on coming + to the verge of rather a steep hill, we perceived beneath us a strong + cavalry picket standing around a watch-fire; their horses were ready + saddled, the men accoutred, and quite prepared for the field. While we + conversed together in whispers as to the course to follow, our + deliberations were very rapidly cut short. The French prisoner, who + hitherto had given neither trouble nor resistance, had managed to free his + mouth from the encumbrance of the handkerchief; and as we stood quietly + discussing our plans, with one tremendous effort he endeavored to hurl + himself and Mike from the saddle, shouting out as he did so,— + </p> + <p> + "<i>A moi camarades! à moi!</i>" + </p> + <p> + Hampden's pistol leaped from the holster as he spoke, and levelling it + with a deadly aim, he pulled the trigger; but I threw up his arm, and the + ball passed high above his head. To have killed the Frenchman would have + been to lose my faithful follower, who struggled manfully with his + adversary, and at length by throwing himself flatly forward upon the mane + of his horse, completely disabled him. Meanwhile the picket had sprung to + their saddles, and looked wildly about on every side. + </p> + <p> + Not a moment was to be lost; so turning our horses' heads towards the + plain, away we went. One loud cheer announced to us that we had been seen, + and the next instant the clash of the pursuing cavalry was heard behind + us. It was now entirely a question of speed, and little need we have + feared had Mike's horse not been doubly weighted. However, as we still had + considerably the start, and the gray dawn of day enabled us to see the + ground, the odds were in our favor. "Never let your horse's head go," was + my often repeated direction to Mike, as he spurred with all the + desperation of madness. Already the low meadow-land was in sight which + flanked the stream we had crossed in the morning, but unfortunately the + heavy rains had swollen it now to a considerable depth, and the muddy + current, choked with branches of trees and great stones, was hurrying down + like a torrent. "Take the river! never flinch it!" was my cry to my + companions, as I turned my head and saw a French dragoon, followed by two + others, gaining rapidly upon us. As I spoke, Mike dashed in, followed by + Hampden, and the same moment the sharp ring of a carbine whizzed past me. + To take off the pursuit from the others, I now wheeled my horse suddenly + round, as if I feared to take the stream, and dashed along by the river's + bank. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0034.jpg" alt="A Flying Shot. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + Beneath me in the foaming current the two horsemen labored,—now + stemming the rush of water, now reeling almost beneath. A sharp cry burst + from Mike as I looked, and I saw the poor fellow bend nearly to his + saddle. I could see no more, for the chase was now hot upon myself. Behind + me rode a French dragoon, his carbine pressed tightly to his side, ready + to fire as he pressed on in pursuit. I had but one chance; so drawing my + pistol I wheeled suddenly in my saddle, and fired straight at him. The + Frenchman fell, while a regular volley from his party rung around me, one + ball striking my horse, and another lodging in the pommel of my saddle. + The noble animal reeled nearly to the earth, but as if rallying for a last + effort, sprang forward with renewed energy, and plunged boldly into the + river. For a moment, so sudden was my leap, my pursuers lost sight of me; + but the bank being somewhat steep, the efforts of my horse to climb again + discovered me, and before I reached the field two pistol-balls took effect + upon me,—one slightly grazed my side, but my bridle-arm was broken + by the other, and my hand fell motionless to my side. A cheer of defiance + was, however, my reply, as I turned round in my saddle, and the next + moment I was far beyond the range of their fire. + </p> + <p> + Not a man durst follow, and the last sight I had of them was the + dismounted group who stood around their dead comrade. Before me rode + Hampden and Mike, still at top speed, and never turning their heads + backwards. I hastened after them; but my poor, wounded horse, nearly + hamstrung by the shot, became dead lame, and it was past daybreak ere I + reached the first outposts of our lines. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + THE DOCTOR. + </p> + <p> + "And his wound? Is it a serious one?" said a round, full voice, as the + doctor left my room at the conclusion of his visit. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; a fractured bone is the worst of it,—the bullet grazed, + but did not cut the artery, and as—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, how soon will he be about again?" + </p> + <p> + "In a few weeks, if no fever sets in." + </p> + <p> + "There's no objection to my seeing him?—a few minutes only,—I'll + be cautious." So saying, and as it seemed to me, without waiting for a + reply, the door was opened by an aide-de-camp, who, announcing General + Crawfurd, closed it again, and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + The first glance I threw upon the general enabled me to recognize the + officer who, on the previous morning, had ridden up to the picket and + given us the orders to charge. I essayed to rise a little as he came + forward; but he motioned me with his hand to lie still, while, placing a + chair close beside my bed, he sat down. + </p> + <p> + "Very sorry for your mishap, sir, but glad it is no worse. Moreton says + that nothing of consequence is injured; there, you mustn't speak except I + ask you. Hampden has told me everything necessary; at least as far as he + knew. Is it your opinion, also, that any movement is in contemplation; and + from what circumstance?" + </p> + <p> + I immediately explained, and as briefly as I was able, the reasons for + suspecting such, with which he seemed quite satisfied. I detailed the + various changes in the positions of the troops that were taking place + during the night, the march of the artillery, and the strong bodies of + cavalry that were posted in reserve along the river. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, sir; they'll not move; your prisoner, quartermaster of an + infantry battalion, says not, also. Yours was a bold stroke, but could not + possibly have been of service, and the best thing I can do for you is not + to mention it,—a court-martial's but a poor recompense for a + gun-shot wound. Meanwhile, when this blows over, I'll appoint you on my + personal staff. There, not a word, I beg; and now, good-by." + </p> + <p> + So saying, and waving me an adieu with his hand, the gallant veteran + withdrew before I could express my gratitude for his kindness. + </p> + <p> + I had little time for reflecting over my past adventure, such numbers of + my brother officers poured in upon me. All the doctor's cautions + respecting quietness and rest were disregarded, and a perfect levee sat + the entire morning in my bed-room. I was delighted to learn that Mike's + wound, though painful at the moment, was of no consequence; and indeed + Hampden, who escaped both steel and shot, was the worst off among us,—his + plunge in the river having brought on an ague he had labored under years + before. + </p> + <p> + "The illustrious Maurice has been twice here this morning, but they + wouldn't admit him. Your Scotch physician is afraid of his Irish <i>confrère</i>, + and they had a rare set-to about Galen and Hippocrates outside," said + Baker. + </p> + <p> + "By-the-bye," said another, "did you see how Sparks looked when Quill + joined us? Egad, I never saw a fellow in such a fright; he reddened up, + then grew pale, turned his back, and slunk away at the very first moment." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I remember it. We must find out the reason; for Maurice, depend upon + it, has been hoaxing the poor fellow." + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley," growled out the senior major, "you certainly did give + Hampden a benefit. He'll not trust himself in such company again; and + begad, he says, the man is as bad as the master. That fellow of yours + never let go his prisoner till he reached the quartermaster-general, and + they were both bathed in blood by that time." + </p> + <p> + "Poor Mike! we must do something for him." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he's as happy as a king! Maurice has been in to see him, and they've + had a long chat about Ireland, and all the national pastimes of whiskey + drinking and smashing skulls. My very temples ache at the recollection." + </p> + <p> + "Is Mister O'Mealey at home?" said a very rich Cork accent, as the + well-known and most droll features of Dr. Maurice Quill appeared at the + door. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, Maurice," said the major; "and for Heaven's sake, behave + properly. The poor fellow must not have a row about his bedside." + </p> + <p> + "A row, a row! Upon my conscience, it is little you know about a row, and + there's worse things going than a row. Which leg is it?" + </p> + <p> + "It's an arm, Doctor, I'm happy to say." + </p> + <p> + "Not your punch hand, I hope. No; all's right. A neat fellow you have for + a servant, that Mickey Free. I was asking him about a townsman of his own—one + Tim Delany,—the very cut of himself, the best servant I ever had. I + never could make out what became of him. Old Hobson of the 95th, gave him + to me, saying, 'There he is for you, Maurice, and a bigger thief and a + greater blackguard there's not in the 60th.' + </p> + <p> + "'Strong words,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'And true' said he; 'he'd steal your molar tooth while you were laughing + at him.' + </p> + <p> + "'Let me have him, and try my hand on him, anyway. I've got no one just + now. Anything is better than nothing.' + </p> + <p> + "Well I took Tim, and sending for him to my room I locked the door, and + sitting down gravely before him explained in a few words that I was quite + aware of his little propensities. + </p> + <p> + "'Now,' said I, 'if you like to behave well, I'll think you as honest as + the chief-justice; but if I catch you stealing, if it be only the value of + a brass snuff-box, I'll have you flogged before the regiment as sure as my + name's Maurice.' + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I wish you heard the volley of protestations that fell from him fast + as hail. He was a calumniated man the world conspired to wrong him; he was + never a thief nor a rogue in his life. He had a weakness, he confessed, + for the ladies; but except that, he hoped he might die so thin that he + could shave himself with his shin-bone if he ever so much as took a pinch + of salt that wasn't his own. + </p> + <p> + "However this might be, nothing could be better than the way Tim and I got + on together. Everything was in its place, nothing missing; and in fact, + for upwards of a year, I went on wondering when he was to show out in his + true colors, for hitherto he had been a phoenix. + </p> + <p> + "At last,—we were quartered in Limerick at the time,—every + morning used to bring accounts of all manner of petty thefts in the + barrack,—one fellow had lost his belt, another his shoes, a third + had three-and-sixpence in his pocket when he went to bed and woke without + a farthing, and so on. Everybody save myself was mulet of something. At + length some rumors of Tim's former propensities got abroad; suspicion was + excited; my friend Delany was rigidly watched, and some very dubious + circumstances attached to the way he spent his evenings. + </p> + <p> + "My brother officers called upon me about the matter, and although nothing + had transpired like proof, I sent for Tim, and opened my mind on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + "You may talk of the look of conscious innocence, but I defy you to + conceive anything finer than the stare of offended honor Tim gave me as I + began. + </p> + <p> + "'They say it's me, Doctor,' said he, 'do they? And you,—you believe + them. You allow them to revile me that way? Well, well, the world is come + to a pretty pass, anyhow! Now, let me ask your honor a few questions? How + many shirts had yourself when I entered your service? Two, and one was + more like a fishing net! And how many have ye now? Eighteen; ay, eighteen + bran new cambrie ones,—devil a hole in one of them! How many pair of + stockings had you? Three and an odd one. You have two dozen this minute. + How many pocket handkerchiefs? One,—devil a more! You could only + blow your nose two days in the week, and now you may every hour of the + twenty-four! And as to the trilling articles of small value, snuff-boxes, + gloves, bootjacks, nightcaps, and—' + </p> + <p> + "'Stop, Tim, that's enough—' + </p> + <p> + "'No, sir, it is not,' said Tim, drawing himself up to his full height; + 'you have wounded my feelings in a way I can't forget. It is impossible we + can have that mutual respect our position demands. Farewell, farewell, + Doctor, and forever!' + </p> + <p> + "Before I could say another word, the fellow had left the room, and closed + the door after him; and from that hour to this I never set eyes on him." + </p> + <p> + In this vein did the worthy doctor run on till some more discreet friend + suggested that however well-intentioned the visit, I did not seem to be + fully equal to it,—my flushed cheek and anxious eye betraying that + the fever of my wound had commenced. They left me, therefore, once more + alone, and to my solitary musings over the vicissitudes of my fortune. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + THE COA. + </p> + <p> + Within a week from the occurrence of the events just mentioned, Ciudad + Rodrigo surrendered, and Crawfurd assumed another position beneath the + walls of Almeida. The Spanish contingent having left us, we were + reinforced by the arrival of two battalions, renewed orders being sent not + to risk a battle, but if the French should advance, to retire beyond the + Coa. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the 21st of July a strong body of French cavalry + advanced into the plain, supported by some heavy guns; upon which Crawfurd + retired upon the Coa, intending, as we supposed, to place that river + between himself and the enemy. Three days, however, passed over without + any movement upon either side, and we still continued, with a force of + scarcely four thousand infantry and a thousand dragoons, to stand opposite + to an army of nearly fifty thousand men. Such was our position as the + night of the 24th set in. I was sitting alone in my quarters. Mike, whose + wound had been severer than at first was supposed, had been sent to + Almeida, and I was musing in solitude upon the events of the campaign, + when the noise and bustle without excited my attention,—the roll of + artillery wagons, the clash of musketry, and the distant sounds of + marching, all proved that the troops were effecting some new movement, and + I burned with anxiety to learn what it was. My brother officers, however, + came not as usual to my quarters; and although I waited with impatience + while the hours rolled by, no one appeared. + </p> + <p> + Long, low moaning gusts of wind swept along the earth, carrying the leaves + as they tore them from the trees, and mingling their sad sounds with the + noises of the retiring troops; for I could perceive that gradually the + sounds grew more and more remote, and only now and then could I trace + their position as the roll of a distant drum swelled upon the breeze, or + the more shrill cry of a pibroch broke upon my ear. A heavy downpour of + rain followed soon after, and in its unceasing plash drowned all other + sounds. + </p> + <p> + As the little building shook beneath the peals of loud thunder, the + lightning flashed in broad sheets upon the rapid river, which, swollen and + foaming, dashed impetuously beside my window. By the uncertain but vivid + glare of the flashes, I endeavored to ascertain where our force was + posted, but in vain. Never did I witness such a night of storm,—the + deep booming of the thunder seeming never for a moment to cease, while the + rush of the torrent grew gradually louder, till at length it swelled into + one deep and sullen roar like that of distant artillery. + </p> + <p> + Weak and nervous as I felt from the effects of my wound, feverish and + exhausted by days of suffering and sleepless nights, I paced my little + room with tottering but impatient steps. The sense of my sad and + imprisoned state impressed me deeply; and while from time to time I + replenished my fire, and hoped to hear some friendly step upon the stair, + my heart grew gradually heavier, and every gloomy and depressing thought + suggested itself to my imagination. My most constant impression was that + the troops were retiring beyond the Coa, and that, forgotten in the haste + and confusion of a night march, I had been left behind to fall a prisoner + to the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The sounds of the troops retiring gradually farther and farther favored + the idea, in which I was still more strengthened on finding that the + peasants who inhabited the little hut had departed, leaving me utterly + alone. From the moment I ascertained this fact, my impatience knew no + bounds; and in proportion as I began to feel some exertion necessary on my + part, so much more did my nervousness increase my debility, and at last I + sank exhausted upon my bed, while a cold perspiration broke out upon my + temples. + </p> + <p> + I have mentioned that the Coa was immediately beneath the house; I must + also add that the little building occupied the angle of a steep but narrow + gorge which descended from the plain to the bridge across the stream. + This, as far as I knew, was the only means we possessed of passing the + river; so that, when the last retiring sounds of the troops were heard by + me, I began to suspect that Crawfurd, in compliance with his orders, was + making a backward movement, leaving the bridge open to the French, to draw + them on to his line of march, while he should cross over at some more + distant point. + </p> + <p> + As the night grew later, the storm seemed to increase; the waves of the + foaming river dashed against the frail walls of the hut, while its roof, + rent by the blast, fell in fragments upon the stream, and all threatened a + speedy and perfect ruin. + </p> + <p> + How I longed for morning! The doubt and uncertainty I suffered nearly + drove me distracted. Of all the casualties my career as a soldier opened, + none had such terrors for me as imprisonment; the very thought of the long + years of inaction and inglorious idleness was worse than any death. My + wounds, and the state of fever I was in, increased the morbid dread upon + me, and had the French captured me at the time, I know not that madness of + which I was not capable. Day broke at last, but slowly and sullenly; the + gray clouds hurried past upon the storm, pouring down the rain in torrents + as they went, and the desolation and dreariness on all sides was scarcely + preferable to the darkness and gloom of night. My eyes were turned ever + towards the plain, across which the winter wind bore the plashing rain in + vast sheets of water; the thunder crashed louder and louder; but except + the sounds of the storm none others met my ear. Not a man, not a human + figure could I see, as I strained my sight towards the distant horizon. + </p> + <p> + The morning crept over, but the storm abated not, and the same unchanged + aspect of dreary desolation prevailed without. At times I thought I could + hear, amidst the noises of the tempest, something like the roll of distant + artillery; but the thunder swelled in sullen roar above all, and left me + uncertain as before. + </p> + <p> + At last, in a momentary pause of the storm, a tremendous peal of heavy + guns caught my ear, followed by the long rattling of small-arms. My heart + bounded with ecstasy. The thoughts of the battle-field, with all its + changing fortunes, was better, a thousand times better, than the + despairing sense of desertion I labored under. I listened now with + eagerness, but the rain bore down again in torrents, and the crumbling + walls and falling timbers left no other sounds to be heard. Far as my eye + could reach, nothing could still be seen save the dreary monotony of the + vast plain, undulating slightly here and there, but unmarked by a sign of + man. + </p> + <p> + Far away towards the horizon I had remarked for some time past that the + clouds resting upon the earth grew blacker and blacker, spreading out to + either side in vast masses, and not broken or wafted along like the rest. + As I watched the phenomenon with an anxious eye, I perceived the dense + mass suddenly appear, as it were, rent asunder, while a volume of liquid + flame rushed wildly out, throwing a lurid glare on every side. One + terrific clap, louder than any thunder, shook the air at this moment, + while the very earth trembled beneath the shock. + </p> + <p> + As I hesitated what it might be, the heavy din of great guns again was + heard, and from the midst of the black smoke rode forth a dark mass, which + I soon recognized as the horse-artillery at full gallop. They were + directing their course towards the bridge. + </p> + <p> + As they mounted the little rising ground, they wheeled and unlimbered with + the speed of lightning, just as a strong column of cavalry showed above + the ridge. One tremendous discharge again shook the field, and ere the + smoke cleared away they were again far in retreat. + </p> + <p> + So much was my attention occupied with this movement that I had not + perceived the long line of infantry that came from the extreme left, and + were now advancing also towards the bridge at a brisk quick-step; + scattered bodies of cavalry came up from different parts, while from the + little valley, every now and then, a rifleman would mount the rising + ground, turning to fire as he retreated. All this boded a rapid and + disorderly retreat; and although as yet I could see nothing of the + pursuing enemy, I knew too well the relative forces of each to have a + doubt for the result. + </p> + <p> + At last the head of a French column appeared above the mist, and I could + plainly distinguish the gestures of the officers as they hurried their men + onwards. Meanwhile a loud hurra attracted my attention, and I turned my + eye towards the road which led to the river. Here a small body of the 95th + had hurriedly assembled, and formed again, were standing to cover the + retreat of the broken infantry as they passed on eagerly to the bridge; in + a second after the French cuirassiers appeared. Little anticipating + resistance from a flying and disordered mass, they rode headlong forward, + and although the firm attitude and steady bearing of the Highlanders might + have appalled them, they rode heedlessly down upon the square, sabring the + very men in the front rank. Till now not a trigger had been pulled, when + suddenly the word "Fire!" was given, and a withering volley of balls sent + the cavalry column in shivers. One hearty cheer broke from the infantry in + the rear, and I could hear "Gallant Ninety-fifth!" shouted on every side + along the plain. + </p> + <p> + The whole vast space before me was now one animated battle-ground. Our own + troops, retiring in haste before the overwhelming forces of the French, + occupied every little vantage ground with their guns and light infantry, + charges of cavalry coursing hither and thither; while, as the French + pressed forward, the retreating columns again formed into squares to + permit stragglers to come up. The rattle of small-arms, the heavy peal of + artillery, the earth-quake crash of cavalry, rose on every side, while the + cheers which alternately told of the vacillating fortune of the fight rose + amidst the wild pibroch of the Highlanders. + </p> + <p> + A tremendous noise now took place on the floor beneath me; and looking + down, I perceived that a sergeant and party of sappers had taken + possession of the little hut, and were busily engaged in piercing the + walls for musketry; and before many minutes had elapsed, a company of the + Rifles were thrown into the building, which, from its commanding position + above the road, enfiladed the whole line of march. The officer in command + briefly informed me that we had been attacked that morning by the French + in force, and "devilishly well thrashed;" that we were now in retreat + beyond the Coa, where we ought to have been three days previously, and + desired me to cross the bridge and get myself out of the way as soon as I + possibly could. + </p> + <p> + A twenty-four pounder from the French lines struck the angle of the house + as he spoke, scattering the mortar and broken bricks about us on all + sides. This was warning sufficient for me, wounded and disabled as I was; + so taking the few things I could save in my haste, I hurried from the hut, + and descending the path, now slippery by the heavy rain, I took my way + across the bridge, and established myself on a little rising knoll of + ground beyond, from which a clear view could be obtained of the whole + field. + </p> + <p> + I had not been many minutes in my present position ere the pass which led + down to the bridge became thronged with troops, wagons, ammunition carts, + and hospital stores, pressing thickly forward amidst shouting and uproar; + the hills on either side of the way were crowded with troops, who formed + as they came up, the artillery taking up their position on every rising + ground. The firing had already begun, and the heavy booming of the large + guns was heard at intervals amidst the rattling crash of musketry. Except + the narrow road before me, and the high bank of the stream, I could see + nothing; but the tumult and din, which grew momentarily louder, told that + the tide of battle raged nearer and nearer. Still the retreat continued; + and at length the heavy artillery came thundering across the narrow bridge + followed by stragglers of all arms, and wounded, hurrying to the rear. The + sharpshooters and the Highlanders held the heights above the stream, thus + covering the retiring columns; but I could plainly perceive that their + fire was gradually slackening, and that the guns which flanked their + position were withdrawn, and everything bespoke a speedy retreat. A + tremendous discharge of musketry at this moment, accompanied by a + deafening cheer, announced the advance of the French, and soon the head of + the Highland brigade was seen descending towards the bridge, followed by + the Rifles and the 95th; the cavalry, consisting of the 11th and 14th + Light Dragoons, were now formed in column of attack, and the infantry + deployed into line; and in an instant after, high above the din and crash + of battle, I heard the word "Charge!" The rising crest of the hill hid + them from my sight, but my heart bounded with ecstasy as I listened to the + clanging sound of the cavalry advance. Meanwhile the infantry pressed on, + and forming upon the bank, took up a strong position in front of the + bridge; the heavy guns were also unlimbered, riflemen scattered through + the low copse-wood, and every precaution taken to defend the pass to the + last. For a moment all my attention was riveted to the movements upon our + own side of the stream, when suddenly the cavalry bugle sounded the + recall, and the same moment the staff came galloping across the bridge. + One officer I could perceive, covered with orders and trappings, his head + was bare, and his horse, splashed with blood and foam, moved lamely and + with difficulty; he turned in the middle of the bridge, as if irresolute + whether to retreat farther. One glance at him showed me the bronzed, manly + features of our leader. Whatever his resolve, the matter was soon decided + for him, for the cavalry came galloping swiftly down the slope, and in an + instant the bridge was blocked up by the retreating forces, while the + French as suddenly appearing above the height, opened a plunging fire upon + their defenceless enemies; their cheer of triumph was answered by our + fellows from the opposite bank, and a heavy cannonade thundered along the + rocky valley, sending up a hundred echoes as it went. + </p> + <p> + The scene now became one of overwhelming interest; the French, posting + their guns upon the height, replied to our fire, while their line, + breaking into skirmishers, descended the banks to the river's edge, and + poured in one sheet of galling musketry. The road to the bridge, swept by + our artillery, presented not a single file; and although a movement among + the French announced the threat of an attack, the deadly service of the + artillery seemed to pronounce it hopeless. + </p> + <p> + A strong cavalry force stood inactively spectators of the combat, on the + French side, among whom I now remarked some bustle and preparation, and as + I looked an officer rode boldly to the river's edge, and spurring his + horse forward, plunged into the stream. The swollen and angry torrent, + increased by the late rains, boiled like barm, and foamed around him as he + advanced; when suddenly his horse appeared to have lost its footing, and + the rapid current, circling around him, bore him along with it. He labored + madly, but in vain, to retrace his steps; the rolling torrent rose above + his saddle, and all that his gallant steed could do was barely sufficient + to keep afloat; both man and horse were carried down between the + contending armies. I could see him wave his hand to his comrades, as if in + adieu. One deafening cheer of admiration rose from the French lines, and + the next moment he was seen to fall from his seat, and his body, shattered + with balls, floated mournfully upon the stream. + </p> + <p> + This little incident, to which both armies were witnesses, seemed to have + called forth all the fiercer passions of the contending forces; a loud + yell of taunting triumph rose from the Highlanders, responded to by a cry + of vengeance from the French, and the same moment the head of a column was + seen descending the narrow causeway to the bridge, while an officer with a + whole blaze of decorations and crosses sprang from his horse and took the + lead. The little drummer, a child of scarcely ten years old, tripped gayly + on, beating his little <i>pas des charge</i>, seeming rather like the play + of infancy than the summons to death and carnage, as the heavy guns of the + French opened a volume of fire and flame to cover the attacking column. + For a moment all was hid from our eyes; the moment after the grape-shot + swept along the narrow causeway; and the bridge, which but a second before + was crowded with the life and courage of a noble column, was now one heap + of dead and dying. The gallant fellow who led them on fell among the first + rank, and the little child, as if kneeling, was struck dead beside the + parapet; his fair hair floated across his cold features, and seemed in its + motion to lend a look of life where the heart's throb had ceased forever. + The artillery again re-opened upon us; and when the smoke had cleared + away, we discovered that the French had advanced to the middle of the + bridge and carried off the body of their general. Twice they essayed to + cross, and twice the death-dealing fire of our guns covered the narrow + bridge with slain, while by the wild pibroch of the 42d, swelling madly + into notes of exultation and triumph, the Highlanders could scarcely be + prevented from advancing hand to hand with the foe. Gradually the French + slackened their fire, their great guns were one by one withdrawn from the + heights, and a dropping, irregular musketry at intervals sustained the + fight, which, ere sunset, ceased altogether; and thus ended "The Battle of + the Coa!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + THE NIGHT MARCH. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had the night fallen when our retreat commenced. Tired and weary + as our brave fellows felt, but little repose was allowed them; their + bivouac fires were blazing brightly, and they had just thrown themselves + in groups around them, when the word to fall in was passed from troop to + troop, and from battalion to battalion,—no trumpet, no bugle called + them to their ranks. It was necessary that all should be done noiselessly + and speedily; while, therefore, the wounded were marched to the front, and + the heavy artillery with them, a brigade of light four pounders and two + squadrons of cavalry held the heights above the bridge, and the infantry, + forming into three columns, began their march. + </p> + <p> + My wound, forgotten in the heat and excitement of the conflict, was now + becoming excessively painful, and I gladly availed myself of a place in a + wagon, where, stretched upon some fresh straw, with no other covering save + the starry sky, I soon fell sound asleep, and neither the heavy jolting of + the rough conveyance, nor the deep and rutty road, were able to disturb my + slumbers. Still through my sleep I heard the sounds around me, the heavy + tramp of infantry, the clash of the moving squadrons, and the dull roll of + artillery; and ever and anon the half-stifled cry of pain, mingling with + the reckless carol of some drinking-song, all flitted through my dreams, + lending to my thoughts of home and friends a memory of glorious war. + </p> + <p> + All the vicissitudes of a soldier's life passed then in review before me, + elicited in some measure by the things about. The pomp and grandeur, the + misery and meanness, the triumph, the defeat, the moment of victory, and + the hour of death were there, and in that vivid dream I lived a life long. + </p> + <p> + I awoke at length, the cold and chilling air which follows midnight blew + around me, and my wounded arm felt as though it were frozen. I tried to + cover myself beneath the straw, but in vain; and as my limbs trembled and + my teeth chattered, I thought again of home, where, at that moment, the + poorest menial of my uncle's house was better lodged than I; and strange + to say, something of pride mingled with the thought, and in my lonely + heart a feeling of elation cheered me. + </p> + <p> + These reflections were interrupted by the sound of a voice near me, which + I at once knew to be O'Shaughnessy's; he was on foot, and speaking + evidently in some excitement. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you, Maurice, some confounded blunder there must be; sure, he was + left in the cottage near the bridge, and no one ever saw him after." + </p> + <p> + "The French took it from the Rifles before we crossed the river. By Jove! + I'll wager my chance of promotion against a pint of sherry, he'll turn up + somewhere in the morning; those Galway chaps have as many lives as a cat." + </p> + <p> + "See, now, Maurice, I wouldn't for a full colonelcy anything would happen + to him; I like the boy." + </p> + <p> + "So do I myself; but I tell you there's no danger of him. Did you ask + Sparks anything?" + </p> + <p> + "Ask Sparks! God help you! Sparks would go off in a fit at the sight of + me. No, no, poor creature! it's little use it would be my speaking to + him." + </p> + <p> + "Why so, Doctor!" cried I, from my straw couch. + </p> + <p> + "May I never, if it's not him! Charley, my son, I'm glad you're safe. + 'Faith, I thought you were on your way to Verdun by this time." + </p> + <p> + "Sure, I told you he'd find his way here—But, O'Mealey, dear, you're + mighty could,—a rigor, as old M'Lauchlan would call it." + </p> + <p> + "E'en sae, Maister Quill," said a broad Scotch accent behind him; "and I + canna see ony objection to giein' things their right names." + </p> + <p> + "The top of the morning to you," said Quill, familiarly patting him on the + back; "how goes it, old Brimstone?" + </p> + <p> + The conversation might not have taken a very amicable turn had M'Lauchlan + heard the latter part of this speech; but, as happily he was engaged + unpacking a small canteen which he had placed in the wagon, it passed + unnoticed. + </p> + <p> + "You'll nae dislike a toothfu' of something warm, Major," said he, + presenting a glass to O'Shaughnessy; "and if ye'll permit me, Mr. + O'Mealey, to help you—" + </p> + <p> + "A thousand thanks, Doctor; but I fear a broken arm—" + </p> + <p> + "There's naething in the whiskey to prevent the proper formation of + callus." + </p> + <p> + "By the rock of Cashel, it never made any one callous," said + O'Shaughnessy, mistaking the import of the phrase. + </p> + <p> + "Ye are nae drinking frae the flask?" said the doctor, turning in some + agitation towards Quill. + </p> + <p> + "Devil a bit, my darling. I've a little horn convaniency here, that holds + half-a-pint, nice measure." + </p> + <p> + I don't imagine that our worthy friend participated in Quill's admiration + of the "convaniency," for he added, in a dry tone:— + </p> + <p> + "Ye may as weel tak your liquor frae a glass, like a Christian, as stick + your nose in a coo's horn." + </p> + <p> + "By my conscience, you're no small judge of spirits, wherever you learned + it," said the major; "it's like Islay malt!" + </p> + <p> + "I was aye reckoned a gude ane," said the doctor, "and my mither's brither + Caimbogie had na his like in the north country. Ye may be heerd tell what + he aince said to the Duchess of Argyle, when she sent for him to taste her + claret." + </p> + <p> + "Never heard of it," quoth Quill; "let's have it by all means. I'd like to + hear what the duchess said to him." + </p> + <p> + "It was na what the duchess said to him, but what he said to the duchess, + ye ken. The way of it was this: My uncle Caimbogie was aye up at the + castle, for besides his knowledge of liquor, there was nae his match for + deer-stalking, or spearing a salmon, in those parts. He was a great, rough + carle, it's true; but ane ye'd rather crack wi' than fight wi'. + </p> + <p> + "Weel, ae day they had a grand dinner at the duke's, and there were plenty + o' great southern lords and braw leddies in velvets and satin; and vara + muckle surprised they were at my uncle, when he came in wi' his tartan + kilt, in full Highland dress, as the head of a clan ought to do. + Caimbogie, however, pe'd nae attention to them; but he eat his dinner, and + drank his wine, and talked away about fallow and red deer, and at last the + duchess, for she was aye fond o' him, addressed him frae the head o' the + table:— + </p> + <p> + "'Cambogie,' quoth she, 'I'd like to hae your opinion about that wine. + It's some the duke has just received, and we should like to hear what you + think of it.' + </p> + <p> + "'It's nae sae bad, my leddy,' said my uncle; for ye see he was a man of + few words, and never flattered onybody. + </p> + <p> + "'Then you don't approve much of it?' said the duchess. + </p> + <p> + "'I've drank better, and I've drank waur,' quo' he. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm sorry you don't like it, Caimbogie,' said the duchess, 'for it can + never be popular now,—we have such a dependence upon your taste.' + </p> + <p> + "'I cauna say ower muckle for my <i>taste</i>, my leddy, but ae thing I <i>will</i> + say,—I've a most damnable <i>smell!</i>' + </p> + <p> + "I hear that never since the auld walls stood was there ever the like o' + the laughing that followed; the puir duke himsel' was carried away, and + nearly had a fit, and a' the grand lords and leddies a'most died of it. + But see here, the earle has nae left a drap o' whiskey in the flask." + </p> + <p> + "The last glass I drained to your respectable uncle's health," said Quill, + with a most professional gravity. "Now, Charlie, make a little room for me + in the straw." + </p> + <p> + The doctor soon mounted beside me, and giving me a share of his ample + cloak, considerably ameliorated my situation. + </p> + <p> + "So you knew Sparks, Doctor?" said I, with a strong curiosity to hear + something of his early acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + "That I did: I knew him when he was an ensign in the 10th Foot; and, to + say the truth, he is not much changed since that time,—the same + lively look of a sick cod-fish about his gray eyes; the same disorderly + wave of his yellow hair; the same whining voice, and that confounded + apothecary's laugh." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, Doctor, Sparks is a good fellow at heart; I won't have him + abused. I never knew he had been in the infantry; I should think it must + have been another of the same name." + </p> + <p> + "Not at all; there's only one like him in the service, and that's himself. + Confound it, man, I'd know his skin upon a bush; he was only three weeks + in the Tenth, and, indeed, your humble servant has the whole merit of his + leaving it so soon." + </p> + <p> + "Do let us hear how that happened." + </p> + <p> + "Simply thus: The jolly Tenth were some four years ago the pleasantest + corps in the army; from the lieutenant-colonel down to the last joined + sub., all were out-and-outers,—real gay fellows. The mess was, in + fact, like a pleasant club, and if you did not suit it, the best thing you + could do was to sell out or exchange into a slower regiment; and, indeed, + this very wholesome truth was not very long in reaching your ears some way + or other, and a man that could remain after being given this hint, was + likely to go afterwards without one." + </p> + <p> + Just as Dr. Quill reached this part of his story, an orderly dragoon + galloped furiously past, and the next moment an aide-de-camp rode by, + calling as he passed us,— + </p> + <p> + "Close up, there! Close up! Get forward, my lads! get forward!" + </p> + <p> + It was evident, from the stir and bustle about, that some movement was + being made; and soon after, a dropping, irregular fire from the rear + showed that our cavalry were engaged with the enemy. The affair was + scarcely of five minutes' duration, and our march resumed all its former + regularity immediately after. + </p> + <p> + I now turned to the doctor to resume his story, but he was gone; at what + moment he left I could not say, but O'Shaughnessy was also absent, nor did + I again meet with them for a considerable time after. + </p> + <p> + Towards daybreak we halted at Bonares, when, my wound demanding rest and + attention, I was billeted in the village, and consigned to all the + miseries of a sick bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + THE JOURNEY. + </p> + <p> + With that disastrous day my campaigning was destined, for some time at + least, to conclude. My wound, which grew from hour to hour more + threatening, at length began to menace the loss of the arm, and by the + recommendation of the regimental surgeons, I was ordered back to Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + Mike, by this time perfectly restored, prepared everything for my + departure, and on the third day after the battle of the Coa, I began my + journey with downcast spirits and depressed heart. The poor fellow was, + however, a kind and affectionate nurse, and unlike many others, his cares + were not limited to the mere bodily wants of his patient,—he + sustained, as well as he was able, my drooping resolution, rallied my + spirits, and cheered my courage. With the very little Portuguese he + possessed, he contrived to make every imaginable species of bargain; + always managed a good billet; kept every one in good humor, and rarely + left his quarters in the morning without a most affective leave-taking, + and reiterated promises to renew his visit. + </p> + <p> + Our journeys were usually short ones, and already two days had elapsed, + when, towards nightfall, we entered the little hamlet of Jaffra. During + the entire of that day, the pain of my wounded limb had been excruciating; + the fatigue of the road and the heat had brought back violent + inflammation, and when at last the little village came in sight, my reason + was fast yielding to the torturing agonies of my wound. But the transports + with which I greeted my resting-place were soon destined to a change; for + as we drew near, not a light was to be seen, not a sound to be heard, not + even a dog barked as the heavy mule-cart rattled over the uneven road. No + trace of any living thing was there. The little hamlet lay sleeping in the + pale moonlight, its streets deserted, and its homes tenantless; our own + footsteps alone echoed along the dreary causeway. Here and there, as we + advanced farther, we found some relics of broken furniture and house-gear; + most of the doors lay open, but nothing remained within save bare walls; + the embers still smoked in many places upon the hearth, and showed us that + the flight of the inhabitants had been recent. Yet everything convinced us + that the French had not been there; there was no trace of the reckless + violence and wanton cruelty which marked their footsteps everywhere. + </p> + <p> + All proved that the desertion had been voluntary; perhaps in compliance + with an order of our commander-in-chief, who frequently desired any + intended line of march of the enemy to be left thus a desert. As we + sauntered slowly on from street to street, half hoping that some one human + being yet remained behind, and casting our eyes from side to side in + search of quarters for the night, Mike suddenly came running up, saying,— + </p> + <p> + "I have it, sir; I've found it out. There's people living down that small + street there; I saw a light this minute as I passed." + </p> + <p> + I turned immediately, and accompanied by the mule-driver, followed Mike + across a little open square into a small and narrow street, at the end of + which a light was seen faintly twinkling. We hurried on and in a few + minutes reached a high wall of solid masonry, from a niche of which we now + discovered, to our utter disappointment, the light proceeded. It was a + small lamp placed before a little waxen image of the Virgin, and was + probably the last act of piety of some poor villager ere he left his home + and hearth forever. There it burned, brightly and tranquilly, throwing its + mellow ray upon the cold, deserted stones. + </p> + <p> + Whatever impatience I might have given way to in a moment of chagrin was + soon repressed, as I saw my two followers, uncovering their heads in + silent reverence, kneel down before the little shrine. There was something + at once touching and solemn in this simultaneous feeling of homage from + the hearts of those removed in country, language, and in blood. They bent + meekly down, their heads bowed upon their bosoms, while with muttering + voices each offered up his prayer. All sense of their disappointment, all + memory of their forlorn state, seemed to have yielded to more powerful and + absorbing thoughts, as they opened their hearts in prayer. + </p> + <p> + My eyes were still fixed upon them when suddenly Mike, whose devotion + seemed of the briefest, sprang to his legs, and with a spirit of levity + but little in accordance with his late proceedings, commenced a series of + kicking, rapping, and knocking at a small oak postern sufficient to have + aroused a whole convent from their cells. "House there! Good people + within!"—bang, bang, bang; but the echoes alone responded to his + call, and the sounds died away at length in the distant streets, leaving + all as silent and dreary as before. + </p> + <p> + Our Portuguese friend, who by this time had finished his orisons, now + began a vigorous attack upon the small door, and with the assistance of + Mike, armed with a fragment of granite about the size of a man's head, at + length separated the frame from the hinges, and sent the whole mass + prostrate before us. + </p> + <p> + The moon was just rising as we entered the little park, where gravelled + walks, neatly kept and well-trimmed, bespoke recent care and attention; + following a handsome alley of lime-trees, we reached a little <i>jet d'eau</i>, + whose sparkling fountain shone diamond-like in the moonbeams, and escaping + from the edge of a vast shell, ran murmuring amidst mossy stones and + water-lilies that, however naturally they seemed thrown around, bespoke + also the hand of taste in their position. On turning from the spot, we + came directly in front of an old but handsome château, before which + stretched a terrace of considerable extent. Its balustraded parapet lined + with orange-trees, now in full blossom, scented the still air with + delicious odor; marble statues peeped here and there amidst the foliage, + while a rich acacia, loaded with flowers, covered the walls of the + building, and hung in vast masses of variegated blossom across the tall + windows. + </p> + <p> + As leaning on Mike's arm I slowly ascended the steps of the terrace, I was + more than ever struck with the silence and death-like stillness around; + except the gentle plash of the fountain, all was at rest; the very plants + seemed to sleep in the yellow moonlight, and not a trace of any living + thing was there. + </p> + <p> + The massive door lay open as we entered the spacious hall flagged with + marble and surrounded with armorial bearings. We advanced farther and came + to a broad and handsome stair, which led us to a long gallery, from which + a suit of rooms opened, looking towards the front part of the building. + Wherever we went, the furniture appeared perfectly untouched; nothing was + removed; the very chairs were grouped around the windows and the tables; + books, as if suddenly dropped from their readers' hands, were scattered + upon the sofas and the ottomans; and in one small apartment, whose blue + satin walls and damask drapery bespoke a boudoir, a rich mantilla of black + velvet and a silk glove were thrown upon a chair. It was clear the + desertion had been most recent, and everything indicated that no time had + been given to the fugitives to prepare for flight. What a sad picture of + war was there! To think of those whose home was endeared to them by all + the refinements of cultivated life and all the associations of years of + happiness sent out upon the wide world wanderers and houseless, while + their hearth, sacred by every tie that binds us to our kindred, was to be + desecrated by the ruthless and savage hands of a ruffian soldiery. I + thought of them,—perhaps at that very hour their thoughts were + clinging round the old walls, remembering each well-beloved spot, while + they took their lonely path through mountain and through valley,—and + felt ashamed and abashed at my own intrusion there. While thus my revery + ran on, I had not perceived that Mike, whose views were very practical + upon all occasions, had lighted a most cheerful fire upon the hearth, and + disposing a large sofa before it, had carefully closed the curtains; and + was, in fact, making himself and his master as much at home as though he + had spent his life there. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it a beautiful place, Misther Charles? And this little room, + doesn't it remind you of the blue bed-room in O'Malley Castle, barrin' the + elegant view out upon the Shannon, and the mountain of Scariff?" + </p> + <p> + Nothing short of Mike's patriotism could forgive such a comparison; but, + however, I did not contradict him as he ran on:— + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I knew well there was luck in store for us this evening; and ye + see the handful of prayers I threw away outside wasn't lost. José's making + the beasts comfortable in the stable, and I'm thinking we'll none of us + complain of our quarters. But you're not eating your supper; and the + beautiful hare-pie that I stole this morning, won't you taste it? Well, a + glass of Malaga? Not a glass of Malaga? Oh, mother of Moses! what's this + for?" + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, the fever produced by the long and toilsome journey had + gained considerably on me, and except copious libations of cold water, I + could touch nothing; my arm, too, was much more painful than before. Mike + soon perceived that rest and quietness were most important to me at the + moment, and having with difficulty been prevailed upon to swallow a few + hurried mouthfuls, the poor fellow disposed cushions around me in every + imaginable form for comfort; and then, placing my wounded limb in its + easiest position, he extinguished the lamp, and sat silently down beside + the hearth, without speaking another word. + </p> + <p> + Fatigue and exhaustion, more powerful than pain, soon produced their + effects upon me, and I fell asleep; but it was no refreshing slumber which + visited my heavy eyelids; the slow fever of suffering had been hour by + hour increasing, and my dreams presented nothing but scenes of agony and + torture. Now I thought that, unhorsed and wounded, I was trampled beneath + the clanging hoofs of charging cavalry; now I felt the sharp steel + piercing my flesh, and heard the loud cry of a victorious enemy; then, + methought, I was stretched upon a litter, covered by gore and mangled by a + grape-shot. I thought I saw my brother officers approach and look sadly + upon me, while one, whose face I could not remember, muttered: "I should + not have known him." The dreadful hospital of Talavera, and all its scenes + of agony, came up before me, and I thought that I lay waiting my turn for + amputation. This last impression, more horrible to me than all the rest, + made me spring from my couch, and I awoke. The cold drops of perspiration + stood upon my brow, my mouth was parched and open, and my temples throbbed + so that I could count their beatings; for some seconds I could not throw + off the frightful illusion I labored under, and it was only by degrees I + recovered consciousness and remembered where I was. Before me, and on one + side of the bright wood-fire, sat Mike, who, apparently deep in thought, + gazed fixedly at the blaze. The start I gave on awaking had not attracted + his attention, and I could see, as the flickering glare fell upon his + features, that he was pale and ghastly, while his eyes were riveted upon + the fire; his lips moved rapidly, as if in prayer, and his locked hands + were pressed firmly upon his bosom; his voice, at first inaudible, I could + gradually distinguish, and at length heard the following muttered + sentences:— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, mother of mercy! So far from his home and his people, and so young to + die in a strange land—There it is again." Here he appeared listening + to some sounds from without. "Oh, wirra, wirra, I know it well!—the + winding-sheet, the winding-sheet! There it is; my own eyes saw it!" The + tears coursed fast upon his pale cheeks, and his voice grew almost + inaudible, as rocking to and fro, for some time he seemed in a very stupor + of grief; when at last, in a faint, subdued tone, he broke into one of + those sad and plaintive airs of his country, which only need the moment of + depression to make them wring the very heart in agony. + </p> + <p> + His song was that to which Moore has appended the beautiful lines, "Come + rest on this bosom." The following imperfect translation may serve to + convey some impression of the words, which in Mike's version were Irish:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The day was declining, + The dark night drew near, + And the old lord grew sadder + And paler with fear: + 'Come listen, my daughter, + Come nearer, oh, near! + Is't the wind or the water + That sighs in my ear?' + + "Not the wind nor the water + Now stirred the night air, + But a warning far sadder,—. + The Banshee was there! + Now rising, now swelling, + On the night wind it bore + One cadence, still telling, + 'I want thee, Rossmore!' + + "And then fast came his breath, + And more fixed grew his eye; + And the shadow of death + Told his hour was nigh. + Ere the dawn of that morning + The struggle was o'er, + For when thrice came the warning + A corpse was Rossmore!" +</pre> + <p> + The plaintive air to which these words were sung fell heavily upon my + heart, and it needed but the low and nervous condition I was in to make me + feel their application to myself. But so it is; the very superstition your + reason rejects and your sense spurns, has, from old association, from + habit, and from mere nationality too, a hold upon your hopes and fears + that demands more firmness and courage than a sick-bed possesses to combat + with success; and I now listened with an eager ear to mark if the Banshee + cried, rather than sought to fortify myself by any recurrence to my own + convictions. Meanwhile Mike's attitude became one of listening attention. + Not a finger moved; he scarce seemed even to breathe; the state of + suspense I suffered from was maddening; and at last, unable to bear it + longer, I was about to speak, when suddenly, from the floor beneath us, + one long-sustained note swelled upon the air and died away again, and + immediately after, to the cheerful sounds of a guitar, we heard the husky + voice of our Portuguese guide indulging himself in a love-ditty. + </p> + <p> + Ashamed of myself for my fears, I kept silent; but Mike, who felt only one + sensation,—that of unmixed satisfaction at his mistake,—rubbed + his hands pleasantly, filled up his glass, drank it, and refilled; while + with an accent of reassured courage, he briefly remarked,— + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mr. José, if that be singing, upon my conscience I wonder what + crying is like!" + </p> + <p> + I could not forbear a laugh at the criticism; and in a moment, the poor + fellow, who up to that moment believed me sleeping, was beside me. I saw + from his manner that he dreaded lest I had been listening to his + melancholy song, and had overheard any of his gloomy forebodings; and as + he cheered my spirits and spoke encouragingly, I could remark that he made + more than usual endeavors to appear light-hearted and at ease. Determined, + however, not to let him escape so easily, I questioned him about his + belief in ghosts and spirits, at which he endeavored, as he ever did when + the subject was an unpleasing one, to avoid the discussion; but rather + perceiving that I indulged in no irreverent disrespect of these matters, + he grew gradually more open, treating the affair with that strange mixture + of credulity and mockery which formed his estimate of most things,—now + seeming to suppose that any palpable rejection of them might entail sad + consequences in future, now half ashamed to go the whole length in his + credulity. + </p> + <p> + "And so, Mike, you never saw a ghost yourself?—that you + acknowledge?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, I never saw a real ghost; but sure there's many a thing I never + saw; but Mrs. Moore, the housekeeper, seen two. And your grandfather + that's gone—the Lord be good to him!—used to walk once a year + in Lurra Abbey; and sure you know the story about Tim Clinchy that was + seen every Saturday night coming out of the cellar with a candle and a mug + of wine and a pipe in his mouth, till Mr. Barry laid him. It cost his + honor your uncle ten pounds in Masses to make him easy; not to speak of a + new lock and two bolts on the cellar door." + </p> + <p> + "I have heard all about that; but as you never yourself saw any of these + things—" + </p> + <p> + "But sure my father did, and that's the same any day. My father seen the + greatest ghost that ever was seen in the county Cork, and spent the + evening with him, that's more." + </p> + <p> + "Spent the evening with him!—what do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Just that, devil a more nor less. If your honor wasn't so weak, and the + story wasn't a trying one, I'd like to tell it to you." + </p> + <p> + "Out with it by all means, Mike; I am not disposed to sleep; and now that + we are upon these matters, my curiosity is strongly excited by your worthy + father's experience." + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, having trimmed the fire and reseated himself beside the + blaze, Mike began; but as a ghost is no every-day personage in our + history, I must give him a chapter to himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE GHOST. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I believe your honor heard me tell long ago how my father left the + army, and the way that he took to another line of life that was more to + his liking. And so it was, he was happy as the day was long; he drove a + hearse for Mr. Callaghan of Cork for many years, and a pleasant place it + was; for ye see, my father was a 'cute man, and knew something of the + world; and though he was a droll devil, and could sing a funny song when + he was among the boys, no sooner had he the big black cloak on him and the + weepers, and he seated on the high box with the six long-tailed blacks + before him, you'd really think it was his own mother was inside, he looked + so melancholy and miserable. The sexton and gravedigger was nothing to my + father; and he had a look about his eye—to be sure there was a + reason for it—that you'd think he was up all night crying; though + it's little indulgence he took that way. + </p> + <p> + "Well, of all Mr. Callaghan's men, there was none so great a favorite as + my father. The neighbors were all fond of him. + </p> + <p> + "'A kind crayture, every inch of him!' the women would say. 'Did ye see + his face at Mrs. Delany's funeral?' + </p> + <p> + "'True for you,' another would remark; 'he mistook the road with grief, + and stopped at a shebeen house instead of Kilmurry church.' + </p> + <p> + "I need say no more, only one thing,—that it was principally among + the farmers and the country people my father was liked so much. The great + people and the quality—ax your pardon; but sure isn't it true, + Mister Charles?—they don't fret so much after their fathers and + brothers, and they care little who's driving them, whether it was a + decent, respectable man like my father, or a chap with a grin on him like + a rat-trap. And so it happened that my father used to travel half the + county; going here and there wherever there was trade stirring; and faix, + a man didn't think himself rightly buried if my father wasn't there; for + ye see, he knew all about it: he could tell to a quart of spirits what + would be wanting for a wake; he knew all the good criers for miles round; + and I've heard it was a beautiful sight to see him standing on a hill, + arranging the procession as they walked into the churchyard, and giving + the word like a captain,— + </p> + <p> + "'Come on, the stiff; now the friends of the stiff; now the pop'lace.' + </p> + <p> + "That's what he used to say, and troth he was always repeating it, when he + was a little gone in drink,—for that's the time his spirits would + rise, and he'd think he was burying half Munster. + </p> + <p> + "And sure it was a real pleasure and a pride to be buried in them times; + for av it was only a small farmer with a potato garden, my father would + come down with the black cloak on him, and three yards of crape behind his + hat, and set all the children crying and yelling for half a mile round; + and then the way he'd walk before them with a spade on his shoulder, and + sticking it down in the ground, clap his hat on the top of it, to make it + look like a chief mourner. It was a beautiful sight!" + </p> + <p> + "But Mike, if you indulge much longer in this flattering recollection of + your father, I'm afraid we shall lose sight of the ghost entirely." + </p> + <p> + "No fear in life, your honor; I'm coming to him now. Well, it was this way + it happened: In the winter of the great frost, about forty-two or + forty-three years ago, the ould priest of Tullonghmurray took ill and + died. He was sixty years priest of the parish, and mightily beloved by all + the people, and good reason for it; a pleasanter man, and a more social + crayture never lived,—'twas himself was the life of the whole + country-side. A wedding nor a christening wasn't lucky av he wasn't there, + sitting at the top of the table, with may be his arm round the bride + herself, or the baby on his lap, a smoking jug of punch before him, and as + much kindness in his eye as would make the fortunes of twenty hypocrites + if they had it among them. And then he was so good to the poor; the Priory + was always so full of ould men and ould women sitting around the big fire + in the kitchen that the cook could hardly get near it. There they were, + eating their meals and burning their shins till they were speckled like a + trout's back, and grumbling all the time; but Father Dwyer liked them, and + he would have them. + </p> + <p> + "'Where have they to go,' he'd say, 'av it wasn't to me? Give Molly + Kinshela a lock of that bacon. Tim, it's a could morning; will ye have a + taste of the "dew?"' + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that's the way he'd spake to them; but sure goodness is no warrant + for living, any more than devilment, and so he got could in his feet at a + station, and he rode home in the heavy snow without his big coat,—for + he gave it away to a blind man on the road; in three days he was dead. + </p> + <p> + "I see you're getting impatient, so I'll not stop to say what grief was in + the parish when it was known; but troth, there never was seen the like + before,—not a crayture would lift a spade for two days, and there + was more whiskey sold in that time than at the whole spring fair. Well, on + the third day the funeral set out, and never was the equal of it in them + parts: first, there was my father,—he came special from Cork with + the six horses all in new black, and plumes like little poplar-trees,—then + came Father Dwyer, followed by the two coadjutors in beautiful surplices, + walking bare-headed, with the little boys of the Priory school, + two-and-two." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mike, I'm sure it was very fine; but for Heaven's sake, spare me + all these descriptions, and get on to the ghost!" + </p> + <p> + "'Faith, yer honor's in a great hurry for the ghost,—may be ye won't + like him when ye have him; but I'll go faster, if ye please. Well, Father + Dwyer, ye see, was born at Aghan-lish, of an ould family, and he left it + in his will that he was to be buried in the family vault; and as + Aghan-lish was eighteen miles up the mountains, it was getting late when + they drew near. By that time the great procession was all broke up and + gone home. The coadjutors stopped to dine at the 'Blue Bellows' at the + cross-roads; the little boys took to pelting snowballs; there was a fight + or two on the way besides,—and in fact, except an ould deaf fellow + that my father took to mind the horses, he was quite alone. Not that he + minded that same; for when the crowd was gone, my father began to sing a + droll song, and told the deaf chap that it was a lamentation. At last they + came in sight of Aghan-lish. It was a lonesome, melancholy-looking place + with nothing near it except two or three ould fir-trees and a small slated + house with one window, where the sexton lived, and even that was shut up + and a padlock on the door. Well, my father was not over much pleased at + the look of matters; but as he was never hard put to what to do, he + managed to get the coffin into the vestry, and then when he had + unharnessed the horses, he sent the deaf fellow with them down to the + village to tell the priest that the corpse was there, and to come up early + in the morning and perform Mass. The next thing to do was to make himself + comfortable for the night; and then he made a roaring fire on the ould + hearth,—for there was plenty of bog-fir there,—closed the + windows with the black cloaks, and wrapping two round himself, he sat down + to cook a little supper he brought with him in case of need. + </p> + <p> + "Well, you may think it was melancholy enough to pass the night up there + alone with a corpse, in an ould ruined church in the middle of the + mountains, the wind howling about on every side, and the snowdrift beating + against the walls; but as the fire burned brightly, and the little plate + of rashers and eggs smoked temptingly before him, my father mixed a jug of + the strongest punch, and sat down as happy as a king. As long as he was + eating away he had no time to be thinking of anything else; but when all + was done, and he looked about him, he began to feel very low and + melancholy in his heart. There was the great black coffin on three chairs + in one corner; and then the mourning cloaks that he had stuck up against + the windows moved backward and forward like living things; and outside, + the wild cry of the plover as he flew past, and the night-owl sitting in a + nook of the old church. 'I wish it was morning, anyhow,' said my father, + 'for this is a lonesome place to be in; and faix, he'll be a cunning + fellow that catches me passing the night this way again.' Now there was + one thing distressed him most of all,—my father used always to make + fun of the ghosts and sperits the neighbors would tell of, pretending + there was no such thing; and now the thought came to him, 'May be they'll + revenge themselves on me to-night when they have me up here alone;' and + with that he made another jug stronger than the first, and tried to + remember a few prayers in case of need, but somehow his mind was not too + clear, and he said afterwards he was always mixing up ould songs and + toasts with the prayers, and when he thought he had just got hold of a + beautiful psalm, it would turn out to be 'Tatter Jack Walsh' or 'Limping + James' or something like that. The storm, meanwhile, was rising every + moment, and parts of the old abbey were falling as the wind shook the + ruin; and my father's spirits, notwithstanding the punch, wore lower than + ever. + </p> + <p> + "'I made it too weak,' said he, as he set to work on a new jorum; and + troth, this time that was not the fault of it, for the first sup nearly + choked him. + </p> + <p> + "'Ah,' said he, now, 'I knew what it was; this is like the thing; and Mr. + Free, you are beginning to feel easy and comfortable. Pass the jar. Your + very good health and song. I'm a little hoarse, it's true, but if the + company will excuse—' + </p> + <p> + "And then he began knocking on the table with his knuckles, as if there + was a room full of people asking him to sing. In short, my father was + drunk as a fiddler; the last brew finished him; and he began roaring away + all kinds of droll songs, and telling all manner of stories as if he was + at a great party. + </p> + <p> + "While he was capering this way about the room, he knocked down his hat, + and with it a pack of cards he put into it before leaving home, for he was + mighty fond of a game. + </p> + <p> + "'Will ye take a hand, Mr. Free?' said he, as he gathered them up and sat + down beside the fire. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm convanient,' said he, and began dealing out as if there was a + partner fornenst him. + </p> + <p> + "When my father used to get this far in the story, he became very + confused. He says that once or twice he mistook the liquor, and took a + pull at the bottle of poteen instead of the punch; and the last thing he + remembers was asking poor Father Dwyer if he would draw near to the fire, + and not be lying there near the door. + </p> + <p> + "With that he slipped down on the ground and fell fast asleep. How long he + lay that way he could never tell. When he awoke and looked up, his hair + nearly stood on an end with fright. What do you think he seen fornenst + him, sitting at the other side of the fire, but Father Dwyer himself. + There he was, divil a lie in it, wrapped up in one of the mourning cloaks, + trying to warm his hands at the fire. "'<i>Salve hoc nomine patri!</i>' + said my father, crossing himself, 'av it's your ghost, God presarve me!' + </p> + <p> + "'Good-evening t'ye, Mr. Free,' said the ghost; 'and av I might be bould, + what's in the jug?'—for ye see, my father had it under his arm fast, + and never let it go when he was asleep. + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Pater noster qui es in</i>,—poteen, sir,' said my father; for + the ghost didn't look pleased at his talking Latin. + </p> + <p> + "'Ye might have the politeness to ax if one had a mouth on him, then,' + says the ghost. + </p> + <p> + "'Sure, I didn't think the likes of you would taste sperits.' + </p> + <p> + "'Try me,' said the ghost; and with that he filled out a glass, and tossed + it off like a Christian. + </p> + <p> + "'Beamish!' says the ghost, smacking his lips. + </p> + <p> + "'The same,' says my father; 'and sure what's happened you has not spoiled + your taste.' + </p> + <p> + "'If you'd mix a little hot,' says the ghost, 'I'm thinking it would be + better,—the night is mighty sevare.' + </p> + <p> + "'Anything that your reverance pleases,' says my father, as he began to + blow up a good fire to boil the water. + </p> + <p> + "'And what news is stirring?' says the ghost. + </p> + <p> + "'Devil a word, your reverance,—your own funeral was the only thing + doing last week. Times is bad; except the measles, there's nothing in our + parts.' + </p> + <p> + "'And we're quite dead hereabouts, too,' says the ghost. + </p> + <p> + "'There's some of us so, anyhow, says my father, with a sly look. 'Taste + that, your reverance.' + </p> + <p> + "'Pleasant and refreshing,' says the ghost; 'and now, Mr. Free, what do + you say to a little "spoilt five," or "beggar my neighbor"?' + </p> + <p> + "'What will we play for? 'says my father, for a thought just struck him,—'may + be it's some trick of the Devil to catch my soul.' + </p> + <p> + "'A pint of Beamish,' says the ghost. + </p> + <p> + "'Done!' says my father; 'cut for deal. The ace of clubs,—you have + it.' + </p> + <p> + "Now the whole time the ghost was dealing the cards, my father never took + his eyes off of him, for he wasn't quite aisy in his mind at all; but when + he saw him turn up the trump, and take a strong drink afterwards, he got + more at ease, and began the game. + </p> + <p> + "How long they played it was never rightly known; but one thing is sure, + they drank a cruel deal of sperits. Three quart bottles my father brought + with him were all finished, and by that time his brain was so confused + with the liquor, and all he lost,—for somehow he never won a game,—that + he was getting very quarrelsome. + </p> + <p> + "'You have your own luck to it,' says he, at last. + </p> + <p> + "'True for you; and besides, we play a great deal where I come from.' + </p> + <p> + "'I've heard so,' says my father. 'I lead the knave, sir; spades! Bad cess + to it, lost again!' + </p> + <p> + "Now it was really very distressing; for by this time, though they only + began for a pint of Beamish, my father went on betting till he lost the + hearse and all the six horses, mourning cloaks, plumes, and everything. + </p> + <p> + "'Are you tired, Mr. Free? May be you'd like to stop?' + </p> + <p> + "'Stop! faith it's a nice time to stop; of course not.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, what will ye play for now?' + </p> + <p> + "The way he said these woods brought a trembling all over my father, and + his blood curdled in his heart. 'Oh, murther!' says he to himself, 'it's + my sowl he's wanting all the time.' + </p> + <p> + "'I've mighty little left,' says my father, looking at him keenly, while + he kept shuffling the cards quick as lightning. + </p> + <p> + "'Mighty little; no matter, we'll give you plenty of time to pay,—and + if you can't do it, it shall never trouble you as long as you live.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, you murthering devil!' says my father, flying at him with a spade + that he had behind his chair, 'I've found you out.' + </p> + <p> + "With one blow he knocked him down, and now a terrible fight begun, for + the ghost was very strong, too; but my father's blood was up, and he'd + have faced the Devil himself then. They rolled over each other several + times, the broken bottles cutting them to pieces, and the chairs and + tables crashing under them. At last the ghost took the bottle that lay on + the hearth, and levelled my father to the ground with one blow. Down he + fell, and the bottle and the whiskey were both dashed into the fire. That + was the end of it, for the ghost disappeared that moment in a blue flame + that nearly set fire to my father as he lay on the floor. + </p> + <p> + "Och, it was a cruel sight to see him next morning, with his cheek cut + open and his hands all bloody, lying there by himself,—all the + broken glass and the cards all round him,—the coffin, too, was + knocked down off the chair, may be the ghost had trouble getting into it. + However that was, the funeral was put off for a day, for my father + couldn't speak; and as for the sexton, it was a queer thing, but when they + came to call him in the morning, he had two black eyes, and a gash over + his ear, and he never knew how he got them. It was easy enough to know the + ghost did it; but my father kept the secret, and never told it to any man, + woman, or child in them parts." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + LISBON. + </p> + <p> + I have little power to trace the events which occupied the succeeding + three weeks of my history. The lingering fever which attended my wound + detained me during that time at the château; and when at last I did leave + for Lisbon, the winter was already beginning, and it was upon a cold raw + evening that I once more took possession of my old quarters at the Quay de + Soderi. + </p> + <p> + My eagerness and anxiety to learn something of the campaign was ever + uppermost, and no sooner had I reached my destination than I despatched + Mike to the quartermaster's office to pick up some news, and hear which of + my friends and brother officers were then at Lisbon. I was sitting in a + state of nervous impatience watching for his return, when at length I + heard footsteps approaching my room, and the next moment Mike's voice, + saying, "The ould room, sir, where he was before." The door suddenly + opened, and my friend Power stood before me. + </p> + <p> + "Charley, my boy!"—"Fred, my fine fellow!" was all either could say + for some minutes. Upon my part, the recollection of his bold and manly + bearing in my behalf choked all utterance; while upon his, my haggard + cheek and worn look produced an effect so sudden and unexpected that he + became speechless. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, however, we both rallied, and opened our store of mutual + remembrances since we parted. My career I found he was perfectly + acquainted with, and his consisted of nothing but one unceasing round of + gayety and pleasure. Lisbon had been delightful during the summer,—parties + to Cintra, excursions through the surrounding country, were of daily + occurrence; and as my friend was a favorite everywhere, his life was one + of continued amusement. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know, Charley, had it been any other man than yourself, I should + not have spared him; for I have fallen head over ears in love with your + little dark-eyed Portuguese." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Donna Inez, you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is she I mean, and you need not affect such an air of uncommon <i>nonchalance</i>. + She's the loveliest girl in Lisbon, and with fortune to pay off all the + mortgages in Connemara." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, faith! I admire her amazingly; but as I never flattered myself upon + any preference—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, Charley, no concealment, my old fellow; every one knows the + thing's settled. Your old friend, Sir George Dashwood, told me yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "Yesterday! Why, is he here, at Lisbon?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure he is; didn't I tell you that before? Confound it, what a head + I have! Why, man, he's come out as deputy adjutant-general; but for him I + should not have got renewed leave." + </p> + <p> + "And Miss Dashwood, is she here?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, she came with him. By Jove, how handsome she is,—quite a + different style of thing from our dark friend, but, to my thinking, even + handsomer. Hammersley seems of my opinion, too." + </p> + <p> + "How! Is Hammersley at Lisbon?" + </p> + <p> + "On the staff here. But, confound it, what makes you so red, you have no + ill-feeling towards him now. I know he speaks most warmly of you; no later + than last night, at Sir George's—" + </p> + <p> + What Power was about to add I know not, for I sprang from my chair with a + sudden start, and walked to the window, to conceal my agitation from him. + </p> + <p> + "And so," said I, at length regaining my composure in some measure, "Sir + George also spoke of my name in connection with the senhora?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure he did. All Lisbon does. What can you mean? But I see, my dear + boy; you know you are not of the strongest, and we've been talking far too + long. Come now, Charley, I'll say good-night. I'll be with you at + breakfast to-morrow, and tell you all the gossip; meanwhile promise me to + get quietly to bed, and so good-night." + </p> + <p> + Such was the conflicting state of feeling I suffered from that I made no + effort to detain Power. I longed to be once more alone, to think, calmly + if I could, over the position I stood in, and to resolve upon my plans for + the future. + </p> + <p> + My love for Lucy Dashwood had been long rather a devotion than a hope. My + earliest dawn of manly ambition was associated with the first hour I met + her. She it was who first touched my boyish heart, and suggested a sense + of chivalrous ardor within me; and even though lost to me forever, I could + still regard her as the mainspring of my actions, and dwell upon my + passion as the thing that hallowed every enterprise of my life. + </p> + <p> + In a word, my love, however little it might reach her heart, was + everything to mine. It was the worship of the devotee to his protecting + saint. It was the faith that made me rise above misfortune and mishap, and + led me onward; and in this way I could have borne anything, everything, + rather than the imputation of fickleness. + </p> + <p> + Lucy might not—nay, I felt she did not—love me. It was + possible that some other was preferred before me; but to doubt my own + affection, to suspect my own truth, was to destroy all the charm of my + existence, and to extinguish within me forever the enthusiasm that made me + a hero to my own heart. + </p> + <p> + It may seem but poor philosophy; but alas, how many of our happiest, how + many of our brightest thoughts here are but delusions like this! The + dayspring of youth gilds the tops of the distant mountains before us, and + many a weary day through life, when clouds and storms are thickening + around us, we live upon the mere memory of the past. Some fast-flitting + prospect of a bright future, some passing glimpse of a sunlit valley, + tinges all our after-years. + </p> + <p> + It is true that he will suffer fewer disappointments, he will incur fewer + of the mishaps of the world, who indulges in no fancies such as these; but + equally true is it that he will taste none of that exuberant happiness + which is that man's portion who weaves out a story of his life, and who, + in connecting the promise of early years with the performance of later, + will seek to fulfil a fate and destiny. + </p> + <p> + Weaving such fancies, I fell sound asleep, nor woke before the stir and + bustle of the great city aroused me. Power, I found, had been twice at my + quarters that morning, but fearing to disturb me, had merely left a few + lines to say that, as he should be engaged on service during the day, we + could not meet before the evening. There were certain preliminaries + requisite regarding my leave which demanded my appearing before a board of + medical officers, and I immediately set about dressing; resolving that, as + soon as they were completed, I should, if permitted, retire to one of the + small cottages on the opposite bank of the Tagus, there to remain until my + restored health allowed me to rejoin my regiment. + </p> + <p> + I dreaded meeting the Dashwoods. I anticipated with a heavy heart how + effectually one passing interview would destroy all my day-dreams of + happiness, and I preferred anything to the sad conviction of hopelessness + such a meeting must lead to. + </p> + <p> + While I thus balanced with myself how to proceed, a gentle step came to + the door, and as it opened slowly, a servant in a dark livery entered. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I, wondering to whom my arrival could be thus early known. + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood requests you will step over to him as soon as you go + out," continued the man; "he is so engaged that he cannot leave home, but + is most desirous to see you." + </p> + <p> + "It is not far from here?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; scarcely five minutes' walk." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, if you will show me the way, I'll follow you." + </p> + <p> + I cast one passing glance at myself to see that all was right about my + costume, and sallied forth. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the Black Horse Square, at the door of a large, + stone-fronted building, a group of military men were assembled, chatting + and laughing away together,—some reading the lately-arrived English + papers; others were lounging upon the stone parapet, carelessly puffing + their cigars. None of the faces were known to me; so threading my way + through the crowd, I reached the steps. Just as I did so, a half-muttered + whisper met my ear:— + </p> + <p> + "Who did you say?" + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley, the young Irishman who behaved so gallantly at the Douro." + </p> + <p> + The blood rushed hotly to my cheek, my heart bounded with exultation; my + step, infirm and tottering but a moment before, became fixed and steady, + and I felt a thrill of proud enthusiasm playing through my veins. How + little did the speaker of those few and random words know what courage he + had given to a drooping heart, what renewed energy to a breaking spirit! + The voice of praise, too, coming from those to whom we had thought + ourselves unknown, has a magic about it that must be felt to be + understood. So it happened that in a few seconds a revolution had taken + place in all my thoughts and feelings, and I, who had left my quarters + dispirited and depressed, now walked confidently and proudly forward. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley, sir," said the servant to the officer waiting, as we + entered the antechamber. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Mr. O'Malley," said the aide-de-damp, in his blandest accent, "I hope + you're better. Sir George is most anxious to see you; he is at present + engaged with the staff—" + </p> + <p> + A bell rang at that moment, and cut short the sentence; he flew to the + door of the inner room, and returning in an instant, said,— + </p> + <p> + "Will you follow me? This way, if you please." + </p> + <p> + The room was crowded with general officers and aides-de-camp, so that for + a second or two I could not distinguish the parties; but no sooner was my + name announced, than Sir George Dashwood, forcing his way through, rushed + forward to meet me. + </p> + <p> + "O'Malley, my brave fellow, delighted to shake your hand again! How much + grown you are,—twice the man I knew you; and the arm, too, is it + getting on well?" + </p> + <p> + Scarcely giving me a moment to reply, and still holding my hand tightly in + his grasp, he introduced me on every side. + </p> + <p> + "My young Irish friend, Sir Edward, the man of the Douro. My Lord, allow + me to present Lieutenant O'Malley, of the Fourteenth." + </p> + <p> + "A very dashing thing, that of yours, sir, at Ciudad Rodrigo." + </p> + <p> + "A very senseless one, I fear, my Lord." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, I don't agree with you at all; even when no great results follow, + the <i>morale</i> of an army benefits by acts of daring." + </p> + <p> + A running fire of kind and civil speeches poured in on me from all + quarters, and amidst all that crowd of bronzed and war-worn veterans, I + felt myself the lion of the moment. Crawfurd, it appeared, had spoken most + handsomely of my name, and I was thus made known to many of those whose + own reputations were then extending over Europe. + </p> + <p> + In this happy trance of excited pleasure I passed the morning. Amidst the + military chit-chat of the day around me, treated as an equal by the + greatest and the most distinguished, I heard all the confidential opinions + upon the campaign and its leaders; and in that most entrancing of all + flatteries,—the easy tone of companionship of our elders and + betters,—forgot my griefs, and half believed I was destined for + great things. + </p> + <p> + Fearing, at length, that I had prolonged my visit too far, I approached + Sir George to take my leave, when, drawing my arm within his, he retired + towards one of the windows. + </p> + <p> + "A word, O'Malley, before you go. I've arranged a little plan for you; + mind, I shall insist upon obedience. They'll make some difficulty about + your remaining here, so that I have appointed you one of our extra + aides-de-camp. That will free you from all trouble, and I shall not be + very exacting in my demands upon you. You must, however, commence your + duties to-day, and as we dine at seven precisely, I shall expect you. I am + aware of your wish to stay in Lisbon, my boy, and if all I hear be true, + congratulate you sincerely; but more of this another time, and so + good-by." So saying, he shook my hand once more, warmly; and without well + feeling how or why, I found myself in the street. + </p> + <p> + The last few words Sir George had spoken threw a gloom over all my + thoughts. I saw at once that the report Power had alluded to had gained + currency at Lisbon. Sir George believed it; doubtless, Lucy, too; and + forgetting in an instant all the emulative ardor that so lately stirred my + heart, I took my path beside the river, and sauntered slowly along, lost + in my reflections. + </p> + <p> + I had walked for above an hour before paying any attention to the path I + followed. Mechanically, as it were, retreating from the noise and + tumult-of the city, I wandered towards the country. My thoughts fixed but + upon one theme, I had neither ears nor eyes for aught around me; the great + difficulty of my present position now appearing to me in this light,—my + attachment to Lucy Dashwood, unrequited and unreturned as I felt it, did + not permit of my rebutting any report which might have reached her + concerning Donna Inez. I had no right, no claim to suppose her + sufficiently interested about me to listen to such an explanation, had I + even the opportunity to make it. One thing was thus clear to me,—all + my hopes had ended in that quarter; and as this conclusion sank into my + mind, a species of dogged resolution to brave my fortune crept upon me, + which only waited the first moment of my meeting her to overthrow and + destroy forever. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile I walked on,—now rapidly, as some momentary rush of + passionate excitement, now slowly, as some depressing and gloomy notion + succeeded; when suddenly my path was arrested by a long file of bullock + cars which blocked up the way. Some chance squabble had arisen among the + drivers, and to avoid the crowd and collision, I turned into a gateway + which opened beside me, and soon found myself in a lawn handsomely planted + and adorned with flowering shrubs and ornamental trees. + </p> + <p> + In the half-dreamy state my musings had brought me to, I struggled to + recollect why the aspect of the place did not seem altogether new. My + thoughts were, however, far away,—now blending some memory of my + distant home with scenes of battle and bloodshed, or resting upon my first + interview with her whose chance word, carelessly and lightly spoken, had + written the story of my life. From this revery I was rudely awakened by a + rustling noise in the trees behind me, and before I could turn my head, + the two fore-paws of a large stag-hound were planted upon my shoulders, + while the open mouth and panting tongue were close beside my face. My + day-dream was dispelled quick as lightning; it was Juan, himself, the + favorite dog of the senhora, who gave me this rude welcome, and who now, + by a thousand wild gestures and bounding caresses, seemed to do the honors + of his house. There was something so like home in these joyful greetings + that I yielded myself at once his prisoner, and followed, or rather was + accompanied by him towards the villa. + </p> + <p> + Of course, sooner or later, I should have called upon my kind friends; + then why not now, when chance has already brought me so near? Besides, if + I held to my resolution, which I meant to do,—of retiring to some + quiet and sequestered cottage till my health was restored,—the + opportunity might not readily present itself again. This line of argument + perfectly satisfied my reason; while a strong feeling of something like + curiosity piqued me to proceed, and before many minutes elapsed, I reached + the house. The door, as usual, lay wide open; and the ample hall, + furnished like a sitting-room, had its customary litter of books, music, + and flowers scattered upon the tables. My friend Juan, however, suffered + me not to linger here, but rushing furiously at a door before me, began a + vigorous attack for admittance. + </p> + <p> + As I knew this to be the drawing-room, I opened the door and walked in, + but no one was to be seen; a half-open book lay upon an ottoman, and a + fan, which I recognized as an old acquaintance, was beside it, but the + owner was absent. + </p> + <p> + I sat down, resolved to wait patiently for her coming, without any + announcement of my being there. I was not sorry, indeed, to have some + moments to collect my thoughts, and restore my erring faculties to + something like order. + </p> + <p> + As I looked about the room, it seemed as if I had been there but + yesterday. The folding-doors lay open to the garden, just as I had seen + them last; and save that the flowers seemed fewer, and those which + remained of a darker and more sombre tint, all seemed unchanged. There lay + the guitar to whose thrilling chords my heart had bounded; there, the + drawing over which I had bent in admiring pleasure, suggesting some tints + of light or shadow, as the fairy fingers traced them; every chair was + known to me, and I greeted them as things I cared for. + </p> + <p> + While thus I scanned each object around me, I was struck by a little china + vase which, unlike its other brethren, contained a bouquet of dead and + faded flowers; the blood rushed to my cheek; I started up; it was one I + had myself presented to her the day before we parted. It was in that same + vase I placed it; the very table, too, stood in the same position beside + that narrow window. What a rush of thoughts came pouring on me! And oh!—shall + I confess it?—how deeply did such a mute testimony of remembrance + speak to my heart, at the moment that I felt myself unloved and uncared + for by another! I walked hurriedly up and down, a maze of conflicting + resolves combating in my mind, while one thought ever recurred: "Would + that I had not come there!" and yet after all it may mean nothing; some + piece of passing coquetry which she will be the very first to laugh at. I + remembered how she spoke of poor Howard; what folly to take it otherwise! + "Be it so, then," said I, half aloud; "and now for my part of the game;" + and with this I took from my pocket the light-blue scarf she had given me + the morning we parted, and throwing it over my shoulder, prepared to + perform my part in what I had fully persuaded myself to be a comedy. The + time, however, passed on, and she came not; a thousand high-flown + Portuguese phrases had time to be conned over again and again by me, and I + had abundant leisure to enact my coming part; but still the curtain did + not rise. As the day was wearing, I resolved at last to write a few lines, + expressive of my regret at not meeting her, and promising myself an early + opportunity of paying my respects under more fortunate circumstances. I + sat down accordingly, and drawing the paper towards me, began in a mixture + of French and Portuguese, as it happened, to indite my billet. + </p> + <p> + "Senhora Inez—" no—"Ma chère Mademoiselle Inez—" + confound it, that's too intimate; well, here goes: "Monsieur O'Malley + presente ses respects—" that will never do; and then, after twenty + other abortive attempts, I began thoughtlessly sketching heads upon the + paper, and scribbling with wonderful facility in fifty different ways: "Ma + charmante amie—Ma plus chère Inez," etc., and in this most useful + and profitable occupation did I pass another half-hour. + </p> + <p> + How long I should have persisted in such an employment it is difficult to + say, had not an incident intervened which suddenly but most effectually + put an end to it. As the circumstance is one which, however little + striking in itself, had the greatest and most lasting influence upon my + future career, I shall, perhaps, be excused in devoting another chapter to + its recital. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + A PLEASANT PREDICAMENT. + </p> + <p> + As I sat vainly endeavoring to fix upon some suitable and appropriate + epithet by which to commence my note, my back was turned towards the door + of the garden; and so occupied was I in my meditations, that even had any + one entered at the time, in all probability I should not have perceived + it. At length, however, I was aroused from my study by a burst of + laughter, whose girlish joyousness was not quite new to me. I knew it + well; it was the senhora herself; and the next moment I heard her voice. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you, I'm quite certain I saw his face in the mirror as I passed. + Oh, how delightful! and you'll be charmed with him; so, mind, you must not + steal him from me; I shall never forgive you if you do; and look, only + look! he has got the blue scarf I gave him when he marched to the Douro." + </p> + <p> + While I perceived that I was myself seen, I could see nothing of the + speaker, and wishing to hear something further, appeared more than ever + occupied in the writing before me. + </p> + <p> + What her companion replied I could not, however, catch, but only guess at + its import by the senhora's answer. "<i>Fi done!</i>—I really am + very fond of him; but, never fear, I shall be as stately as a queen. You + shall see how meekly he will kiss my hand, and with what unbending reserve + I'll receive him." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" thought I; "mayhap, I'll mar your plot a little; but let us + listen." + </p> + <p> + Again her friend spoke, but too low to be heard. + </p> + <p> + "It is so provoking," continued Inez; "I never can remember names, and his + was something too absurd; but never mind, I shall make him a grandee of + Portugal. Well, but come along, I long to present him to you." + </p> + <p> + Here a gentle struggle seemed to ensue; for I heard the senhora coaxingly + entreat her, while her companion steadily resisted. + </p> + <p> + "I know very well you think I shall be so silly, and perhaps wrong; eh, is + it not so? but you are quite mistaken. You'll be surprised at my cold and + dignified manner. I shall draw myself proudly up, thus, and curtsying + deeply, say, 'Monsieur, j'ai l'honneur de vous saluer.'" + </p> + <p> + A laugh twice as mirthful as before interrupted her account of herself, + while I could hear the tones of her friend evidently in expostulation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0083.jpg" + alt="O'malley Following the Custom of his Country. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Well, then, to be sure, you are provoking, but you really promise to + follow me. Be it so; then give me that moss-rose. How you have fluttered + me; now for it!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, I heard her foot upon the gravel, and the next instant upon the + marble step of the door. There is something in expectation that sets the + heart beating, and mine throbbed against my side. I waited, however, till + she entered, before lifting my head, and then springing suddenly up, with + one bound clasped her in my arms, and pressing my lips upon her roseate + cheek, said,— + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mar charmante amie!</i>" To disengage herself from me, and to spring + suddenly back was her first effort; to burst into an immoderate fit of + laughing, her second; her cheek was, however, covered with a deep blush, + and I already repented that my malice had gone so far. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon, Mademoiselle," said I, in affected innocence, "if I have so far + forgotten myself as to assume a habit of my own country to a stranger." + </p> + <p> + A half-angry toss of the head was her only reply, and turning towards the + garden, she called to her friend:— + </p> + <p> + "Come here, dearest, and instruct my ignorance upon your national customs; + but first let me present to you,—never know his name,—the + Chevalier de ——What is it?" + </p> + <p> + The glass door opened as she spoke; a tall and graceful figure entered, + and turning suddenly round, showed me the features of Lucy Dashwood. We + both stood opposite each other, each mute with amazement. <i>My</i> + feelings let me not attempt to convey; shame, for the first moment + stronger than aught else, sent the blood rushing to my face and temples, + and the next I was cold and pale as death. As for her, I cannot guess at + what passed in her mind. She curtsied deeply to me, and with a half-smile + of scarce recognition passed by me, and walked towards a window. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Comme vous êtes amiable!</i>" said the lively Portuguese, who + comprehended little of this dumb show; "here have I been flattering myself + what friends you'd be the very moment you meet, and now you'll not even + look at each other." + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? The situation was every instant growing more and more + embarrassing; nothing but downright effrontery could get through with it + now; and never did a man's heart more fail him than did mine at this + conjuncture. I made the' effort, however, and stammered out certain + unmeaning commonplaces. Inez replied, and I felt myself conversing with + the headlong recklessness of one marching to a scaffold, a coward's fear + at his heart, while he essayed to seem careless and indifferent. + </p> + <p> + Anxious to reach what I esteemed safe ground, I gladly adverted to the + campaign; and at last, hurried on by the impulse to cover my + embarrassment, was describing some skirmish with a French outpost. Without + intending, I had succeeded in exciting the senhora's interest, and she + listened with sparkling eye and parted lips to the description of a + sweeping charge in which a square was broken, and several prisoners + carried off. Warming with the eager avidity of her attention, I grew + myself more excited, when just as my narrative reached its climax, Miss + Dashwood walked gently towards the bell, rang it, and ordered her + carriage. The tone of perfect <i>nonchalance</i> of the whole proceeding + struck me dumb; I faltered, stammered, hesitated, and was silent. Donna + Inez turned from one to the other of us with a look of unfeigned + astonishment and I heard her mutter to herself something like a reflection + upon "national eccentricities." Happily, however, her attention was now + exclusively turned towards her friend, and while assisting her to shawl, + and extorting innumerable promises of an early visit, I got a momentary + reprieve; the carriage drew up also, and as the gravel flew right and left + beneath the horses' feet, the very noise and bustle relieved me. "<i>Adios</i>," + then said Inez, as she kissed her for the last time, while she motioned to + me to escort her to her carriage. I advanced, stopped, made another step + forward, and again grew irresolute; but Miss Dashwood speedily terminated + the difficulty; for making me a formal curtsey, she declined my + scarce-proffered attention, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + As she did so, I perceived that on passing the table, her eyes fell upon + the paper I had been scribbling over so long, and I thought that for an + instant an expression of ineffable scorn seemed to pass across her + features, save which—and perhaps even in this I was mistaken—her + manner was perfectly calm, easy, and indifferent. + </p> + <p> + Scarce had the carriage rolled from the door, when the senhora, throwing + herself upon her chair, clapped her hands in childish ecstasy, while she + fell into a fit of laughing that I thought would never have an end. "Such + a scene!" cried she; "I would not have lost it for the world; what + cordiality! what <i>empressement</i> to form acquaintance! I shall never + forget it, Monsieur le Chevalier; your national customs seem to run sadly + in extremes. One would have thought you deadly enemies; and poor me, after + a thousand delightful plans about you both!" + </p> + <p> + As she ran on thus, scarce able to control her mirth at each sentence, I + walked the room with impatient strides, now, resolving to hasten after the + carriage, stop it, explain in a few words how all had happened, and then + fly from her forever; then the remembrance of her cold, impassive look + crossed me, and I thought that one bold leap into the Tagus might be the + shortest and easiest solution to all my miseries. Perfect abasement, + thorough self-contempt had broken all my courage, and I could have cried + like a child. What I said, or how I comforted myself after, I know not; + but my first consciousness came to me as I felt myself running at the top + of my speed far upon the road towards Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + THE DINNER. + </p> + <p> + It may easily be imagined that I had little inclination to keep my promise + of dining that day with Sir George Dashwood. However, there was nothing + else for it; the die was cast,—my prospects as regarded Lucy were + ruined forever. We were not, we never could be anything to each other; and + as for me, the sooner I braved my altered fortunes the better; and after + all, why should I call them altered. She evidently never had cared for me; + and even supposing that my fervent declaration of attachment had + interested her, the apparent duplicity and falseness of my late conduct + could only fall the more heavily upon me. + </p> + <p> + I endeavored to philosophize myself into calmness and indifference. One by + one I exhausted every argument for my defence, which, however ingeniously + put forward, brought no comfort to my own conscience. I pleaded the + unerring devotion of my heart, the uprightness of my motives, and when + called on for the proofs,—alas! except the blue scarf I wore in + memory of another, and my absurd conduct at the villa, I had none. From + the current gossip of Lisbon, down to my own disgraceful folly, all, all + was against me. + </p> + <p> + Honesty of intention, rectitude of purpose, may be, doubtless they are, + admirable supports to a rightly constituted mind; but even then they must + come supported by such claims to probability as make the injured man feel + he has not lost the sympathy of all his fellows. Now, I had none of these, + had even my temperament, broken by sickness and harassed by unlucky + conjectures, permitted my appreciating them. + </p> + <p> + I endeavored to call my wounded pride to my aid, and thought over the + glance of haughty disdain she gave me as she passed on to her carriage; + but even this turned against me, and a humiliating sense of my own + degraded position sank deeply into my heart. "This impression at least," + thought I, "must be effaced. I cannot permit her to believe—" + </p> + <p> + "His Excellency is waiting dinner, sir," said a lackey, introducing a + finely powdered head gently within the door. I looked at my watch, it was + eight o'clock; so snatching my sabre, and shocked at my delay, I hastily + followed the servant down-stairs, and thus at once cut short my + deliberations. + </p> + <p> + The man must be but little observant or deeply sunk in his own reveries, + who, arriving half-an-hour too late for dinner, fails to detect in the + faces of the assembled and expectant guests a very palpable expression of + discontent and displeasure. It is truly a moment of awkwardness, and one + in which few are found to manage with success; the blushing, hesitating, + blundering apology of the absent man, is scarcely better than the + ill-affected surprise of the more practised offender. The bashfulness of + the one is as distasteful as the cool impertinence of the other; both are + so thoroughly out of place, for we are thinking of neither; our thoughts + are wandering to cold soups and rechaufféd pâtés, and we neither care for + nor estimate the cause, but satisfy our spleen by cursing the offender. + </p> + <p> + Happily for me I was clad in a triple insensibility to such feelings, and + with an air of most perfect unconstraint and composure walked into a + drawing-room where about twenty persons were busily discussing what + peculiar amiability in my character could compensate for my present + conduct. + </p> + <p> + "At last, O'Malley, at last!" said Sir George. "Why, my dear boy, how very + late you are!" + </p> + <p> + I muttered something about a long walk,—distance from Lisbon, etc. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! that was it. I was right, you see!" said an old lady in a spangled + turban, as she whispered something to her friend beside her, who appeared + excessively shocked at the information conveyed; while a fat, round-faced + little general, after eying me steadily through his glass, expressed a <i>sotto + voce</i> wish that I was upon <i>his</i> staff. I felt my cheek reddening + at the moment, and stared around me like one whose trials were becoming + downright insufferable, when happily dinner was announced, and terminated + my embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + As the party filed past, I perceived that Miss Dashwood was not among + them; and with a heart relieved for the moment by the circumstance, and + inventing a hundred conjectures to account for it, I followed with the + aides-de-camp and the staff to the dinner-room. + </p> + <p> + The temperament is very Irish, I believe, which renders a man so elastic + that from the extreme of depression to the very climax of high spirits, + there is but one spring. To this I myself plead guilty, and thus, scarcely + was I freed from the embarrassment which a meeting with Lucy Dashwood must + have caused, when my heart bounded with lightness. + </p> + <p> + When the ladies withdrew, the events of the campaign became the subject of + conversation, and upon these, very much to my astonishment, I found myself + consulted as an authority. The Douro, from some fortunate circumstance, + had given me a reputation I never dreamed of, and I heard my opinions + quoted upon topics of which my standing as an officer, and my rank in the + service, could not imply a very extended observation. Power was absent on + duty; and happily for my supremacy, the company consisted entirely of + generals in the commissariat or new arrivals from England, all of whom + knew still less than myself. + </p> + <p> + What will not iced champagne and flattery do? Singly, they are strong + impulses; combined, their power is irresistible. I now heard for the first + time that our great leader had been elevated to the peerage by the title + of Lord Wellington, and I sincerely believe—however now I may smile + at the confession—that, at the moment, I felt more elation at the + circumstance than he did. The glorious sensation of being in any way, no + matter how remotely, linked with the career of those whose path is a high + one, and whose destinies are cast for great events, thrilled through me; + and in all the warmth of my admiration and pride for our great captain, a + secret pleasure stirred within me as I whispered to myself, "And I, too, + am a soldier!" + </p> + <p> + I fear me that very little flattery is sufficient to turn the head of a + young man of eighteen; and if I yielded to the "pleasant incense," let my + apology be that I was not used to it; and lastly, let me avow, if I did + get tipsy, I liked the liquor. And why not? It is the only tipple I know + of that leaves no headache the next morning to punish you for the glories + of the past night. It may, like all other strong potations, it is true, + induce you to make a fool of yourself when under its influence; but like + the nitrous-oxide gas, its effects are passing, and as the pleasure is an + ecstasy for the time, and your constitution none the worse when it is + over, I really see no harm in it. + </p> + <p> + Then the benefits are manifest; for while he who gives becomes never the + poorer for his benevolence, the receiver is made rich indeed. It matters + little that some dear, kind friend is ready with his bitter draught to + remedy what he is pleased to call its unwholesome sweetness; you betake + yourself with only the more pleasure to the "blessed elixir," whose + fascinations neither the poverty of your pocket, nor the penury of your + brain, can withstand, and by the magic of whose spell you are great and + gifted. "<i>Vive la bagatelle!</i>" saith the Frenchman. "Long live + flattery!" say I, come from what quarter it will,—the only wealth of + the poor man, the only reward of the unknown one; the arm that supports us + in failure; the hand that crowns us in success; the comforter in our + affliction; the gay companion in our hours of pleasure; the lullaby of the + infant; the staff of old age; the secret treasure we lock up in our own + hearts, and which ever grows greater as we count it over. Let me not be + told that the coin is fictitious, and the gold not genuine; its clink is + as musical to the ear as though it bore the last impression of the mint, + and I'm not the man to cast an aspersion upon its value. + </p> + <p> + This little digression, however seemingly out of place, may serve to + illustrate what it might be difficult to convey in other words,—namely, + that if Charles O'Malley became, in his own estimation, a very + considerable personage that day at dinner, the fault lay not entirely with + himself, but with his friends, who told him he was such. In fact, my good + reader, I was the lion of the party, the man who saved Laborde, who + charged through a brigade of guns, who performed feats which newspapers + quoted, though he never heard of them himself. At no time is a man so + successful in society as when his reputation heralds him; and it needs but + little conversational eloquence to talk well, if you have but a willing + and ready auditory. Of mine, I could certainly not complain; and as, + drinking deeply, I poured forth a whole tide of campaigning recital, I saw + the old colonels of recruiting districts exchanging looks of wonder and + admiration with officers of the ordnance; while Sir George himself, + evidently pleased at my <i>début</i>, went back to an early period of our + acquaintance, and related the rescue of his daughter in Galway. + </p> + <p> + In an instant the whole current of my thoughts was changed. My first + meeting with Lucy, my boyhood's dream of ambition, my plighted faith, my + thought of our last parting in Dublin, when, in a moment of excited + madness, I told my tale of love. I remembered her downcast look, as her + cheek now flushing, now growing pale, she trembled while I spoke. I + thought of her, as in the crash of battle her image flashed across my + brain, and made me feel a rush of chivalrous enthusiasm to win her heart + by "doughty deeds." + </p> + <p> + I forgot all around and about me. My head reeled, the wine, the + excitement, my long previous illness, all pressed upon me; and as my + temples throbbed loudly and painfully, a chaotic rush of discordant, + ill-connected ideas flitted across my mind. There seemed some stir and + confusion in the room, but why or wherefore I could not think, nor could I + recall my scattered senses, till Sir George Dashwood's voice roused me + once again to consciousness. + </p> + <p> + "We are going to have some coffee, O'Malley. Miss Dashwood expects us in + the drawing-room. You have not seen her yet?" + </p> + <p> + I know not my reply; but he continued:— + </p> + <p> + "She has some letters for you, I think." + </p> + <p> + I muttered something, and suffered him to pass on; no sooner had he done + so, however, than I turned towards the door, and rushed into the street. + The cold night air suddenly recalled me to myself, and I stood for a + moment endeavoring to collect myself; as I did so, a servant stopped, and + saluting me, presented me with a letter. For a second, a cold chill came + over me; I knew not what fear beset me. The letter, I at last remembered, + must be that one alluded to by Sir George, so I took it in silence, and + walked on. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + THE LETTER. + </p> + <p> + As I hurried to my quarters, I made a hundred guesses from whom the letter + could have come; a kind of presentiment told me that it bore, in some + measure, upon the present crisis of my life, and I burned with anxiety to + read it. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had I reached the light, than all my hopes on this head + vanished; the envelope bore the well-known name of my old college chum, + Frank Webber, and none could, at the moment, have more completely + dispelled all chance of interesting me. I threw it from me with + disappointment, and sat moodily down to brood over my fate. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, and almost without knowing it, I drew the lamp towards + me, and broke the seal. The reader being already acquainted with my + amiable friend, there is the less indiscretion in communicating the + contents, which ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN, No. 2, + + October 5, 1810. + + My Dear O'Malley,—Nothing short of your death and burial, + with or without military honors, can possibly excuse your very + disgraceful neglect of your old friends here. Nesbitt has never + heard of you, neither has Smith. Ottley swears never to have seen + your handwriting, save on the back of a protested bill. You have + totally forgotten <i>me</i>, and the dean informs me that you have never + condescended a single line to him; which latter inquiry on my part + nearly cost me a rustication. + + A hundred conjectures to account for your silence—a new feature + in you since you were here—are afloat. Some assert that your + soldiering has turned your head, and that you are above corresponding + with civilians. Your friends, however, who know you better and + value your worth, think otherwise; and having seen a paragraph + about a certain O'Malley being tried by court-martial for stealing a + goose, and maltreating the woman that owned it, ascribe your not + writing to other motives. Do, in any case, relieve our minds; say, + is it yourself, or only a relative that's mentioned? + Herbert came over from London with a long story about your + doing wonderful things,—capturing cannon and general officers by + scores,—but devil a word of it is extant; and if you have really + committed these acts, they have "misused the king's press damnably," + for neither in the "Times" nor the "Post" are you heard of. + Answer this point, and say also if you have got promotion; for what + precise sign you are algebraically expressed by at this writing, may + serve Fitzgerald for a fellowship question. As for us, we are jogging + along, <i>semper eadem</i>,—that is, worse and worse. Dear Cecil + Cavendish, our gifted friend, slight of limb and soft of voice, has + been rusticated for immersing four bricklayers in that green + receptacle of stagnant water and duckweed, yeleped the "Haha." + Roper, equally unlucky, has taken to reading for honors, and obtained + a medal, I fancy,—at least his friends shy him, and it must be + something of that kind. Belson—poor Belson (fortunately for him he + was born in the nineteenth, not the sixteenth century, or he'd be most + likely ornamenting a pile of fagots) ventured upon some stray + excursions into the Hebrew verbs,—the professor himself never having + transgressed beyond the declensions, and the consequence is, he is + in disgrace among the seniors. And as for me, a heavy charge hangs + over my devoted head even while I write. The senior lecturer, it + appears, has been for some time instituting some very singular + researches into the original state of our goodly college at its + founding. Plans and specifications showing its extent and magnificence + have been continually before the board for the last month; and in such + repute have been a smashed door-sill or an old arch, that freshmen + have now abandoned conic sections for crowbars, and instead of the + "Principia" have taken up the pickaxe. You know, my dear fellow, + with what enthusiasm I enter into any scheme for the aggrandizement + of our Alma Mater, so I need not tell you how ardently I + adventured into the career now opened to me. My time was completely + devoted to the matter; neither means nor health did I spare, + and in my search for antiquarian lore, I have actually undermined + the old wall of the fellows' garden, and am each morning in expectation + of hearing that the big bell near the commons-hall has descended + from its lofty and most noisy eminence, and is snugly reposing in + the mud. Meanwhile accident put me in possession of a most + singular and remarkable discovery. Our chambers—I call them + ours for old association sake—are, you may remember, in the Old + Square. Well, I have been fortunate enough, within the very precincts + of my own dwelling, to contribute a very wonderful fact to the + history of the University; alone, unassisted, unaided, I labored + at my discovery. Few can estimate the pleasure I felt, the fame + and reputation I anticipated. I drew up a little memoir for the + board, most respectfully and civilly worded, having for title the + following:— + + ACCOUNT + Of a remarkable Subterranean Passage lately discovered in the + Old Building of Trinity College, Dublin; + With Observations upon its Extent, Antiquity, and Probable Use. + By F. WEBBER, Senior Freshman. + + My dear O'Malley, I'll not dwell upon the pride I felt in my new + character of antiquarian; it is enough to state, that my very + remarkable tract was well considered and received, and a commission + appointed to investigate the discovery, consisting of the + vice-provost, the senior lecturer, old Woodhouse, the sub-dean, and + a few more. + + On Tuesday last they came accordingly in full academic costume. + I, being habited most accurately in the like manner, conducted + them with all form into my bed-room, where a large screen concealed + from view the entrance to the tunnel alluded to. Assuming a very + John Kembleish attitude, I struck this down with one hand, pointing + with the other to the wall, as I exclaimed, "There! look + there!" + + I need only quote Barret's exclamation to enlighten you upon my + discovery as, drawing in his breath with a strong effort, he burst + out:— + + "May the Devil admire me, but it's a rat-hole!" + + I fear, Charley, he's right, and what's more, that the board will + think so, for this moment a very warm discussion is going on among + that amiable and learned body whether I shall any longer remain an + ornament to the University. In fact, the terror with which they + fled from my chambers, overturning each other in the passage, + seemed to imply that they thought me mad, and I do believe my + voice, look, and attitude would not have disgraced a blue cotton + dressing-gown and a cell in "Swift's." Be this as it may, few men + have done more for college than I have. The sun never stood still + for Joshua with more resolution than I have rested in my career of + freshman; and if I have contributed little to the fame, I have done + much for the funds of the University; and when they come to compute + the various sums I have paid in, for fines, penalties, and what + they call properly "impositions," if they don't place a portrait of me + in the examination hall, between Archbishop Ussher and Flood, then + do I say there is no gratitude in mankind; not to mention the impulse + I have given to the various artisans whose business it is to + repair lamps, windows, chimneys, iron railings, and watchmen, all + of which I have devoted myself to with an enthusiasm for political + economy well known, and registered in the College Street police-office. + + After all, Charley, I miss you greatly. Your second in a ballad is + not to be replaced; besides, Carlisle Bridge has got low; medical + students and young attorneys affect minstrelsy, and actually frequent + the haunts sacred to our muse. + + Dublin is, upon the whole, I think, worse; though one scarcely + ever gets tired laughing at the small celebrities— +</pre> + <p> + Master Frank gets here indiscreet, so I shall skip. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And so the Dashwoods are going too; this will make mine a + pitiable condition, for I really did begin to feel tender in that + quarter. You may have heard that she refused me; this, however, is not + correct, though I have little doubt it might have been,—had I + asked her. + + Hammersley has, you know, got his dismissal. I wonder how the + poor fellow took it when Power gave him back his letters and his + picture. How <i>you</i> are to be treated remains to be seen; in any + case, you certainly stand first favorite. +</pre> + <p> + I laid down the letter at this passage, unable to read farther. Here, + then, was the solution of the whole chaos of mystery; here the full + explanation of what had puzzled my aching brain for many a night long. + These were the very letters I had myself delivered into Hammersley's + hands; this the picture he had trodden to dust beneath his heel the + morning of our meeting. I now felt the reason of his taunting allusion to + my "success," his cutting sarcasm, his intemperate passion. A flood of + light poured at once across all the dark passages of my history; and Lucy, + too,—dare I think of her! A rapid thought shot through my brain. + What if she had really cared for me! What if for me she had rejected + another's love! What if, trusting to my faith, my pledged and sworn faith, + she had given me her heart! Oh, the bitter agony of that thought! To think + that all my hopes were shipwrecked with the very land in sight. + </p> + <p> + I sprang to my feet with some sudden impulse, but as I did so the blood + rushed madly to my face and temples, which beat violently; a parched and + swollen feeling came about my throat; I endeavored to open my collar and + undo my stock, but my disabled arm prevented me. I tried to call my + servant, but my utterance was thick and my words would not come; a + frightful suspicion crossed me that my reason was tottering. I made + towards the door; but as I did so, the objects around me became confused + and mingled, my limbs trembled, and I fell heavily upon the floor. A pang + of dreadful pain shot through me as I fell; my arm was rebroken. After + this I knew no more; all the accumulated excitement of the evening bore + down with one fell swoop upon my brain. Ere day broke, I was delirious. + </p> + <p> + I have a vague and indistinct remembrance of hurried and anxious faces + around my bed, of whispered words and sorrowful looks; but my own thoughts + careered over the bold hills of the far west as I trod them in my boyhood, + free and high of heart, or recurred to the din and crash of the + battle-field, with the mad bounding of the war-horse, and the loud clang + of the trumpet. Perhaps the acute pain of my swollen and suffering arm + gave the character to my mental aberration; for I have more than once + observed among the wounded in battle, that even when torn and mangled by + grape from a howitzer, their ravings have partaken of a high feature of + enthusiasm,—shouts of triumph and exclamations of pleasure, even + songs have I heard, but never once the low muttering of despair or the + half-stifled cry of sorrow and affliction. + </p> + <p> + Such were the few gleams of consciousness which visited me; and even to + such as these I soon became insensible. + </p> + <p> + Few like to chronicle, fewer still to read, the sad history of a sick-bed. + Of mine, I know but little. The throbbing pulses of the erring brain, the + wild fancies of lunacy, take no note of time. There is no past nor future; + a dreadful present, full of its hurried and confused impressions, is all + that the mind beholds; and even when some gleams of returning reason flash + upon the mad confusion of the brain, they come like sunbeams through a + cloud, dimmed, darkened, and perverted. + </p> + <p> + It is the restless activity of the mind in fever that constitutes its most + painful anguish; the fast-flitting thoughts that rush ever onwards, + crowding sensation on sensation, an endless train of exciting images + without purpose or repose; or even worse, the straining effort to pursue + some vague and shadowy conception which evades us ever as we follow, but + which mingles with all around and about us, haunting us at midnight as in + the noontime. Of this nature was a vision which came constantly before me, + till at length, by its very recurrence, it assumed a kind of real and + palpable existence; and as I watched it, my heart thrilled with the high + ardor of enthusiasm and delight, or sunk into the dark abyss of sorrow and + despair. "The dawning of morning, the daylight sinking," brought no other + image to my aching sight; and of this alone, of all the impressions of the + period, has my mind retained any consciousness. + </p> + <p> + Methought I stood within an old and venerable cathedral, where the dim + yellow light fell with a rich but solemn glow upon the fretted capitals, + or the grotesque tracings of the oaken carvings, lighting up the fading + gildings of the stately monuments, and tinting the varied hues of + time-worn banners. The mellow notes of a deep organ filled the air, and + seemed to attune the sense to all the awe and reverence of the place, + where the very footfall, magnified by its many echoes, seemed half a + profanation. I stood before an altar, beside me a young and lovely girl, + whose bright brown tresses waved in loose masses upon a neck of snowy + whiteness; her hand, cold and pale, rested within my own; we knelt + together, not in prayer, but a feeling of deep reverence stole over my + heart, as she repeated some few half-uttered words after me; I knew that + she was mine. Oh, the ecstasy of that moment, as, springing to my feet, I + darted forward to press her to my heart! When, suddenly, an arm was + interposed between us, while a low but solemn voice rang in my ears, "Stir + not; for thou art false and traitorous, thy vow a perjury, and thy heart a + lie!" Slowly and silently the fair form of my loved Lucy—for it was + her—receded from my sight. One look, one last look of sorrow—it + was scarce reproach—fell upon me, and I sank back upon the cold + pavement, broken-hearted and forsaken. + </p> + <p> + This dream came with daybreak, and with the calm repose of evening; the + still hours of the waking night brought no other image to my eyes, and + when its sad influence had spread a gloom and desolation over my wounded + heart, a secret hope crept over me, that again the bright moment of + happiness would return, and once more beside that ancient altar I'd kneel + beside my bride, and call her mine. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, my memory retains but little; the kind looks which came + around my bedside brought but a brief pleasure, for in their affectionate + beaming I could read the gloomy prestige of my fate. The hurried but + cautious step, the whispered sentences, the averted gaze of those who + sorrowed for me, sunk far deeper into my heart than my friends then + thought of. Little do they think, who minister to the sick or dying, how + each passing word, each flitting glance is noted, and how the pale and + stilly figure which lies all but lifeless before them counts over the + hours he has to live by the smiles or tears around him! + </p> + <p> + Hours, days, weeks rolled over, and still my fate hung in the balance; and + while in the wild enthusiasm of my erring faculties, I wandered far in + spirit from my bed of suffering and pain, some well-remembered voice + beside me would strike upon my ear, bringing me back, as if by magic, to + all the realities of life, and investing my almost unconscious state with + all the hopes and fears about me. + </p> + <p> + One by one, at length, these fancies fled from me, and to the delirium of + fever succeeded the sad and helpless consciousness of illness, far, far + more depressing; for as the conviction of sense came back, the sorrowful + aspect of a dreary future came with it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE VILLA. + </p> + <p> + The gentle twilight of an autumnal evening, calm, serene, and mellow, was + falling as I opened my eyes to consciousness of life and being, and looked + around me. I lay in a large and handsomely-furnished apartment, in which + the hand of taste was as evident in all the decorations as the unsparing + employment of wealth; the silk draperies of my bed, the inlaid tables, the + ormolu ornaments which glittered upon the chimney, were one by one so many + puzzles to my erring senses, and I opened and shut my eyes again and + again, and essayed by every means in my power to ascertain if they were + not the visionary creations of a fevered mind. I stretched out my hands to + feel the objects; and even while holding the freshly-plucked flowers in my + grasp I could scarce persuade myself that they were real. A thrill of pain + at this instant recalled me to other thoughts, and I turned my eyes upon + my wounded arm, which, swollen and stiffened, lay motionless beside me. + Gradually, my memory came back, and to my weak faculties some passages of + my former life were presented, not collectedly it is true, nor in any + order, but scattered, isolated scenes. While such thoughts flew past, my + ever-rising question to myself was, "Where am I now?" The vague feeling + which illness leaves upon the mind, whispered to me of kind looks and soft + voices; and I had a dreamy consciousness about me of being watched and + cared for, but wherefore, or by whom, I knew not. + </p> + <p> + From a partly open door which led into a garden, a mild and balmy air + fanned my temples and soothed my heated brow; and as the light curtain + waved to and fro with the breeze, the odor of the rose and the orange-tree + filled the apartment. + </p> + <p> + There is something in the feeling of weakness which succeeds to long + illness of the most delicious and refined enjoyment. The spirit emerging + as it were from the thraldom of its grosser prison, rises high and + triumphant above the meaner thoughts and more petty ambitions of daily + life. Purer feelings, more ennobling hopes succeed; and dreams of our + childhood, mingling with our promises for the future, make up an ideal + existence in which the low passions and cares of ordinary life enter not + or are forgotten. 'Tis then we learn to hold converse with ourselves; 'tis + then we ask how has our manhood performed the promises of its youth, or + have our ripened prospects borne out the pledges of our boyhood? 'Tis + then, in the calm justice of our lonely hearts, we learn how our failures + are but another name for our faults, and that what we looked on as the + vicissitudes of fortune are but the fruits of our own vices. Alas, how + short-lived are such intervals! Like the fitful sunshine in the wintry + sky, they throw one bright and joyous tint over the dark landscape: for a + moment the valley and the mountain-top are bathed in a ruddy glow; the + leafless tree and the dark moss seem to feel a touch of spring; but the + next instant it is past; the lowering clouds and dark shadows intervene, + and the cold blast, the moaning wind, and the dreary waste are once more + before us. + </p> + <p> + I endeavored to recall the latest events of my career, but in vain; the + real and the visionary were inextricably mingled, and the scenes of my + campaigns were blended with hopes and fears and doubts which had no + existence save in my dreams. My curiosity to know where I was grew now my + strongest feeling, and I raised myself with one arm to look around me. In + the room all was still and silent, but nothing seemed to intimate what I + sought for. As I looked, however, the wind blew back the curtain which + half-concealed the sash-door, and disclosed to me the figure of a man + seated at a table; his back was towards me, but his broad sombrero hat and + brown mantle bespoke his nation; the light blue curl of smoke which + wreathed gently upwards, and the ample display of long-necked, + straw-wrapped flasks, also attested that he was enjoying himself with true + Peninsular gusto, having probably partaken of a long siesta. + </p> + <p> + It was a perfect picture in its way of the indolent luxury of the South,—the + rich and perfumed flowers, half-closing to the night air, but sighing + forth a perfumed <i>buonas noches</i> as they betook themselves to rest; + the slender shadows of the tall shrubs, stretching motionless across the + walks; the very attitude of the figure himself was in keeping as supported + by easy chairs he lounged at full length, raising his head ever and anon + as if to watch the wreath of eddying smoke as it rose upwards from his + cigar and melted away in the distance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0102.jpg" alt="Mr. Free Turned Spaniard. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Yes", thought I, as I looked for some time, "such is the very type of his + nation. Surrounded by every luxury of climate, blessed with all that earth + can offer of its best and fairest, and yet only using such gifts as mere + sensual gratifications." Starting with this theme, I wove a whole story + for the unknown personage whom, in my wandering fancy, I began by creating + a grandee of Portugal, invested with rank honors, and riches; but who, + effeminated by the habits and usages of his country, had become the mere + idle voluptuary, living a life of easy and inglorious indolence. My + further musings were interrupted at this moment for the individual to whom + I had been so complimentary in my revery, slowly arose from his recumbent + position, flung his loose mantle carelessly across his left shoulder, and + pushing open the sash-door, entered my chamber. Directing his steps to a + large mirror, he stood for some minutes contemplating himself with what, + from his attitude, I judged to be no small satisfaction. Though his back + was still towards me, and the dim twilight of the room too uncertain to + see much, yet I could perceive that he was evidently admiring himself in + the glass. Of this fact I had soon the most complete proof; for as I + looked, he slowly raised his broad-leafed Spanish hat with an air of most + imposing pretension, and bowed reverently to himself. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Come sta vostra senoria?</i>" said he. + </p> + <p> + The whole gesture and style of this proceeding struck me as so ridiculous, + that in spite of all my efforts I could scarcely repress a laugh. He + turned quickly round and approached the bed. The deep shadow of the + sombrero darkened the upper part of his features, but I could distinguish + a pair of fierce-looking mustaches beneath, which curled upwards towards + his eyes, while a stiff point beard stuck straight from his chin. Fearing + lest my rude interruption had been overheard, I was framing some polite + speech in Portuguese, when he opened the dialogue by asking in that + language how I did. + </p> + <p> + I replied, and was about to ask some questions relative to where, and + under whose protection I then was, when my grave-looking friend, giving a + pirouette upon one leg, sent his hat flying into the air, and cried out in + a voice that not even my memory could fail to recognize,— + </p> + <p> + "By the rock of Cashel he's cured!—he's cured!—the fever's + over! Oh, Master Charles, dear! oh, Master, darling, and you ain't mad, + after all?" + </p> + <p> + "Mad! no, faith! but I shrewdly suspect you must be." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, devil a taste! But spake to me, honey; spake to me, acushla!" + </p> + <p> + "Where am I? Whose house is this? What do you mean by that disguise, that + beard—" + </p> + <p> + "Whisht, I'll tell you all, av you have patience? But are you cured? Tell + me that first. Sure they was going to cut the arm off you, till you got + out of bed, and with your pistols, sent them flying, one out of the window + and the other down-stairs; and I bate the little chap with the saw myself + till he couldn't know himself in the glass." + </p> + <p> + While Mike ran on at this rate, I never took my eyes from him, and it was + all my poor faculties were equal to, to convince myself that the whole + scene was not some vision of a wandering intellect. Gradually, however, + the well-known features recalled me to myself, and as my doubts gave way + at length, I laughed long and heartily at the masquerade absurdity of his + appearance. + </p> + <p> + Mike, meanwhile, whose face expressed no small mistrust at the sincerity + of my mirth, having uncloaked himself, proceeded to lay aside his beard + and mustaches, saying, as he did so,— + </p> + <p> + "There now, darling; there now, Master, dear,—don't be grinning that + way,—I'll not be a Portigee any more, av you'll be quiet and listen + to reason." + </p> + <p> + "But, Mike, where am I? Answer me that one question." + </p> + <p> + "You're at home, dear; where else would you be?" + </p> + <p> + "At home?" said I, with a start, as my eye ranged over the various + articles of luxury and elegance around, so unlike the more simple and + unpretending features of my uncle's house,—"at home?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, just so; sure, isn't it the same thing. It's ould Don Emanuel that + owns it; and won't it be your own when you're married to that lovely + crayture herself?" + </p> + <p> + I started up, and placing my hand upon my throbbing temples, asked myself + if I were really awake, or if some flight of fancy had not carried me away + beyond the bounds of reason and sense. "Go on, go on!" said I, at length, + in a hollow voice, anxious to gather from his words something like a clew + to this mystery. "How did this happen?" + </p> + <p> + "Av ye mean how you came here, faith, it was just this way. After you got + the fever, and beat the doctors, devil a one would go near you but myself + and the major." + </p> + <p> + "The major,—Major Monsoon?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Major Power himself. Well, he told your friends up here how it was + going very hard with you, and that you were like to die; and the same + evening they sent down a beautiful litter, as like a hearse as two peas, + for you, and brought you up here in state,—devil a thing was wanting + but a few people to raise the cry to make it as fine a funeral as ever I + seen. And sure, I set up a whillilew myself in the Black Horse Square, and + the devils only laughed at me. + </p> + <p> + "Well, you see they put you into a beautiful, elegant bed, and the young + lady herself sat down beside you, betune times fanning you with a big fan, + and then drying her eyes, for she was weeping like a waterfall. 'Don + Miguel,' says she to me,—for ye see, I put your cloak on by mistake + when I was leaving the quarters,—'Don Miguel, questa hidalgo é + vostro amigo?' + </p> + <p> + "'My most particular friend,' says I; 'God spare him many years to be so.' + </p> + <p> + "'Then take up your quarters here,' says she, 'and don't leave him; we'll + do everything in our power to make you comfortable.' + </p> + <p> + "'I'm not particular,' says I; 'the run of the house—' + </p> + <p> + "Then this is the Villa Nuova?" said I, with a faint sigh. + </p> + <p> + "The same," replied Mike; "and a sweet place it is for eating and + drinking,—for wine in buckets full, av ye axed for it, for dancing + and singing every evening, with as pretty craytures as ever I set eyes + upon. Upon my conscience, it's as good as Galway; and good manners it is + they have. What's more, none of your liberties or familiarities with + strangers; but it's Don Miguel, devil a less. 'Don Miguel, av it's plazing + to you to take a drop of Xeres before your meat?' or, 'Would you have a + shaugh of a pipe or cigar when you're done?' That's the way of it." + </p> + <p> + "And Sir George Dashwood," said I, "has he been here? Has he inquired for + me?" + </p> + <p> + "Every day either himself or one of the staff comes galloping up at + luncheon time to ask after you; and then they have a bit of tender + discourse with the senhora herself. Oh, devil a bit need ye fear them, + she's true blue; and it isn't the major's fault,—upon my conscience + it isn't,—for he does be coming the blarney over her in beautiful + style." + </p> + <p> + "Does Miss Dashwood ever visit here?" said I, with a voice faltering and + uncertain enough to have awakened suspicion in a more practised observer. + </p> + <p> + "Never once; and that's what I call unnatural behavior, after you saving + her life; and if she wasn't—" + </p> + <p> + "Be silent, I say." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well, there, I won't say any more; and sure it's time for me to be + putting on my beard again. I'm going to the Casino with Catrina, and sure + it's with real ladies I might be going av it wasn't for Major Power, that + told them I wasn't a officer; but it's all right again. I gave them a + great history of the Frees from the time of Cuilla na Toole, that was one + of the family and a cousin of Moses, I believe; and they behave well to + one that comes from an ould stock." + </p> + <p> + "Don Miguel! Don Miguel!" said a voice from the garden. + </p> + <p> + "I'm coming, my angel! I'm coming, my turtle-dove!" said Mike, arranging + his mustaches and beard with amazing dexterity. "Ah, but it would do your + heart good av you could take a peep at us about twelve o'clock, dancing + 'Dirty James' for a bolero, and just see Miss Catrina, the lady's maid, + doing 'cover the buckle' as neat as Nature. There now, there's the + lemonade near your hand, and I'll leave you the lamp, and you may go + asleep as soon as you please, for Miss Inez won't come in to-night to play + the guitar, for the doctor said it might do you harm now." + </p> + <p> + So saying, and before I could summon presence of mind to ask another + question, Don Miguel wrapped himself in the broad folds of his Spanish + cloak, and strode from the room with the air of an hidalgo. + </p> + <p> + I slept but little that night; the full tide of memory, rushing in upon + me, brought back the hour of my return to Lisbon and the wreck of all my + hopes, which from the narrative of my servant I now perceived to be + complete. I dare not venture upon recording how many plans suggested + themselves to my troubled spirit, and were in turn rejected. To meet Lucy + Dashwood; to make a full and candid declaration; to acknowledge that + flirtation alone with Donna Inez (a mere passing, boyish flirtation) had + given the coloring to my innocent passion, and that in heart and soul I + was hers, and hers only,—this was my first resolve; but alas! if I + had not courage to sustain a common interview, to meet her in the careless + crowd of a drawing-room, what could I do under circumstances like these? + Besides, the matter would be cut very short by her coolly declaring that + she had neither right nor inclination to listen to such a declaration. The + recollection of her look as she passed me to her carriage came flashing + across my brain and decided this point. No, no! I'll not encounter that; + however appearances for the moment had been against me, she should not + have treated me thus coldly and disdainfully. It was quite clear she had + never cared for me,—wounded pride had been her only feeling; and so + as I reasoned I ended by satisfying myself that in that quarter all was at + end forever. + </p> + <p> + Now then for dilemma number two, I thought. The senhora, my first impulse + was one of anything but gratitude to her by whose kind, tender care my + hours of pain and suffering had been soothed and alleviated. But for her, + I should have been spared all my present embarrassment, all my shipwrecked + fortunes; but for her I should now be the aide-de-camp residing in Sir + George Dashwood's own house, meeting with Lucy every hour of the day, + dining beside her, riding out with her, pressing my suit by every means + and with every advantage of my position; but for her and her dark eyes—and, + by-the-bye, what eyes they are! how full of brilliancy, yet how teeming + with an expression of soft and melting sweetness; and her mouth, too, how + perfectly chiselled those full lips,—how different from the cold, + unbending firmness of Miss Dashwood's! Not but I have seen Lucy smile too, + and what a sweet smile! How it lighted up her fair cheek, and made her + blue eyes darken and deepen till they looked like heaven's own vault. Yes, + there is more poetry in a blue eye. But still Inez is a very lovely girl, + and her foot never was surpassed. She is a coquette, too, about that foot + and ankle,—I rather like a woman to be so. What a sensation she + would make in England; how she would be the rage! And then I thought of + home and Galway, and the astonishment of some, the admiration of others, + as I presented her as my wife,—the congratulations of my friends, + the wonder of the men, the tempered envy of the women. Methought I saw my + uncle, as he pressed her in his arms, say, "Yes, Charley, this is a prize + worth campaigning for." + </p> + <p> + The stray sounds of a guitar which came from the garden broke in upon my + musings at this moment. It seemed as if a finger was straying heedlessly + across the strings. I started up, and to my surprise perceived it was + Inez. Before I had time to collect myself, a gentle tap at the window + aroused me; it opened softly, while from an unseen hand a bouquet of fresh + flowers was thrown upon my bed. Before I could collect myself to speak, + the sash closed again and I was alone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + THE VISIT. + </p> + <p> + Mike's performances at the masquerade had doubtless been of the most + distinguished character, and demanded a compensating period of repose, for + he did not make his appearance the entire morning. Towards noon, however, + the door from the garden gently opened, and I heard a step upon the stone + terrace, and something which sounded to my ears like the clank of a sabre. + I lifted my head, and saw Fred Power beside me. + </p> + <p> + I shall spare my readers the recital of my friend, which, however, more + full and explanatory of past events, contained in reality little more than + Mickey Free had already told me. In fine, he informed me that our army, by + a succession of retreating movements, had deserted the northern provinces, + and now occupied the intrenched lines of Torres Vedras. That Massena, with + a powerful force, was still in march, reinforcements daily pouring in upon + him, and every expectation pointing to the probability that he would + attempt to storm our position. + </p> + <p> + "The wise-heads," remarked Power, "talk of our speedy embarkation, the + sanguine and the hot-brained rave of a great victory and the retreat of + Massena; but I was up at headquarters last week with despatches, and saw + Lord Wellington myself." + </p> + <p> + "Well, what did you make out? Did he drop any hint of his own views?" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I can't say he did. He asked me some questions about the troops + just landed; he spoke a little of the commissary department, damned the + blankets, said that green forage was bad food for the artillery horses, + sent me an English paper to read about the O. P. riots, and said the + harriers would throw off about six o'clock, and that he hoped to see me at + dinner." + </p> + <p> + I could not restrain a laugh at Power's catalogue of his lordship's + topics. "So," said I, "he at least does not take any gloomy views of our + present situation." + </p> + <p> + "Who can tell what he thinks? He's ready to fight if fighting will do + anything, and to retreat, if that be better. But that he'll sleep an hour + less, or drink a glass of claret more—come what will of it—I'll + believe from no man living. + </p> + <p> + "We've lost one gallant thing in any case, Charley," resumed Power. + "Busaco was, I'm told, a glorious day, and our people were in the heat of + it. So that, if we do leave the Peninsula now, that will be a confounded + chagrin. Not for you, my poor fellow, for you could not stir; but I was so + cursed foolish to take the staff appointment,—thus one folly ever + entails another." + </p> + <p> + There was a tone of bitterness in which these words were uttered that left + no doubt upon my mind some <i>arrière pensée</i> remained lurking behind + them. My eyes met his; he bit his lip, and coloring deeply, rose from the + chair, and walked towards the window. + </p> + <p> + The chance allusion of my man Mike flashed upon me at the moment, and I + dared not trust myself to break silence. I now thought I could trace in my + friend's manner less of that gay and careless buoyancy which ever marked + him. There was a tone, it seemed, of more grave and sombre character, and + even when he jested, the smile his features bore was not his usual frank + and happy one, and speedily gave way to an expression I had never before + remarked. Our silence which had now lasted for some minutes was becoming + embarrassing; that strange consciousness that, to a certain extent, we + were reading each other's thoughts, made us both cautious of breaking it; + and when at length, turning abruptly round, he asked, "When I hoped to be + up and about again?" I felt my heart relieved from I knew not well what + load of doubt and difficulty that oppressed it. We chatted on for some + little time longer, the news of Lisbon, and the daily gossip finishing our + topics. + </p> + <p> + "Plenty of gayety, Charley, dinners and balls to no end! so get well, my + boy, and make the most of it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," I replied, "I'll do my best; but be assured the first use I'll make + of health will be to join the regiment. I am heartily ashamed of myself + for all I have lost already,—though not altogether my fault." + </p> + <p> + "And will you really join at once?" said Power, with a look of eager + anxiety I could not possibly account for. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I will; what have I, what can I have to detain me here?" + </p> + <p> + What reply he was about to make at this moment I know not, but the door + opened, and Mike announced Sir George Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + "Gently, my worthy man, not so loud, if you please?" said the mild voice + of the general, as he stepped noiselessly across the room, evidently + shocked at the indiscreet tone of my follower. "Ah, Power, you here! and + our poor friend, how is he?" + </p> + <p> + "Able to answer for himself at last, Sir George," said I, grasping his + proffered hand. + </p> + <p> + "My poor lad! you've had a long bout of it; but you've saved your arm, and + that's well worth the lost time. Well, I've come to bring you good news; + there's been a very sharp cavalry affair, and our fellows have been the + conquerors." + </p> + <p> + "There again, Power,—listen to that! We are losing everything!" + </p> + <p> + "Not so, not so, my boy," said Sir George, smiling blandly, but archly. + "There are conquests to be won here, as well as there; and in your present + state, I rather think you better fitted for such as these." + </p> + <p> + Power's brow grew clouded; he essayed a smile, but it failed, and he rose + and hurried towards the window. + </p> + <p> + As for me, my confusion must have led to a very erroneous impression of my + real feelings, and I perceived Sir George anxious to turn the channel of + the conversation. + </p> + <p> + "You see but little of your host, O'Malley," he resumed; "he is ever from + home; but I believe nothing could be kinder than his arrangements for you. + You are aware that he kidnapped you from us? I had sent Forbes over to + bring you to us; your room was prepared, everything in readiness, when he + met your man Mike, setting forth upon a mule, who told him you had just + taken your departure for the villa. We both had our claim upon you and, I + believe, pretty much on the same score. By-the-bye, you have not seen Lucy + since your arrival. I never knew it till yesterday, when I asked if she + did not find you altered." + </p> + <p> + I blundered out some absurd reply, blushed, corrected myself, and got + confused. Sir George attributing this, doubtless, to my weak state, rose + soon after, and taking Power along with him, remarked as he left the room,— + </p> + <p> + "We are too much for him yet, I see that; so we'll leave him quiet some + time longer." + </p> + <p> + Thanking him in my heart for his true appreciation of my state, I sank + back upon my pillow to think over all I had heard and seen. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mister Charles," said Mike as he came forward with a smile, "I + suppose you heard the news? The Fourteenth bate the French down at Merca + there, and took seventy prisoners; but sure it's little good it'll do, + after all." + </p> + <p> + "And why not, Mike?" + </p> + <p> + "Musha! isn't Boney coming himself? He's bringing all the Roossians down + with him, and going to destroy us entirely." + </p> + <p> + "Not at all, man; you mistake. He's nothing to do with Russia, and has + quite enough on his hands at this moment." + </p> + <p> + "God grant it was truth you were talking! But, you see, I read it myself + in the papers (or Sergeant Haggarty did, which is the same thing) that + he's coming with the Cusacks." + </p> + <p> + "With who?—with what?" + </p> + <p> + "With the Cusacks." + </p> + <p> + "What the devil do you mean? Who are they?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Tower of Ivory! did you never hear of the Cusacks, with the red + beards and the red breeches and long poles with pike-heads on them, that + does all the devilment on horseback,—spiking and spitting the people + like larks?" + </p> + <p> + "The Cossacks, is it, you mean? The Cossacks?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, just so, the Cusacks. They're from Clare Island, and thereabouts; and + there's more of them in Meath. They're my mother's people, and was always + real devils for fighting." + </p> + <p> + I burst out into an immoderate fit of laughing at Mike's etymology, which + thus converted Hetman Platoff into a Galway man. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, murder! isn't it cruel to hear you laugh that way! There now, alanna! + be asy, and I'll tell you more news. We've the house to ourselves to-day. + The ould gentleman's down at Behlem, and the daughter's in Lisbon, making + great preparations for a grand ball they're to give when you are quite + well." + </p> + <p> + "I hope I shall be with the army in a few days, Mike; and certainly, if + I'm able to move about, I'll not remain longer in Lisbon." + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, don't say so, now! When was you ever so comfortable? Upon my + conscience, it's more like Paradise than anything else. If ye see the + dinner we sit down to every day; and as for drink,—if it wasn't that + I sleep on a ground-floor, I'd seldom see a blanket!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, certainly, Mike, I agree with you, these are hard things to tear + ourselves away from." + </p> + <p> + "Aren't they now, sir? And then Miss Catherine, I'm taching her Irish!" + </p> + <p> + "Teaching her Irish! for Heaven's sake, what use can she make of Irish?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, the crayture, she doesn't know better; and as she was always + bothering me to learn her English, I promised one day to do it; but ye + see, somehow, I never was very proficient in strange tongues; so I thought + to myself Irish will do as well. So, you perceive, we're taking a course + of Irish literature, as Mr. Lynch says in Athlone; and, upon my + conscience, she's an apt scholar." + </p> + <p> + "'Good-morning to you, Katey,' says Mr. Power to her the other day, as he + passed through the hall. 'Good-morning, my dear; I hear you speak English + perfectly now?' + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Honia mon diaoul</i>,' says she, making a curtsey. + </p> + <p> + "Be the powers, I thought he'd die with the laughing. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, my dear, I hope you don't mean it,—do you know what you're + saying?' + </p> + <p> + "'Honor bright, Major!' says I,—'honor bright!' and I gave him a + wink at the same time. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, that's it!' said he, 'is it!' and so he went off holding his hands + to his sides with the bare laughing; and your honor knows it wasn't a + blessing she wished him, for all that." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + THE CONFESSION. + </p> + <p> + "What a strange position this of mine!" thought I, a few mornings after + the events detailed in the last chapter. "How very fascinating in some + respects, how full of all the charm of romance, and how confoundly + difficult to see one's way through!" + </p> + <p> + To understand my cogitation right, <i>figurez-vous</i>, my dear reader, a + large and splendidly furnished drawing-room, from one end of which an + orangery in full blossom opens; from the other is seen a delicious little + boudoir, where books, bronzes, pictures and statues, in all the artistique + disorder of a lady's sanctum, are bathed in a deep purple light from a + stained glass window of the seventeenth century. + </p> + <p> + On a small table beside the wood fire, whose mellow light is flirting with + the sunbeams upon the carpet, stands an antique silver breakfast-service, + which none but the hand of Benvenuto could have chiselled; beside it sits + a girl, young and beautiful; her dark eyes, beaming beneath their long + lashes, are fixed with an expression of watchful interest upon a pale and + sickly youth, who, lounging upon a sofa opposite, is carelessly turning + over the leaves of a new journal, or gazing steadfastly on the fretted + gothic of the ceiling, while his thoughts are travelling many a mile away. + The lady being the Senhora Inez; the nonchalant invalid, your unworthy + acquaintance, Charles O'Malley. + </p> + <p> + What a very strange position to be sure. + </p> + <p> + "Then you are not equal to this ball to-night?" said she, after a pause of + some minutes. + </p> + <p> + I turned as she spoke; her words had struck audibly upon my ear, but, lost + in my revery, I could but repeat my own fixed thought,—how strange + to be so situated! + </p> + <p> + "You are really very tiresome, Signor; I assure you, you are. I have been + giving you a most elegant description of the Casino <i>fête</i>, and the + beautiful costume of our Lisbon belles, but I can get nothing from you but + this muttered something, which may be very shocking for aught I know. I'm + sure your friend, Major Power, would be much more attentive to me; that + is," added she, archly, "if Miss Dashwood were not present." + </p> + <p> + "What! why! You don't mean that there is anything there—that Tower + is paying attention to—" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Madre divina</i>, how that seems to interest you, and how red you are! + If it were not that you never met her before, and that your acquaintance + did not seem to make rapid progress, then I should say you are in love + with her yourself." + </p> + <p> + I had to laugh at this, but felt my face flushing more. "And so," said I, + affecting a careless and indifferent tone, "the gay Fred Power is smitten + at last!" + </p> + <p> + "Was it so very difficult a thing to accomplish?" said she, slyly. + </p> + <p> + "He seems to say so, at least. And the lady, how does she appear to + receive his attentions?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I should say with evident pleasure and satisfaction, as all girls do + the advances of men they don't care for, nor intend to care for." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed," said I, slowly, "indeed, Senhora?" looking into her eyes as I + spoke, as if to read if the lesson were destined for my benefit. + </p> + <p> + "There, don't stare so!—every one knows that." + </p> + <p> + "So you don't think, then, that Lucy,—I mean Miss Dashwood—Why + are you laughing so?" + </p> + <p> + "How can I help it; your calling her Lucy is so good, I wish she heard it; + she's the very proudest girl I ever knew." + </p> + <p> + "But to come back; you really think she does not care for him?" + </p> + <p> + "Not more than for you; and I may be pardoned for the simile, having seen + your meeting. But let me give you the news of our own <i>fête</i>. + Saturday is the day fixed; and you must be quite well,—I insist upon + it. Miss Dashwood has promised to come,—no small concession; for + after all she has never once been here since the day you frightened her. I + can't help laughing at my blunder,—the two people I had promised + myself should fall desperately in love with each other, and who will + scarcely meet." + </p> + <p> + "But I trusted," said I, pettishly, "that you were not disposed to resign + your own interest in me?" + </p> + <p> + "Neither was I," said she, with an easy smile, "except that I have so many + admirers. I might even spare to my friends; though after all I should be + sorry to lose you, I like you." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I half bitterly, "as girls do those they never intend to care + for; is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps, yes, and perhaps—But is it going to rain? How provoking! + and I have ordered my horse. Well, Signor Carlos, I leave you to your + delightful newspaper, and all the magnificent descriptions of battles and + sieges and skirmishes of which you seem doomed to pine without ceasing. + There, don't kiss my hand twice; that's not right." + </p> + <p> + "Well, let me begin again—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall not breakfast with you any more. But tell me, am I to order a + costume for you in Lisbon; or will you arrange all that yourself? You must + come to the <i>fête</i>, you know." + </p> + <p> + "If you would be so very kind." + </p> + <p> + "I will, then, be so very kind; and once more, <i>adios</i>." So saying, + and with a slight motion of her hand, she smiled a good-by, and left me. + </p> + <p> + "What a lovely girl!" thought I, as I rose and walked to the window, + muttering to myself Othello's line, and— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "When I love thee not, chaos is come again." +</pre> + <p> + In fact, it was the perfect expression of my feeling; the only solution to + all the difficulties surrounding me, being to fall desperately, + irretrievably in love with the fair senhora, which, all things considered, + was not a very desperate resource for a gentleman in trouble. As I thought + over the hopelessness of one attachment, I turned calmly to consider all + the favorable points of the other. She was truly beautiful, attractive in + every sense; her manner most fascinating, and her disposition, so far as I + could pronounce, perfectly amiable. I felt already something more than + interest about her; how very easy would be the transition to a stronger + feeling! There was an <i>éclat</i>, too, about being her accepted lover + that had its charm. She was the belle <i>par excellence</i> of Lisbon; and + then a sense of pique crossed my mind as I reflected what would Lucy say + of him whom she had slighted and insulted, when he became the husband of + the beautiful millionnaire Senhora Inez? + </p> + <p> + As my meditations had reached thus far, the door opened stealthily, and + Catherine appeared, her finger upon her lips, and her gesture indicating + caution. She carried on her arm a mass of drapery covered by a large + mantle, which throwing off as she entered, she displayed before me a rich + blue domino with silver embroidery. It was large and loose in its folds, + so as thoroughly to conceal the figure of any wearer. This she held up + before me for an instant without speaking; when at length, seeing my + curiosity fully excited, she said,— + </p> + <p> + "This is the senhora's domino. I should be ruined if she knew I showed it; + but I promised—that is, I told—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes, I understand," relieving her embarrassment about the source of + her civilities; "go on." + </p> + <p> + "Well, there are several others like it, but with this small difference, + instead of a carnation, which all the others have embroidered upon the + cuff, I have made it a rose,—you perceive? La Senhora knows nothing + of this,—none save yourself knows it. I'm sure I may trust you with + the secret." + </p> + <p> + "Fear not in the least, Catherine; you have rendered me a great service. + Let me look at it once more; ah, there's no difficulty in detecting it. + And you are certain she is unaware of it?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly so; she has several other costumes, but in this one I know she + intends some surprise, so be upon your guard." + </p> + <p> + With these words, carefully once more concealing the rich dress beneath + the mantle, she withdrew; while I strolled forth to wonder what mystery + might lie beneath this scheme, and speculate how far I myself was included + in the plot she spoke of. + </p> + <p> + For the few days which succeeded, I passed my time much alone. The senhora + was but seldom at home; and I remarked that Power rarely came to see me. A + strange feeling of half-coolness had latterly grown between us, and + instead of the open confidence we formerly indulged in when together, we + appeared now rather to chat over things of mere every-day interest than of + our own immediate plans and prospects. There was a kind of pre-occupation, + too, in his manner that struck me; his mind seemed ever straying from the + topics he talked of to something remote, and altogether, he was no longer + the frank and reckless dragoon I had ever known him. What could be the + meaning of this change? Had he found out by any accident that I was to + blame in my conduct towards Lucy; had any erroneous impression of my + interview with her reached his ears? This was most improbable; besides, + there was nothing in that to draw down his censure or condemnation, + however represented; and was it that he was himself in love with her, + that, devoted heart and soul to Lucy, he regarded me as a successful + rival, preferred before him! Oh, how could I have so long blinded myself + to the fact! This was the true solution of the whole difficulty. I had + more than once suspected this to be so; now all the circumstances of proof + poured in upon me. I called to mind his agitated manner the night of my + arrival in Lisbon, his thousand questions concerning the reasons of my + furlough; and then, lately, the look of unfeigned pleasure with which he + heard me resolve to join my regiment the moment I was sufficiently + recovered. I remembered also how assiduously he pressed his intimacy with + the senhora, Lucy's dearest friend here; his continual visits at the + villa; those long walks in the garden, where his very look betokened some + confidential mission of the heart. Yes, there was no doubt of it, he loved + Lucy Dashwood! Alas, there seemed to be no end to the complication of my + misfortunes; one by one I appeared fated to lose whatever had a hold upon + my affections, and to stand alone, unloved and uncared for in the world. + My thoughts turned towards the senhora, but I could not deceive myself + into any hope there. My own feelings were untouched, and hers I felt to be + equally so. Young as I was, there was no mistaking the easy smile of + coquetry, the merry laugh of flattered vanity, for a deeper and holier + feeling. And then I did not wish it otherwise. One only had taught me to + feel how ennobling, how elevating in all its impulses can be a deep-rooted + passion for a young and beautiful girl! From her eyes alone had I caught + the inspiration that made me pant for glory and distinction. I could not + transfer the allegiance of my heart, since it had taught that very heart + to beat high and proudly. Lucy, lost to me forever as she must be, was + still more than any other woman ever could be; all the past clung to her + memory, all the prestige of the future must point to it also. + </p> + <p> + And Power, why had he not trusted, why had he not confided in me? Was this + like my old and tried friend? Alas! I was forgetting that in his eye I was + the favored rival, and not the despised, rejected suitor. + </p> + <p> + "It is past now," thought I, as I rose and walked into the garden; "the + dream that made life a fairy tale is dispelled; the cold reality of the + world is before me, and my path lies a lonely and solitary one." My first + resolution was to see Power, and relieve his mind of any uneasiness as + regarded my pretentions; they existed no longer. As for me, I was no + obstacle to his happiness; it was, then, but fair and honorable that I + should tell him so; this done, I should leave Lisbon at once. The cavalry + had for the most part been ordered to the rear; still there was always + something going forward at the outposts. + </p> + <p> + The idea of active service, the excitement of a campaigning life, cheered + me, and I advanced along the dark alley of the garden with a lighter and a + freer heart. My resolves were not destined to meet delay; as I turned the + angle of a walk, Power was before me. He was leaning against a tree, his + hands crossed upon his bosom, his head bowed forward, and his whole air + and attitude betokening deep reflection. + </p> + <p> + He started as I came up, and seemed almost to change color. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley," said he, after a moment's pause, "you look better this + morning. How goes the arm?" + </p> + <p> + "The arm is ready for service again, and its owner most anxious for it. Do + you know, Fred, I'm thoroughly weary of this life." + </p> + <p> + "They're little better, however, at the lines. The French are in position, + but never adventure a movement; and except some few affairs at the + pickets, there is really nothing to do." + </p> + <p> + "No matter, remaining here can never serve one's interests, and besides, I + have accomplished what I came for—" + </p> + <p> + I was about to add, "the restoration of my health," when he suddenly + interrupted me, eying me fixedly as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! indeed! Is that so?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I, half puzzled at the tone and manner of the speech; "I can + join now when I please; meanwhile, Fred, I have been thinking of you. Yes, + don't be surprised, at the very moment we met you were in my thoughts." + </p> + <p> + I took his arm as I said this, and led him down the alley. + </p> + <p> + "We are too old and, I trust, too true friends, Fred, to have secrets from + each other, and yet we have been playing this silly game for some weeks + past. Now, my dear fellow, I have yours, and it is only fair justice you + should have mine, and, faith, I feel you'd have discovered it long since, + had your thoughts been as free as I have known them to be. Fred, you are + in love; there, don't wince, man, I know it; but hear me out. You believe + me to be so also; nay, more, you think that my chances of success are + better, stronger than your own; learn, then, that I have none,—absolutely + none. Don't interrupt me now, for this avowal cuts me deeply; my own heart + alone knows what I suffer as I record my wrecked fortunes; but I repeat + it, my hopes are at end forever; but, Fred, my boy, I cannot lose my + friend too. If I have been the obstacle to your path, I am so no more. Ask + me not why; it is enough that I speak in all truth and sincerity. Ere + three days I shall leave this, and with it all the hopes that once beamed + upon my fortunes, and all the happiness,—nay, not all, my boy, for I + feel some thrill at my heart yet, as I think that I have been true to + you." + </p> + <p> + I know not what more I spoke nor how he replied to me. I felt the warm + grasp of his hand, I saw his delighted smile; the words of grateful + acknowledgment his lips uttered conveyed but an imperfect meaning to my + ear, and I remembered no more. + </p> + <p> + The courage which sustained me for the moment sank gradually as I + meditated over my avowal, and I could scarce help accusing Power of a + breach of friendship for exacting a confession which, in reality, I had + volunteered to give him. How Lucy herself would think of my conduct was + ever occurring to my thoughts, and I felt, as I ruminated upon the + conjectures it might give rise to, how much more likely a favorable + opinion might now be formed of me, than when such an estimation could have + crowned me with delight. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," thought I, "she will at last learn to know him who loved her with + truth and with devoted affection; and when the blight of all his hopes is + accomplished, the fair fame of his fidelity will be proved. The march, the + bivouac, the battle-field, are now all to me; and the campaign alone + presents a prospect which may fill up the aching void that disappointed + and ruined hopes have left behind them." + </p> + <p> + How I longed for the loud call of the trumpet, the clash of the steel, the + tramp of the war-horse; though the proud distinction of a soldier's life + were less to me in the distance than the mad and whirlwind passion of a + charge, and the loud din of the rolling artillery. + </p> + <p> + It was only some hours after, as I sat alone in my chamber, that all the + circumstances of our meeting came back clearly to my memory, and I could + not help muttering to myself,— + </p> + <p> + "It is indeed a hard lot, that to cheer the heart of my friend, I must + bear witness to the despair that shed darkness on my own." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + MY CHARGER. + </p> + <p> + Although I felt my heart relieved of a heavy load by the confession I had + made to Power, yet still I shrank from meeting him for some days after; a + kind of fear lest he should in any way recur to our conversation + continually beset me, and I felt that the courage which bore me up for my + first effort would desert me on the next occasion. + </p> + <p> + My determination to join my regiment was now made up, and I sent forward a + resignation of my appointment to Sir George Dashwood's staff, which I had + never been in health to fulfil, and commenced with energy all my + preparations for a speedy departure. + </p> + <p> + The reply to my rather formal letter was a most kind note written by + himself. He regretted the unhappy cause which had so long separated us, + and though wishing, as he expressed it, to have me near him, perfectly + approved of my resolution. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Active service alone, my dear boy, can ever place you in the + position you ought to occupy; and I rejoice the more at your decision + in this matter, as I feared the truth of certain reports here, + which attributed to you other plans than those which a campaign + suggests. My mind is now easy on this score, and I pray you forgive + me if my congratulations are <i>mal à propos</i>." +</pre> + <p> + After some hints for my future management, and a promise of some letters + to his friends at headquarters, he concluded:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "As this climate does not seem to suit my daughter, I have + applied for a change, and am in daily hope of obtaining it. Before + going, however, I must beg your acceptance of the charger which my + groom will deliver to your servant with this. I was so struck with + his figure and action that I purchased him before leaving England + without well knowing why or wherefore. Pray let him see some + service under your auspices, which he is most unlikely to do under + mine. He has plenty of bone to be a weight carrier, and they tell + me also that he has speed enough for anything." +</pre> + <p> + Mike's voice in the lawn beneath interrupted my reading farther, and on + looking out, I perceived him and Sir George Dashwood's servant standing + beside a large and striking-looking horse, which they were both examining + with all the critical accuracy of adepts. + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, isn't he a darling, a real beauty, every inch of him?" + </p> + <p> + "That 'ere splint don't signify nothing; he aren't the worse of it," said + the English groom. + </p> + <p> + "Of coorse it doesn't," replied Mike. "What a fore-hand, and the legs, + clean as a whip!" + </p> + <p> + "There's the best of him, though," interrupted the other, patting the + strong hind-quarters with his hand. "There's the stuff to push him along + through heavy ground and carry him over timber." + </p> + <p> + "Or a stone wall," said Mike, thinking of Galway. + </p> + <p> + My own impatience to survey my present had now brought me into the + conclave, and before many minutes were over I had him saddled, and was + cantering around the lawn with a spirit and energy I had not felt for + months long. Some small fences lay before me, and over these he carried me + with all the ease and freedom of a trained hunter. My courage mounted with + the excitement, and I looked eagerly around for some more bold and dashing + leap. + </p> + <p> + "You may take him over the avenue gate," said the English groom, divining + with a jockey's readiness what I looked for; "he'll do it, never fear + him." + </p> + <p> + Strange as my equipment was, with an undress jacket flying loosely open, + and a bare head, away I went. The gate which the groom spoke of was a + strongly-barred one of oak timber, nearly five feet high,—its + difficulty as a leap only consisted in the winding approach, and the fact + that it opened upon a hard road beyond it. + </p> + <p> + In a second or two a kind of half fear came across me. My long illness had + unnerved me, and my limbs felt weak and yielding; but as I pressed into + the canter, that secret sympathy between the horse and his rider shot + suddenly through me, I pressed my spurs to his flanks, and dashed him at + it. + </p> + <p> + Unaccustomed to such treatment, the noble animal bounded madly forward. + With two tremendous plunges he sprang wildly in the air, and shaking his + long mane with passion, stretched out at the gallop. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0124.jpg" alt="Charley Trying a Charger. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + My own blood boiled now as tempestuously as his; and with a shout of + reckless triumph, I rose him at the gate. Just at the instant two figures + appeared before it,—the copse had concealed their approach hitherto,—but + they stood now as if transfixed. The wild attitude of the horse, the not + less wild cry of his rider, had deprived them for a time of all energy; + and overcome by the sudden danger, they seemed rooted to the ground. What + I said, spoke, begged, or imprecated, Heaven knows—not I. But they + stirred not! One moment more and they must lie trampled beneath my horse's + hoofs,—he was already on his haunches for the bound,—when, + wheeling half aside, I faced him at the wall. It was at least a foot + higher and of solid stone masonry, and as I did so I felt that I was + perilling my life to save theirs. One vigorous dash of the spur I gave + him, as I lifted him to the leap. He bounded beneath it quick as + lightning; still, with a spring like a rocket, he rose into the air, + cleared the wall, and stood trembling and frightened on the road outside. + </p> + <p> + "Safe, by Jupiter! and splendidly done, too," cried a voice near me, that + I immediately recognized as Sir George Dashwood's. + </p> + <p> + "Lucy, my love, look up,—Lucy, my dear, there's no danger now. She + has fainted! O'Malley, fetch some water,—fast. Poor fellow, your own + nerves seem shaken. Why, you've let your horse go! Come here, for Heaven's + sake! Support her for an instant. I'll fetch some water." + </p> + <p> + It appeared to me like a dream; I leaned against the pillar of the gate; + the cold and death-like features of Lucy Dashwood lay motionless upon my + arm; her hand, falling heavily upon my shoulder, touched my cheek. The + tramp of my horse, as he galloped onward, was the only sound that broke + the silence, as I stood there, gazing steadfastly upon the pale brow and + paler cheek, down which a solitary tear was slowly stealing. I knew not + how the minutes passed; my memory took no note of time, but at length a + gentle tremor thrilled her frame, a slight, scarce-perceptible blush + colored her fair face, her lips slightly parted, and heaving a deep sigh, + she looked around her. Gradually her eyes turned and met mine. Oh, the + bliss unutterable of that moment! It was no longer the look of cold scorn + she had given me last; the expression was one of soft and speaking + gratitude. She seemed to read my very heart, and know its truth; there was + a tone of deep and compassionate interest in the glance; and forgetting + all,—everything that had passed,—all save my unaltered, + unalterable love, I kneeled beside her, and in words burning as my own + heart burned, poured out my tale of mingled sorrow and affection with all + the eloquence of passion. I vindicated my unshaken faith,—reconciling + the conflicting evidences with the proofs I proffered of my attachment. If + my moments were measured, I spent them not idly. I called to witness how + every action of my soldier's life emanated from her; how her few and + chance words had decided the character of my fate; if aught of fame or + honor were my portion, to her I owed it. As, hurried onwards by my ardent + hopes, I forgot Power and all about him, a step up the gravel walk came + rapidly nearer, and I had but time to assume my former attitude beside + Lucy as her father came up. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley, is she better? Oh, I see she is. Here, we have the whole + household at our heels." So saying, he pointed to a string of servants + pressing eagerly forward with every species of restorative that Portuguese + ingenuity has invented. + </p> + <p> + The next moment we were joined by the senhora, who, pale with fear, seemed + scarcely less in need of assistance than her friend. + </p> + <p> + Amidst questions innumerable; explanations sought for on all sides; + mistakes and misconceptions as to the whole occurrence,—we took our + way towards the villa, Lucy walking between Sir George and Donna Inez, + while I followed, leaning upon Power's arm. + </p> + <p> + "They've caught him again, O'Malley," said the general, turning half round + to me; "he, too, seemed as much frightened as any of us." + </p> + <p> + "It is time, Sir George, I should think of thanking you. I never was so + mounted in my life—" + </p> + <p> + "A splendid charger, by Jove!" said Power; "but, Charley, my lad, no more + feats of this nature, if you love me. No girl's heart will stand such + continual assaults as your winning horsemanship submits it to." + </p> + <p> + I was about making some half-angry reply, when he continued: "There, don't + look sulky; I have news for you. Quill has just arrived. I met him at + Lisbon; he has got leave of absence for a few days, and is coming to our + masquerade here this evening." + </p> + <p> + "This evening!" said I, in amazement; "why, is it so soon?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is. Have you not got all your trappings ready? The Dashwoods + came out here on purpose to spend the day; but come, I'll drive you into + town. My tilbury is ready, and we'll both look out for our costumes." So + saying, he led me along towards the house, when, after a rapid change of + my toilet, we set out for Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + MAURICE. + </p> + <p> + It seemed a conceded matter between Power and myself that we should never + recur to the conversation we held in the garden; and so, although we dined + <i>tête-à-tête</i> that day, neither of us ventured, by any allusion the + most distant, to advert to what it was equally evident was uppermost in + the minds of both. + </p> + <p> + All our endeavors, therefore, to seem easy and unconcerned were in vain; a + restless anxiety to seem interested about things and persons we were + totally indifferent to, pervaded all our essays at conversation. By + degrees, we grew weary of the parts we were acting, and each relapsed into + a moody silence, thinking over his plans and projects, and totally + forgetting the existence of the other. + </p> + <p> + The decanter was passed across the table without speaking, a half nod + intimated the bottle was standing; and except an occasional malediction + upon an intractable cigar, nothing was heard. + </p> + <p> + Such was the agreeable occupation we were engaged in, when, towards nine + o'clock, the door opened, and the great Maurice himself stood before us. + </p> + <p> + "Pleasant fellows, upon my conscience, and jovial over their liquor! + Confound your smoking! That may do very well in a bivouac. Let us have + something warm!" + </p> + <p> + Quill's interruption was a most welcome one to both parties, and we + rejoiced with a sincere pleasure at his coming. + </p> + <p> + "What shall it be, Maurice? Port or sherry mulled, and an anchovy?" + </p> + <p> + "Or what say you to a bowl of bishop?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah for the Church, Charley! Let us have the bishop; and not to + disparage Fred's taste, we'll be eating the anchovy while the liquor's + concocting." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Maurice, and now for the news. How are matters at Torres Vedras? + Anything like movement in that quarter?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing very remarkable. Massena made a reconnoissance some days since, + and one of our batteries threw a shower of grape among the staff, which + spoiled the procession, and sent them back in very disorderly time. Then + we've had a few skirmishes to the front with no great results,—a few + courts-martial, bad grub, and plenty of grumbling." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what would they have? It's a great thing to hold the French army in + check within a few marches of Lisbon." + </p> + <p> + "Charley, my man, who cares twopence for the French army or Lisbon or the + Portuguese or the Junta or anything about it?—every man is pondering + over his own affairs. One fellow wants to get home again, and be sent upon + some recruiting station. Another wishes to get a step or two in promotion, + to come to Torres Vedras, where even the <i>grande armée</i> can't. Then + some of us are in love, and some of us are in debt. Their is neither glory + nor profit to be had. But here's the bishop, smoking and steaming with an + odor of nectar!" + </p> + <p> + "And our fellows, have you seen them lately?" + </p> + <p> + "I dined with yours on Tuesday. Was it Tuesday? Yes. I dined with them. + By-the-bye, Sparks was taken prisoner that morning." + </p> + <p> + "Sparks taken prisoner! Poor fellow. I am sincerely sorry. How did it + happen, Maurice?" + </p> + <p> + "Very simply. Sparks had a forage patrol towards Vieda, and set out early + in the morning with his party. It seemed that they succeeded perfectly, + and were returning to the lines, when poor Sparks, always susceptible + where the sex are concerned, saw, or thought he saw, a lattice gently open + as he rode from the village, and a very taper finger make a signal to him. + Dropping a little behind the rest, he waited till his men had debouched + upon the road, when riding quietly up, he coughed a couple of times to + attract the fair unknown; a handkerchief waved from the lattice in reply, + which was speedily closed, and our valiant cornet accordingly dismounted + and entered the house. + </p> + <p> + "The remainder of the adventure is soon told; for in a few seconds after, + two men mounted on one horse were seen galloping at top speed towards the + French lines,—the foremost being a French officer of the 4th + Cuirassiers, the gentleman with his face to the tail, our friend Sparks; + the lovely unknown being a <i>vieille moustache</i> of Loison's corps, who + had been wounded in a skirmish some days before, and lay waiting an + opportunity of rejoining his party. One of our prisoners knew this fellow + well; he had been promoted from the ranks, and was a Hercules for feats of + strength; so that, after all, Sparks could not help himself." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'm really sorry; but as you say, Sparks's tender nature is always + the ruin of him." + </p> + <p> + "Of him! ay, and of you; and of Power; and of myself; of all of us. Isn't + it the sweet creatures that make fools of us from Father Adam down to + Maurice Quill, neither sparing age nor rank in the service, half-pay nor + the veteran battalion—it's all one? Pass the jug, there. + O'Shaughnessy—" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, by-the-bye, how's the major?" + </p> + <p> + "Charmingly; only a little bit in a scrape just now. Sir Arthur—Lord + Wellington, I mean—had him up for his fellows being caught + pillaging, and gave him a devil of a rowing a few days ago. + </p> + <p> + "'Very disorderly corps yours, Major O'Shaughnessy,' said the general; + 'more men up for punishment than any regiment in the service.' + </p> + <p> + "Shaugh muttered something; but his voice was lost in a loud + cock-a-doo-do-doo, that some bold chanticleer set up at the moment. + </p> + <p> + "'If the officers do their duty, Major O'Shaughnessy, these acts of + insubordination do not occur.' + </p> + <p> + "'Cock-a-doo-do-doo,' was the reply. Some of the staff found it hard not + to laugh; but the general went on,— + </p> + <p> + "'If, therefore, the practice does not cease, I'll draft the men into West + India regiments.' + </p> + <p> + "'Cock-a-doo-do-doo.' + </p> + <p> + "'And if any articles pillaged from the inhabitants are detected in the + quarters, or about the person of the troops—' + </p> + <p> + "'Cock-a-doo-do-<i>doo</i>,' screamed louder here than ever. + </p> + <p> + "'Damn that cock! Where is it?' + </p> + <p> + "There was a general look around on all sides, which seemed in vain; when + a tremendous repetition of the cry resounded from O'Shaughnessy's coat + pocket,—thus detecting the valiant major himself in the very + practice of his corps. There was no standing this: every one burst out + into a peal of laughing; and Lord Wellington himself could not resist, but + turned away, muttering to himself as he went, 'Damned robbers—every + man of them!' while a final war-note from the major's pocket closed the + interview." + </p> + <p> + "Confound you, Maurice, you've always some villanous narrative or other. + You never crossed a street for shelter without making something out of + it." + </p> + <p> + "True this time, as sure as my name's Maurice; but the bowl is empty." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, here comes its successor. How long can you stay among us?" + </p> + <p> + "A few days at most. Just took a run off to see the sights. I was all over + Lisbon this morning; saw the Inquisition and the cells and the place where + they tried the fellows,—the kind of grand jury room with the great + picture of Adam and Eve at the end of it. What a beautiful creature she + is; hair down to her waist, and such eyes! 'Ah, ye darling!' said I to + myself, 'small blame to him for what he did. Wouldn't I ate every crab in + the garden, if ye asked me!'" + </p> + <p> + "I must certainly go to see her, Maurice. Is she very Portuguese in her + style?" + </p> + <p> + "Devil a bit of it! She might be a Limerick-woman with elegant brown hair + and blue eyes and a skin like snow." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, they've pretty girls in Lisbon too, Doctor." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, faith," said Power, "that they have." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing like Ireland, boys; not a bit of it; they're the girls for my + money; and where's the man can resist them? From Saint Patrick, that had + to go and live in the Wicklow mountains—" + </p> + <p> + "Saint Kevin, you mean, Doctor." + </p> + <p> + "Sure it's all the same, they were twins. I made a little song about them + one evening last week,—the women I mean." + </p> + <p> + "Let us have it, Maurice; let us have it, old fellow. What's the measure?" + </p> + <p> + "Short measure; four little verses, devil a more!" + </p> + <p> + "But the time, I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Whenever you like to sing it; here it is,"— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE GIRLS OF THE WEST. + + Air,—"<i>Teddy, ye Gander</i>." + + (<i>With feeling: but not too slow</i>.) + + You may talk, if you please, + Of the brown Portuguese, + But wherever you roam, wherever you roam, + You nothing will meet, + Half so lovely or sweet, + As the girls at home, the girls at home. + + Their eyes are not sloes, + Nor so long is their nose, + But between me and you, between me and you, + They are just as alarming, + And ten times more charming, + With hazel and blue, with hazel and blue. + + They don't ogle a man, + O'er the top of their fan + Till his heart's in a flame, till his heart's in a flame + But though bashful and shy, + They've a look in their eye + That just comes to the same, just comes to the same. + + No mantillas they sport, + But a petticoat short + Shows an ankle the best, an ankle the best, + And a leg—but, O murther! + I dare not go further; + So here's to the west, so here's to the west. +</pre> + <p> + "Now that really is a sweet little thing. Moore's isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it; my own muse, every word of it." + </p> + <p> + "And the music?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "My own, too. Too much spice in that bowl; that's an invariable error in + your devisers of drink, to suppose that the tipple you start with can + please your palate to the last; they forget that as we advance, either in + years or lush, our tastes simplify." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Nous revenons à nos premières amours</i>. Isn't that it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, not exactly, for we go even further; for if you mark the progression + of a sensible man's fluids, you'll find what an emblem of life it presents + to you. What is his initiatory glass of 'Chablis' that he throws down with + his oysters but the budding expectancy of boyhood,—the appetizing + sense of pleasure to come; then follows the sherry with his soup, that + warming glow which strength and vigor in all their consciousness impart, + as a glimpse of life is opening before him. Then youth succeeds—buoyant, + wild, tempestuous youth—foaming and sparkling like the bright + champagne whose stormy surface subsides into a myriad of bright stars." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Oeil de perdrix</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it; woman's own eye, brilliant, sparkling, life-giving—" + </p> + <p> + "Devil take the fellow, he's getting poetical!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Fred! if that could only last; but one must come to the burgundies + with his maturer years. Your first glass of hermitage is the algebraic + sign for five-and-thirty,—the glorious burst is over; the pace is + still good, to be sure, but the great enthusiasm is past. You can afford + to look forward, but confound it, you've along way to look back also." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Charley, our friend has contrived to finish the bishop during his + disquisition; the bowl's quite empty." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so, Fred. To be sure, how a man does forget himself in + abstract speculations; but let us have a little more, I've not concluded + my homily." + </p> + <p> + "Not a glass, Maurice; it's already past nine. We are all pledged to the + masquerade, and before we've dressed and got there, 't will be late + enough." + </p> + <p> + "But I'm not disguised yet, my boy, nor half." + </p> + <p> + "Well, they must take you <i>au naturel</i>, as our countrymen do their + potatoes." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Doctor, Fred's right; we had better start." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I can't help it; I've recorded my opposition to the motion, but I + must submit; and now that I'm on my legs, explain to me what's that very + dull-looking old lamp up there?" + </p> + <p> + "That's the moon, man; the full moon." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I've no objection; I'm full too: so come along, lads." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE MASQUERADE. + </p> + <p> + To form one's impression of a masked ball from the attempts at this mode + of entertainment in our country, is but to conceive a most imperfect and + erroneous notion. With us, the first <i>coup d'oeil</i> is everything; the + nuns, the shepherdesses, the Turks, sailors, eastern princes, watchmen, + moonshees, milestones, devils, and Quakers are all very well in their way + as they pass in the review before us, but when we come to mix in the + crowd, we discover that, except the turban and the cowl, the crook and the + broad-brim, no further disguise is attempted or thought of. The nun, + forgetting her vow and her vestments, is flirting with the devil; the + watchman, a very fastidious elegant, is ogling the fishwomen through his + glass; while the Quaker is performing a <i>pas seul</i> Alberti might be + proud of, in a quadrille of riotous Turks and half-tipsy Hindoos; in fact, + the whole wit of the scene consists in absurd associations. Apart from + this, the actors have rarely any claims upon your attention; for even + supposing a person clever enough to sustain his character, whatever it be, + you must also supply the other personages of the drama, or, in stage + phrase, he'll have nothing to "play up to." What would be Bardolph without + Pistol; what Sir Lucius O'Triuger without Acres? It is the relief which + throws out the disparities and contradictions of life that afford us most + amusement; hence it is that one swallow can no more make a summer, than + one well-sustained character can give life to a masquerade. Without such + sympathies, such points of contact, all the leading features of the + individual, making him act and be acted upon, are lost; the characters + being mere parallel lines, which, however near they approach, never bisect + or cross each other. + </p> + <p> + This is not the case abroad: the domino, which serves for mere + concealment, is almost the only dress assumed, and the real disguise is + therefore thrown from necessity upon the talents, whatever they be, of the + wearer. It is no longer a question of a beard or a spangled mantle, a + Polish dress or a pasteboard nose; the mutation of voice, the assumption + of a different manner, walk, gesture, and mode of expression, are all + necessary, and no small tact is required to effect this successfully. + </p> + <p> + I may be pardoned this little digression, as it serves to explain in some + measure how I felt on entering the splendidly lit up <i>salons</i> of the + villa, crowded with hundreds of figures in all the varied costumes of a + carnival,—the sounds of laughter mingled with the crash of the + music; the hurrying hither and thither of servants with refreshments; the + crowds gathered around fortune-tellers, whose predictions threw the + parties at each moment into shouts of merriment; the eager following of + some disappointed domino, interrogating every one to find out a lost mask. + For some time I stood an astonished spectator at the kind of secret + intelligence which seemed to pervade the whole assemblage, when suddenly a + mask, who for some time had been standing beside me, whispered in French,— + </p> + <p> + "If you pass your time in this manner, you must not feel surprised if your + place be occupied." + </p> + <p> + I turned hastily round, but she was gone. She, I say, for the voice was + clearly a woman's; her pink domino could be no guide, for hundreds of the + same color passed me every instant. The meaning of the allusion I had + little doubt of. I turned to speak to Power, but he was gone; and for the + first moment of my life, the bitterness of rivalry crossed my mind. It was + true I had resigned all pretensions in his favor. My last meeting with + Lucy had been merely to justify my own character against an impression + that weighed heavily on me; still, I thought he might have waited,—another + day and I should be far away, neither to witness nor grieve over his + successes. + </p> + <p> + "You still hesitate," whispered some one near me. + </p> + <p> + I wheeled round suddenly, but could not detect the speaker, and was again + relapsing into my own musings, when the same voice repeated,— + </p> + <p> + "The white domino with the blue cape. Adieu." + </p> + <p> + Without waiting to reflect upon the singularity of the occurrence, I now + hurried along through the dense crowd, searching on every side for the + domino. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't that O'Malley?" said an Englishman to his friend. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied the other; "the very man we want. O'Malley, find a partner; + we have been searching a <i>vis-à-vis</i> this ten minutes." + </p> + <p> + The speaker was an officer I had met at Sir George Dashwood's. "How did + you discover me?" said I, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Not a very difficult thing if you carry your mask in your hand that way," + was the answer. + </p> + <p> + And I now perceived that in the distraction of my thoughts I had been + carrying my mask in this manner since my coming into the room. + </p> + <p> + "There now, what say you to the blue domino? I saw her foot, and a girl + with such an instep must be a waltzer." + </p> + <p> + I looked round, a confused effort at memory passing across my mind; my + eyes fell at the instant upon the embroidered sleeve of the domino, where + a rosebud worked in silver at once reminded me of Catrina's secret. "Ah," + thought I, "La Senhora herself!" She was leaning upon the arm of a tall + and portly figure in black; who this was I knew not, nor sought to + discover, but at once advancing towards Donna Inez asked her to waltz. + </p> + <p> + Without replying to me she turned towards her companion, who seemed as it + were to press her acceptance of my offer; she hesitated, however, for an + instant, and curtsying deeply, declined it. "Well," thought I, "she at + least has not recognized me." + </p> + <p> + "And yet, Senhora," said I, half jestingly, "I <i>have</i> seen you join a + bolero before now." + </p> + <p> + "You evidently mistake me," was the reply, but in a voice so well feigned + as almost to convince me she was right. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, more," said I, "under your own fair auspices did I myself first + adventure one." + </p> + <p> + "Still in error, believe me; I am not known to you." + </p> + <p> + "And yet I have a talisman to refresh your memory, should you dare me + further." + </p> + <p> + At this instant my hand was grasped warmly by a passing mask. I turned + round rapidly, and Power whispered in my ear,— + </p> + <p> + "Yours forever, Charley; you've made my fortune." + </p> + <p> + As he hurried on I could perceive that he supported a lady on his arm, and + that she wore a loose white domino with a deep blue cape. In a second all + thought of Inez was forgotten, and anxious only to conceal my emotion, I + turned away and mingled in the crowd. Lost to all around me, I wandered + carelessly, heedlessly on, neither noticing the glittering throng around, + nor feeling a thought in common with the gay and joyous spirits that + flitted by. The night wore on, my melancholy and depression growing ever + deeper, yet so spell-bound was I that I could not leave the place. A + secret sense that it was the last time we were to meet had gained entire + possession of me, and I longed to speak a few words ere we parted forever. + </p> + <p> + I was leaning on a window which looked out upon the courtyard, when + suddenly the tramp of horses attracted my attention, and I saw by the + clear moonlight a group of mounted men, whose long cloaks and tall helmets + announced dragoons, standing around the porch. At the same moment the door + of the <i>salon</i> opened, and an officer in undress, splashed and + travel-stained, entered. Making his way rapidly through the crowd, he + followed the servant, who introduced him towards the supper-room. Thither + the dense mass now pressed to learn the meaning of the singular + apparition; while my own curiosity, not less excited, led me towards the + door. As I crossed the hall, however, my progress was interrupted by a + group of persons, among whom I saw an aide-de-camp of Lord Wellington's + staff, narrating, as it were, some piece of newly-arrived intelligence. I + had no time for further inquiry, when a door opened near me, and Sir + George Dashwood, accompanied by several general officers, came forth, the + officer I had first seen enter the ball-room along with them. Every one + was by this unmasked, and eagerly looking to hear what had occurred. + </p> + <p> + "Then, Dashwood, you'll send off an orderly at once?" said an old general + officer beside me. + </p> + <p> + "This instant, my Lord. I'll despatch an aide-de-camp. The troops shall be + in marching order before noon. Oh, here's the man I want! O'Malley, come + here. Mount your horse and dash into town. Send for Brotherton and + M'Gregor to quarters, and announce the news as quickly as possible." + </p> + <p> + "But what am I to announce, Sir George?" + </p> + <p> + "That the French are in retreat,—Massena in retreat, my lad." + </p> + <p> + A tremendous cheer at this instant burst from the hundreds in the <i>salon</i>, + who now heard the glorious tidings. Another cheer and another followed,—ten + thousand <i>vivas</i> rose amidst the crash of the band, as it broke into + a patriotic war chant. Such a scene of enthusiasm and excitement I never + witnessed. Some wept with joy. Others threw themselves into their friends' + arms. + </p> + <p> + "They're all mad, every mother's son of them!" said Maurice Quill, as he + elbowed his way through the mass; "and here's an old vestal won't leave my + arm. She has already embraced me three times, and we've finished a flask + of Malaga between us." + </p> + <p> + "Come, O'Malley, are you ready for the road?" + </p> + <p> + My horse was by this time standing saddled at the front. I sprang at once + to the saddle, and without waiting for a second order, set out for Lisbon. + Ten minutes had scarce elapsed,—the very shouts of joy of the + delighted city were still ringing in my ears,—when I was once again + back at the villa. As I mounted the steps into the hall, a carriage drew + up,—it was Sir George Dashwood's. He came forward, his daughter + leaning upon his arm. + </p> + <p> + "Why, O'Malley, I thought you had gone." + </p> + <p> + "I have returned, Sir George. Colonel Brotherton is in waiting, and the + staff also. I have received orders to set out for Benejos, where the 14th + are stationed, and have merely delayed to say adieu." + </p> + <p> + "Adieu, my dear boy, and God bless you!" said the warm-hearted old man, as + he pressed my hand between both his. "Lucy, here's your old friend about + to leave; come and say good-by." + </p> + <p> + Miss Dashwood had stopped behind to adjust her shawl. I flew to her + assistance. "Adieu, Miss Dashwood, and forever!" said I, in a broken + voice, as I took her hand in mine. "This is not your domino," said I, + eagerly, as a blue silk one peeped from beneath her mantle; "and the + sleeve, too,—did you wear this?" She blushed slightly, and assented. + </p> + <p> + "I changed with the senhora, who wore mine all the evening." + </p> + <p> + "And Power, then, was not your partner?" + </p> + <p> + "I should think not,—for I never danced." + </p> + <p> + "Lucy, my love, are you ready? Come, be quick." + </p> + <p> + "Good-by, Mr. O'Malley, and <i>au revoir, n'est-ce pas?</i>" + </p> + <p> + I drew her glove from her hand as she spoke, and pressing my lips upon her + fingers, placed her within the carriage. "Adieu, and <i>au revoir!</i>" + said I. The carriage turned away, and a white glove was all that remained + to me of Lucy Dashwood! + </p> + <p> + The carriage had turned the angle of the road, and its retiring sounds + were growing gradually fainter, ere I recovered myself sufficiently to + know where I stood. One absorbing thought alone possessed me. Lucy was not + lost to me forever; Power was not my rival in that quarter,—that was + enough for me. I needed no more to nerve my arm and steel my heart. As I + reflected thus, the long loud blast of a trumpet broke upon the silence of + the night, and admonished me to depart. I hurried to my room to make my + few preparations for the road; but Mike had already anticipated everything + here, and all was in readiness. + </p> + <p> + But one thing now remained,—to make my adieu to the senhora. With + this intent, I descended a narrow winding stair which led from my + dressing-room, and opened by a little terrace upon the flower-garden + beside her apartments. + </p> + <p> + As I crossed the gravelled alley, I could not but think of the last time I + had been there. It was on the eve of departure for the Douro. I recalled + the few and fleeting moments of our leave-taking, and a thought flashed + upon me,—what if she cared for me! What if, half in coquetry, half + in reality, her heart was mixed up in those passages which daily + association gives rise to? + </p> + <p> + I could not altogether acquit myself of all desire to make her believe me + her admirer; nay, more, with the indolent <i>abandon</i> of my country, I + had fallen into a thousand little schemes to cheat the long hours away, + which, having no other object than the happiness of the moment, might yet + color all her after-life with sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Let no one rashly pronounce me a coxcomb, vain and pretentious, for all + this. In my inmost heart I had no feeling of selfishness mingled with the + consideration. It was from no sense of my own merits, no calculation of my + own chances of success, that I thought thus. Fortunately, at eighteen + one's heart is uncontaminated with such an alloy of vanity. The first + emotions of youth are pure and holy things, tempering our fiercer + passions, and calming the rude effervescence of our boyish spirit; and + when we strive to please, and hope to win affection, we insensibly fashion + ourselves to nobler and higher thoughts, catching from the source of our + devotion a portion of that charm that idealizes daily life, and makes our + path in it a glorious and a bright one. + </p> + <p> + Who would not exchange all the triumph of his later days, the proudest + moments of successful ambition, the richest trophies of hard-won daring,—for + the short and vivid flash that first shot through his heart and told him + he was loved. It is the opening consciousness of life, the first sense of + power that makes of the mere boy a man,—a man in all his daring and + his pride; and hence it is that in early life we feel ever prone to + indulge those fancied attachments which elevate and raise us in our own + esteem. Such was the frame of my mind when I entered the little boudoir + where once before I had ventured on a similar errand. + </p> + <p> + As I closed the sash-door behind me, the gray dawn of breaking day + scarcely permitted my seeing anything around me, and I felt my way towards + the door of an adjoining room, where I supposed it was likely I should + find the senhora. As I proceeded thus, with cautious step and beating + heart, I thought I heard a sound near me. I stopped and listened, and was + about again to move on, when a half-stifled sob fell upon my ear. Slowly + and silently guiding my steps towards the sounds, I reached a sofa, when, + my eyes growing by degrees more accustomed to the faint light, I could + detect a figure which, at a glance, I recognized as Donna Inez. A cashmere + shawl was loosely thrown around her, and her face was buried in her hands. + As she lay, to all seeming, still and insensible before me, her beautiful + hair fell heavily upon her back and across her arm, and her whole attitude + denoted the very abandonment of grief. A short convulsive shudder which + slightly shook her frame alone gave evidence of life, except when a sob, + barely audible in the death-like silence, escaped her. + </p> + <p> + I knelt silently down beside her, and gently withdrawing her hand, placed + it within mine. A dreadful feeling of self-condemnation shot through me as + I felt the gentle pressure of her taper fingers, which rested without a + struggle in my grasp. My tears fell hot and fast upon that pale hand, as I + bent in sadness over it, unable to utter a word. A rush of conflicting + thoughts passed through my brain, and I knew not what to do. I now had no + doubt upon my mind that she loved me, and that her present affliction was + caused by my approaching departure. + </p> + <p> + "Dearest Inez!" I stammered out at length, as I pressed her hands to my + lips,—"dearest Inez!"—a faint sob, and a slight pressure of + her hand, was the only reply. "I have come to say good-by," continued I, + gaining a little courage as I spoke; "a long good-by, too, in all + likelihood. You have heard that we are ordered away,—there, don't + sob, dearest, and, believe me, I had wished ere we parted to have spoken + to you calmly and openly; but, alas, I cannot,—I scarcely know what + I say." + </p> + <p> + "You will not forget me?" said she, in a low voice, that sank into my very + heart. "You will not forget me?" As she spoke, her hand dropped heavily + upon my shoulder, and her rich luxuriant hair fell upon my cheek. What a + devil of a thing is proximity to a downy cheek and a black eyelash, more + especially when they belong to one whom you are disposed to believe not + indifferent to you! What I did at this precise moment there is no + necessity for recording, even had not an adage interdicted such + confessions, nor can I now remember what I said; but I can well recollect + how, gradually warming with my subject, I entered into a kind of + half-declaration of attachment, intended most honestly to be a mere <i>exposé</i> + of my own unworthiness to win her favor, and my resolution to leave Lisbon + and its neighborhood forever. + </p> + <p> + Let not any one blame me rashly if he has not experienced the difficulty + of my position. The impetus of love-making is like the ardor of a + fox-hunt. You care little that the six-bar gate before you is the boundary + of another gentleman's preserves or the fence of his pleasure-ground. You + go slap along at a smashing-pace, with your head up, and your hand low, + clearing all before you, the opposing difficulties to your progress giving + half the zest, because all the danger to your career. So it is with love; + the gambling spirit urges one ever onward, and the chance of failure is a + reason for pursuit, where no other argument exists. + </p> + <p> + "And you do love me?" said the senhora, with a soft, low whisper that most + unaccountably suggested anything but comfort to me. + </p> + <p> + "Love you, Inez? By this kiss—I'm in an infernal scrape!" said I, + muttering this last half of my sentence to myself. + </p> + <p> + "And you'll never be jealous again?" + </p> + <p> + "Never, by all that's lovely!—your own sweet lips. That's the very + last thing to reproach me with." + </p> + <p> + "And you promise me not to mind that foolish boy? For, after all, you + know, it was mere flirtation,—if even that." + </p> + <p> + "I'll never think of him again," said I, while my brain was burning to + make out her meaning. "But, dearest, there goes the trumpet-call—" + </p> + <p> + "And, as for Pedro Mascarenhas, I never liked him." + </p> + <p> + "Are you quite sure, Inez?" + </p> + <p> + "I swear it!—so no more of him. Gonzales Cordenza—I've broke + with him long since. So that you see, dearest Frederic—" + </p> + <p> + "Frederic!" said I, starting almost to my feet with, amazement, while she + continued:— + </p> + <p> + "I'm your own,—all your own!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the coquette, the heartless jilt!" groaned I, half-aloud. + </p> + <p> + "And O'Malley, Inez, poor Charley!—what of him?" + </p> + <p> + "Poor thing! I can't help him. But he's such a puppy, the lesson may do + him good." + </p> + <p> + "But perhaps he loved you, Inez?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure he did; I wished him to do so,—I can't bear not to be + loved. But, Frederic, tell me, may I trust you,—will you keep + faithful to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Sweetest Inez! by this last kiss I swear that such as I kneel before you + now, you'll ever find me." + </p> + <p> + A foot upon the gravel-walk without now called me to my feet; I sprang + towards the door, and before Inez had lifted her head from the sofa, I had + reached the garden. A figure muffled in a cavalry cloak passed near me, + but without noticing me, and the next moment I had cleared the paling, and + was hurrying towards the stable, where I had ordered Mike to be in + waiting. + </p> + <p> + The faint streak of dull pink which announces the coming day stretched + beneath the dark clouds of the night, and the chill air of the morning was + already stirring in the leaves. + </p> + <p> + As I passed along by a low beech hedge which skirted the avenue, I was + struck by the sound of voices near me. I stopped to listen, and soon + detected in one of the speakers my friend Mickey Free; of the other I was + not long in ignorance. + </p> + <p> + "Love you, is it, bathershin? It's worship you, adore you, my darling,—that's + the word! There, acushla, don't cry; dry your eyes—Oh, murther, it's + a cruel thing to tear one's self away from the best of living, with the + run of the house in drink and kissing! Bad luck to it for campaigning, any + way, I never liked it!" + </p> + <p> + Catrina's reply,—for it was she,—I could not gather; but Mike + resumed:— + </p> + <p> + "Ay, just so, sore bones and wet grass, <i>accadenté</i>, and + half-rations. Oh, that I ever saw the day when I took to it! Listen to me + now, honey; here it is, on my knees I am before you, and throth it's not + more nor three, may be four, young women I'd say the like to; bad scran to + me if I wouldn't marry you out of a face this blessed morning just as soon + as I'd look at ye. Arrah, there now, don't be screeching and bawling; + what'll the neighbors think of us, and my own heart's destroyed with grief + entirely." + </p> + <p> + Poor Catrina's voice returned an inaudible answer, and not wishing any + longer to play the eavesdropper, I continued my path towards the stable. + The distant noises from the city announced a state of movement and + preparation, and more than one orderly passed the road near me at a + gallop. As I turned into the wide courtyard, Mike, breathless and flurried + with running, overtook me. + </p> + <p> + "Are the horses ready, Mike?" said I; "we must start this instant?" + </p> + <p> + "They've just finished a peck of oats apiece, and faix, that same may be a + stranger to them this day six months." + </p> + <p> + "And the baggage, too?" + </p> + <p> + "On the cars, with the staff and the light brigade. It was down there I + was now, to see all was right." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'm quite aware; and now bring out the cattle. I hope Catrina + received your little consolations well. That seems a very sad affair." + </p> + <p> + "Murder, real murder, devil a less! It's no matter where you go, from + Clonmel to Chayney, it's all one; they've a way of getting round you. Upon + my soul, it's like the pigs they are." + </p> + <p> + "Like pigs, Mike? That appears a strange compliment you've selected to pay + them." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, just like the pigs, no less. May be you've heard what happened to + myself up at Moronha?" + </p> + <p> + "Look to that girth there. Well, go on." + </p> + <p> + "I was coming along one morning, just as day was beginning to break, when + I sees a slip of a pig trotting before me, with nobody near him; but as + the road was lonely, and myself rather down in heart, I thought, Musha! + but yer fine company, anyhow, av a body could only keep you with him. But, + ye see, a pig—saving your presence—is a baste not easily + flattered, so I didn't waste time and blarney upon him, but I took off my + belt, and put it round its neck as neat as need be; but, as the devil's + luck would have it, I didn't go half an hour when a horse came galloping + up behind me. I turned round, and, by the blessed light, it was Sir Dinny + himself was on it!" + </p> + <p> + "Sir Dennis Pack?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, bad luck to his hook nose. 'What are you doing there, my fine + fellow?' says he. 'What's that you have dragging there behind you?' + </p> + <p> + "'A boneen, sir,' says I. 'Isn't he a fine crayture?—av he wasn't so + troublesome.' + </p> + <p> + "'Troublesome, troublesome—what do you mean?' + </p> + <p> + "'Just so,' says I. 'Isn't he parsecutiug the life out of me the whole + morning, following me about everywhere I go? Contrary bastes they always + was.' + </p> + <p> + "'I advise you to try and part company, my friend, notwithstanding,' says + he; 'or may be it's the same end you'll be coming to, and not long + either.' And faix, I took his advice; and ye see, Mister Charles, it's + just as I was saying, they're like the women, the least thing in life is + enough to bring them after us, <i>av ye only put the 'comether'</i> upon + them." + </p> + <p> + "And now adieu to the Villa Nuova," said I, as I rode slowly down the + avenue, turning ever and anon in my saddle to look back on each well-known + spot. + </p> + <p> + A heavy sigh from Mike responded to my words. + </p> + <p> + "A long, a last farewell!" said I, waving my hand towards the trellised + walls, now half-hidden by the trees; and, as I spoke, that heaviness of + the heart came over me that seems inseparable from leave-taking. The hour + of parting seems like a warning to us that all our enjoyments and + pleasures here are destined to a short and merely fleeting existence; and + as each scene of life passes away never to return, we are made to feel + that youth and hope are passing with them; and that, although the fair + world be as bright, and its pleasures as rich in abundance, our capacity + of enjoyment is daily, hourly diminishing; and while all around us smiles + in beauty and happiness, that we, alas! are not what we were. + </p> + <p> + Such was the tenor of my thoughts as I reached the road, when they were + suddenly interrupted by my man Mike, whose meditations were following a + somewhat similar channel, though at last inclining to different + conclusions. He coughed a couple of times as if to attract my attention, + and then, as it were half thinking aloud, he muttered,— + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if we treated the young ladies well, anyhow, Mister Charles, + for, faix, I've my doubts on it." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + THE LINES. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Lescas, we found that an officer of Lord Wellington's + staff had just arrived from the lines, and was occupied in making known + the general order from headquarters; which set forth, with customary + brevity, that the French armies, under the command of Massena, had retired + from their position, and were in full retreat,—the second and third + corps, which had been stationed at Villa Franca, having marched, during + the night of the 15th, in the direction of Manal. The officers in command + of divisions were ordered to repair instantly to Pero Negro, to consult + upon a forward movement, Admiral Berkeley being written to to provide + launches to pass over General Hill's, or any other corps which might be + selected, to the left bank of the Tagus. All now was excitement, + heightened by the unexpected nature of an occurrence which not even + speculation had calculated upon. It was but a few days before, and the + news had reached Torres Vedras that a powerful reinforcement was in march + to join Massena's army, and their advanced guard had actually reached + Santarem. The confident expectation was, therefore, that an attack upon + the lines was meditated. Now, however, this prospect existed no longer; + for scarcely had the heavy mists of the lowering day disappeared, when the + vast plain, so lately peopled by the thickened ranks and dark masses of a + great army, was seen in its whole extent deserted and untenanted. + </p> + <p> + The smouldering fires of the pickets alone marked where the troops had + been posted, but not a man of that immense force was to be seen. General + Fane, who had been despatched with a brigade of Portuguese cavalry and + some artillery, hung upon the rear of the retiring army, and from him we + learned that the enemy were continuing their retreat northward, having + occupied Santarem with a strong force to cover the movement. Crawfurd was + ordered to the front with the light division, the whole army following in + the same direction, except Hill's corps, which, crossing the river at + Velada, was intended to harass the enemy's flank, and assist our future + operations. + </p> + <p> + Such, in brief, was the state of affairs when I reached Villa Franca + towards noon, and received orders to join my regiment, then forming part + of Sir Stapleton Cotton's brigade. + </p> + <p> + It must be felt to be thoroughly appreciated, the enthusiastic pleasure + with which one greets his old corps after some months of separation: the + bounding ecstasy with which the weary eye rests on the old familiar faces, + dear by every association of affection and brotherhood; the anxious look + for this one and for that; the thrill of delight sent through the heart as + the well-remembered march swells upon the ear; the very notes of that + rough voice which we have heard amidst the crash of battle and the rolling + of artillery, speak softly to our senses like a father's welcome; from the + well-tattered flag that waves above us to the proud steed of the war-worn + trumpeter, each has a niche in our affection. + </p> + <p> + If ever there was a corps calculated to increase and foster these + sentiments, the 14th Light Dragoons was such. The warm affection, the + truly heart-felt regard, which existed among my brother officers, made of + our mess a happy home. Our veteran colonel, grown gray in campaigning, was + like a father to us; while the senior officers, tempering the warm blood + of impetuous youth with their hard-won experience, threw a charm of peace + and tranquillity over all our intercourse that made us happy when + together, and taught us to feel that, whether seated around the watch-fire + or charging amidst the squadrons of the enemy, we were surrounded by those + devoted heart and soul to aid us. + </p> + <p> + Gallant Fourteenth!—ever first in every gay scheme of youthful + jollity, as foremost in the van to meet the foe—how happy am I to + recall the memory of your bright looks and bold hearts; of your manly + daring and your bold frankness; of your merry voices, as I have heard them + in the battle or in the bivouac! Alas and alas, that I should indulge such + recollections alone! How few—how very few—are left of those + with whom I trod the early steps of life, whose bold cheer I have heard + above the clashing sabres of the enemy, whose broken voice I have listened + to above the grave of a comrade! The dark pines of the Pyrenees wave above + some, the burning sands of India cover others, and the wide plains of + Salamanca are the abiding-place of still more. + </p> + <p> + "Here comes O'Malley!" shouted a well-known voice, as I rode down the + little slope at the foot of which a group of officers were standing beside + their horses. + </p> + <p> + "Welcome, thou man of Galway!" cried Hampden; "delighted to have you once + more among us. How confoundedly well the fellow is looking!" + </p> + <p> + "Lisbon beef seems better prog than commissariat biscuit!" said another. + </p> + <p> + "A'weel, Charley?" said my friend the Scotch doctor; "how's a' wi' ye man? + Ye seem to thrive on your mishaps! How cam' ye by that braw beastie ye're + mounted on?" + </p> + <p> + "A present, Doctor; the gift of a very warm friend." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you invited him to the mess, O'Malley! For, by Jove, our stables + stand in need of his kind offices! There he goes! Look at him! What a + slashing pace for a heavy fellow!" This observation was made with + reference to a well-known officer on the commander-in-chief's staff, whose + weight—some two and twenty stone—never was any impediment to + his bold riding. + </p> + <p> + "Egad, O'Malley, you'll soon be as pretty a light-weight as our friend + yonder. Ah, there's a storm going on there! Here comes the colonel!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley, are you come back to us? Happy to see you, boy! Hope we + shall not lose you again in a hurry! We can't spare the scapegraces! + There's plenty of skirmishing going on! Crawfurd always asks for the + scapegraces for the pickets!" + </p> + <p> + I shook my gallant colonel's hand, while I acknowledged, as best I might, + his ambiguous compliment. + </p> + <p> + "I say, lads," resumed the colonel, "squad your men and form on the road! + Lord Wellington's coming down this way to have a look at you! O'Malley, I + have General Crawfurd's orders to offer you your old appointment on his + staff; without you prefer to remaining with the regiment!" + </p> + <p> + "I can never be sufficiently grateful, sir, to the general: but, in fact—I + think—that is, I believe—" + </p> + <p> + "You'd rather be among your own fellows. Out with it boy! I like you all + the better! But come, we mustn't let the general know that; so that I + shall forget to tell you all about it. Eh, isn't that best? But join your + troop now; I hear the staff coming this way." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a crowd of horseman were seen advancing towards us at a sharp + trot, their waving plumes and gorgeous aiguillettes denoting their rank as + generals of division. In the midst, as they came nearer, I could + distinguish one whom once seen there was no forgetting; his plain blue + frock and gray trousers, unstrapped beneath his boots, not a little unlike + the trim accuracy of costume around him. As he rode to the head of the + leading squadron, the staff fell back and he stood alone before us; for a + second there was a dead silence, but the next instant—by what + impulse tell who can—one tremendous cheer burst from the entire + regiment. It was like the act of one man; so sudden, so spontaneous. While + every cheek glowed, and every eye sparkled with enthusiasm, he alone + seemed cool and unexcited, as, gently raising his hand, he motioned them + to silence. + </p> + <p> + "Fourteenth, you are to be where you always desire to be,—in the + advanced guard of the army. I have nothing to say on the subject of your + conduct in the field. I know <i>you</i>; but if in pursuit of the enemy, I + hear of any misconduct towards the people of the country, or any + transgression of the general orders regarding pillage, by G——, + I'll punish you as severely as the worst corps in the service, and you + know <i>me!</i>" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, tear an ages, listen to that; and there's to be no plunder after + all!" said Mickey Free; and for an instant the most I could do was not to + burst into a fit of laughter. The word, "Forward!" was given at the + moment, and we moved past in close column, while that penetrating eye, + which seemed to read our very thoughts, scanned us from one end of the + line to the other. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Charley," said the captain of my troop, in a whisper,—"I + say, that confounded cheer we gave got us that lesson; he can't stand that + kind of thing." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove! I never felt more disposed than to repeat it," said I. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, my boy, we'll give him the honors, nine times nine; but wait till + evening. Look at old Merivale there. I'll swear he's saying something + devilish civil to him. Do you see the old fellow's happy look?" + </p> + <p> + And so it was; the bronzed, hard-cast features of the veteran soldier were + softened into an expression of almost boyish delight, as he sat, + bare-headed, bowing to his very saddle, while Lord Wellington was + speaking. + </p> + <p> + As I looked, my heart throbbed painfully against my side, my breath came + quick, and I muttered to myself, "What would I not give to be in his place + now!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + THE RETREAT OF THE FRENCH. + </p> + <p> + It is not my intention, were I even adequate to the task, to trace with + anything like accuracy the events of the war at this period. In fact, to + those who, like myself, were performing a mere subaltern character, the + daily movements of our own troops, not to speak of the continual changes + of the enemy, were perfectly unknown, and an English newspaper was more + ardently longed for in the Peninsula than by the most eager crowd of a + London coffee-room; nay, the results of the very engagements we were + ourselves concerned in, more than once, first reached us through the press + of our own country. It is easy enough to understand this. The officer in + command of the regiment, and how much more, the captain of a troop, or the + subaltern under him, knows nothing beyond the sphere of his own immediate + duty; by the success or failure of his own party his knowledge is bounded, + but how far he or his may influence the fortune, of the day, or of what is + taking place elsewhere, he is totally ignorant; and an old Fourteenth man + did not badly explain, his ideas on the matter, who described Busaco as "a + great noise and a great smoke, booming artillery and rattling small-arms, + infernal confusion, and to all seeming, incessant blundering, orders and + counter-orders, ending with a crushing charge; when, not being hurt + himself, nor having hurt anybody, he felt much pleased to learn that they + had gained a victory." It is then sufficient for all the purposes of my + narrative, when I mention that Massena continued his retreat by Santarem + and Thomar, followed by the allied army, who, however desirous of pressing + upon the rear of their enemy, were still obliged to maintain their + communication with the lines, and also to watch the movement of the large + armies which, under Ney and Soult, threatened at any unguarded moment to + attack them in flank. + </p> + <p> + The position which Massena occupied at Santarem, naturally one of great + strength, and further improved by intrenchments, defied any attack on the + part of Lord Wellington, until the arrival of the long-expected + reinforcements from England. These had sailed in the early part of + January, but delayed by adverse winds, only reached Lisbon on the 2d of + March; and so correctly was the French marshal apprised of the + circumstance, and so accurately did he anticipate the probable result, + that on the fourth he broke up his encampment, and recommenced his + retrograde movement, with an army now reduced to forty thousand fighting + men, and with two thousand sick, destroying all his baggage and guns that + could not be horsed. By a demonstration of advancing upon the Zezere, by + which he held the allies in check, he succeeded in passing his wounded to + the rear, while Ney, appearing with a large force suddenly at Leiria, + seemed bent upon attacking the lines. By these stratagems two days' march + were gained, and the French retreated upon Torres Novas and Thomar, + destroying the bridges behind them as they passed. + </p> + <p> + The day was breaking on the 12th of March, when the British first came in + sight of the retiring enemy. We were then ordered to the front, and broken + up into small parties, threw out our skirmishers. The French chasseurs, + usually not indisposed to accept this species of encounter, showed now + less of inclination than usual, and either retreated before us, or hovered + in masses to check our advance; in this way the morning was passed, when + towards noon we perceived that the enemy was drawn up in battle array, + occupying the height above the village of Redinha. This little straggling + village is situated in a hollow traversed by a narrow causeway which opens + by a long and dangerous defile upon a bridge, on either side of which a + dense wood afforded a shelter for light troops, while upon the commanding + eminence above a battery of heavy guns was seen in position. + </p> + <p> + In front of the village a brigade of artillery and a division of infantry + were drawn up so skilfully as to give the appearance of a considerable + force, so that when Lord Wellington came up he spent some time in + examining the enemy's position. Erskine's brigade was immediately ordered + up, and the Fifty-second and Ninety-fourth, and a company of the + Forty-third were led against the wooded slopes upon the French right. + Picton simultaneously attacked the left, and in less than an hour, both + were successful, and Ney's position was laid bare; his skirmishers, + however, continued to hold their ground in front, and La Ferrière, a + colonel of hussars, dashing boldly forward at this very moment, carried + off fourteen prisoners from the very front of our line. Deceived by the + confidence of the enemy, Lord Wellington now prepared for an attack in + force. The infantry were therefore formed into line, and, at the signal of + three shots fired from the centre, began their foremost movement. + </p> + <p> + Bending up a gentle curve, the whole plain glistened with the glancing + bayonets, and the troops marched majestically onward; while the light + artillery and the cavalry, bounding forward from the left and centre, + rushed eagerly towards the foe. One deafening discharge from the French + guns opened at the moment, with a general volley of small-arms. The smoke + for an instant obscured everything, and when that cleared away, no enemy + was to be seen. + </p> + <p> + The British pressed madly on, like heated blood-hounds; but when they + descended the slope, the village of Redinha was in flames, and the French + in full retreat beyond it. A single howitzer seemed our only trophy, and + even this we were not destined to boast of, for from the midst of the + crashing flame and dense smoke of the burning village, a troop of dragoons + rushed forward, and charging our infantry, carried it off. The struggle, + though but for a moment, cost them dear: twenty of their comrades lay dead + upon the spot; but they were resolute and determined, and the officer who + led them on, fighting hand to hand with a soldier of the Forty-second, + cheered them as they retired. His gallant bearing, and his coat covered + with decorations, bespoke him one of note, and well it might; he who thus + perilled his life to maintain the courage of his soldiers at the + commencement of a retreat, was none other than Ney himself, <i>le plus + brave des braves</i>. The British pressed hotly on, and the light troops + crossed the river almost at the same time with the French. Ney, however, + fell back upon Condeixa, where his main body was posted, and all farther + pursuit was for the present abandoned. + </p> + <p> + At Casa Noval and at Foz d'Aronce, the allies were successful; but the + French still continued to retire, burning the towns and villages in their + rear, and devastating the country along the whole line of march by every + expedient of cruelty the heart of man has ever conceived. In the words of + one whose descriptions, however fraught with the most wonderful power of + painting, are equally marked by truth, "Every horror that could make war + hideous attended this dreadful march. Distress, conflagration, death in + all modes,—from wounds, from fatigue, from water, from the flames, + from starvation,—vengeance, unlimited vengeance, was on every side." + The country was a desert! + </p> + <p> + Such was the exhaustion of the allies, who suffered even greater + privations than the enemy, that they halted upon the 16th, unable to + proceed farther; and the river Ceira, swollen and unfordable, flowed + between the rival armies. + </p> + <p> + The repose of even one day was a most grateful interruption to the + harassing career we had pursued for some time past; and it seemed that my + comrades felt, like myself, that such an opportunity was by no means to be + neglected; but while I am devoting so much space and trespassing on my + reader's patience thus far with narrative of flood and field, let me steal + a chapter for what will sometimes seem a scarcely less congenial topic, + and bring back the recollection of a glorious night in the Peninsula. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + PATRICK'S DAY IN THE PENINSULA. + </p> + <p> + The <i>réveil</i> had not yet sounded, when I felt my shoulder shaken + gently as I lay wrapped up in my cloak beneath a prickly pear-tree. + </p> + <p> + "Lieutenant O'Malley, sir; a letter, sir; a bit of a note, your honor," + said a voice that bespoke the bearer and myself were countrymen. I opened + it, and with difficulty, by the uncertain light, read as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Charley,—As Lord Wellington, like a good Irishman as + he is, wouldn't spoil Patrick's Day by marching, we've got a little + dinner at our quarters to celebrate the holy times, as my uncle would + call it. Maurice, Phil Grady, and some regular trumps will all come, + so don't disappoint us. I've been making punch all night, and + Casey, who has a knack at pastry, has made a goose-pie as big as a + portmanteau. Sharp seven, after parade. The second battalion of + the Fusiliers are quartered at Melanté, and we are next them. Bring + any of yours worth their liquor. Power is, I know, absent with the + staff; perhaps the Scotch doctor would come; try him. Carry over + a little mustard with you, if there be such in your parts. + + Yours, + + D. O'SHAUGHNESSY. + + Patrick's day, and raining like blazes. +</pre> + <p> + Seeing that the bearer expected an answer, I scrawled the words, "I'm + there," with my pencil on the back of the note, and again turned myself + round to sleep. My slumbers were, however, soon interrupted once more; for + the bugles of the light infantry and the hoarse trumpet of the cavalry + sounded the call, and I found to my surprise that, though halted, we were + by no means destined to a day of idleness. Dragoons were already mounted, + carrying orders hither and thither, and staff-officers were galloping + right and left. A general order commanded an inspection of the troops, and + within less than an hour from daybreak the whole army was drawn up under + arms. A thin, drizzling rain continued to fall during the early part of + the day, but the sun gradually dispelled the heavy vapor; and as the + bright verdure glittered in its beams, sending up all the perfumes of a + southern clime, I thought I had never seen a more lovely morning. The + staff were stationed upon a little knoll beside the river, round the base + of which the troops defiled, at first in orderly, then in quick time, the + bands playing and the colors flying. In the same brigade with us the + Eighty-eighth came, and as they neared the commander-in-chief, their + quick-step was suddenly stopped, and after a pause of a few seconds, the + band struck up "St. Patrick's Day;" the notes were caught up by the other + Irish regiments, and amidst one prolonged cheer from the whole line, the + gallant fellows moved past. + </p> + <p> + The grenadier company were drawn up beside the road, and I was not long in + detecting my friend O'Shaughnessy, who wore a tremendous shamrock in his + shako. + </p> + <p> + "Left face, wheel! Quick march! Don't forget the mustard!" said the bold + major; and a loud roar of laughing from my brother officers followed him + off the ground. I soon explained the injunction, and having invited some + three or four to accompany me to the dinner, waited with all patience for + the conclusion of the parade. + </p> + <p> + The sun was setting as I mounted, and joined by Hampden, Baker, the + doctor, and another, set out for O'Shaughnessy's quarters. As we rode + along, we were continually falling in with others bent upon the same + errand as ourselves, and ere we arrived at Melanté our party was some + thirty strong; and truly a most extraordinary procession did we form. Few + of the invited came without some contribution to the general stock; and + while a staff-officer flourished a ham, a smart hussar might be seen with + a plucked turkey, trussed for roasting; most carried bottles, as the + consumption of fluid was likely to be considerable; and one fat old major + jogged along on a broken-winded pony, with a basket of potatoes on his + arm. Good fellowship was the order of the day, and certainly a more jovial + squadron seldom was met together than ours. As we turned the angle of a + rising ground, a hearty cheer greeted us, and we beheld in front of an old + ordnance marquee a party of some fifty fellows engaged in all the pleasing + duties of the <i>cuisine</i>. Maurice, conspicuous above all, with a white + apron and a ladle in his hand, was running hither and thither, advising, + admonishing, instructing, and occasionally imprecating. Ceasing for a + second his functions, he gave us a cheer and a yell like that of an Indian + savage, and then resumed his duties beside a huge boiler, which, from the + frequency of his explorations into its contents, we judged to be punch. + </p> + <p> + "Charley, my son, I've a place for you; don't forget. Where's my learned + brother?—haven't you brought him with you? Ah, Doctor, how goes it?" + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0158.jpg" alt="Going out to Dinner. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Nae that bad, Master Quell: a' things considered, we've had an awfu' time + of it lately." + </p> + <p> + "You know my friend Hampden, Maurice. Let me introduce Mr. Baker, Mr. + Maurice Quill. Where's the major?" + </p> + <p> + "Here I am, my darling, and delighted to see you. Some of yours, O'Malley, + ain't they? Proud to have you, gentlemen. Charley, we are obliged to have + several tables; but you are to be beside Maurice, so take your friends + with you. There goes the 'Roast Beef;' my heart warms to that old tune." + </p> + <p> + Amidst a hurried recognition, and shaking of hands on every side, I + elbowed my way into the tent, and soon reached a corner, where, at a table + for eight, I found Maurice seated at one end; a huge, purple-faced old + major, whom he presented to us as Bob Mahon, occupied the other. + O'Shaughnessy presided at the table next to us, but near enough to join in + all the conviviality of ours. + </p> + <p> + One must have lived for some months upon hard biscuit and harder beef to + relish as we did the fare before us, and to form an estimate of our + satisfaction. If the reader cannot fancy Van Amburgh's lions in red coats + and epaulettes, he must be content to lose the effect of the picture. A + turkey rarely fed more than two people, and few were abstemious enough to + be satisfied with one chicken. The order of the viands, too, observed no + common routine, each party being happy to get what he could, and satisfied + to follow up his pudding with fish, or his tart with a sausage. Sherry, + champagne, London porter, Malaga, and even, I believe, Harvey's sauce were + hobnobbed in; while hot punch, in teacups or tin vessels, was unsparingly + distributed on all sides. Achilles himself, they say, got tired of eating, + and though he consumed something like a prize ox to his own cheek, he at + length had to call for cheese, so that we at last gave in, and having + cleared away the broken tumbrels and baggage-carts of our army, cleared + for a general action. + </p> + <p> + "Now, lads!" cried the major, "I'm not going to lose your time and mine by + speaking; but there are a couple of toasts I must insist upon your + drinking with all the honors; and as I like despatch, we'll couple them. + It so happens that our old island boasts of two of the finest fellows that + ever wore Russia ducks. None of your nonsensical geniuses, like poets or + painters or anything like that; but downright, straightforward, no-humbug + sort of devil-may-care and bad-luck-to-you kind of chaps,—real + Irishmen! Now, it's a strange thing that they both had such an antipathy + to vermin, they spent their life in hunting them down and destroying them; + and whether they met toads at home or Johnny Crapaud abroad, it was all + one. [Cheers.] Just so, boys; they made them leave that; but I see you are + impatient, so I'll not delay you, but fill to the brim, and with the best + cheer in your body, drink with me the two greatest Irishmen that ever + lived, 'Saint Patrick and Lord Wellington.'" + </p> + <p> + The Englishmen laughed long and loud, while we cheered with an energy that + satisfied even the major. + </p> + <p> + "Who is to give us the chant? Who is to sing Saint Patrick?" cried + Maurice. "Come, Bob, out with it." + </p> + <p> + "I'm four tumblers too low for that yet," growled out the major. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, Charley, be you the man; or why not Dennis himself? Come, + Dennis, we cannot better begin our evening than with a song; let us have + our old friend 'Larry M'Hale.'" + </p> + <p> + "Larry M'Hale!" resounded from all parts of the room, while O'Shaughnessy + rose once more to his legs. + </p> + <p> + "Faith, boys, I'm always ready to follow your lead; but what analogy can + exist between 'Larry M'Hale' and the toast we have just drank I can't see + for the life of me; not but Larry would have made a strapping light + company man had he joined the army." + </p> + <p> + "The song, the song!" cried several voices. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you will have it, here goes:"— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LARRY M'HALE. + + AIR,—<i>"It's a bit of a thing</i>," <i>etc</i>. + + Oh, Larry M'Hale he had little to fear, + And never could want when the crops didn't fail; + He'd a house and demesne and eight hundred a year, + And the heart for to spend it, had Larry M'Hale! + The soul of a party, the life of a feast, + And an illigant song he could sing, I'll be bail; + He would ride with the rector, and drink with the priest, + Oh, the broth of a boy was old Larry M'Hale! + + It's little he cared for the judge or recorder, + His house was as big and as strong as a jail; + With a cruel four-pounder, he kept in great order, + He'd murder the country, would Larry M'Hale. + He'd a blunderbuss too, of horse-pistols a pair; + But his favorite weapon was always a flail. + I wish you could see how he'd empty a fair, + For he handled it neatly, did Larry M'Hale. + + His ancestors were kings before Moses was born, + His mother descended from great Grana Uaile; + He laughed all the Blakes and the Frenches to scorn; + They were mushrooms compared to old Larry M'Hale. + He sat down every day to a beautiful dinner, + With cousins and uncles enough for a tail; + And, though loaded with debt, oh, the devil a thinner, + Could law or the sheriff make Larry M'Hale! + + With a larder supplied and a cellar well stored, + None lived half so well, from Fair-Head to Kinsale, + As he piously said, "I've a plentiful board, + And the Lord he is good to old Larry M'Hale." + So fill up your glass, and a high bumper give him, + It's little we'd care for the tithes or repale; + For ould Erin would be a fine country to live in, + If we only had plenty like LARRY M'HALE. +</pre> + <p> + "Very singular style of person your friend Mr. M'Hale," lisped a + spooney-looking cornet at the end of the table. + </p> + <p> + "Not in the country he belongs to, I assure you," said Maurice; "but I + presume you were never in Ireland." + </p> + <p> + "You are mistaken there," resumed the other; "I was in Ireland, though I + confess not for a long time." + </p> + <p> + "If I might be so bold," cried Maurice, "how long?" + </p> + <p> + "Half an hour, by a stop-watch," said the other, pulling up his stock; + "and I had quite enough of it in that time." + </p> + <p> + "Pray give us your experiences," cried out Bob Mahon; "they should be + interesting, considering your opportunities." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," said the cornet; "they were so; and as they illustrate a + feature in your amiable country, you shall have them." + </p> + <p> + A general knocking upon the table announced the impatience of the company, + and when silence was restored the cornet began:— + </p> + <p> + When the 'Bermuda' transport sailed from Portsmouth for Lisbon, I happened + to make one of some four hundred interesting individuals who, before they + became food for powder, were destined to try their constitutions on + pickled pork. The second day after our sailing, the winds became adverse; + it blew a hurricane from every corner of the compass but the one it ought, + and the good ship, that should have been standing straight for the Bay of + Biscay, was scudding away under a double-reefed topsail towards the coast + of Labrador. For six days we experienced every sea-manoeuvre that usually + preludes a shipwreck, and at length, when, what from sea-sickness and + fear, we had become utterly indifferent to the result, the storm abated, + the sea went down, and we found ourselves lying comfortably in the harbor + of Cork, with a strange suspicion on our minds that the frightful scenes + of the past week had been nothing but a dream. + </p> + <p> + "'Come, Mr. Medlicot,' said the skipper to me, 'we shall be here for a + couple of days to refit; had you not better go ashore and see the + country?' + </p> + <p> + "I sprang to my legs with delight; visions of cowslips, larks, daisies, + and mutton-chops floated before my excited imagination, and in ten minutes + I found myself standing at that pleasant little inn at Cove which, + opposite Spike Island, rejoices in the name of the 'Goat and Garters.' + </p> + <p> + "'Breakfast, waiter,' said I; 'a beefsteak,—fresh beef, mark ye,—fresh + eggs, bread, milk, and butter, all fresh. No more hard tack,' thought I; + 'no salt butter, but a genuine land breakfast.' + </p> + <p> + "Up-stairs, No. 4, sir,' said the waiter, as he flourished a dirty napkin, + indicating the way. + </p> + <p> + "Up-stairs I went, and in due time the appetizing little meal made its + appearance. Never did a minor's eye revel over his broad acres with more + complacent enjoyment than did mine skim over the mutton and the muffin, + the tea-pot, the trout, and the devilled kidney, so invitingly spread out + before me. 'Yes,' thought I, as I smacked my lips, 'this is the reward of + virtue; pickled pork is a probationary state that admirably fits us for + future enjoyments.' I arranged my napkin upon my knee, seized my knife and + fork, and proceeded with most critical acumen to bisect a beefsteak. + Scarcely, however, had I touched it, when, with a loud crash, the plate + smashed beneath it, and the gravy ran piteously across the cloth. Before I + had time to account for the phenomenon, the door opened hastily, and the + waiter rushed into the room, his face beaming with smiles, while he rubbed + his hands in an ecstasy of delight. + </p> + <p> + "'It's all over, sir,' said he; 'glory be to God! it's all done.' + </p> + <p> + "'What's over? What's done?' inquired I, with impatience. + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. M'Mahon is satisfied,' replied he, 'and so is the other gentleman.' + </p> + <p> + "'Who and what the devil do you mean?' + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0163.jpg" + alt="Disadvantage of Breakfasting over a Duelling-party. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "'It's over, sir, I say,' replied the waiter again; 'he fired in the air.' + </p> + <p> + "'Fired in the air! Was there a duel in the room below stairs?' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, sir,' said the waiter, with a benign smile. + </p> + <p> + "'That will do,' said I, as seizing my hat, I rushed out of the house, and + hurrying to the beach, took a boat for the ship. Exactly half an hour had + elapsed since my landing, but even those short thirty minutes had fully as + many reasons that although there may be few more amusing, there are some + safer places to live in than the Green Isle." + </p> + <p> + A general burst of laughter followed the cornet's story, which was + heightened in its effect by the gravity with which he told it. + </p> + <p> + "And after all," said Maurice Quill, "now that people have given up making + fortunes for the insurance companies by living to the age of Methuselah, + there's nothing like being an Irishman. In what other part of the + habitable globe can you cram so much adventure into one year? Where can + you be so often in love, in liquor, or in debt; and where can you get so + merrily out of the three? Where are promises to marry and promises to pay + treated with the same gentleman-like forbearance; and where, when you have + lost your heart and your fortune, are people found so ready to comfort you + in your reverses? Yes," said Maurice, as he filled his glass up to the + brim, and eyed it lusciously for a moment,—"yes, darling, here's + your health; the only girl I ever loved—in that part of the country, + I mean. Give her a bumper, lads, and I'll give you a chant." + </p> + <p> + "Name! name! name!" shouted several voices from different parts of the + table. + </p> + <p> + "Mary Draper!" said Maurice, filling his glass once more, while the name + was re-echoed by every lip at table. + </p> + <p> + "The song! the song!" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I hope I haven't forgotten it," quoth Maurice. "No; here it is." + </p> + <p> + So saying, after a couple of efforts to assure the pitch of his voice, the + worthy doctor began the following words to that very popular melody, + "Nancy Dawson:"— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MARY DRAPER. + + AIR,—<i>Nancy Dawson</i>. + + Don't talk to me of London dames, + Nor rave about your foreign flames, + That never lived, except in drames, + Nor shone, except on paper; + I'll sing you 'bout a girl I knew, + Who lived in Ballywhacmacrew, + And let me tell you, mighty few + Could equal Mary Draper. + + Her cheeks were red, her eyes were blue, + Her hair was brown of deepest hue, + Her foot was small, and neat to view, + Her waist was slight and taper; + Her voice was music to your ear, + A lovely brogue, so rich and clear, + Oh, the like I ne'er again shall hear, + As from sweet Mary Draper. + + She'd ride a wall, she'd drive a team, + Or with a fly she'd whip a stream, + Or may be sing you "Rousseau's Dream," + For nothing could escape her; + I've seen her, too,—upon my word,— + At sixty yards bring down her bird, + Oh, she charmed all the Forty-third, + Did lovely Mary Draper. + + And at the spring assizes' ball, + The junior bar would one and all + For all her fav'rite dances call, + And Harry Dean would caper; + Lord Clare would then forget his lore; + King's Counsel, voting law a bore, + Were proud to figure on the floor, + For love of Mary Draper. + + The parson, priest, sub-sheriff too, + Were all her slaves, and so would you, + If you had only but one view, + Of such a face and shape, or + Her pretty ankles—But, ohone, + It's only west of old Athlone + Such girls were found—and now they're gone— + So here's to Mary Draper! +</pre> + <p> + "So here's to Mary Draper!" sang out every voice, in such efforts to catch + the tune as pleased the taste of the motley assembly. + </p> + <p> + "For Mary Draper and Co., I thank you," said Maurice. "Quill drinks to + Dennis," added he, in a grave tone, as he nodded to O'Shaughnessy. "Yes, + Shaugh, few men better than ourselves know these matters; and few have had + more experience of the three perils of Irishmen,—love, liquor, and + the law of arrest." + </p> + <p> + "It's little the latter has ever troubled my father's son," replied + O'Shaughnessy. "Our family have been writ proof for centuries, and he'd + have been a bold man who would have ventured with an original or a true + copy within the precincts of Killinahoula." + </p> + <p> + "Your father had a touch of Larry M'Hale in him," said I, "apparently." + </p> + <p> + "Exactly so," replied Dennis; "not but they caught him at last, and a + scurvy trick it was and well worthy of him who did it! Yes," said he, with + a sigh, "it is only another among the many instances where the better + features of our nationality have been used by our enemies as instruments + for our destruction; and should we seek for the causes of unhappiness in + our wretched country, we should find them rather in our virtues than in + our vices, and in the bright rather than in the darker phases of our + character." + </p> + <p> + "Metaphysics, by Jove!" cried Quill; "but all true at the same time. There + was a mess-mate of mine in the 'Roscommon' who never paid car-hire in his + life. 'Head or harp, Paddy!' he would cry. 'Two tenpennies or nothing.' + 'Harp, for the honor of ould Ireland!' was the invariable response, and my + friend was equally sure to make head come uppermost; and, upon my soul, + they seem to know the trick at the Home Office." + </p> + <p> + "That must have been the same fellow that took my father," cried + O'Shaughnessy, with energy. + </p> + <p> + "Let us hear the story, Dennis," said I. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Maurice, "for the benefit of self and fellows, let us hear the + stratagem!" + </p> + <p> + "The way of it was this," resumed O'Shaughnessy. "My father, who for + reasons registered in the King's Bench spent a great many years of his + life in that part of Ireland geographically known as lying west of the + law, was obliged, for certain reasons of family, to come up to Dublin. + This he proceeded to do with due caution. Two trusty servants formed an + advance guard, and patrolled the country for at least five miles in + advance; after them came a skirmishing body of a few tenants, who, for the + consideration of never paying rent, would have charged the whole Court of + Chancery, if needful. My father himself, in an old chaise victualled like + a fortress, brought up the rear; and as I said before, he were a bold man + who would have attempted to have laid siege to him. As the column advanced + into the enemy's country, they assumed a closer order, the patrol and the + picket falling back upon the main body; and in this way they reached that + most interesting city called Kilbeggan. What a fortunate thing it is for + us in Ireland that we can see so much of the world without foreign travel, + and that any gentleman for six-and-eightpence can leave Dublin in the + morning, and visit Timbuctoo against dinner-time. Don't stare! it's truth + I'm telling; for dirt, misery, smoke, unaffected behavior, and black + faces, I'll back Kilbeggan against all Africa. Free-and-easy, pleasant + people ye are, with a skin, as begrimed and as rugged as your own + potatoes! But, to resume. The sun was just rising in a delicious morning + of June, when my father,—whose loyal antipathies I have mentioned + made him also an early riser,—was preparing for the road. A stout + escort of his followers were as usual under arms to see him safe in the + chaise, the passage to and from which every day being the critical moment + of my father's life. + </p> + <p> + "'It's all right, your honor,' said his own man, as, armed with a + blunderbuss, he opened the bed-room door. + </p> + <p> + "'Time enough, Tim,' said my father; 'close the door, for I haven't + finished my breakfast.' + </p> + <p> + "Now, the real truth was, that my father's attention was at that moment + withdrawn from his own concerns by a scene which was taking place in a + field beneath his window. + </p> + <p> + "But a few minutes before, a hack-chaise had stopped upon the roadside, + out of which sprang three gentlemen, who, proceeding into the field, + seemed bent upon something, which, whether a survey or a duel, my father + could not make out. He was not long, however, to remain in ignorance. One, + with an easy, lounging gait, strode towards a distant corner; another took + an opposite direction; while a third, a short, pursy gentleman, in a red + handkerchief and rabbit-skin waistcoat, proceeded to open a mahogany box, + which, to the critical eyes of my respected father, was agreeably + suggestive of bloodshed and murder. + </p> + <p> + "'A duel, by Jupiter!' said my father, rubbing his hands. 'What a heavenly + morning the scoundrels have,—not a leaf stirring, and a sod like a + billiard-table!' + </p> + <p> + "Meanwhile the little man who officiated as second, it would appear to <i>both</i> + parties, bustled about with an activity little congenial to his shape; and + what between snapping the pistols, examining the flints, and ramming down + the charges, had got himself into a sufficient perspiration before he + commenced to measure the ground. + </p> + <p> + "'Short distance and no quarter!' shouted one of the combatants, from the + corner of the field. + </p> + <p> + "'Across a handkerchief, if you like!' roared the other. + </p> + <p> + "'Gentlemen, every inch of them!' responded my father. + </p> + <p> + "'Twelve paces!' cried the little man. 'No more and no less. Don't forget + that I am alone in this business!' + </p> + <p> + "'A very true remark!' observed my father; 'and an awkward predicament + yours will be if they are not both shot!' + </p> + <p> + "By this time the combatants had taken their places, and the little man, + having delivered the pistols, was leisurely retiring to give the word. My + father, however, whose critical eye was never at fault, detected a + circumstance which promised an immense advantage to one at the expense of + the other; in fact, one of the parties was so placed with his back to the + sun, that his shadow extended in a straight line to the very foot of his + antagonist. + </p> + <p> + "'Unfair, unfair!' cried my father, opening the window as he spoke, and + addressing himself to him of the rabbit-skin. 'I crave your pardon for the + interruption,' said he; 'but I feel bound to observe that that gentleman's + shadow is likely to make a shade of him.' + </p> + <p> + "'And so it is,' observed the short man; 'a thousand thanks for your + kindness, but the truth is, I am totally unaccustomed to this kind of + thing, and the affair will not admit of delay.' + </p> + <p> + "'Not an hour!' said one. + </p> + <p> + "'No, not five minutes!' growled the other of the combatants. + </p> + <p> + "'Put them up north and south,' said my father. + </p> + <p> + "'Is it thus?' + </p> + <p> + "'Exactly so. But now, again, the gentleman in the brown coat is covered + with the ash-tree.' + </p> + <p> + "'And so he is!' said rabbit-skin, wiping his forehead with agitation. + </p> + <p> + "'Move them a little to the left,' said he. + </p> + <p> + "'That brings me upon an eminence,' said the gentleman in blue. 'I'll be d—d + if I be made a cock shot of!' + </p> + <p> + "'What an awkward little thief it is in the hairy waistcoat!' said my + father; 'he's lucky if he don't get shot himself!' + </p> + <p> + "'May I never, if I'm not sick of you both!' ejaculated rabbit-skin, in a + passion. 'I've moved you round every point of the compass, and the devil a + nearer we are than ever!' + </p> + <p> + "'Give us the word,' said one. + </p> + <p> + "'The word!' + </p> + <p> + "'Downright murder,' said my father. + </p> + <p> + "'I don't care,' said the little man; 'we shall be here till doomsday.' + </p> + <p> + "'I can't permit this,' said my father; 'allow me.' So saying, he stepped + upon the window-sill, and leaped down into the field. + </p> + <p> + "'Before I can accept of your politeness,' said he of the rabbit-skin, + 'may I beg to know your name and position in society?' + </p> + <p> + "'Nothing more reasonable,' said my father. 'I'm Miles O'Shaughnessy, + Colonel of the Royal Raspers,—here is my card.' + </p> + <p> + "The piece of pasteboard was complacently handed from one to the other of + the party, who saluted my father with a smile of most courteous benignity. + </p> + <p> + "'Colonel O'Shaughnessy,' said one. + </p> + <p> + "'Miles O'Shaughnessy,' said the other. + </p> + <p> + "'Of Killinahoula Castle,' said the third. + </p> + <p> + "'At your service,' said my father, bowing, as he presented his snuff-box; + 'and now to business, if you please, for my time also is limited.' + </p> + <p> + "'Very true,' observed he of the rabbit-skin; 'and, as you observe, now to + business; in virtue of which, Colonel Miles O'Shaughnessy, I hereby arrest + you in the King's name. Here is the writ; it's at the suit of Barnaby + Kelly, of Loughrea, for the sum of £1,482 19s. 7-1/2d., which—' + </p> + <p> + "Before he could conclude the sentence, my father discharged one + obligation by implanting his closed knuckles in his face. The blow, well + aimed and well intentioned, sent the little fellow summersetting like a + sugar hogshead. But, alas! it was of no use; the others, strong and + able-bodied, fell both upon him, and after a desperate struggle succeeded + in getting him down. To tie his hands, and convey him to the chaise, was + the work of a few moments; and as my father drove by the inn, the last + object which caught his view was a bloody encounter between his own people + and the myrmidons of the law, who, in great numbers, had laid siege to the + house during his capture. Thus was my father taken; and thus, in reward + for yielding to a virtuous weakness in his character, was he consigned to + the ignominious durance of a prison. Was I not right, then, in saying that + such is the melancholy position of our country, the most beautiful traits + in our character are converted into the elements of our ruin?" + </p> + <p> + "I dinna think ye ha'e made out your case, Major?" said the Scotch doctor, + who felt sorely puzzled at my friend's logic. "If your faether had na + gi'en the bond—" + </p> + <p> + "There is no saying what he wouldn't have done to the bailiffs," + interrupted Dennis, who was following up a very different train of + reasoning. + </p> + <p> + "I fear me, Doctor," observed Quill, "you are much behind us in Scotland. + Not but that some of your chieftains are respectable men, and wouldn't get + on badly even in Galway." + </p> + <p> + "I thank ye muckle for the compliment," said the doctor, dryly; "but I + ha'e my doubts they'd think it ane, and they're crusty carls that's no' + ower safe to meddle wi'." + </p> + <p> + "I'd as soon propose a hand of 'spoiled five' to the Pope of Rome, as a + joke to one of them," returned Maurice. + </p> + <p> + "May be ye are na wrang there, Maister Quell." + </p> + <p> + "Well," cried Hampden, "if I may be allowed an opinion, I can safely aver + I know no quarters like Scotland. Edinburgh beyond anything or anywhere I + was ever placed in." + </p> + <p> + "Always after Dublin," interposed Maurice; while a general chorus of + voices re-echoed the sentiment. + </p> + <p> + "You are certainly a strong majority," said my friend, "against me; but + still I recant not my original opinion. Edinburgh before the world. For a + hospitality that never tires; for pleasant fellows that improve every day + of your acquaintance; for pretty girls that make you long for a repeal of + the canon about being only singly blessed, and lead you to long for a + score of them, Edinburgh,—I say again, before the world." + </p> + <p> + "Their ankles are devilish thick," whispered Maurice. + </p> + <p> + "A calumny, a base calumny!" + </p> + <p> + "And then they drink—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; they drink very strong tea." + </p> + <p> + "Shall we ha'e a glass o' sherry together, Hampden?" said the Scotch + doctor, willing to acknowledge his defence of auld Reekie. + </p> + <p> + "And we'll take O'Malley in," said Hampden; "he looks imploringly." + </p> + <p> + "And now to return to the charge," quoth Maurice. "In what particular dare + ye contend the palm with Dublin? We'll not speak of beauty. I can't suffer + any such profane turn in the conversation as to dispute the superiority of + Irishwomen's lips, eyes, noses, and eyebrows, to anything under heaven. + We'll not talk of gay fellows; egad, we needn't. I'll give you the + garrison,—a decent present,—and I'll back the Irish bar for + more genuine drollery, more wit, more epigram, more ready sparkling fun, + than the whole rest of the empire—ay, and all her colonies—can + boast of." + </p> + <p> + "They are nae remarkable for passing the bottle, if they resemble their + very gifted advocate," observed the Scotchman. + </p> + <p> + "But they are for filling and emptying both, making its current, as it + glides by, like a rich stream glittering in the sunbeams with the + sparkling lustre of their wit. Lord, how I'm blown! Fill my pannikin, + Charley. There's no subduing a Scot. Talk with him, drink with him, fight + with him, and he'll always have the last of it; there's only one way of + concluding the treaty—" + </p> + <p> + "And that is—" + </p> + <p> + "Blarney him. Lord bless you, he can't stand it! Tell him Holyrood's like + Versailles, and the Trossach's finer than Mont Blanc; that Geordie + Buchanan was Homer, and the Canongate, Herculaneum,—then ye have him + on the hip. Now, ye never can humbug an Irishman that way; he'll know + you're quizzing him when you praise his country." + </p> + <p> + "Ye are right, Hampden," said the Scotch doctor, in reply to some + observation. "We are vara primitive in the Hielands, and we keep to our + ain national customs in dress and everything; and we are vara slow to + learn, and even when we try we are nae ower successfu' in our imitations, + which sometimes cost us dearly enough. Ye may have heard, may be, of the + M'Nab o' that ilk, and what happened him with the king's equerry?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not quite certain," said Hampden, "if I ever heard the story." + </p> + <p> + "It's nae muckle of a story; but the way of it was this. When Montrose + came back from London, he brought with him a few Englishers to show them + the Highlands, and let them see something of deer-stalking,—among + the rest, a certain Sir George Sowerby, an aide-de-camp or an equerry of + the prince. He was a vara fine gentleman, that never loaded his ain gun, + and a'most thought it too much trouble to pull the trigger. He went out + every morning to shoot with his hair curled like a woman, and dressed like + a dancing-master. Now, there happened to be at the same time at the castle + the Laird o' M'Nab; he was a kind of cousin of the Montrose, and a rough + old tyke of the true Hieland breed, wha' thought that the head of a clan + was fully equal to any king or prince. He sat opposite to Sir George at + dinner the day of his arrival, and could not conceal his surprise at the + many new-fangled ways of feeding himself the Englisher adopted. He ate his + saumon wi' his fork in ae hand, and a bittock of bread in the other. He + would na touch the whiskey; helped himself to a cutlet wi' his fingers. + But what was maist extraordinary of all, he wore a pair o' braw white + gloves during the whole time o' dinner and when they came to tak' away the + cloth, he drew them off with a great air, and threw them into the middle + of it, and then, leisurely taking anither pair off a silver salver which + his ain man presented, he pat them on for dessert. The M'Nab, who, + although an auld-fashioned carl, was aye fond of bringing something new + hame to his friends, remarked the Englisher's proceeding with great care, + and the next day he appeared at dinner wi' a huge pair of Hieland mittens, + which he wore, to the astonishment of all and the amusement of most, + through the whole three courses; and exactly as the Englishman changed his + gloves, the M'Nab produced a fresh pair of goats' wool, four times as + large as the first, which, drawing on with prodigious gravity, he threw + the others into the middle of the cloth, remarking, as he did so,— + </p> + <p> + "'Ye see, Captain, we are never ower auld to learn.' + </p> + <p> + "All propriety was now at an end, and a hearty burst of laughter from one + end of the table to the other convulsed the whole company,—the M'Nab + and the Englishman being the only persons who did not join in it, but sat + glowering at each other like twa tigers; and, indeed, it needed, a' the + Montrose's interference that they had na quarrelled upon it in the + morning." + </p> + <p> + "The M'Nab was a man after my own heart," said Maurice; "there was + something very Irish in the lesson he gave the Englishman." + </p> + <p> + "I'd rather ye'd told him that than me," said the doctor, dryly; "he would + na hae thanked ye for mistaking him for ane of your countrymen." + </p> + <p> + "Come, Doctor," said Dennis, "could not ye give us a stave? Have ye + nothing that smacks of the brown fern and the blue lakes in your memory?" + </p> + <p> + "I have na a sang in my mind just noo except 'Johnny Cope,' which may be + might na be ower pleasant for the Englishers to listen to." + </p> + <p> + "I never heard a Scotch song worth sixpence," quoth Maurice, who seemed + bent on provoking the doctor's ire. "They contain nothing save some puling + sentimentality about lasses with lint-white locks, or some absurd + laudations of the Barley Bree." + </p> + <p> + "Hear till him, hear till him!" said the doctor, reddening with + impatience. + </p> + <p> + "Show me anything," said Maurice, "like the 'Cruiskeen Lawn' or the 'Jug + of Punch;' but who can blame them, after all? You can't expect much from a + people with an imagination as naked as their own knees." + </p> + <p> + "Maurice! Maurice!" cried O'Shaughnessy, reprovingly, who saw that he was + pushing the other's endurance beyond all bounds. + </p> + <p> + "I mind weel," said the Scotchman, "what happened to ane o' your + countrymen wha took upon him to jest as you are doing now. It was to + Laurie Cameron he did it." + </p> + <p> + "And what said the redoubted Laurie in reply?" + </p> + <p> + "He did na say muckle, but he did something." + </p> + <p> + "And what might it be?" inquired Maurice. + </p> + <p> + "He threw him ower the brig of Ayr into the water, and he was drowned." + </p> + <p> + "And did Laurie come to no harm about the matter?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, they tried him for it, and found him guilty; but when they asked him + what he had to say in his defence, he merely replied, 'When the carl + sneered about Scotland, I did na suspect that he did na ken how to swim;' + and so the end of it was, they did naething to Laurie." + </p> + <p> + "Cool that, certainly," said I. + </p> + <p> + "I prefer your friend with the mittens, I confess," said Maurice, "though + I'm sure both were most agreeable companion. But come, Doctor, couldn't + you give us,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sit ye down, my heartie, and gie us a crack, + Let the wind tak' the care o' the world on his back.'" +</pre> + <p> + "You maunna attempt English poethry, my freend Quell; for it must be + confessed ye'e a damnable accent of your ain." + </p> + <p> + "Milesian-Phoenician-Corkacian; nothing more, my boy, and a coaxing kind + of recitative it is, after all. Don't tell me of your soft Etruscan, your + plethoric. <i>Hoch</i>-Deutsch, your flattering French. To woo and win the + girl of your heart, give me a rich brogue and the least taste in life of + blarney! There's nothing like it, believe me,—every inflection of + your voice suggesting some tender pressure of her soft hand or taper + waist, every cadence falling on her gentle heart like a sea-breeze on a + burning coast, or a soft sirocco over a rose-tree. And then, think, my + boys,—and it is a fine thought after all,—what a glorious gift + that is, out of the reach of kings to give or to take, what neither + depends upon the act of Union nor the <i>Habeas Corpus</i>. No! they may + starve us, laugh at us, tax us, transport us. They may take our mountains, + our valleys, and our bogs; but, bad luck to them, they can't steal our + 'blarney;' that's the privilege one and indivisible with our identity. And + while an Englishman raves of his liberty, a Scotchman of his oaten meal, + blarney's <i>our</i> birthright, and a prettier portion I'd never ask to + leave behind me to my sons. If I'd as large a family as the ould gentleman + called Priam we used to hear of at school, it's the only inheritance I'd + give them, and one comfort there would be besides, the legacy duty would + be only a trifle. Charley, my son, I see you're listening to me, and + nothing satisfies me more than to instruct inspiring youth; so never + forget the old song,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'If at your ease, the girls you'd please, + And win them, like Kate Kearney, + There's but one way, I've heard them say, + Go kiss the Stone of Blarney.'" +</pre> + <p> + "What do you say, Shaugh, if we drink it with all the honors?" + </p> + <p> + "But gently: do I hear a trumpet there?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, there go the bugles. Can it be daybreak already?" + </p> + <p> + "How short the nights are at this season!" said Quill. + </p> + <p> + "What an infernal rumpus they're making! It's not possible the troops are + to march so early." + </p> + <p> + "It wouldn't surprise me in the least," quoth Maurice; "there is no + knowing what the commander-in-chief's not capable of,—the reason's + clear enough." + </p> + <p> + "And why, Maurice?" + </p> + <p> + "There's not a bit of blarney about him." + </p> + <p> + The <i>réveil</i> sang out from every brigade, and the drums beat to fall + in, while Mike came galloping up at full speed to say that the bridge of + boats was completed, and that the Twelfth were already ordered to cross. + Not a moment was therefore to be lost; one parting cup we drained to our + next meeting, and amidst a hundred "good-bys" we mounted our horses. Poor + Hampden's brains, sadly confused by the wine and the laughing, he knew + little of what was going on around him, and passed the entire time of our + homeward ride in a vain endeavor to adapt "Mary Draper" to the air of + "Rule Britannia." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + FUENTES D'ONORO. + </p> + <p> + From this period the French continued their retreat, closely followed by + the allied armies, and on the 5th of April, Massena once more crossed the + frontier into Spain, leaving thirty thousand of his bravest troops behind + him, fourteen thousand of whom had fallen or been taken prisoners. + Reinforcements, however, came rapidly pouring in. Two divisions of the + Ninth corps had already arrived, and Drouet, with eleven thousand infantry + and cavalry, was preparing to march to his assistance. Thus strengthened, + the French army marched towards the Portuguese frontier, and Lord + Wellington, who had determined not to hazard much by his blockade of + Ciudad Rodrigo, fell back upon the large table-land beyond the Turones and + the Dos Casas, with his left at Fort Conception, and his right resting + upon Fuentes d'Onoro. His position extended to about five miles; and here, + although vastly inferior in numbers, yet relying upon the bravery of the + troops, and the moral ascendency acquired by their pursuit of the enemy, + he finally resolved upon giving them battle. + </p> + <p> + Being sent with despatches to Pack's brigade, which formed the blockading + force at Almeida, I did not reach Fuentes d'Onoro until the evening of the + 3d. The thundering of the guns, which, even at the distance I was at, was + plainly heard, announced that an attack had taken place, but it by no + means prepared me for the scene which presented itself on my return. + </p> + <p> + The village of Fuentes d'Onoro, one of the most beautiful in Spain, is + situated in a lovely valley, where all the charms of verdure so peculiar + to the Peninsula seemed to have been scattered with a lavish hand. The + citron and the arbutus, growing wild, sheltered every cottage door, and + the olive and the laurel threw their shadows across the little rivulet + which traversed the village. The houses, observing no uniform arrangement, + stood wherever the caprice or the inclination of the builder suggested, + surrounded with little gardens, the inequality of the ground imparting a + picturesque feature to even the lowliest hut, while upon a craggy eminence + above the rest, an ancient convent and a ruined chapel looked down upon + the little peaceful hamlet with an air of tender protection. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto this lovely spot had escaped all the ravages of war. The light + division of our army had occupied it for months long; and every family was + gratefully remembered by some one or other of our officers, and more than + one of our wounded found in the kind and affectionate watching of these + poor peasants the solace which sickness rarely meets with when far from + home and country. + </p> + <p> + It was, then, with an anxious heart I pressed my horse forward into a + gallop as the night drew near. The artillery had been distinctly heard + during the day, and while I burned with eagerness to know the result, I + felt scarcely less anxious for the fate of that little hamlet whose name + many a kind story had implanted in my memory. The moon was shining + brightly as I passed the outpost, and leading my horse by the bridle, + descended the steep and rugged causeway to the village beneath me. The + lanterns were moving rapidly to and fro; the measured tread of infantry at + night—that ominous sound, which falls upon the heart so sadly—told + me that they were burying the dead. The air was still and breathless; not + a sound was stirring save the step of the soldiery, and the harsh clash of + the shovel as it struck the earth. I felt sad and sick at heart, and + leaned against a tree; a nightingale concealed in the leaves was pouring + forth its plaintive notes to the night air, and its low warble sounded + like the dirge of the departed. Far beyond, in the plain, the French + watch-fires were burning, and I could see from time to time the + fatigue-parties moving in search of their wounded. At this moment the + clock of the convent struck eleven, and a merry chime rang out, and was + taken up by the echoes till it melted away in the distance. Alas, where + were those whose hearts were wont to feel cheered at that happy peal; + whose infancy it had gladdened; whose old age it has hallowed? The fallen + walls, the broken roof-trees, the ruin and desolation on every side, told + too plainly that they had passed away forever! The smoking embers, the + torn-up pathway, denoted the hard-fought struggle; and as I passed along, + I could see that every garden, where the cherry and the apple-blossom were + even still perfuming the air, had now its sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + "Halt, there!" cried a hoarse voice in front. "You cannot pass this way,—the + commander-in-chief's quarters." + </p> + <p> + I looked up and beheld a small but neat-looking cottage, which seemed to + have suffered less than the others around. Lights were shining brightly + from the windows, and I could even detect from time to time a figure + muffled up in a cloak passing to and fro across the window; while another, + seated at a table, was occupied in writing. I turned into a narrow path + which led into the little square of the village, and here, as I + approached, the hum and murmur of voices announced a bivouac party. + Stopping to ask what had been the result of the day, I learned that a + tremendous attack had been made by the French in column upon the village, + which was at first successful; but that afterwards the Seventy-first and + Seventy-ninth, marching down from the heights, had repulsed the enemy, and + driven them beyond the Dos Casas. Five hundred had fallen in that fierce + encounter, which was continued through every street and alley of the + little hamlet. The gallant Highlanders now occupied the battle-field; and + hearing that the cavalry brigade was some miles distant, I willingly + accepted their offer to share their bivouac, and passed the remainder of + the night among them. + </p> + <p> + When day broke, our troops were under arms, but the enemy showed no + disposition to renew the attack. We could perceive, however, from the road + to the southward, by the long columns of dust, that reinforcements were + still arriving; and learned during the morning, from a deserter, that + Massena himself had come up, and Bessiéres also, with twelve hundred + cavalry, and a battery of the Imperial Guard. + </p> + <p> + From the movements observable in the enemy, it was soon evident that the + battle, though deferred, was not abandoned; and the march of a strong + force towards the left of their position induced our commander-in-chief to + despatch the Seventh Division, under Houston, to occupy the height of + Naval d'Aver—our extreme right—in support of which our brigade + of cavalry marched as a covering force. The British position was thus + unavoidably extended to the enormous length of seven miles, occupying a + succession of small eminences, from the division at Fort Conception to the + height of Naval d'Aver,—Fuentes d'Onoro forming nearly the centre of + the line. + </p> + <p> + It was evident, from the thickening combinations of the French, that a + more dreadful battle was still in reserve for us; and yet never did men + look more anxiously for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + As for myself, I felt a species of exhilaration I had never before + experienced; the events of the preceding day came dropping in upon me from + every side, and at every new tale of gallantry or daring I felt my heart + bounding with excited eagerness to win also my need of honorable praise. + </p> + <p> + Crawfurd, too, had recognized me in the kindest manner; and while saying + that he did not wish to withdraw me from my regiment on a day of battle, + added that he would make use of me for the present on his staff. Thus was + I engaged, from early in the morning till late in the evening, bringing + orders and despatches along the line. The troop-horse I rode—for I + reserved my gray for the following day—was scarcely able to carry me + along, as towards dusk I jogged along in the direction of Naval d'Aver. + When I did reach our quarters, the fires were lighted, and around one of + them I had the good fortune to find a party of the Fourteenth occupied in + discussing a very appetizing little supper. The clatter of plates, and the + popping of champagne corks were most agreeable sounds. Indeed, the latter + appeared to me so much too flattering an illusion, that I hesitated giving + credit to my senses in the matter, when Baker called out,— + </p> + <p> + "Come, Charley, sit down; you're just in the nick. Tom Marsden is giving + us a benefit. You know Tom?" + </p> + <p> + And here he presented me in due form to that best of commissaries and most + hospitable of horse-dealers. + </p> + <p> + "I can't introduce you to my friend on my right," continued Baker, "for my + Spanish is only a skeleton battalion; but he's a trump,—that I'll + vouch for; never flinches his glass, and looks as though he enjoyed all + our nonsense." + </p> + <p> + The Spaniard, who appeared to comprehend that he was alluded to, gravely + saluted me with a low bow, and offered his glass to hobnob with me. I + returned the curtesy with becoming ceremony, while Hampden whispered in my + ear,— + </p> + <p> + "A fine-looking fellow. You know who he is? Julian, the Guerilla chief." + </p> + <p> + I had heard much of both the strangers. Tom Marsden was a household word + in every cavalry brigade; equally celebrated were his contracts and his + claret. He knew every one, from Lord Wellington to the last-joined cornet; + and while upon a march, there was no piece of better fortune than to be + asked to dine with him. So in the very thick of battle, Tom's critical eye + was scanning the squadrons engaged, with an accuracy as to the number of + fresh horses that would be required upon the morrow that nothing but long + practice and infinite coolness could have conferred. + </p> + <p> + Of the Guerilla I need not speak. The bold feats he accomplished, the aid + he rendered to the cause of his country, have made his name historical. + Yet still with all this, fatigue, more powerful than my curiosity, + prevailed, and I sank into a heavy sleep upon the grass, while my merry + companions kept up their revels till near morning. The last piece of + consciousness I am sensible of was seeing Julian spreading his wide mantle + over me as I lay, while I heard his deep voice whisper a kind wish for my + repose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE BATTLE OF FUENTES D'ONORO. + </p> + <p> + So soundly did I sleep that the tumult and confusion of the morning never + awoke me; and the Guerilla, whose cavalry were stationed along the edge of + the ravine near the heights of Echora, would not permit of my being roused + before the last moment. Mike stood near me with my horses, and it was only + when the squadrons were actually forming that I sprang to my feet and + looked around me. + </p> + <p> + The day was just breaking; a thick mist lay upon the parched earth, and + concealed everything a hundred yards from where we stood. From this dense + vapor the cavalry defiled along the base of the hill, followed by the + horse artillery and the Guards, disappearing again as they passed us, but + proving, by the mass of troops now assembled, that our position was + regarded as the probable point of attack. + </p> + <p> + While the troops continued to take up their position, the sun shone out, + and a slight breeze blowing at the same, moment, the heavy clouds moved + past, and we beheld the magnificent panorama of the battle-field. Before + us, at the distance of less than half a league, the French cavalry were + drawn up in three strong columns; the Cuirassiers of the Guard, plainly + distinguished by their steel cuirasses, flanked by the Polish Lancers and + a strong huzzar brigade; a powerful artillery train supported the left, + and an infantry force occupied the entire space between the right and the + rising ground opposite Poço Velho. Farther to the right again, the column + destined for the attack of Fuentes d'Onoro were forming, and we could see + that, profiting by their past experience, they were bent upon attacking + the village with an overwhelming force. + </p> + <p> + For above two hours the French continued to manoeuvre, more than one + alteration having taken place in their disposition; fresh battalions were + moved towards the front, and gradually the whole of their cavalry was + assembled on the extreme left in front of our position. Our people were + ordered to breakfast where we stood; and a little after seven o'clock a + staff officer came riding down the line, followed in a few moments after + by General Crawfurd, when no sooner was his well-known brown cob + recognized by the troops than a hearty cheer greeted him along the whole + division. + </p> + <p> + "Thank ye, boys; thank ye, boys, with all my heart. No man feels more + sensibly what that cheer means than I do. Guards, Lord Wellington relies + upon your maintaining this position, which is essential to the safety of + the whole line. You will be supported by the light division. I need say no + more. If such troops cannot keep their ground, none can. Fourteenth, + there's your place; the artillery and the Sixteenth are with you. They've + the odds of us in numbers, lads; but it will tell all the better in the + 'Gazette.' I see they're moving; so fall in now, fall in; and Merivale, + move to the front. Ramsey, prepare to open your fire on the attacking + squadrons." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the low murmuring sound of distantly moving cavalry crept + along the earth, growing louder and louder, till at length we could detect + the heavy tramp of the squadrons as they came on in a trot, our pace being + merely a walk. While we thus advanced into the plain, the artillery + unlimbered behind us, and the Spanish cavalry, breaking into skirmishers, + dashed boldly to the front. + </p> + <p> + It was an exciting moment. The ground dipped between the two armies so as + to conceal the head of the advancing column of the French, and as the + Spanish skirmishers disappeared down the ridge, our beating hearts and + straining eyes followed their last horseman. + </p> + <p> + "Halt! halt!" was passed from squadron to squadron, and the same instant + the sharp ring of the pistol shots and the clash of steel from the valley, + told us the battle had begun. We could hear the Guerilla war-cry mingle + with the French shout, while the thickening crash of fire-arms implied a + sharper conflict. Our fellows were already manifesting some impatience to + press on, when a Spanish horseman appeared above the ridge, another + followed, and another, and then pell-mell, broken and disordered, they + fell back before the pursuing cavalry in flying masses; while the French, + charging them hotly home, utterly routed and repulsed them. + </p> + <p> + The leading squadrons of the French now fell back upon their support; the + column of attack thickened, and a thundering noise between their masses + announced their brigade of light guns as they galloped to the front. It + was then for the first time that I felt dispirited; far as my eye could + stretch the dense mass of sabres extended, defiling from the distant hills + and winding its slow length across the plain. I turned to look at our + line, scarce one thousand strong, and could not help feeling that our hour + was come: the feeling flashed vividly across my mind, but the next instant + I felt my cheek redden with shame as I gazed upon the sparkling eyes and + bold looks around me, the lips compressed, the hands knitted to their + sabres; all were motionless, but burning to advance. + </p> + <p> + The French had halted on the brow of the hill to form, when Merivale came + cantering up to us. + </p> + <p> + "Fourteenth, are you ready? Are you ready, lads?" + </p> + <p> + "Ready, sir! ready!" re-echoed along the line. + </p> + <p> + "Then push them home and charge! Charge!" cried he, raising his voice to a + shout at the last word. + </p> + <p> + Heavens, what a crash was there! Our horses, in top condition, no sooner + felt the spur than they bounded madly onwards. The pace—for the + distance did not exceed four hundred yards—was like racing. To + resist the impetus of our approach was impossible; and without a shot + fired, scarcely a sabre-cut exchanged, we actually rode down their + advanced squadrons, hurling them headlong upon their supporting division, + and rolling men and horses beneath us on every side. The French fell back + upon their artillery; but before they could succeed in opening their fire + upon us, we had wheeled, and carrying off about seventy prisoners, + galloped back to our position with the loss of but two men in the affair. + The whole thing was so sudden, so bold, and so successful, that I remember + well, as we rode back, a hearty burst of laughter was ringing through the + squadron at the ludicrous display of horsemanship the French presented as + they tumbled headlong down the hill; and I cannot help treasuring the + recollection, for from that moment, all thought of anything short of + victory completely quitted my mind, and many of my brother officers, who + had participated in my feelings at the commencement of the day, confessed + to me afterwards that it was then for the first time they felt assured of + beating the enemy. + </p> + <p> + While we slowly fell back to our position, the French were seen advancing + in great force from the village of Almeida, to the attack of Poço Velho; + they came on at a rapid pace, their artillery upon their front and flank, + large masses of cavalry hovering around them. The attack upon the village + was now opened by the large guns; and amidst the booming of the artillery + and the crashing volleys of small fire-arms, rose the shout of the + assailants, and the wild cry of the Guerilla cavalry, who had formed in + front of the village. The French advanced firmly, driving back the + pickets, and actually inundated the devoted village with a shower of + grape; the blazing fires burst from the ignited roofs; and the black, + dense smoke, rising on high, seemed to rest like a pall over the little + hamlet. + </p> + <p> + The conflict was now a tremendous one; our Seventh Division held the + village with the bayonet; but the French continuing to pour in mass upon + mass, drove them back with loss, and at the end of an hour's hard + fighting, took possession of the place. + </p> + <p> + The wood upon the left flank was now seen to swarm with light infantry, + and the advancement of their whole left proved that they meditated to turn + our flank; the space between the village and the hill of Naval d'Aver + became thus the central position; and here the Guerilla force, led on by + Julian Sanches, seemed to await the French with confidence. Soon, however, + the cuirassiers came galloping to the spot, and almost without exchanging + a sabre-cut, the Guerillas fell back, and retired behind the Turones. This + movement of Julian was more attributable to anger than to fear; for his + favorite lieutenant, being mistaken for a French officer, was shot by a + soldier of the Guards a few minutes before. + </p> + <p> + Montbrun pursued the Guerillas with some squadrons of horse, but they + turned resolutely upon the French, and not till overwhelmed by numbers did + they show any disposition to retreat. + </p> + <p> + The French, however, now threw forward their whole cavalry, and driving + back the English horse, succeeded in turning the right of the Seventh + Division. The battle by this time was general. The staff officers who came + up from the left informed us that Fuentes d'Onoro was attacked in force, + Massena himself leading the assault in person; while thus for seven miles + the fight was maintained hotly at intervals, it was evident that upon the + maintenance of our position the fortune of the day depended. Hitherto we + had been repulsed from the village and the wood; and the dark masses of + infantry which were assembled upon our right, seemed to threaten the hill + of Naval d'Aver with as sad a catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + Crawfurd came now galloping up among us, his eye flashing fire, and his + uniform splashed and covered with foam: + </p> + <p> + "Steady Sixteenth, steady! Don't blow your horses! Have your fellows + advanced, Malcolm?" said he, turning to an officer who stood beside him. + "Ay, there they go!" pointing with his finger to the wood where, as he + spoke, the short ringing of the British rifle proclaimed the advance of + that brigade. "Let the cavalry prepare to charge! And now, Ramsey, let us + give it them home!" + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words spoken, when the squadrons were formed, and in an + instant after, the French light infantry were seen retreating from the + wood, and flying in disorderly masses across the plain. Our squadrons + riding down among them, actually cut them to atoms, while the light + artillery, unlimbering, threw in a deadly discharge of grape-shot. + </p> + <p> + "To the right, Fourteenth, to the right!" cried General Stewart. "Have at + their hussars!" + </p> + <p> + Whirling by them, we advanced at a gallop, and dashed towards the enemy, + who, not less resolutely bent, came boldly forward to meet us. The shock + was terrific! The leading squadrons on both sides went down almost to a + man, and all order being lost, the encounter became one of hand to hand. + </p> + <p> + The struggle was deadly; neither party would give way; and while fortune + now inclined hither and thither, Sir Charles Stewart singled out the + French general, Lamotte, and carried him off his prisoner. Meanwhile + Montbrun's cavalry and the cuirassiers came riding up, and the retreat now + sounding through our ranks, we were obliged to fall back upon the + infantry. The French pursued us hotly; and so rapid was their movement, + that before Ramsey's brigade could limber up and away, their squadrons had + surrounded him and captured his guns. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Ramsey?" cried Crawfurd, as he galloped to the head of our + division. "Cut off—cut off! Taken, by G——! There he + goes!" said he, pointing with his finger, as a dense cloud of mingled + smoke and dust moved darkly across the plain. "Form into column once + more!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the dense mass before us seemed agitated by some mighty + commotion; the flashing of blades, and the rattling of small-arms, mingled + with shouts of triumph or defiance, burst forth, and the ominous cloud + lowering more darkly, seemed peopled by those in deadly strife. An English + cheer pealed high above all other sounds; a second followed; the mass was + rent asunder, and like the forked lightning from a thunder-cloud, Ramsey + rode forth at the head of his battery, the horses bounding madly, while + the guns sprang behind them like things of no weight; the gunners leaped + to their places, and fighting hand to hand with the French cavalry, they + flew across the plain. + </p> + <p> + "Nobly done, gallant Ramsey!" said a voice behind me. I turned at the + sound; it was Lord Wellington who spoke. My eye fixed upon his stern + features, I forgot all else; when he suddenly recalled me to my + recollection by saying,— + </p> + <p> + "Follow your brigade, sir. Charge!" + </p> + <p> + In an instant I was with my people, who, intervening betwixt Ramsey and + his pursuers, repulsed the enemy with loss, and carried off several + prisoners. The French, however, came up in greater strength; overwhelming + masses of cavalry came sweeping upon us, and we were obliged to retire + behind the light division, which rapidly formed into squares to resist the + cavalry. The Seventh Division, which was more advanced, were, however, too + late for this movement, and before they could effect their formation, the + French were upon them. At this moment they owed their safety to the + Chasseurs Britanniques, who poured in a flanking fire, so close, and with + so deadly an aim, that their foes recoiled, beaten and bewildered. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the French had become masters of Pogo Velho; the formidable + masses had nearly outflanked us on the right. The battle was lost if we + could not fall back upon our original position, and concentrate our force + upon Fuentes d'Onoro. To effect this was a work of great difficulty; but + no time was to be lost. The Seventh Division were ordered to cross the + Turones, while Crawfurd, forming the light division into squares, covered + their retreat, and supported by the cavalry, sustained the whole force of + the enemy's attack. + </p> + <p> + Then was the moment to witness the cool and steady bravery of British + infantry; the squares dotted across the enormous plain seemed as nothing + amidst that confused and flying multitude, composed of commissariat + baggage, camp-followers, peasants, and finally, broken pickets and + videttes arriving from the wood. A cloud of cavalry hovered and darkened + around them; the Polish Lancers shook their long spears, impatient of + delay, and the wild huzzas burst momentarily from their squadrons as they + waited for the word to attack. But the British stood firm and undaunted; + and although the enemy rode round their squares, Montbrun himself at their + head, they never dared to charge them. Meanwhile the Seventh Division fell + back, as if on a parade, and crossing the river, took up their ground at + Frenada, pivoting upon the First Division; the remainder of the line also + fell back, and assumed a position at right angles with their former one, + the cavalry forming in front, and holding the French in check during the + movement. This was a splendid manoeuvre, and when made in face of an + overnumbering enemy, one unmatched during the whole war. + </p> + <p> + At sight of this new front, the French stopped short, and opened a fire + from their heavy guns. The British batteries replied with vigor and + silenced the enemy's cannon. The cavalry drew out of range, and the + infantry gradually fell back to their former position. While this was + going on, the attack upon Fuentes d'Onoro was continued with unabated + vigor. The three British regiments in the lower town were pierced by the + French tirailleurs, who poured upon them in overwhelming numbers; the + Seventy-ninth were broken, ten companies taken, and Cameron, their + colonel, mortally wounded. Thus the lower village was in the hands of the + enemy, while from the upper town the incessant roll of musketry proclaimed + the obstinate resistance of the British. + </p> + <p> + At this period the reserves were called up from the right, in time to + resist the additional troops which Drouet continued to bring on. The + French, reinforced by the whole Sixth Corps, now came forward at a + quick-step. Dashing through the ruined streets of the lower town, they + crossed the rivulet, fighting bravely, and charged against the height. + Already their leading files had gained the crag beside the chapel. A + French colonel holding his cap upon his sword-point waved on his men. + </p> + <p> + The grizzly features of the grenadiers soon appeared, and the dark column, + half-climbing, half-running, were seen scaling the height. A rifle-bullet + sent the French leader tumbling from the precipice; and a cheer—mad + and reckless as the war-cry of an Indian—rent the sky, as the 71st + and 79th Highlanders sprang upon the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Our part was a short one; advancing in half squadrons, we were concealed + from the observation of the enemy by the thick vineyards which skirted the + lower town, waiting, with impatience, the moment when our gallant infantry + should succeed in turning the tide of battle. We were ordered to dismount, + and stood with our bridles on our arms, anxious and expectant. The charge + of the French column was made close to where we were standing,—the + inspiriting cheers of the officers, the loud <i>vivas</i> of the men, were + plainly heard by us as they rushed to the assault; but the space between + us was intersected by walls and brushwood, which totally prevented the + movements of cavalry. + </p> + <p> + Fearlessly their dark column moved up the heights, fixing the bayonets as + they went. No tirailleurs preceded them, but the tall shako of the + Grenadier of the Guard was seen in the first rank. Long before the end of + the column had passed us, the leading files were in action. A deafening + peal of musketry—so loud, so dense, it seemed like artillery—burst + forth. A volume of black smoke rolled heavily down from the heights and + hid all from our view, except when the vivid lightning of the platoon + firing rent the veil asunder, and showed us the troops almost in hand to + hand conflict. + </p> + <p> + "It's Picton's Division, I'm certain," cried Merivale; "I hear the + bagpipes of the Highlanders." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, sir," said Hampden, "the Seventy-first are in the same + brigade, and I know their bugles well. There they go again!" + </p> + <p> + "Fourteenth! Fourteenth!" cried a voice from behind, and at the same + moment, a staff officer, without his hat, and his horse bleeding from a + recent sabre-cut, came up. "You must move to the rear, Colonel Merivale; + the French have gained the heights! Move round by the causeway; bring up + your squadrons as quickly as you can, and support the infantry!" + </p> + <p> + In a moment we were in our saddles; but scarcely was the word "to fall in" + given, when a loud cheer rent the very air; the musketry seemed suddenly + to cease, and the dark mass which continued to struggle up the heights + wavered, broke, and turned. + </p> + <p> + "What can that be?" said Merivale. "What can it mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I can tell you, sir," said I, proudly, while I felt my heart throb as + though it would bound from my bosom. + </p> + <p> + "And what is it, boy? Speak!" + </p> + <p> + "There it goes again! That was an Irish shout! The Eighty-eighth are at + them!" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, here they come!" said Hampden. "God help the Frenchmen now!" + </p> + <p> + The words were not well spoken, when the red coats of our gallant fellows + were seen dashing through the vineyard. + </p> + <p> + "The steel, boys; nothing but the steel!" shouted a loud voice from the + crag above our heads. + </p> + <p> + I looked up. It was the stern Picton himself who spoke. The Eighty-eighth + now led the pursuit, and sprang from rock to rock in all the mad + impetuosity of battle; and like some mighty billow rolling before the + gale, the French went down the heights. + </p> + <p> + "Gallant Eighty-eighth! Gloriously done!" cried Picton, as he waved his + hat. + </p> + <p> + "Aren't we Connaught robbers, now?" shouted a rich brogue, as its owner, + breathless and bleeding, pressed forward in the charge. + </p> + <p> + A hearty burst of laughter mingled with the din of the battle. + </p> + <p> + "Now for it, boys! Now for <i>our</i> work!" said old Merivale, drawing + his sabre as he spoke. "Forward! and charge!" + </p> + <p> + We waited not a second bidding, but bursting from our concealment, + galloped down into the broken column. It was no regular charge, but an + indiscriminate rush. Scarcely offering resistance, the enemy fell beneath + our sabres, or the still more deadly bayonets of the infantry, who were + inextricably mingled up in the conflict. + </p> + <p> + The chase was followed up for above half a mile, when we fell back, + fortunately in good time; for the French had opened a heavy fire from + their artillery, and regardless of their own retreating column, poured a + shower of grape among our squadrons. As we retired, the struggling files + of the Rangers joined us,—their faces and accoutrements blackened + and begrimed with powder; many of them, themselves wounded, had captured + prisoners; and one huge fellow of the grenadier company was seen driving + before him a no less powerful Frenchman, and to whom, as he turned from + time to time reluctantly, and scowled upon his jailer, the other + vociferated some Irish imprecation, whose harsh intentions were made most + palpably evident by a flourish of a drawn bayonet. + </p> + <p> + "Who is he?" said Mike; "who is he, ahagur?" + </p> + <p> + "Sorra one o' me knows," said the other; "but it's the chap that shot + Lieutenant Mahony, and I never took my eye off him after; and if the + lieutenant's not dead, sure it'll be a satisfaction to him that I cotch + him." + </p> + <p> + The lower town was now evacuated by the French, who retired beyond the + range of our artillery; the upper continued in the occupation of our + troops; and worn out and exhausted, surrounded by dead and dying, both + parties abandoned the contest, and the battle was over. + </p> + <p> + Both sides laid claim to the victory; the French, because, having taken + the village of Poço Velho, they had pierced the British line, and + compelled them to fall back and assume a new position; the British, + because the attack upon Fuentes d'Onoro has been successfully resisted, + and the blockade of Almeida—the real object of the battle—maintained. + The loss to each was tremendous; fifteen hundred men and officers, of whom + three hundred were prisoners, were lost by the allies, and a far greater + number fell among the forces of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + After the action, a brigade of the light division released the troops in + the village, and the armies bivouacked once more in sight of each other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + A RENCONTRE. + </p> + <p> + "LIEUTENANT O'MALLEY, 14th Light Dragoons, to serve as extra aide-de-camp + to Major-General Crawfurd, until the pleasure of his Royal Highness the + Prince Regent is known." Such was the first paragraph of a general order, + dated Fuentes d'Onoro, the day after the battle, which met me as I woke + from a sound and heavy slumber, the result of thirteen hours on horseback. + </p> + <p> + A staff appointment was not exactly what I desired at the moment; but I + knew that with Crawfurd my duties were more likely to be at the pickets + and advanced posts of the army, than in the mere details of note-writing + or despatch-bearing; besides that, I felt, whenever anything of importance + was to be done, I should always obtain his permission to do duty with my + regiment. + </p> + <p> + Taking a hurried breakfast, therefore, I mounted my horse, and cantered + over to Villa Formosa, where the general's quarters were, to return my + thanks for the promotion, and take the necessary steps for assuming my new + functions. + </p> + <p> + Although the sun had risen about two hours, the fatigue of the previous + day had impressed itself upon all around. The cavalry, men and horses, + were still stretched upon the sward, sunk in sleep; the videttes, weary + and tired, seemed anxiously watching for the relief; and the disordered + and confused appearance of everything bespoke that discipline had relaxed + its stern features, in compassion for the bold exertions of the preceding + day. The only contrast to this general air of exhaustion and weariness on + every side was a corps of sappers, who were busily employed upon the high + grounds above the village. Early as it was, they seemed to have been at + work some hours,—at least so their labors bespoke; for already a + rampart of considerable extent had been thrown up, stockades implanted, + and a breastwork was in a state of active preparation. The officer of the + party, wrapped up in a loose cloak, and mounted upon a sharp-looking + hackney, rode hither and thither as the occasion warranted, and seemed, as + well as from the distance I could guess, something of a tartar. At least I + could not help remarking how, at his approach, the several inferior + officers seemed suddenly so much more on the alert, and the men worked + with an additional vigor and activity. I stopped for some minutes to watch + him, and seeing an engineer captain of my acquaintance among the party, + couldn't resist calling out:— + </p> + <p> + "I say, Hatchard, your friend on the chestnut mare must have had an easier + day yesterday than some of us, or I'll be hanged if he'd be so active this + morning." Hatchard hung his head in some confusion, and did not reply; and + on my looking round, whom should I see before me but the identical + individual I had so coolly been criticising, and who, to my utter horror + and dismay, was no other than Lord Wellington himself. I did not wait for + a second peep. Helter-skelter, through water, thickets, and brambles, away + I went, clattering down the causeway like a madman. If a French squadron + had been behind me, I should have had a stouter heart, although I did not + fear pursuit. I felt his eye was upon me,—his sharp and piercing + glance, that shot like an arrow into me; and his firm look stared at me in + every object around. + </p> + <p> + Onward I pressed, feeling in the very recklessness of my course some + relief to my sense of shame, and ardently hoping that some accident—some + smashed arm or broken collar-bone—might befall me and rescue me from + any notice my conduct might otherwise call for. I never drew rein till I + reached the Villa Formosa, and pulled up short at a small cottage where a + double sentry apprised me of the general's quarters. As I came up, the low + lattice sprang quickly open, and a figure, half dressed, and more than + half asleep, protruded his head. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what has happened? Anything wrong?" said he, whom I now recognized + to be General Crawfurd. + </p> + <p> + "No, nothing wrong, sir," stammered I, with evident confusion. "I'm merely + come to thank you for your kindness in my behalf." + </p> + <p> + "You seemed in a devil of a hurry to do it, if I'm to judge by the pace + you came at. Come in and take your breakfast with us; I shall be dressed + presently, and you'll meet some of your brother aides-de-camp." + </p> + <p> + Having given my horse to an orderly, I walked into a little room, whose + humble accommodations and unpretending appearance seemed in perfect + keeping with the simple and unostentatious character of the general. The + preparations for a good and substantial breakfast were, however, before + me, and an English newspaper of a late date spread its most ample pages to + welcome me. I had not been long absorbed in my reading, when the door + opened, and the general, whose toilet was not yet completed, made his + appearance. + </p> + <p> + "Egad, O'Malley, you startled me this morning. I thought we were in for it + again." + </p> + <p> + I took this as the most seasonable opportunity to recount my mishap of the + morning, and accordingly, without more ado, detailed the unlucky meeting + with the commander-in-chief. When I came to the end, Crawfurd threw + himself into a chair and laughed till the very tears coursed down his + bronzed features. + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so, boy? You don't really tell me you said that? By Jove! I + had rather have faced a platoon of musketry than have stood in your shoes! + You did not wait for a reply, I think?" + </p> + <p> + "No, faith, sir, that I did not!" + </p> + <p> + "Do you suspect he knows you?" + </p> + <p> + "I trust not, sir; the whole thing passed so rapidly!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, it's most unlucky in more ways than one!" He paused for a few + moments as he said this, and then added, "Have you seen the general + order?" pushing towards me a written paper as he spoke. It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + G.O. ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, VILLA FORMOSA, + + May 6, 1811. + + <i>Memorandum</i>.—Commanding officers are requested to send in to + the military secretary, as soon as possible, the names of officers they + may wish to have promoted in succession to those who have fallen + in action." +</pre> + <p> + "Now look at this list. The Honorable Harvey Howard, Grenadier Guards, to + be first lieutenant, <i>vice</i>—No, not that. Henry Beauchamp—George + Villiers—ay, here it is! Captain Lyttleton, Fourteenth Light + Dragoons, to be major in the Third Dragoon Guards, <i>vice</i> Godwin, + killed in action; Lieutenant O'Malley to be captain, <i>vice</i> + Lyttleton, promoted. You see, boy, I did not forget you; you were to have + had the vacant troop in your own regiment. Now I almost doubt the prudence + of bringing your name under Lord Wellington's notice. He may have + recognized you; and if he did so, why, I rather think—that is, I + suspect—I mean, the quieter you keep the better." + </p> + <p> + While I poured forth my gratitude as warmly as I was able for the + general's great kindness to me, I expressed my perfect concurrence in his + views. + </p> + <p> + "Believe me, sir," said I, "I should much rather wait any number of years + for my promotion, than incur the risk of a reprimand; the more so, as it + is not the first time I have blundered with his lordship." I here narrated + my former meeting with Sir Arthur, at which Crawfurd's mirth again burst + forth, and he paced the room, holding his sides in an ecstasy of + merriment. + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, lad, we'll hope for the best; we'll give you the chance that + he has not seen your face, and send the list forward as it is. But here + come our fellows." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the door opened, and three officers of his staff entered, to + whom, being severally introduced, we chatted away about the news of the + morning until breakfast. + </p> + <p> + "I've frequently heard of you from my friend Hammersley," said Captain + Fitzroy, addressing me. "You were intimately acquainted, I believe?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes! Pray, where is he now? We have not met for a long time." + </p> + <p> + "The poor fellow's invalided; that sabre-cut upon his head has turned out + a sad affair, and he's gone back to England on a sick leave. Old Dashwood + took him back with him as private secretary, or something of that sort." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" said another, "Dashwood has daughters, hasn't he? No bad notion of + his; for Hammersley will be a baronet some of these days, with a rent-roll + of eight or nine thousand per annum." + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood," said I, "has but one daughter, and I am quite sure + that in his kindness to Hammersley no intentions of the kind you mention + were mixed up." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I don't know," said the third, a pale, sickly youth, with handsome + but delicate features. "I was on Dashwood's staff until a few weeks ago, + and certainly I thought there was something going on between Hammersley + and Miss Lucy, who, be it spoken, is a devilish fine girl, though rather + disposed to give herself airs." + </p> + <p> + I felt my cheek and my temples boiling like a furnace; my hand trembled as + I lifted my coffee to my lips; and I would have given my expected + promotion twice over to have had any reasonable ground of quarrel with the + speaker. + </p> + <p> + "Egad, lads," said Crawfurd, "that's the very best thing I know about a + command. As a bishop is always sure to portion off his daughters with + deaneries and rectories, so your knowing old general always marries his + among his staff." + </p> + <p> + This sally was met with the ready laughter of the subordinates, in which, + however little disposed. I was obliged to join. + </p> + <p> + "You are quite right, sir," rejoined the pale youth; "and Sir George has + no fortune to give his daughter." + </p> + <p> + "How came it, Horace, that you got off safe?" said Fitzroy, with a certain + air of affected seriousness in his voice and manner. "I wonder they let + such a prize escape them." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it was not exactly their fault, I do confess. Old Dashwood did the + civil towards me, and <i>la belle Lucie</i> herself was condescending + enough to be less cruel than to the rest of the staff. Her father threw us + a good deal together; and in fact, I believe—I fear—that is—that + I didn't behave quite well." + </p> + <p> + "You may rest perfectly assured of it, sir," said I; "whatever your + previous conduct may have been, you have completely relieved your mind on + this occasion, and behaved most shamefully." + </p> + <p> + Had a shell fallen in the midst of us, the faces around me could not have + been more horror-struck than when, in a cool, determined tone, I spoke + these few words. Fitzroy pushed his chair slightly back from the table, + and fixed his eyes full upon me. Crawfurd grew dark-purple over his whole + face and forehead, and looked from one to the other of us without + speaking; while the Honorable Horace Delawar, the individual addressed, + never changed a muscle of his wan and sickly features, but lifting his + eyes slowly from his muffin, lisped softly out,— + </p> + <p> + "You think so? How very good!" + </p> + <p> + "General Crawfurd," said I, the moment I could collect myself sufficiently + to speak, "I am deeply grieved that I should so far have forgotten myself + as to disturb the harmony of your table; but when I tell you that Sir + George Dashwood is one of my warmest friends on earth; that from my + intimate knowledge of him, I am certain that gentleman's statements are + either the mere outpourings of folly or worse—" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, O'Malley! you have a very singular mode of explaining away the + matter. Delawar, sit down again. Gentlemen, I have only one word to say + about this transaction; I'll have no squabbles nor broils here; from this + room to the guard-house is a five minutes' walk. Promise me, upon your + honors, this altercation ends here, or as sure as my name's Crawfurd, you + shall both be placed under arrest, and the man who refuses to obey me + shall be sent back to England." + </p> + <p> + Before I well knew in what way to proceed, Mr. Delawar rose and bowed + formally to the general, while I imitated his example; silently we resumed + our places, and after a pause of a few moments, the current of + conversation was renewed, and other topics discussed, but with such + evident awkwardness and constraint that all parties felt relieved when the + general rose from table. + </p> + <p> + "I say, O'Malley, have you forwarded the returns to the adjutant-general's + office?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; I despatched them this morning before leaving my quarters." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad of it; the irregularities on this score have called forth a + heavy reprimand at headquarters." + </p> + <p> + I was also glad of it, and it chanced that by mere accident I remembered + to charge Mike with the papers, which, had they not been lying unsealed + upon the table before me, would, in all likelihood, have escaped my + attention. The post started to Lisbon that same morning, to take advantage + of which I had sat up writing for half the night. Little was I aware at + the moment what a mass of trouble and annoyance was in store for me from + the circumstance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + ALMEIDA. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 7th we perceived, from a movement in the French + camp, that the wounded were being sent to the rear, and shortly afterwards + the main body of their army commenced its retreat. They moved with slow, + and as it were, reluctant steps; and Bessiéres, who commanded the Imperial + Guard, turned his eyes more than once to that position which all the + bravery of his troops was unavailing to capture. Although our cavalry lay + in force to the front of our line, no attempt was made to molest the + retreating French; and Massena, having retired beyond the Aguada, left a + strong force to watch the ford, while the remainder of the army fell back + upon Cuidad Rodrigo. + </p> + <p> + During this time we had succeeded in fortifying our position at Fuentes + d'Onoro so strongly as to resist any new attack, and Lord Wellington now + turned his whole attention to the blockade of Almeida, which, by Massena's + retreat, was abandoned to its fate. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 10th I accompanied General Crawfurd in a + reconnoissance of the fortress, which, from the intelligence we had lately + received, could not much longer hold out against our blockade. The fire + from the enemy's artillery was, however, hotly maintained; and as night + fell, some squadrons of the Fourteenth, who were picketed near, were + unable to light their watch-fires, being within reach of their shot. As + the darkness increased so did the cannonade, and the bright flashes from + the walls and the deep booming of the artillery became incessant. + </p> + <p> + A hundred conjectures were afloat to account for the circumstance; some + asserting that what we heard were mere signals to Massena's army; and + others, that Brennier was destroying and mutilating the fortress before he + evacuated it to the allies. + </p> + <p> + It was little past midnight when, tired from the fatigues of the day, I + had fallen asleep beneath a tree, an explosion, louder than any which + preceded it, burst suddenly forth, and as I awoke and looked about me, I + perceived the whole heavens illuminated by one bright glare, while the + crashing noise of falling stones and crumbling masonry told me that a mine + had been sprung; the moment after, all was calm and still and motionless; + a thick black smoke increasing the sombre darkness of the night shut out + every star from view, and some drops of heavy rain began to fall. + </p> + <p> + The silence, ten times more appalling than the din which preceded it, + weighed heavily upon my senses, and a dread of some unknown danger crept + over me; the exhaustion, however, was greater than my fear, and again I + sank into slumber. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had I been half an hour asleep, when the blast of a trumpet again + awoke me, and I found, amidst the confusion and excitement about, that + something of importance had occurred. Questions were eagerly asked on all + sides, but no one could explain what had happened. Towards the town all + was as still as death, but a dropping, irregular fire of musketry issued + from the valley beside the Aguada. "What can this mean; what can it be?" + we asked of each other. "A sortie from the garrison," said one; "A night + attack by Massena's troops," cried another; and while thus we disputed and + argued, a horseman was heard advancing along the road at the top of his + speed. + </p> + <p> + "Where are the cavalry?" cried a voice I recognized as one of my brother + aides-de-camp. "Where are the Fourteenth?" + </p> + <p> + A cheer from our party answered this question, and the next moment, + breathless and agitated, he rode in among us. + </p> + <p> + "What is it? Are we attacked?" + </p> + <p> + "Would to Heaven that were all! But come along, lads, follow me." + </p> + <p> + "What can it be, then?" said I again; while my anxiety knew no bounds. + </p> + <p> + "Brennier has escaped; burst his way through Pack's Division, and has + already reached Valde Mula." + </p> + <p> + "The French have escaped!" was repeated from mouth to mouth; while, + pressing spurs to our horses, we broke into a gallop, and dashed forward + in the direction of the musketry. We soon came up with the 36th Infantry, + who, having thrown away their knapsacks, were rapidly pressing the + pursuit. The maledictions which burst from every side proved how severely + the misfortune was felt by all, while the eager advance of the men bespoke + how ardently they longed to repair the mishap. + </p> + <p> + Dark as was the night, we passed them in a gallop, when suddenly the + officer who commanded the leading squadron called out to halt. + </p> + <p> + "Take care there, lads!" cried he; "I hear the infantry before us; we + shall be down upon our own people." + </p> + <p> + The words were hardly spoken, when a bright flash blazed out before us, + and a smashing volley was poured into the squadron. + </p> + <p> + "The French! the French, by Jove!" said Hampden. "Forward, boys! charge + them!" + </p> + <p> + Breaking into open order, to avoid our wounded comrades, several of whom + had fallen by the fire, we rode down among them. In a moment their order + was broken, their ranks pierced, and fresh squadrons coming up at the + instant, they were sabred to a man. + </p> + <p> + After this the French pursued their march in silence, and even when + assembling in force we rode down upon their squares, they never halted nor + fired a shot. At Barba del Puerco, the ground being unfit for cavalry, the + Thirty-sixth took our place, and pressed them hotly home. Several of the + French were killed, and above three hundred made prisoners, but our + fellows, following up the pursuit too rashly, came upon an advanced body + of Massena's force, drawn up to await and cover Brennier's retreat; the + result was the loss of above thirty men in killed and wounded. + </p> + <p> + Thus were the great efforts of the three preceding days rendered fruitless + and nugatory. To maintain this blockade, Lord Wellington, with an inferior + force, and a position by no means strong, had ventured to give the enemy + battle; and now by the unskilfulness of some, and the negligence of + others, were all his combinations thwarted, and the French general enabled + to march his force through the midst of the blockading columns almost + unmolested and uninjured. + </p> + <p> + Lord Wellington's indignation was great, as well it might be; the prize + for which he had contested was torn from his grasp at the very moment he + had won it, and although the gallantry of the troops in the pursuit might, + under other circumstances, have called forth eulogium, his only + observation on the matter was a half-sarcastic allusion to the + inconclusive effects of undisciplined bravery. "Notwithstanding," says the + general order of the day, "what has been printed in gazettes and + newspapers, we have never seen small bodies, unsupported, successfully + opposed to large; nor has the experience of any officer realized the + stories which all have read, of whole armies being driven by a handful of + light infantry and dragoons." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + A NIGHT ON THE AZAVA. + </p> + <p> + Massena was now recalled, and Marmont, having assumed the command of the + French, army, retired towards Salamanca, while our troops went into + cantonments upon the Aguada. A period of inaction succeeded to our + previous life of bustle and excitement, and the whole interest of the + campaign was now centred in Beresford's army, exposed to Soult in + Estramadura. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th Lord Wellington set out for that province, having already + directed a strong force to march upon Badajos. + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley," said Crawfurd, as he returned from bidding Lord + Wellington good-by, "your business is all right; the commander-in-chief + has signed my recommendation, and you will get your troop." + </p> + <p> + While I continued to express my grateful acknowledgments for his kindness, + the general, apparently inattentive to all I was saying, paced the room + with hurried steps, stopping every now and then to glance at a large map + of Spain which covered one wall of the apartment, while he muttered to + himself some broken and disjointed sentences. + </p> + <p> + "Eight leagues—too weak in cavalry—with the left upon Fuenta + Grenaldo—a strong position. O'Malley, you'll take a troop of + dragoons and patrol the country towards Castro; you'll reconnoitre the + position the Sixth Corps occupies, but avoid any collision with the + enemy's pickets, keeping the Azava between you and them. Take rations for + three days." + </p> + <p> + "When shall I set out, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Now!" was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Knowing with what pleasure the hardy veteran recognized anything like + alacrity and despatch, I resolved to gratify him; and before half an hour + had elapsed, was ready with my troop to receive his final orders. + </p> + <p> + "Well done, boy!" said he, as he came to the door of the hut, "you've lost + no time. I don't believe I have any further instructions to give you; to + ascertain as far as possible the probable movement of the enemy is my + object, that's all." As he spoke this, he waved his hand, and wishing me + "Good-by," walked leisurely back into the house. I saw that his mind was + occupied by other thoughts; and although I desired to obtain some more + accurate information for my guidance, knowing his dislike to questions, I + merely returned his salute, and set forth upon my journey. + </p> + <p> + The morning was beautiful; the sun had risen about an hour, and the earth, + refreshed by the heavy dew of the night, was breathing forth all its + luxuriant fragrance. The river which flowed beside us was clear as + crystal, showing beneath its eddying current the shining, pebbly bed, + while upon the surface, the water-lilies floated or sank as the motion of + the stream inclined. The tall cork-trees spread their shadows about us, + and the richly plumed birds hopped from branch to branch awaking the + echoes with their notes. + </p> + <p> + It is but seldom that the heart of man is thoroughly attuned to the + circumstances of the scenery around him. How often do we need a struggle + with ourselves to enjoy the rich and beautiful landscape which lies + smiling in its freshness before us! How frequently do the blue sky and the + calm air look down upon the heart darkened and shadowed with affliction! + And how often have we felt the discrepancy between the lowering look of + winter and the glad sunshine of our hearts! The harmony of the world + without with our thoughts within is one of the purest, as it is one of the + greatest, sources of happiness. Our hopes and our ambitions lose their + selfish character when we feel that fortune smiles upon us from all + around, and the flattery which speaks to our hearts from the bright stars + and the blue sky, the peaked mountain or the humble flower, is greater in + its mute eloquence than all the tongue of man can tell us. + </p> + <p> + This feeling did I experience in all its fulness as I ruminated upon my + bettered fortunes, and felt within myself that secret instinct that tells + of happiness to come. In such moods of mind my thoughts strayed ever + homewards, and I could not help confessing how little were all my + successes in my eyes, did I not-hope for the day when I should pour forth + my tale of war and battle-field to the ears of those who loved me. + </p> + <p> + I resolved to write home at once to my uncle. I longed to tell him each + incident of my career, and my heart glowed as I thought over the broken + and disjointed sentences which every cotter around would whisper of my + fortunes, far prouder as they would be in the humble deeds of one they + knew, than in the proudest triumphs of a nation's glory. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Mike himself gave the current to my thoughts. After riding beside + me for some time in silence, he remarked,— + </p> + <p> + "And isn't it Father Rush will be proud when he sees your honor's a + captain; to think of the little boy that he used to take before him on the + ould gray mare for a ride down the avenue,—to think of him being a + real captain, six feet two without his boots, and galloping over the + French as if they were lurchers! Peggy Mahon, that nursed you, will be the + proud woman the day she hears it; and there won't be a soldier sober in + his quarters that night in Portumna barracks! 'Pon my soul, there's not a + thing with a red coat on it, if it was even a scarecrow to frighten the + birds from the barley, that won't be treated with respect when they hear + of the news." + </p> + <p> + The country through which we travelled was marked at every step by the + traces of a retreating army: the fields of rich corn lay flattened beneath + the tramp of cavalry, or the wheels of the baggage-wagons; the roads, cut + up and nearly impassable, were studded here and there with marks which + indicated a bivouac. At the same time, everything around bore a very + different aspect from what we had observed in Portugal; there, the + vindictive cruelty of the French soldiery had been seen in full sway: the + ruined château, the burned villages, the desecrated altars, the murdered + peasantry,—all attested the revengeful spirit of a beaten and + baffled enemy. No sooner, however, had they crossed the frontiers, than, + as if by magic, their character became totally changed. Discipline and + obedience succeeded to recklessness and pillage; and instead of treating + the natives with, inhumanity and cruelty, in all their intercourse with + the Spaniards the French behaved with moderation and even kindness. Paying + for everything, obtaining their billets peaceably and quietly, marching + with order and regularity, they advanced into the heart of the country, + showing, by the most irrefragable proof, the astonishing evidences of a + discipline which, by a word, could convert the lawless irregularities of a + ruffian soldiery into the orderly habits and obedient conduct of a + highly-organized army. + </p> + <p> + As we neared the Azava, the tracks of the retiring enemy became gradually + less perceptible, and the country, uninjured by the march, extended for + miles around us in all the richness and abundance of a favored climate. + The tall corn, waving its yellow gold, reflected like a sea the clouds + that moved slowly above it. The wild gentian and the laurel grew thickly + around, and the cattle stood basking in the clear streams, while some + listless peasant lounged upon the bank beside them. Strange as all these + evidences of peace and tranquillity were, so near to the devastating track + of a mighty army, yet I have more than once witnessed the fact, and + remarked how, but a short distance from the line of our hurried march, the + country lay untouched and uninjured; and though the clank of arms and the + dull roll of the artillery may have struck upon the ear of the far-off + dweller in his native valley, he listened as he would have done to the + passing thunder as it crashed above him; and when the bright sky and pure + air succeeded to the lowering atmosphere and the darkening storm, he + looked forth upon his smiling fields and happy home, while he muttered to + his heart a prayer of thanksgiving that the scourge was passed. + </p> + <p> + We bivouacked upon the bank of the river, a truly Salvator Rosa scene; the + rocks, towering high above us, were fissured by the channel of many a + trickling stream, seeking, in its zigzag current, the bright river below. + The dark pine-tree and the oak mingled their foliage with the graceful + cedar, which spread its fan-like branches about us. Through the thick + shade some occasional glimpses of a starry sky could yet be seen, and a + faint yellow streak upon the silent river told that the queen of night was + there. + </p> + <p> + When I had eaten my frugal supper, I wandered forth alone upon the bank of + the stream, now standing to watch its bold sweeps as it traversed the + lonely valley before me, now turning to catch a passing glance at our red + watch-fires and the hardy features which sat around. The hoarse and + careless laugh, the deep-toned voice of some old campaigner holding forth + his tale of flood and field, were the only sounds I heard; and gradually I + strolled beyond the reach of even these. The path beside the river, which + seemed scarped from the rock, was barely sufficient for the passage of one + man, a rude balustrade of wood being the only defence against the + precipice, which, from a height of full thirty feet, looked down upon the + stream. Here and there some broad gleam of moonlight would fall upon the + opposite bank, which, unlike the one I occupied, stretched out into rich + meadow and pasturage, broken by occasional clumps of ilex and beech. River + scenery has been ever a passion with me. I can glory in the bold and + broken outline of a mighty mountain; I can gaze with delighted eyes upon + the boundless seas, and know not whether to like it more in all the mighty + outpouring of its wrath, when the white waves lift their heads to heaven + and break themselves in foam upon the rocky beach, or in the calm beauty + of its broad and mirrored surface, in which the bright world of sun and + sky are seen full many a fathom deep. But far before these, I love the + happy and tranquil beauty of some bright river, tracing its winding + current through valley and through plain, now spreading into some calm and + waveless lake, now narrowing to an eddying stream with mossy rocks and + waving trees darkening over it. There's not a hut, however lowly, where + the net of the fisherman is stretched upon the sward, around whose hearth + I do not picture before me the faces of happy toil and humble contentment, + while, from the ruined tower upon the crag, methinks I hear the ancient + sounds of wassail and of welcome; and though the keep be fissured and the + curtain fallen, and though for banner there "waves some tall wall-flower," + I can people its crumbling walls with images of the past; and the merry + laugh of the warder, and the clanking tread of the mailed warrior, are as + palpably before me as the tangled lichen that now trails from its + battlements. + </p> + <p> + As I wandered on, I reached the little rustic stair which led downward + from the path to the river's side; and on examining farther, perceived + that at this place the stream was fordable; a huge flat rock, filling up a + great part of the river's bed, occupied the middle, on either side of + which the current ran with increased force. + </p> + <p> + Bent upon exploring, I descended the cliff, and was preparing to cross, + when my attention was attracted by the twinkle of a fire at some distance + from me, on the opposite side; the flame rose and fell in fitful flashes, + as though some hand were ministering to it at the moment. As it was + impossible, from the silence on every side, that it could proceed from a + bivouac of the enemy, I resolved on approaching it, and examining it for + myself. I knew that the shepherds in remote districts were accustomed thus + to pass the summer nights, with no other covering save the blue vault + above them. It was not impossible, too, that it might prove a Guerilla + party, who frequently, in small numbers, hang upon the rear of a + retreating army. Thus conjecturing, I crossed the stream, and quickening + my pace, walked forward in the direction of the blaze. For a moment a + projecting rock obstructed my progress; and while I was devising some + means of proceeding farther, the sound of voices near me arrested my + attention. I listened, and what was my astonishment to hear that they + spoke in French. I now crept cautiously to the verge of the rock and + looked over; the moon was streaming in its full brilliancy upon a little + shelving strand beside the stream, and here I now beheld the figure of a + French officer. He was habited in the undress uniform of a <i>chasseur á + cheval</i>, but wore no arms; indeed his occupation at the moment was + anything but a warlike one, he being leisurely employed in collecting some + flasks of champagne which apparently had been left to cool within the + stream. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien, Alphonse!</i>" said a voice in the direction of the fire, + "what are you delaying for?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm coming, I'm coming," said the other; "but, <i>par Dieu!</i> I can + only find five of our bottles; one seems to have been carried away by the + stream." + </p> + <p> + "No matter," replied the other, "we are but three of us, and one is, or + should be, on the sick list." + </p> + <p> + The only answer to this was the muttered chorus of a French drinking-song, + interrupted at intervals by an imprecation upon the missing flask. It + chanced, at this moment, that a slight clinking noise attracted me, and on + looking down, I perceived at the foot of the rock the prize he sought for. + It had been, as he conceived, carried away by an eddy of the stream and + was borne, as a true prisoner-of-war, within my grasp. I avow that from + this moment my interest in the scene became considerably heightened; such + a waif as a bottle of champagne was not to be despised in circumstances + like mine; and I watched with anxious eyes every gesture of the impatient + Frenchman, and alternately vibrated between hope and fear, as he neared or + receded from the missing flask. + </p> + <p> + "Let it go to the devil," shouted his companion, once more. "Jacques has + lost all patience with you." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, then," said the other, as he prepared to take up his burden. At + this instant I made a slight effort so to change my position as to obtain + a view of the rest of the party. The branch by which I supported myself, + however, gave way beneath my grasp with a loud crash. I lost my footing, + and slipping downward from the rock, came plump into the stream below. The + noise, the splash, and more than all, the sudden appearance of a man + beside him, astounded the Frenchman, who almost let fall his pannier, and + thus we stood confronting each other for at least a couple of minutes in + silence. A hearty burst of laughter from both parties terminated this + awkward moment, while the Frenchman, with the readiness of his country, + was the first to open the negotiation. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Sacré Dieu!</i>" said he, "what can you be doing here? You're English, + without doubt." + </p> + <p> + "Even so," said I; "but that is the very question I was about to ask you; + what are you doing here?" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Eh bien</i>," replied the other, gayly, "you shall be answered in all + frankness. Our captain was wounded in the action of the 8th, and we heard + had been carried up the country by some peasants. As the army fell back, + we obtained permission to go in search of him. For two days all was + fruitless; the peasantry fled at our approach; and although we captured + some of our stolen property—among other things, the contents of this + basket—yet we never came upon the track of our comrade till this + evening. A good-hearted shepherd had taken him to his hut, and treated him + with every kindness, but no sooner did he hear the gallop of our horses + and the clank of our equipments, than, fearing himself to be made a + prisoner, he fled up the mountains, leaving our friend behind him; <i>voilà + notre histoire</i>. Here we are, three in all, one of us with a deep + sabre-cut in his shoulder. If you are the stronger party, we are, I + suppose, your prisoners; if not—" + </p> + <p> + What was to have followed I know not, for at this moment his companion, + who had finally lost all patience, came suddenly to the spot. + </p> + <p> + "A prisoner," cried he, placing a heavy hand upon my shoulder, while with + the other he held his drawn sword pointed towards my breast. + </p> + <p> + To draw a pistol from my bosom was the work of a second; and while gently + turning the point of his weapon away, I coolly said,— + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast, my friend, not so fast! The game is in my hands, not yours. + I have only to pull this trigger, and my dragoons are upon you; whatever + fate befall me, yours is certain." + </p> + <p> + A half-scornful laugh betrayed the incredulity of him I addressed, while + the other, apparently anxious to relieve the awkwardness of the moment, + suddenly broke in with,— + </p> + <p> + "He is right, Auguste, and you are wrong; we are in his power; that is," + added he, smiling, "if he believes there is any triumph in capturing such + <i>pauvres diables</i> as ourselves." + </p> + <p> + The features of him he addressed suddenly lost their scornful expression, + and sheathing his sword with an air of almost melodramatic solemnity, he + gravely pulled up his mustaches, and after a pause of a few seconds, + solemnly ejaculated a malediction upon his fortune. + </p> + <p> + "<i>C'est toujours ainsi</i>," said he, with a bitterness that only a + Frenchman can convey when cursing his destiny. "<i>Soyez bon enfant</i>, + and see what will come of it. Only be good-natured, only be kind, and if + you haven't bad luck at the end of it, it's only because fortune has a + heavier stroke in reserve for you hereafter." + </p> + <p> + I could not help smiling at the Frenchman's philosophy, which, assuming as + a good augury, he gayly said, "So, then, you'll not make us prisoners. + Isn't it so?" + </p> + <p> + "Prisoners," said the other, "nothing of the kind. Come and sup with us; + I'll venture to say our larder is as well stocked as your own; in any case + an omelette, a cold chicken, and a glass of champagne are not bad things + in our circumstances." + </p> + <p> + I could not help laughing outright at the strangeness of the proposal. "I + fear I must decline," said I; "you seem to forget I am placed here to + watch, not to join you." + </p> + <p> + "<i>A la bonne heure</i>," cried the younger of the two; "do both. Come + along; <i>soyez bon camarade</i>; you are always near your own people, so + don't refuse us." + </p> + <p> + In proportion as I declined, they both became more pressing in their + entreaties, and at last, I began to dread lest my refusal might seem to + proceed from some fear as to the good faith of the invitation, and I never + felt so awkwardly placed as when one plumply pressed me by saying,— + </p> + <p> + "<i>Mais pourquoi pas, mon cher?</i>" + </p> + <p> + I stammered out something about duty and discipline, when they both + interrupted me by a long burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "Come, come!" said they; "in an hour—in half an hour, if you will—you + shall be back with your own people. We've had plenty of fighting latterly, + and we are likely to have enough in future; we know something of each + other by this time in the field; let us see how we get on in the bivouac!" + </p> + <p> + Resolving not to be outdone in generosity, I replied at once, "Here goes, + then!" + </p> + <p> + Five minutes afterwards I found myself seated at their bivouac fire. The + captain, who was the oldest of the party, was a fine soldier-like fellow + of some forty years old; he had served in the Imperial Guard through all + the campaigns of Italy and Austria, and abounded in anecdotes of the + French army. From him I learned many of those characteristic traits which + so eminently distinguish the imperial troops, and saw how completely their + bravest and boldest feats of arms depended upon the personal valor of him + who led them on. From the daring enterprise of Napoleon at Lodi to the + conduct of the lowest corporal in the <i>grande armée</i>, the picture + presents nothing but a series of brilliant and splendid chivalry; while, + at the same time, the warlike character of the nation is displayed by that + instinctive appreciation of courage and daring which teaches them to + follow their officers to the very cannon's mouth. + </p> + <p> + "It was at Elchingen," said the captain, "you should have seen them. The + regiment in which I was a lieutenant was ordered to form close column, and + charge through a narrow ravine to carry a brigade of guns, which, by a + flanking fire, were devastating our troops. Before we could reach the + causeway, we were obliged to pass an open plain in which the ground dipped + for about a hundred yards; the column moved on, and though it descended + one hill, not a man ever mounted the opposite one. A very avalanche of + balls swept the entire valley; and yet amidst the thunder and the smoke, + the red glare of the artillery, and the carnage around them, our + grenadiers marched firmly up. At last, Marshal Ney sent an aide-de-camp + with orders to the troops to lie flat down, and in this position the + artillery played over us for above half an hour. The Austrians gradually + slackened, and finally discontinued their fire; this was the moment to + resume the attack. I crept cautiously to my knees and looked about. One + word brought my men around me; but I found to my horror that of a + battalion who came into action fourteen hundred strong, not five hundred + remained; and that I myself, a mere lieutenant, was now the senior officer + of the regiment. Our gallant colonel lay dead beside my feet. At this + instant a thought struck me. I remembered a habit he possessed in moments + of difficulty and danger, of placing in his shako a small red plume which + he commonly carried in his belt. I searched for it, and found it. As I + held it aloft, a maddening cheer burst around me, while from out the line + each officer sprang madly forward, and rushed to the head of the column. + It was no longer a march. With a loud cry of vengeance, the mass rushed + forward, the men trying to outstrip their officers, and come first in + contact with the foe. Like tigers on the spring, they fell upon the enemy, + who, crushed, overwhelmed, and massacred, lay in slaughtered heaps around + the cannon. The cavalry of the Guard came thundering on behind us; a whole + division followed; and three thousand five hundred prisoners, and fourteen + pieces of artillery were captured. + </p> + <p> + "I sat upon the carriage of a gun, my face begrimed with powder, and my + uniform blackened and blood-stained. The whole thing appeared like some + shocking dream. I felt a hand upon my shoulder, while a rough voice called + in my ear, '<i>Capitaine du soixante-neuvième, tu es mon frère!</i>' + </p> + <p> + "It was Ney who spoke. This," added the brave captain, his eyes filling as + he said the words,—"this is the sabre he gave me." + </p> + <p> + I know not why I have narrated this anecdote; it has little in itself, but + somehow, to me it brings back in all its fulness the recollection of that + night. + </p> + <p> + There was something so strongly characteristic of the old Napoleonist in + the tone of his narrative that I listened throughout with breathless + attention. I began to feel too, for the first time, what a powerful arm in + war the Emperor had created by fostering the spirit of individual + enterprise. The field thus opened to fame and distinction left no bounds + to the ambition of any. The humble conscript, as he tore himself from the + embraces of his mother, wiped his tearful eyes to see before him in the + distance the bâton of a marshal. The bold soldier who stormed a battery + felt his heart beat more proudly and more securely beneath the cordon of + the Legion than behind a cuirass of steel; and to a people in whom the + sense of duty alone would seem cold, barren, and inglorious, he had + substituted a highly-wrought chivalrous enthusiasm; and by the <i>prestige</i> + of his own name, the proud memory of his battles, and the glory of those + mighty tournaments at which all Europe were the spectators, he had + converted a nation into an army. + </p> + <p> + By a silent and instinctive compact we appeared to avoid those topics of + the campaign in which the honor of our respective arms was interested; and + once, when, by mere accident, the youngest of the party adverted to + Fuentes d'Onoro, the old captain adroitly turned the current of the + conversation by saying, "Come, Alphonse, let's have a song." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the other. "<i>Les Pas de Charge</i>." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," said the captain; "if I am to have a choice, let it be that + little Breton song you gave us on the Danube." + </p> + <p> + "So be it then," said Alphonse. "Here goes!" + </p> + <p> + I have endeavored to convey, by a translation, the words he sang; but I + feel conscious how totally their feeling and simplicity are lost when + deprived of their own <i>patois</i>, and the wild but touching melody that + accompanied them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE BRETON HOME. + + When the battle is o'er, and the sounds of fight + Have closed with the closing day, + How happy around the watch-fire's light + To chat the long hours away; + To chat the long hours away, my boy, + And talk of the days to come, + Or a better still and a purer joy, + To think of our far-off home. + + How many a cheek will then grow pale, + That never felt a tear! + And many a stalwart heart will quail, + That never quailed in fear! + And the breast that like some mighty rock + Amidst the foaming sea + Bore high against the battle's shock + Now heaves like infancy. + + And those who knew each other not + Their hands together steal, + Each thinks of some long hallowed spot, + And all like brothers feel: + Such holy thoughts to all are given; + The lowliest has his part; + The love of home, like love of heaven, + Is woven in our heart. +</pre> + <p> + There was a pause as he concluded, each sank in his own reflections. How + long we should have thus remained, I know not; but we were speedily + aroused from our reveries by the tramp of horses near us. We listened, and + could plainly detect in their rude voices and coarse laughter the approach + of a body of Guerillas. We looked from one to the other in silence and in + fear. Nothing could be more unfortunate should we be discovered. Upon this + point we were left little time to deliberate; for with a loud cheer, four + Spanish horsemen galloped up to the spot, their carbines in the rest. The + Frenchmen sprang to their feet, and seized their sabres, bent upon making + a resolute resistance. As for me, my determination was at once taken. + Remaining quietly seated upon the grass, I stirred not for a moment, but + addressing him who appeared to be the chief of the Guerillas, said, in + Spanish:— + </p> + <p> + "These are my prisoners; I am a British officer of dragoons, and my party + is yonder." + </p> + <p> + This evidently unexpected declaration seemed to surprise them, and they + conferred for a few moments together. Meanwhile they were joined by two + others, in one of whom we could recognize, by his costume, the real leader + of the party. + </p> + <p> + "I am captain in the light dragoons," said I, repeating my declaration. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Morte de Dios!</i>" replied he; "it is false; you are a spy!" + </p> + <p> + The word was repeated from lip to lip by his party, and I saw, in their + lowering looks and darkened features, that the moment was a critical one + for me. + </p> + <p> + "Down with your arms!" cried he, turning to the Frenchmen. "Surrender + yourselves our prisoners; I'll not bid ye twice!" + </p> + <p> + The Frenchmen turned upon me an inquiring look, as though to say that upon + me now their hopes entirely reposed. + </p> + <p> + "Do as he bids you," said I; while at the same moment I sprang to my legs, + and gave a loud, shrill whistle, the last echo of which had not died away + in the distance ere it was replied to. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0217.jpg" alt="The Tables Turned. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "Make no resistance now," said I to the Frenchmen; "our safety depends on + this." + </p> + <p> + While this was passing two of the Spaniards had dismounted, and detaching + a coil of rope which hung from their saddle-peak, were proceeding to tie + the prisoners wrist to wrist; the others, with their carbines to the + shoulder, covered us man by man, the chief of the party having singled out + me as his peculiar prey. + </p> + <p> + "The fate of Mascarenhas might have taught you better," said he, "than to + play this game." And then added with a grim smile, "But we'll see if an + Englishman will not make as good a carbonado as a Portuguese!" + </p> + <p> + This cruel speech made my blood run cold, for I knew well to what he + alluded. I was at Lisbon at the time it happened, but the melancholy fate + of Julian Mascarenhas, the Portuguese spy, had reached me there. He was + burned to death at Torres Vedras! + </p> + <p> + The Spaniard's triumph over my terror was short-lived, indeed, for + scarcely had the words fallen from his lips, when a party of the + Fourteenth, dashing through the river at a gallop, came riding up. The + attitude of the Guerillas, as they sat with presented arms, was sufficient + for my fellows who needed not the exhortation of him who rode foremost of + the party:— + </p> + <p> + "Ride them down, boys! Tumble them over! Flatten their broad beavers, the + infernal thieves!" + </p> + <p> + "Whoop!" shouted Mike, as he rode at the chief with the force of a + catapult. Down went the Spaniard, horse and all; and before he could + disentangle himself, Mike was upon him, his knee pressed upon his neck. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it enough for ye to pillage the whole country without robbing the + king's throops!" cried he, as he held him fast to the earth with one hand, + while he presented a loaded pistol to his face. + </p> + <p> + By this time the scene around me was sufficiently ludicrous. Such of the + Guerillas as had not been thrown by force from their saddles, had slid + peaceably down, and depositing their arms upon the ground, dropped upon + their knees in a semicircle around us, and amidst the hoarse laughter of + the troopers, and the irrepressible merriment of the Frenchmen, rose up + the muttered prayers of the miserable Spaniards, who believed that now + their last hour was come. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Madre de Dios</i>, indeed!" cried Mike, imitating the tone of a + repentant old sinner in a patched mantle; "it's much the blessed Virgin + thinks of the like o' ye, thieves and rogues as ye are; it a'most puts me + beyond my senses to see ye there crossing yourselves like <i>rale</i> + Christians." + </p> + <p> + If I could not help indulging myself in this retributive cruelty towards + the chief, and leaving him to the tender mercies of Mike, I ordered the + others to rise and form in line before me. Affecting to occupy myself + entirely with them, I withdrew the attention of all from the French + officers, who remained quiet spectators of the scene around them. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Point de façons</i>, gentlemen," said I, in a whisper. "Get to your + horses and away! Now's your time. Good-by!" + </p> + <p> + A warm grasp of the hand from each was the only reply, and I turned once + more to my discomforted friends the Guerillas. + </p> + <p> + "There, Mike, let the poor devil rise. I confess appearances were strong + against me just now." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Captain, are you convinced by this time that I was not deceiving + you?" + </p> + <p> + The Guerilla muttered some words of apology between his teeth, and while + he shook the dust from his cloak, and arranged the broken feather of his + hat, cast a look of scowling and indignant meaning upon Mike, whose rough + treatment he had evidently not forgiven. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be looking at me that way, you black thief! or I'll—" + </p> + <p> + "Hold there!" said I; "no more of this. Come, gentlemen, we must be + friends. If I mistake not, we've got something like refreshment at our + bivouac. In any case you'll partake of our watch-fire till morning." + </p> + <p> + They gladly accepted our invitation, and ere half an hour elapsed Mike's + performance in the part of host had completely erased every unpleasant + impression his first appearance gave rise to; and as for myself, when I + did sleep at last, the confused mixture of Spanish and Irish airs which + issued from the thicket beside me, proved that a most intimate alliance + had grown up between the parties. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + MIKE'S MISTAKE. + </p> + <p> + An hour before daybreak the Guerillas were in motion, and having taken a + most ceremonious leave of us, they mounted their horses and set out upon + their journey. I saw their gaunt figures wind down the valley, and watched + them till they disappeared in the distance. "Yes, brigands though they + be," thought I, "there is something fine, something heroic in the spirit + of their unrelenting vengeance." The sleuth-hound never sought the lair of + his victim with a more ravening appetite for blood than they track the + retreating columns of the enemy. Hovering around the line of march, they + sometimes swoop down in masses, and carry off a part of the baggage, or + the wounded. The wearied soldier, overcome by heat and exhaustion, who + drops behind his ranks, is their certain victim; the sentry on an advanced + post is scarcely less so. Whole pickets are sometimes attacked and carried + off to a man; and when traversing the lonely passes of some mountain + gorge, or defiling through the dense shadows of a wooded glen, the + stoutest heart has felt a fear, lest from behind the rock that frowned + above him, or from the leafy thicket whose branches stirred without a + breeze, the sharp ring of a Guerilla carbine might sound his death-knell. + </p> + <p> + It was thus in the retreat upon Corunna fell Colonel Lefebvre. Ever + foremost in the attack upon our rear-guard, this gallant youth (he was + scarce six-and-twenty), a colonel of his regiment, and decorated with the + Legion of Honor, he led on every charge of his bold "<i>sabreurs</i>," + riding up to the very bayonets of our squares, waving his hat above his + head, and seeming actually to court his death-wound; but so struck were + our brave fellows with his gallant bearing, that they cheered him as he + came on. + </p> + <p> + It was in one of these moments as, rising high in his stirrups, he bore + down upon the unflinching ranks of the British infantry, the shrill + whistle of a ball strewed the leaves upon the roadside, the exulting shout + of a Guerilla followed it, and the same instant Lefebvre fell forward upon + his horse's mane, a deluge of blood bursting from his bosom. A broken cry + escaped his lips,—a last effort to cheer on his men; his noble + charger galloped forward between our squares, bearing to us our prisoner, + the corpse of his rider. + </p> + <p> + "Captain O'Malley," said a mounted dragoon to the advanced sentry at the + bottom of the little hill upon which I was standing. "Despatches from + headquarters, sir," delivering into my hands a large sealed packet from + the adjutant-general's office. While he proceeded to search for another + letter of which he was the bearer, I broke the seal and read as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE. + + May 15. + + Sir,—On the receipt of this order you are directed, having previously + resigned your command to the officer next in seniority, to + repair to headquarters at Fueutes d'Onoro, there to report yourself + under arrest. + + I have the honor to be your obedient servant, + + GEORGE HOPETON, + + <i>Military Secretary</i>. +</pre> + <p> + "What the devil can this mean?" said I to myself, as I read the lines over + again and again. "What have I done lately, or what have I left undone to + involve me in this scrape? Ah!" thought I, "to be sure, it can be nothing + else. Lord Wellington <i>did</i> recognize me that unlucky morning, and + has determined not to let me pass unpunished. How unfortunate. Scarcely + twenty-four hours have elapsed since fortune seemed to smile upon me from + every side, and now the very destiny I most dreaded stares me fully in the + face." A reprimand, or the sentence of a court-martial, I shrank from with + a coward's fear. It mattered comparatively little from what source + arising, the injury to my pride as a man and my spirit as a soldier would + be almost the same. + </p> + <p> + "This is the letter, sir," said the orderly, presenting me with a packet, + the address of which was in Power's hand-writing. Eagerly tearing it open, + I sought for something which might explain my unhappy position. It bore + the same date as the official letter, and ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Dear Charley,—I joined yesterday, just in time to enjoy the + heartiest laugh I have had since our meeting. If notoriety can gratify + you, by Jove, you have it; for Charles O'Malley and his man Mickey + Free are bywords in every mess from Villa Formosa to the rear-guard. + As it's only fair you should participate a little in the fun you've + originated, let me explain the cause. Your inimitable man Mike, to + whom it appears you intrusted the report of killed and wounded for + the adjutant-general, having just at that moment accomplished a + letter to his friends at home, substituted his correspondence for your + returns, and doubtless, sent the list of the casualties as very + interesting information to his sweetheart in Ireland. If such be the + case, I hope and trust she has taken the blunder in better part than + old Colbourn, who swears he'll bring you to a court-martial, under + Heaven knows what charges. In fact, his passion has known no bounds + since the event; and a fit of jaundice has given his face a kind of + neutral tint between green and yellow, like nothing I know of except + the facings of the "dirty half-hundred." [2] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 [ For the information of my unmilitary readers, I may remark that this + sobriquet was applied to the 50th Regiment.] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + As Mr. Free's letter may be as great a curiosity to you as it has + been to us, I enclose you a copy of it, which Hopeton obtained for + me. It certainly places the estimable Mike in a strong light as a + despatch-writer. The occasional interruption to the current of the + letter, you will perceive, arises from Mike having used the pen of a + comrade, writing being, doubtless, an accomplishment forgotten in + the haste of preparing Mr. Free for the world; and the amanuensis + has, in more than one instance, committed to paper more than was + meant by the author:— +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mrs. M'Gra,—Tear an' ages, sure I need not be treating he + way. Now, just say Mrs. Mary—ay, that'll do—Mrs. Mary, it's may be + surprised you'll be to be reading a letter from your humble servant, + sitting on the top of the Alps,—arrah, may be it's not the Alps; but + sure she'll never know,—fornent the whole French army, with Bony + himself and all his jinnerals—God be between us and harm—ready to + murther every mother's son of us, av they were able, Molly darlin'; + but, with the blessing of Providence, and Lord Wellington and Mister + Charles, we'll bate them yet, as we bate them afore. + + My lips is wathering at the thought o' the plunder. I often + of Tim Riley, that was hanged for sheep-stealing; he'd be worth his + weight in gold here. + + Mr. Charles is now a captain—devil a less—and myself might be + somethin' that same, but ye see I was always of a bashful n + and recommended the master in my place. "He's mighty young, Mister + Charles is," says my Lord Wellington to me,—"He's mighty young, Mr. + Free." "He is, my lord," says I; "he's young, as you obsarve, but + he's as much divilment in him as many that might be his father." + "That's somethin', Mr. Free," says my lord; "ye say he comes from a + good stock?" "The <i>rale</i> sort, my lord," says I; "an ould, ancient + family, that's spent every sixpence they had in treating their + neighbors. My father lived near him for years,"—you see, Molly, I + said that to season the discourse. "We'll make him a captain," says + my lord; "but, Mr. Free, could we do nothing for you?" "Nothing, at + present, my lord. When my friends comes into power," says I, "they'll + think of me. There's many a little thing to give away in Ireland, and + they often find it mighty hard to find a man for lord-lieutenant; and + if that same, or a tide-waiter's place was vacant—" "Just tell me," + says my lord. "It's what I'll do," says I. "And now, wishing you + happy dreams, I'll take my lave." Just so, Molly, it's hand and glove + we are. A pleasant face, agreeable manners seasoned with natural + modesty, and a good pair of legs, them's the gifts to push a man's + way in the world. And even with the ladies—but sure I am forgetting, + my master was proposed for, and your humble servant too, by two + illigant creatures in Lisbon; but it wouldn't do, Molly, it's higher + nor that we'll be looking,—<i>rale</i> princesses, the devil a less. Tell + Kitty Hannigan I hope she's well; she was a disarving young + in her situation in life. Shusey Dogherty, at the cross road— + I don't forget the name—was a good-looking slip too; give her my + affectionate salutations, as we say in the Portuguese. I hope I'll be + able to bear the inclementuous nature of your climate when I go back; + but I can't expect to stay long—for Lord Wellington can't do without + me. We play duets on the guitar together every evening. The master is + shouting for a blanket, so no more at present from, + + Your very affectionate friend, + + MICKEY FREE. + + P. S.—I don't write this myself, for the Spanish tongue p + out o' the habit of English. Tell Father Rush, if he'd study the + Portuguese, I'd use my interest for him with the Bishop of Toledo. + It's a country he'd like—no regular stations, but promiscuous eating + and drinking, and as pretty girls as ever confessed their sins. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My poor Charley, I think I am looking at you. I think I can + see the struggle between indignation, and laughter, which every line + of this letter inflicts upon you. Get back as quickly as you can, and + we'll try if Crawfurd won't pull you through the business. In any + case, expect no sympathy; and if you feel disposed to be angry with + all who laugh at you, you had better publish a challenge in the next + general order. George Scott, of, the Greys, bids me say, that if + you're hard up for cash, he'll give you a couple of hundred for + Mickey Free. I told him I thought you'd accept it, as your uncle + has the breed of those fellows upon his estate, and might have no + objection to weed his stud. Hammersley's gone back with the Dashwoods; + but I don't think you need fear anything in that quarter. + At the same time, if you wish for success, make a bold push for the + peerage and half-a-dozen decorations, for Miss Lucy is most decidedly + gone wild about military distinction. As for me, my affairs go on + well: I've had half-a-dozen quarrels with Inez, but we parted good + friends, and my bad Portuguese has got me out of all difficulties with + papa, who pressed me tolerably close as to fortune. I shall want + your assistance in this matter yet. If parchments will satisfy him, I + think I could get up a qualification; but somehow the matter must + be done, for I'm resolved to have his daughter. + + The orderly is starting, so no more till we meet. + + Yours ever, FRED POWER. +</pre> + <p> + "Godwin," said I, as I closed the letter, "I find myself in a scrape at + headquarters; you are to take the command of the detachment, for I must + set out at once." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing serious, I hope. O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no; nothing of consequence. A most absurd blunder of my rascally + servant." + </p> + <p> + "The Irish fellow yonder?" + </p> + <p> + "The same." + </p> + <p> + "He seems to take it easily, however." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, confound him! he does not know what trouble he has involved me in; + not that he'll care much when he does." + </p> + <p> + "Why, he does not seem to be of a very desponding temperament. Listen to + the fellow! I'll be hanged, if he's not singing!" + </p> + <p> + "I'm devilishly disposed to spoil his mirth. They tell me, however, he + always keeps the troop in good humor; and see, the fellows are actually + cleaning his horses for him, while he is sitting on the bank!" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, O'Malley, that fellow knows the world. Just hear him." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Free was, as described, most leisurely reposing on a bank, a mug of + something drinkable beside him, and a pipe of that curtailed proportion + which an Irishman loves held daintily between his fingers. He appeared to + be giving his directions to some soldiers of the troop, who were busily + cleaning his horses and accoutrements for him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0225.jpg" + alt="Mr. Free Pipes While his Friends Pipe-clay. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "That's it, Jim! Rub 'em down along the hocks; he won't kick; it's only + play. Scrub away, honey; that's the devil's own carbine to get clean." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I say, Mr. Free, are you going to give us that ere song?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I'll be danged if I burnish your sabre, if you don't sing." + </p> + <p> + "Tear an' ages! ain't I composing it? Av I was Tommy Moore, I couldn't be + quicker." + </p> + <p> + "Well, come along, my hearty; let's hear it." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, murther!" said Mike, draining the pot to its last few drops, which he + poured pathetically upon the grass before him; and then having emptied the + ashes from his pipe, he heaved a deep sigh, as though to say life had no + pleasures in store for him. A brief pause followed, after which, to the + evident delight of his expectant audience, he began the following song, to + the popular air of "Paddy O'Carroll":— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + BAD LUCK TO THIS MARCHING. + + Air,—<i>Paddy O'Carroll</i>. + + Bad luck to this marching, + Pipe-claying, and starching, + How neat one must be to be killed by the French, + I'm sick of parading, + Through wet and cowld wading, + Or standing all night to be shot in a trench. + To the tune of a fife + They dispose of your life, + You surrender your soul to some illigant lilt; + Now, I like Garryowen, + When I hear it at home, + But it's not half so sweet when you're going to be kilt. + + Then, though up late and early, + Our pay comes so rarely, + The devil a farthing we've ever to spare; + They say some disaster + Befell the paymaster; + On my conscience, I think that the money's not there. + And just think what a blunder, + They won't let us plunder, + While the convents invite us to rob them, 'tis clear; + Though there isn't a village, + But cries, "Come and pillage," + Yet we leave all the mutton behind for Mounseer. + + Like a sailor that's nigh land, + I long for that island + Where even the kisses we steal if we please; + Where it is no disgrace + If you don't wash your face, + And you've nothing to do but to stand at your ease. + With no sergeant t'abuse us, + We fight to amuse us; + Sure, it's better bate Christians than kick a baboon. + How I'd dance like a fairy + To see ould Dunleary, + And think twice ere I'd leave it to be a dragoon! +</pre> + <p> + "There's a sweet little bit for you," said Mike, as he concluded; "thrown + off as aisy as a game at football." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Mr. Free, the captain's looking for you; he's just received + despatches from the camp, and wants his horses." + </p> + <p> + "In that case, gentlemen, I must take my leave of you; with the more + regret, too, that I was thinking of treating you to a supper this evening. + You needn't be laughing; it's in earnest I am. Coming, sir, coming!" + shouted he, in a louder tone, answering some imaginary call, as an excuse + for his exit. + </p> + <p> + When he appeared before me, an air of most business-like alacrity had + succeeded to his late appearance, and having taken my orders to get the + horses in readiness, he left me at once, and in less than half an hour we + were upon the road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + MONSOON IN TROUBLE. + </p> + <p> + As I rode along towards Fuentes d'Onoro, I could not help feeling provoked + at the absurd circumstances in which I was involved. To be made the + subject of laughter for a whole army was by no means a pleasant + consideration; but what I felt far worse was the possibility that the + mention of my name in connection with a reprimand might reach the ears of + those who knew nothing of the cause. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Free himself seemed little under the influence of similar feelings; + for when, after a silence of a couple of hours, I turned suddenly towards + him with a half-angry look, and remarked, "You see, sir, what your + confounded blundering has done," his cool reply was,— + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then! won't Mrs. M'Gra be frightened out of her life when she reads + all about the killed and wounded in your honor's report? I wonder if they + ever had the manners to send my own letter afterwards, when they found out + their mistake!" + </p> + <p> + "<i>Their</i> mistake, do you say? rather <i>yours!</i> You appear to have + a happy knack of shifting blame from your own shoulders. And do you fancy + that they've nothing else to do than to trouble their heads about your + absurd letters?" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, it's easily seen you never saw my letter, or you wouldn't be + saying that. And sure, it's not much trouble it would give Colonel Fitzroy + or any o' the staff that write a good hand just to put in a line to Mrs. + M'Gra, to prevent her feeling alarmed about that murthering paper. Well, + well; it's God's blessing! I don't think there's anybody of the name of + Mickey Free high up in the army but myself; so that the family won't be + going into mourning for me on a false alarm." + </p> + <p> + I had not patience to participate in this view of the case; so that I + continued my journey without speaking. We had jogged along for some time + after dark, when the distant twinkle of the-watch-fires announced our + approach to the camp. A detachment of the Fourteenth formed the advanced + post, and from the officer in command I learned that Power was quartered + at a small mill about half a mile distant; thither I accordingly turned my + steps, but finding that the path which led abruptly down to it was broken + and cut up in many places, I sent Mike back with the horses, and continued + my way alone on foot. + </p> + <p> + The night was deliciously calm; and as I approached the little rustic + mill, I could not help feeling struck with Power's taste in a billet. + </p> + <p> + A little vine-clad cottage, built close against a rock, nearly concealed + by the dense foliage around it, stood beside a clear rivulet whose eddying + current supplied water to the mill, and rose in a dew-like spray which + sparkled like gems in the pale moonlight. All was still within, but as I + came nearer I thought I could detect the chords of a guitar. "Can it be," + thought I, "that Master Fred has given himself up to minstrelsy; or is it + some little dress rehearsal for a serenade? But no," thought I, "that + certainly is not Power's voice." I crept stealthily down the little path, + and approached the window; the lattice lay open, and as the curtain waved + to and fro with the night air, I could see plainly all who were in the + room. + </p> + <p> + Close beside the window sat a large, dark-featured Spaniard, his hands + crossed upon his bosom and his head inclined heavily forward, the attitude + perfectly denoting deep sleep, even had not his cigar, which remained + passively between his lips, ceased to give forth its blue smoke wreath. At + a little distance from him sat a young girl, who, even by the uncertain + light, I could perceive was possessed of all that delicacy of form and + gracefulness of carriage which characterize her nation. + </p> + <p> + Her pale features—paler still from the contrast with her jet black + hair and dark costume—were lit up with an expression of animation + and enthusiasm as her fingers swept rapidly and boldly across the strings + of a guitar. + </p> + <p> + "And you're not tired of it yet?" said she, bending her head downwards + towards one whom I now for the first time perceived. + </p> + <p> + Reclining carelessly at her feet, his arm leaning upon her chair, while + his hand occasionally touched her taper fingers, lay my good friend, + Master Fred Power. An undress jacket, thrown loosely open, and a black + neck-cloth, negligently knotted, bespoke the easy <i>nonchalance</i> with + which he prosecuted his courtship. + </p> + <p> + "Do sing it again?" said he, pressing her fingers to his lips. + </p> + <p> + What she replied, I could not catch; but Fred resumed: "No, no; he never + wakes. The infernal clatter of that mill is his lullaby." + </p> + <p> + "But your friend will be here soon," said she. "Is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, poor Charley! I'd almost forgotten him. By-the-bye, you mustn't fall + in love with him. There now, do not look angry; I only meant that, as I + knew he'd be desperately smitten, you shouldn't let him fancy he got any + encouragement." + </p> + <p> + "What would you have me do?" said she, artlessly. + </p> + <p> + "I have been thinking over that, too. In the first place, you'd better + never let him hear you sing; scarcely ever smile; and as far as possible, + keep out of his sight." + </p> + <p> + "One would think, Senhor, that all these precautions were to be taken more + on my account than on his. Is he so very dangerous, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it! Good-looking enough he is, but, only a boy; at the same + time, a devilish bold one! And he'd think no more of springing through + that window and throwing his arms round your neck, the very first moment + of his arrival, than I should of whispering how much I love you." + </p> + <p> + "How very odd he must be! I'm sure I should like him." + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks to both for your kind hints; and now to take advantage of + them." So saying, I stepped lightly upon the window-sill, cleared the + miller with one spring, and before Power could recover his legs or + Margeritta her astonishment, I clasped her in my arms, and kissed her on + either cheek. + </p> + <p> + "Charley! Charley! Damn it, man, it won't do!" cried Fred; while the young + lady, evidently more amused at his discomfiture than affronted at the + liberty, threw herself into a seat, and laughed immoderately. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! Hilloa there! What is't?" shouted the miller, rousing himself from + his nap, and looking eagerly round. "Are they coming? Are the French + coming?" + </p> + <p> + A hearty renewal of his daughter's laughter was the only reply; while + Power relieved his anxiety by saying,— + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Pedrillo, not the French; a mere marauding party,—nothing + more. I say, Charley," continued he, in a lower tone, "you had better lose + no time in reporting yourself at headquarters. We'll walk up together. + Devilish awkward scrape, yours." + </p> + <p> + "Never fear, Fred; time enough for all that. For the present, if you + permit me, I'll follow up my acquaintance with our fair friend here." + </p> + <p> + "Gently, gently!" said he, with a look of most imposing seriousness. + "Don't mistake her; she's not a mere country girl: you understand?—been + bred in a convent here,—rather superior kind of thing." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, Fred, I'm not the man to interfere with you for a moment." + </p> + <p> + "Good-night, Senhor," said the old miller, who had been waiting patiently + all this time to pay his respects before going. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's it!" cried Power, eagerly. "Good-night, Pedrillo." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Buonos noches</i>," lisped out Margeritta, with a slight curtsy. + </p> + <p> + I sprang forward to acknowledge her salutation, when Power coolly + interposed between us, and closing the door after them, placed his back + against it. + </p> + <p> + "Master Charley, I must read you a lesson—" + </p> + <p> + "You inveterate hypocrite, don't attempt this nonsense with <i>me</i>. But + come, tell me how long you have been here?" + </p> + <p> + "Just twenty-four of the shortest hours I ever passed at an outpost. But + listen,—do you know that voice? Isn't it O'Shaughnessy?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure it is. Hear the fellow's song." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "My father cared little for shot or shell, + He laughed at death and dangers; + And he'd storm the very gates of hell + With a company of the 'Rangers.' + So sing tow, row, row, row, row," etc. +</pre> + <p> + "Ah, then, Mister Power, it's twice I'd think of returning your visit, if + I knew the state of your avenue. If there's a grand jury in Spain, they + might give you a presentment for this bit of road. My knees are as bare as + a commissary's conscience, and I've knocked as much flesh off my + shin-bones as would make a cornet in the hussars!" + </p> + <p> + A regular roar of laughter from both of us apprized Dennis of our + vicinity. + </p> + <p> + "And it's laughing ye are? Wouldn't it be as polite just to hold a candle + or lantern for me in this confounded watercourse?" + </p> + <p> + "How goes it, Major?" cried I, extending my hand to him through the + window. + </p> + <p> + "Charley—Charley O'Malley, my son! I'm glad to see you. It's a + hearty laugh you gave us this morning. My friend Mickey's a pleasant + fellow for a secretary-at-war. But it's all settled now; Crawfurd arranged + it for you this afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so! Pray tell me all about it." + </p> + <p> + "That's just what I won't; for ye see I don't know it; but I believe old + Monsoon's affair has put everything out of their heads." + </p> + <p> + "Monsoon's affair! What is that? Out with it, Dennis." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I'll be just as discreet about that as your own business. All I + can tell you is, that they brought him up to headquarters this evening + with a sergeant's guard, and they say he's to be tried by court-martial; + and Picton is in a blessed humor about it." + </p> + <p> + "What could it possibly have been? Some plundering affair, depend on it." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, you may swear it wasn't for his little charities, as Dr. Pangloss + calls them, they've pulled him up," cried Power. + </p> + <p> + "Maurice is in high feather about it," said Dennis. "There are five of + them up at Fuentes, making a list of the charges to send to Monsoon; for + Bob Mahon, it seems, heard of the old fellow's doings up the mountains." + </p> + <p> + "What glorious fun!" said Tower. "Let's haste and join them, boys." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed," said I. "Is it far from this?" + </p> + <p> + "Another stage. When we've got something to eat," said the major, "if + Power has any intentions that way—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I really did begin to fear Fred's memory was lapsing; but somehow, + poor fellow, smiles have been more in his way than sandwiches lately." + </p> + <p> + An admonishing look from Power was his only reply, as he walked towards + the door. Bent upon teasing him, however, I continued,— + </p> + <p> + "My only fear is, he may do something silly." + </p> + <p> + "Who? Monsoon, is it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no. Not Monsoon; another friend of ours." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I scarcely thought your fears of old Monsoon were called for. He's + a fox—the devil a less." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Dennis. I wasn't thinking of him. My anxieties were for a most + soft-hearted young gentleman,—one Fred Power." + </p> + <p> + "Charley, Charley!" said Fred, from the door, where he had been giving + directions to his servant about supper. "A man can scarce do a more silly + thing than marry in the army; all the disagreeables of married life, with + none of its better features." + </p> + <p> + "Marry—marry!" shouted O'Shaughnessy, "upon my conscience, it's + incomprehensible to me how a man can be guilty of it. To be sure, I don't + mean to say that there are not circumstances,—such as half-pay, old + age, infirmity, the loss of your limbs, and the like; but that, with good + health and a small balance at your banker's, you should be led into such + an embarrassment—" + </p> + <p> + "Men will flirt," said I, interrupting; "men will press taper fingers, + look into bright eyes, and feel their witchery; and although the fair + owners be only quizzing them half the time, and amusing themselves the + other, and though they be the veriest hackneyed coquettes—" + </p> + <p> + "Did you ever meet the Dalrymple girls, Dennis?" said Fred, with a look I + shall never forget. + </p> + <p> + What the reply was I cannot tell. My shame and confusion were + overwhelming, and Power's victory complete. + </p> + <p> + "Here comes the prog," cried Dennis, as Power's servant entered with a + very plausible-looking tray, while Fred proceeded to place before us a + strong army of decanters. + </p> + <p> + Our supper was excellent, and we were enjoying ourselves to the utmost, + when an orderly sergeant suddenly opened the door, and raising his hand to + his cap, asked if Major Power was there. + </p> + <p> + "A letter for you, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Monsoon's writing, by Jove! Come, boys, let us see what it means. What a + hand the old fellow writes! The letters look all crazy, and are tumbling + against each other on every side. Did you ever see anything half so tipsy + as the crossing of that <i>t?</i>" + </p> + <p> + "Read it. Read it out, Fred!" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Tuesday Evening. + + Dear Power,—I'm in such a scrape! Come up and see me at + once, bring a little sherry with you, and we'll talk over what's to be + done. + + Yours ever, + + B. MONSOON. + + Quarter-General. +</pre> + <p> + We resolved to finish our evening with the major; so that, each having + armed himself with a bottle or two, and the remnants of our supper, we set + out towards his quarters, under the guidance of the orderly. After a sharp + walk of half an hour, we reached a small hut, where two sentries of the + Eighty-eighth were posted at the door. + </p> + <p> + O'Shaughnessy procured admittance for us, and in we went. At a small + table, lighted by a thin tallow candle, sat old Monsoon, who, the weather + being hot, had neither coat nor wig on; an old cracked china tea-pot, in + which as we found afterwards he had mixed a little grog, stood before him, + and a large mass of papers lay scattered around on every side,—he + himself being occupied in poring over their contents, and taking + occasional draughts from his uncouth goblet. + </p> + <p> + As we entered noiselessly, he never perceived us, but continued to mumble + over, in a low tone, from the documents before him:— + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life, it's like a dream to me! What infernal stuff this brandy + is!" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARGE No. 8.—For conduct highly unbecoming an officer and + a gentleman, in forcing the cellar of the San Nicholas convent at + Banos, taking large quantities of wine therefrom, and subsequently + compelling the prior to dance a bolero, thus creating a riot, and + tending to destroy the harmony between the British and the Portuguese, + so strongly inculcated to be preserved by the general orders. +</pre> + <p> + "Destroy the harmony! Bless their hearts! How little they know of it! I've + never passed a jollier night in the Peninsula! The prior's a trump, and as + for the bolero, he <i>would</i> dance it. I hope they say nothing about my + hornpipe." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARGE No. 9.—For a gross violation of his duty as an officer, in + sending a part of his brigade to attack and pillage the alcalde of + Banos; thereby endangering the public peace of the town, being a + flagrant breach of discipline and direct violation of the articles of + war. +</pre> + <p> + "Well, I'm afraid I was rather sharp on the alcalde, but we did him no + harm except the fright. What sherry the fellow had! 't would have been a + sin to let it fall into the hands of the French." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARGE No. 10.—For threatening, on or about the night of the + 3d, to place the town of Banos under contribution, and subsequently + forcing the authorities to walk in procession before him, in absurd + and ridiculous costumes. +</pre> + <p> + "Lord, how good it was! I shall never forget the old alcalde! One of my + fellows fastened a dead lamb round his neck, and told him it was the + golden fleece. The commander-in-chief would have laughed himself if he had + been there. Picton's much too grave,—never likes a joke." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARGE No. 11.—For insubordination and disobedience, in refusing + to give up his sword, and rendering it necessary for the Portuguese + guard to take it by force,—thereby placing himself in a + situation highly degrading to a British officer. +</pre> + <p> + "Didn't I lay about me before they got it! Who's that? Who's laughing + there? Ah, boys, I'm glad to see you! How are you, Fred? Well, Charley, + I've heard of your scrape; very sad thing for so young a fellow as you + are. I don't think you'll be broke; I'll do what I can. I'll see what I + can do with Picton; we are very old friends, were at Eton together." + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks, Major; but I hear your own affairs are not flourishing. + What's all this court-martial about?" + </p> + <p> + "A mere trifle; some little insubordination in the legion. Those + Portuguese are sad dogs. How very good of you, Fred, to think of that + little supper." + </p> + <p> + While the major was speaking, his servant, with a dexterity the fruit of + long habit, had garnished the table with the contents of our baskets, and + Monsoon, apologizing for not putting on his wig, sat down among us with a + face as cheerful as though the floor was not covered with the charges of + the court-martial to be held on him. + </p> + <p> + As we chatted away over the campaign and its chances, Monsoon seemed + little disposed to recur to his own fortunes. In fact, he appeared to + suffer much more from what he termed my unlucky predicament than from his + own mishaps. At the same time, as the evening wore on, and the sherry + began to tell upon him, his heart expanded into its habitual moral + tendency, and by an easy transition, he was led from the religious + association of convents to the pleasures of pillaging them. + </p> + <p> + "What wine they have in their old cellars! It's such fun drinking it out + of great silver vessels as old as Methuselah. 'There's much treasure in + the house of the righteous,' as David says; and any one who has ever + sacked a nunnery knows that." + </p> + <p> + "I should like to have seen that prior dancing the bolero," said Power. + </p> + <p> + "Wasn't it good, though! He grew jealous of me, for I performed a + hornpipe. Very good fellow the prior; not like the alcalde,—there + was no fun in him. Lord bless him! he'll never forget me." + </p> + <p> + "What did you do with him, Major?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll tell you; but you mustn't let it be known, for I see they have + not put it in the court-martial. Is there no more sherry there? There, + that will do; I'm always contented. 'Better a dry morsel with quietness,' + as Moses says. Ay, Charley, never forget that 'a merry heart is just like + medicine.' Job found out that, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Well, but the alcalde, Major." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! the alcalde, to be sure. These pious meditations make me forget + earthly matters." + </p> + <p> + "This old alcalde at Banos, I found out, was quite spoiled by Lord + Wellington. He used to read all the general orders, and got an absurd + notion in his head that because we were his allies, we were not allowed to + plunder. Only think, he used to snap his fingers at Beresford, didn't care + twopence about the legion, and laughed outright at Wilson. So, when I was + ordered down there, I took another way with him. I waited till night-fall, + ordered two squadrons to turn their jackets, and sent forward one of my + aides-de-camp, with a few troopers, to the alcalde's house. They galloped + into the courtyard, blowing trumpets and making an infernal hubbub. Down + came the alcalde in a passion. 'Prepare quarters quickly, and rations for + eight hundred men.' + </p> + <p> + "'Who dares to issue such an order?' said he. + </p> + <p> + "The aide-de-camp whispered one word in his ear, and the old fellow grew + pale as death. 'Is he here; is he coming,—is he coming?' said he, + trembling from head to foot. + </p> + <p> + "I rode in myself at this moment looking thus,— + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Où est le malheureux?</i>' said I, in French,—you know I speak + French like Portuguese." + </p> + <p> + "Devilish like, I've no doubt," muttered Power. + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Pardon, gracias eccellenza!</i>' said the alcalde, on his knees." + </p> + <p> + "Who the deuce did he take you for, Major?" + </p> + <p> + "You shall hear; you'll never guess, though. Lord, I shall never forget + it! He thought I was Marmont; my aide-de-camp told him so." + </p> + <p> + One loud burst of laughter interrupted the major at this moment, and it + was some considerable time before he could continue his narrative. + </p> + <p> + "And do you really mean," said I, "that you personated the Duke de + Raguse?" + </p> + <p> + "Did I not, though? If you had only seen me with a pair of great + mustaches, and a drawn sabre in my hand, pacing the room up and down in + presence of the assembled authorities. Napoleon himself might have been + deceived. My first order was to cut off all their heads; but I commuted + the sentence to a heavy fine. Ah, boys, if they only understood at + headquarters how to carry on a war in the Peninsula, they'd never have to + grumble in England about increased taxation! How I'd mulet the nunneries! + How I'd grind the corporate towns! How I'd inundate the country with + exchequer bills! I'd sell the priors at so much a head, and put the nuns + up to auction by the dozen." + </p> + <p> + "You sacrilegious old villain! But continue the account of your exploits." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, I remember little more. After dinner I grew somewhat mellow, and a + kind of moral bewilderment, which usually steals over me about eleven + o'clock, induced me to invite the alcalde and all the aldermen to come and + sup. Apparently, we had a merry night of it, and when morning broke, we + were not quite clear in our intellects. Hence came that infernal + procession; for when the alcalde rode round the town with a paper cap, and + all the aldermen after him, the inhabitants felt offended, it seems, and + sent for a large Guerilla force, who captured me and my staff, after a + very vigorous resistance. The alcalde fought like a trump for us, for I + promised to make him Prefect of the Seine; but we were overpowered, + disarmed, and carried off. The remainder you can read in the + court-martial, for you may think that after sacking the town, drinking all + night, and fighting in the morning, my memory was none of the clearest." + </p> + <p> + "Did you not explain that you were not the marshal-general?" + </p> + <p> + "No, faith, I know better than that; they'd have murdered me had they + known their mistake. They brought me to headquarters in the hope of a + great reward, and it was only when they reached this that they found out I + was not the Duke de Raguse; so you see, boys, it's a very complicated + business." + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, and so it is," said Power, "and an awkward one, too." + </p> + <p> + "He'll be hanged, as sure as my name's Dennis!" vociferated O'Shaughnessy, + with an energy that made the major jump from his chair. "Picton will hang + him!" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not afraid," said Monsoon; "they know me so well. Lord bless you, + Beresford couldn't get on without me!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Major," said I, "in any case, you certainly take no gloomy nor + desponding view of your case." + </p> + <p> + "Not I, boy. You know what Jeremiah says: 'a merry heart is a continual + feast;' and so it is. I may die of repletion, but they'll never find me + starved with sorrow." + </p> + <p> + "And, faith, it's a strange thing!" muttered O'Shaughnessy, thinking + aloud; "a most extraordinary thing! An honest fellow would be sure to be + hanged; and there's that old rogue, that's been melting down more saints + and blessed Virgins than the whole army together, he'll escape. Ye'll see + he will!" + </p> + <p> + "There goes the patrol," said Fred; "we must start." + </p> + <p> + "Leave the sherry, boys; you'll be back again. I'll have it put up + carefully." + </p> + <p> + We could scarcely resist a roar of laughter as we said, "Good-night." + </p> + <p> + "Adieu, Major," said I; "we shall meet soon." + </p> + <p> + So saying, I followed Power and O'Shaughnessy towards their quarters. + </p> + <p> + "Maurice has done it beautifully!" said Power. "Pleasant revelations the + old fellow will make on the court-martial, if he only remembers what we've + heard to-night! But here we are, Charley; so good-night, and remember, you + breakfast with me to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + THE CONFIDENCE. + </p> + <p> + "I have changed the venue, Charley," said Power, as he came into my room + the following morning,—"I've changed the venue, and come to + breakfast with you." + </p> + <p> + I could not help smiling as a certain suspicion crossed my mind; + perceiving which, he quickly added,— + </p> + <p> + "No, no, boy! I guess what you're thinking of. I'm not a bit jealous in + that quarter. The fact is, you know, one cannot be too guarded." + </p> + <p> + "Nor too suspicious of one's friends, apparently." + </p> + <p> + "A truce with quizzing. I say, have you reported yourself?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and received this moment a most kind note from the general. But it + appears I'm not destined to have a long sojourn among you, for I'm desired + to hold myself in readiness for a journey this very day." + </p> + <p> + "Where the deuce are they going to send you now?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not certain of my destination. I rather suspect there are despatches + for Badajos. Just tell Mike to get breakfast, and I'll join you + immediately." + </p> + <p> + When I walked into the little room which served as my <i>salon</i>, I + found Power pacing up and down, apparently wrapped in meditation. + </p> + <p> + "I've been thinking, Charley," said he, after a pause of about ten + minutes,—"I've been thinking over our adventures in Lisbon. Devilish + strange girl that senhora! When you resigned in my favor, I took it for + granted that all difficulty was removed. Confound it! I no sooner began to + profit by your absence, in pressing my suit, than she turned short round, + treated me with marked coldness, exhibited a hundred wilful and capricious + fancies, and concluded one day by quietly confessing to me you were the + only man she cared for." + </p> + <p> + "You are not serious in all this, Fred?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Ain't I though, by Jove! I wish to Heaven I were not! My dear Charley, + the girl is an inveterate flirt,—a decided coquette. Whether she has + a particle of heart or not, I can't say; but certainly her greatest + pleasure is to trifle with that of another. Some absurd suspicion that you + were in love with Lucy Dashwood piqued her vanity, and the anxiety to + recover a lapsing allegiance led her to suppose herself attached to you, + and made her treat all my advances with the most frigid indifference or + wayward caprice; the more provoking," continued he, with a kind of + bitterness in his tone, "as her father was disposed to take the thing + favorably; and, if I must say it, I felt devilish spooney about her + myself. + </p> + <p> + "It was only two days before I left, that in a conversation with Don + Emanuel, he consented to receive my addresses to his daughter on my + becoming lieutenant-colonel. I hastened back with delight to bring her the + intelligence, and found her with a lock of hair on the book before her, + over which she was weeping. Confound me, if it was not yours! I don't know + what I said, nor what she replied; but when we parted, it was with a + perfect understanding we were never to meet again. Strange girl! She came + that evening, put her arm within mine as I was walking alone in the + garden, and half in jest, half in earnest, talked me out of all my + suspicions, and left me fifty times more in love with her than ever. Egad! + I thought I used to know something about women, but here is a chapter I've + yet to read. Come, now, Charley, be frank with me; tell me all you know." + </p> + <p> + "My poor Fred, if you were not head and ears in love, you would see as + plainly as I do that your affairs prosper. And after all, how invariable + is it that the man who has been the veriest flirt with women,—sighing, + serenading, sonneteering, flinging himself at the feet of every pretty + girl he meets with,—should become the most thorough dupe to his own + feelings when his heart is really touched. Your man of eight-and-thirty is + always the greatest fool about women." + </p> + <p> + "Confound your impertinence! How the devil can a fellow with a mustache + not stronger that a Circassian's eyebrow read such a lecture to <i>me?</i>" + </p> + <p> + "Just for the very reason you've mentioned. You <i>glide</i> into an + attachment at <i>my</i> time of life; you <i>fall</i> in love at <i>yours</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Power, musingly, "there is some truth in that. This flirting + is sad work. It is just like sparring with a friend; you put on the gloves + in perfect good humor, with the most friendly intentions of exchanging a + few amicable blows; you find yourself insensibly warm with the enthusiasm + of the conflict, and some unlucky hard knock decides the matter, and it + ends in a downright fight. + </p> + <p> + "Few men, believe me, are regular seducers; and among those who behave + 'vilely' (as they call it), three-fourths of the number have been more + sinned against than sinning. You adventure upon love as upon a voyage to + India. Leaving the cold northern latitudes of first acquaintance behind + you, you gradually glide into the warmer and more genial climate of + intimacy. Each day you travel southward shortens the miles and the hours + of your existence; so tranquil is the passage, and so easy the transition, + you suffer no shock by the change of temperature about you. Happy were it + for us that in our courtship, as in our voyage, there were some certain + Rubicon to remind us of the miles we have journeyed! Well were it if there + were some meridian in love!" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not sure, Fred, that there is not that same shaving process they + practise on the line, occasionally performed for us by parents and + guardians at home; and I'm not certain that the iron hoop of old Neptune + is not a pleasanter acquaintance than the hair-trigger of some indignant + and fire-eating brother. But come, Fred, you have not told me the most + important point,—how fare your fortunes now; or in other words, what + are your present prospects as regards the senhora?" + </p> + <p> + "What a question to ask me! Why not request me to tell you where Soult + will fight us next, and when Marmont will cross the frontier? My dear boy, + I have not seen her for a week, an entire week,—seven full days and + nights, each with their twenty-four hours of change and vacillation." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, give me the last bulletin from the seat of war; that at least + you can do. Tell me how you parted." + </p> + <p> + "Strangely enough. You must know we had a grand dinner at the villa the + day before I left; and when we adjourned for our coffee to the garden, my + spirits were at the top of their bent. Inez never looked so beautiful, + never was one half so gracious; and as she leaned upon my arm, instead of + following the others towards the little summer-house, I turned, as if + inadvertently, into a narrow, dark alley that skirts the lake." + </p> + <p> + "I know it well; continue." + </p> + <p> + Power reddened slightly, and went on:— + </p> + <p> + "'Why are we taking this path?' said Donna Inez; 'this is, surely, not a + short way?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, I wished to make my adieux to my old friends the swans. You know I + go to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, that's true,' added she. 'I'd quite forgotten it.' + </p> + <p> + "This speech was not very encouraging; but as I felt myself in for the + battle, I was not going to retreat at the skirmish. 'Now or never,' + thought I. I'll not tell you what I said. I couldn't, if I would. It is + only with a pretty woman upon one's arm; it is only when stealing a glance + at her bright eyes, as you bend beyond the border of her bonnet,—that + you know what it is to be eloquent. Watching the changeful color of her + cheek with a more anxious heart than ever did mariner gaze upon the fitful + sky above him, you pour out your whole soul in love; you leave no time for + doubt, you leave no space for reply. The difficulties that shoot across + her mind you reply to ere she is well conscious of them; and when you feel + her hand tremble, or see her eyelids fall, like the leader of a storming + party when the guns slacken in their fire, you spring boldly forward in + the breach, and blind to every danger around you, rush madly on, and plant + your standard upon the walls." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you allow the vanquished the honors of war," said I, interrupting. + </p> + <p> + Without noticing my observation, he continued:— + </p> + <p> + "I was on my knee before her, her hand passively resting in mine, her eyes + bent <i>upon</i> me softly and tearfully—" + </p> + <p> + "The game was your own, in fact." + </p> + <p> + "You shall hear. + </p> + <p> + "'Have we stood long enough thus, Senhor?' said she, bursting into a fit + of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "I sprang to my legs in anger and indignation. + </p> + <p> + "'There, don't be passionate; it is so tiresome. What do you call that + tree there?' + </p> + <p> + "'It is a tulip-tree,' said I, coldly. + </p> + <p> + "'Then, to put your gallantry to the test, do climb up there and pluck me + that flower. No, the far one. If you fall into the lake and are drowned, + why it would put an end to this foolish interview.' + </p> + <p> + "'And if not?' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, then I shall take twelve hours to consider of it; and if my decision + be in your favor, I'll give you the flower ere you leave to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + "It's somewhat about thirty years since I went bird-nesting, and hang me, + if a tight jacket and spurs are the best equipment for climbing a tree; + but up I went, and, amidst a running fire of laughter and quizzing, + reached the branch and brought it down safely. + </p> + <p> + "Inez took especial care to avoid me the rest of the evening. We did not + meet until breakfast the following morning. I perceived then that she wore + the flower in her belt; but, alas! I knew her too well to augur favorably + from that; besides that, instead of any trace of sorrow or depression at + my approaching departure, she was in high spirits, and the life of the + party. 'How can I manage to speak with her?' said I to myself. 'But one + word,—I already anticipate what it must be; but let the blow fall—anything + is better than this uncertainty.' + </p> + <p> + "'The general and the staff have passed the gate, sir,' said my servant at + this moment. + </p> + <p> + "'Are my horses ready?' + </p> + <p> + "'At the door, sir; and the baggage gone forward.' + </p> + <p> + "I gave Inez one look— + </p> + <p> + "'Did you say more coffee?' said she, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "I bowed coldly, and rose from the table. They all assembled upon the + terrace to see me ride away. + </p> + <p> + "'You'll let us hear from you,' said Don Emanuel. + </p> + <p> + "'And pray don't forget the letter to my brother,' cried old Madame + Forjas. + </p> + <p> + "Twenty similar injunctions burst from the party, but not a word said + Inez. + </p> + <p> + "'Adieu, then!' said I. 'Farewell.' + </p> + <p> + "'Adios! Go with God!' chorused the party. + </p> + <p> + "'Good-by, Senhora,' said I. 'Have <i>you</i> nothing to tell me ere we + part?' + </p> + <p> + "'Not that I remember,' said she, carelessly. 'I hope you'll have good + weather.' + </p> + <p> + "'There is a storm threatening,' said I, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, a soldier cares little for a wet jacket.' + </p> + <p> + "'Adieu!' said I, sharply, darting at her a look that spoke my meaning. + </p> + <p> + "'Farewell!' repeated she, curtsying slightly, and giving one of her + sweetest smiles. + </p> + <p> + "I drove the spurs into my horse's flanks, but holding him firmly on the + curb at the same moment, instead of dashing forward, he bounded madly in + the air. + </p> + <p> + "'What a pretty creature!' said she, as she turned towards the house; then + stopping carelessly, she looked round,— + </p> + <p> + "'Should you like this bouquet?' + </p> + <p> + "Before I could reply, she disengaged it from her belt, and threw it + towards me. The door closed behind her as she spoke. I galloped on to + overtake the staff, <i>et voilà tout</i>. Now, Charley, read my fate for + me, and tell me what this portends." + </p> + <p> + "I confess I only see one thing certain in the whole." + </p> + <p> + "And that is?" said Power. + </p> + <p> + "That Master Fred Power is more irretrievably in love than any gentleman + on full pay I ever met with." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, I half fear as much! Is that orderly waiting for you, Charley? + Who do you want my man?" + </p> + <p> + "Captain O'Malley, sir. General Crawfurd desires to see you at + headquarters immediately." + </p> + <p> + "Come, Charley, I'm going towards Fuentes. Take your cap; we'll walk down + together." + </p> + <p> + So saying, we cantered towards the village, where we separated,—Power + to join some Fourteenth men stationed there on duty, and I to the + general's quarters to receive my orders. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> + <p> + THE CANTONMENT. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this the army broke up from Caja, and went into cantonments + along the Tagus, the headquarters being at Portalegre. We were here joined + by four regiments of infantry lately arrived from England, and the 12th + Light Dragoons. I shall not readily forget the first impression created + among our reinforcements by the habits of our life at this period. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0247.jpg" alt="A Hunting Turn-out in the Peninsula. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + Brimful of expectation, they had landed at Lisbon, their minds filled with + all the glorious expectancy of a brilliant campaign; sieges, storming, and + battle-fields floated before their excited imagination. Scarcely, however, + had they reached the camp, when these illusions were dissipated. + Breakfasts, dinners, private theatricals, pigeon matches, formed our daily + occupation. Lord Wellington's hounds threw off regularly twice a week; and + here might be seen every imaginable species of equipment, from the + artillery officer mounted on his heavy troop horse, to the infantry + subaltern on a Spanish jennet. Never was anything more ludicrous than our + turn-out. Every quadruped in the army was put into requisition. And even + those who rolled not from their saddles from sheer necessity, were most + likely to do so from laughing at their neighbors. The pace may not have + equalled Melton, nor the fences have been as stubborn as in + Leicestershire, but I'll be sworn there was more laughter, more fun, and + more merriment, in one day with us, than in a whole season with the best + organized pack in England. With a lively trust that the country was open + and the leaps easy, every man took the field. Indeed, the only anxiety + evinced at all, was to appear at the meet in something like jockey + fashion, and I must confess that this feeling was particularly conspicuous + among the infantry. Happy the man whose kit boasted a pair of cords or + buck skins; thrice happy he who sported a pair of tops. I myself was in + that enviable position, and well remember with what pride of heart I + cantered up to cover in all the superior <i>éclat</i> of my costume, + though, if truth were to be spoken, I doubt if I should have passed muster + among my friends of the "Blazers." A round cavalry jacket and a foraging + cap with a hanging tassel were the strange accompaniments of my more + befitting nether garments. Whatever our costumes, the scene was a most + animated one. Here the shell-jacket of a heavy dragoon was seen storming + the fence of a vineyard; there the dark green of a rifleman was going the + pace over the plain. The unsportsmanlike figure of a staff officer might + be observed emerging from a drain, while some neck-or-nothing Irishman, + with light infantry wings, was flying at every fence before him, and + overturning all in his way. The rules and regulations of the service + prevailed not here; the starred and gartered general, the plumed and + aiguilletted colonel obtained but little deference and less mercy from his + more humble subaltern. In fact, I am half disposed to think that many an + old grudge of rigid discipline or severe duty met with its retribution + here. More than once have I heard the muttered sentences around me which + boded like this,— + </p> + <p> + "Go the pace, Harry, never flinch it! There's old Colquhoun—take him + in the haunches; roll him over!" + </p> + <p> + "See here, boys—watch how I'll scatter the staff—Beg your + pardon, General, hope I haven't hurt you. Turn about—fair play—I + have taught <i>you</i> to take up a position now." + </p> + <p> + I need scarcely say there was one whose person was sacred from all such + attacks. He was well mounted upon a strong, half-breed horse; rode always + foremost, following the hounds with the same steady pertinacity with which + he would have followed the enemy, his compressed lip rarely opening for a + laugh when even the most ludicrous misadventure was enacting before him; + and when by chance he would give way, the short ha! ha! was over in a + moment, and the cold, stern features were as fixed and impassive as + before. + </p> + <p> + All the excitement, all the enthusiasm of a hunting-field, seemed + powerless to turn his mind from the pre-occupation which the mighty + interests he presided over, exacted. I remember once an incident which, + however trivial in itself, is worth recording as illustrative of what I + mean. We were going along at a topping pace, the hounds, a few fields in + advance, were hidden from our view by a small beech copse. The party + consisted of not more than six persons, one of whom was Lord Wellington + himself. Our run had been a splendid one, and as we were pursuing the fox + to earth, every man of us pushed his horse to his full stride in the hot + enthusiasm of such a moment. + </p> + <p> + "This way, my lord, this way," said Colonel Conyers, an old Melton man, + who led the way. "The hounds are in the valley; keep to the left." As no + reply was made, after a few moments' pause Conyers repeated his + admonition, "You are wrong, my lord, the hounds are hunting yonder." + </p> + <p> + "I know it!" was the brief answer given, with a shortness that almost + savored of asperity; for a second or two not a word was spoken. + </p> + <p> + "How far is Niza, Gordon?" inquired Lord Wellington. + </p> + <p> + "About five leagues, my lord," replied the astonished aide-de-camp. + </p> + <p> + "That's the direction, is it not?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my lord." + </p> + <p> + "Let's go over and inspect the wounded." + </p> + <p> + No more was said, and before a second was given for consideration, away + went his lordship, followed by his aide-de-camp, his pace the same + stretching gallop, and apparently feeling as much excitement, as he dashed + onwards towards the hospital, as though following in all the headlong + enthusiasm of a fox chase. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed our summer; a life of happy ease and recreation succeeding to + the harassing fatigues and severe privations of the preceding campaign. + Such are the lights and shadows of a soldier's life; such the checkered + surface of his fortunes. Constituting, by their very change, that buoyant + temperament, that happy indifference, which enables him to derive its full + enjoyment from each passing incident of his career. + </p> + <p> + While thus we indulged in all the fascinations of a life of pleasure, the + rigid discipline of the army was never for a moment forgotten. Reviews, + parades, and inspections were of daily occurrence, and even a superficial + observer could not fail to detect that under this apparent devotion to + amusement and enjoyment, our commander-in-chief concealed a deep stroke of + his policy. + </p> + <p> + The spirits of both men and officers, broken, in spite of their successes, + by the incessant privations they had endured, imperatively demanded this + period of rest and repose. The infantry, many of whom had served in the + ill-fated campaign of Walcharen, wore still suffering from the effects of + the intermittent fever. The cavalry, from deficient forage, severe + marches, and unremitting service, were in great part unfit for duty. To + take the field under circumstances like these was therefore impossible; + and with the double object of restoring their wonted spirit to his troops, + and checking the ravages which sickness and the casualties of war had made + within his ranks, Lord Wellington embraced the opportunity of the enemy's + inaction to take up his present position on the Tagus. + </p> + <p> + But while we were enjoying all the pleasures of a country life, enhanced + tenfold by daily association with gay and cheerful companions, the + master-mind, whose reach extended from the profoundest calculations of + strategy to minutest details of military organization, was never idle. + Foreseeing that a period of inaction, like the present, must only be like + the solemn calm that preludes the storm, he prepared for the future by + those bold conceptions and unrivalled combinations which were to guide him + through many a field of battle and of danger to end his career of glory in + the liberation of the Peninsula. + </p> + <p> + The failure of the attack upon Badajos had neither damped his ardor nor + changed his views; and he proceeded to the investment of Ciudad Rodrigo + with the same intense determination of uprooting the French occupation in + Spain by destroying their strongholds and cutting off their resources. + Carrying aggressive war in one hand, he turned the other towards the + maintenance of those defences which, in the event of disaster or defeat, + must prove the refuge of the army. + </p> + <p> + To the lines of Torres Vedras he once more directed his attention. + Engineer officers were despatched thither; the fortresses were put into + repair; the bridges broken or injured during the French invasion were + restored; the batteries upon the Tagus were rendered more effective, and + furnaces for heating shot were added to them. + </p> + <p> + The inactivity and apathy of the Portuguese government but ill + corresponded with his unwearied exertions; and despite of continual + remonstrances and unceasing representations, the bridges over the Leira + and Alva were left unrepaired, and the roads leading to them, so broken as + to be almost impassable, might seriously have endangered the retreat of + the army, should such a movement be deemed necessary. + </p> + <p> + It was in the first week of September. I was sent with despatches for the + engineer officer in command at the lines, and during the fortnight of my + absence, was enabled for the first time to examine those extraordinary + defences which, for the space of thirty miles, extended over a country + undulating in hill and valley, and presenting, by a succession of natural + and artificial resources, the strongest and most impregnable barrier that + has ever been presented against the advance of a conquering army. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + MICKEY FREE'S ADVENTURE. + </p> + <p> + When I returned to the camp, I found the greatest excitement prevailing on + all sides. Each day brought in fresh rumors that Marmont was advancing in + force; that sixty thousand Frenchmen were in full march upon Ciudad + Rodrigo, to raise the blockade, and renew the invasion of Portugal. + Intercepted letters corroborated these reports; and the Guerillas who + joined us spoke of large convoys which they had seen upon the roads from + Salamanca and Tamanes. + </p> + <p> + Except the light division, which, under the command of Crawfurd, were + posted upon the right of the Aguada, the whole of our army occupied the + country from El Bodon to Gallegos; the Fourth Division being stationed at + Fuente Guenaldo, where some intrenchments had been hastily thrown up. + </p> + <p> + To this position Lord Wellington resolved upon retreating, as affording + points of greater strength and more capability of defence than the other + line of road, which led by Almeida upon the Coa. Of the enemy's intentions + we were not long to remain in doubt; for on the morning of the 24th, a + strong body were seen descending from the pass above Ciudad Rodrigo, and + cautiously reconnoitring the banks of the Aguada. Far in the distance a + countless train of wagons, bullock-cars, and loaded mules were seen + winding their slow length along, accompanied by several squadrons of + dragoons. + </p> + <p> + Their progress was slow, but as evening fell they entered the gates of the + fortress; and the cheering of the garrison mixing with the strains of + martial music, faint from distance, reached us where we lay upon the + far-off heights of El Bodon. So long as the light lasted, we could + perceive fresh troops arriving; and even when the darkness came on, we + could detect the position of the reinforcing columns by the bright + watch-fires which gleamed along the plain. + </p> + <p> + By daybreak we were under arms, anxiously watching for the intentions of + our enemy, which soon became no longer dubious. Twenty-five squadrons of + cavalry, supported by a whole division of infantry, were seen to defile + along the great road from Ciudad Rodrigo to Guenaldo. Another column, + equally numerous, marched straight upon Espeja; nothing could be more + beautiful, nothing more martial, than their appearance: emerging from a + close mountain gorge, they wound along the narrow road and appeared upon + the bridge of the Aguada just as the morning sun was bursting forth, its + bright beams tipping the polished cuirassiers and their glittering + equipments, they shone in their panoply like the gay troop of some ancient + tournament. The lancers of Berg, distinguished by their scarlet dolmans + and gorgeous trappings, were followed by the Cuirassiers of the Guard, who + again were succeeded by the <i>chasseurs à cheval</i>, their bright steel + helmets and light-blue uniforms, their floating plumes and dappled + chargers, looking the very <i>beau idéal</i> of light horsemen; behind, + the dark masses of the infantry pressed forward and deployed into the + plain; while, bringing up the rear, the rolling din, like distant thunder, + announced the "dread artillery." + </p> + <p> + On they came, the seemingly interminable line converging on to that one + spot upon whose summit now we assembled a force of scarcely ten thousand + bayonets. + </p> + <p> + While this brilliant panorama was passing before our eyes, we ourselves + were not idle. Orders had been sent to Picton to come up from the left + with his division. Alten's cavalry and a brigade of artillery were sent to + the front, and every preparation which the nature of the ground admitted + was made to resist the advance of the enemy. While these movements on + either side occupied some hours, the scene was every moment increasing in + interest. The large body of cavalry was now seen forming into columns of + attack. Nine battalions of infantry moved up to their support, and forming + into columns, echelons, and squares, performed before us all the + manoeuvres of a review with the most admirable precision and rapidity; but + from these our attention was soon taken by a brilliant display upon our + left. Here, emerging from the wood which flanked the Aguada, were now to + be seen the gorgeous staff of Marmont himself. Advancing at a walk, they + came forward amidst the <i>vivas</i> of the assembled thousands, burning + with ardor and thirsting for victory. For a moment, as I looked, I could + detect the marshal himself, as, holding his plumed hat above his head, he + returned the salute of a lancer regiment, who proudly waved their banners + as he passed; but, hark, what are those clanging sounds which, rising high + above the rest, seem like the war-cry of a warrior? + </p> + <p> + "I can't mistake those tones," said a bronzed old veteran beside me; + "those are the brass bands of the Imperial Guard. Can Napoleon be there? + See, there they come!" As he spoke, the head of a column emerged from the + wood, and deploying as they came, poured into the plain. For above an hour + that mighty tide flowed on, and before noon a force of sixty thousand men + was collected in the space beneath us. + </p> + <p> + I was not long to remain an unoccupied spectator of this brilliant + display, for I soon received orders to move down with my squadron to the + support of the Eleventh Light Dragoons, who were posted at the base of the + hill. The order at the moment was anything but agreeable, for I was + mounted upon a hack pony, on which I had ridden over from Crawfurd's + Division early in the morning, and suspecting that there might be some hot + work during the day, had ordered Mike to follow with my horse. There was + no time, however, for hesitation, and I moved my men down the slope in the + direction of the skirmishers. + </p> + <p> + The position we occupied was singularly favorable,—our flanks + defended on either side by brushwood, we could only be assailed in front; + and here, notwithstanding our vast inferiority of force, we steadily + awaited the attack. As I rode from out the thick wood, I could not help + feeling surprised at the sounds which greeted me. Instead of the usual low + and murmuring tones, the muttered sentences which precede a cavalry + advance,—a roar of laughter shook the entire division, while + exclamations burst from every side around me: "Look at him now!" "They + have him, by heavens, they have him!" "Well done, well done!" "How the + fellow rides!" "He's hit, he's hit!" "No, no!" "Is he down?" "He's down!" + </p> + <p> + A loud cheer rent the air at this moment, and I reached the front in time + to learn, the reason of all this excitement. In the wide plain before me a + horseman was seen, having passed the ford of the Aguada, to advance at the + top of his speed towards the British lines. As he came nearer, it was + perceived that he was accompanied by a led horse, and apparently with + total disregard of the presence of an enemy, rode boldly and carelessly + forward. Behind him rode three lancers, their lances couched, their horses + at speed; the pace was tremendous, and the excitement intense: for + sometimes, as the leading horseman of the pursuit neared the fugitive, he + would bend suddenly upon the saddle, and swerving to the right or the + left, totally evade him, while again at others, with a loud cry of bold + defiance, rising in his stirrups, he would press on, and with a shake of + his bridle that bespoke the jockey, almost distance the enemy. + </p> + <p> + "That must be your fellow, O'Malley; that must be your Irish groom!" cried + a brother officer. There could be no doubt of it. It was Mike himself. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be hanged, if he's not playing with them!" said Baker. "Look at the + villain! He's holding in; that's more than the Frenchmen are doing. Look! + look at the fellow on the gray horse! He has flung his trumpet to his + back, and drawn his sabre." + </p> + <p> + A loud cheer burst from the French lines; the trumpeter was gaining at + every stride. Mike had got into deep ground, and the horses would not keep + together. "Let the brown horse go! Let him go, man!" shouted the dragoons, + while I re-echoed the cry with my utmost might. But not so, Mike held + firmly on, and spurring madly, he lifted his horse at each stride, turning + from time to time a glance at his pursuer. A shout of triumph rose from + the French side; tin; trumpeter was beside him; his arm was uplifted; the + sabre above his head. A yell broke from the British, and with difficulty + could the squadron be restrained. For above a minute the horses went side + by side, but the Frenchman delayed his stroke until he could get a little + in the front. My excitement had rendered me speechless; if a word could + have saved my poor fellow, I could not have spoken. A mist seemed to + gather across my eyes, and the whole plain and its peopled thousands + danced before my vision. + </p> + <p> + "He's down!" "He's down, by heavens!" "No! no, no!" "Look there! Nobly + done!" "Gallant fellow!" "He has him! he has him, by ——!" A + cheer that rent the very air above us broke from the squadrons, and Mike + galloped in among us, holding the Frenchman by the throat with one hand; + the bridle of his horse he firmly grasped with his own in the other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0255.jpg" alt="Mike Capturing the Trumpeter. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + "How was it? How did he do it?" + </p> + <p> + "He broke his sword-arm with a blow, and the Frenchman's sabre fell to the + earth." + </p> + <p> + "Here he is, Mister Charles; and musha, but it's trouble he gave me to + catch him! And I hope your honor won't be displeased at me losing the + brown horse. I was obliged to let him go when the thief closed on me; but + sure, there he is! May I never, if he's not galloping into the lines by + himself!" As he spoke, my brown charger came cantering up to the + squadrons, and took his place in the line with the rest. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely time to mount my horse, amidst a buzz of congratulations, + when our squadron was ordered to the front. Mixed up with detachments from + the Eleventh and Sixteenth, we continued to resist the enemy for about two + hours. + </p> + <p> + Our charges were quick, sharp, and successive, pouring in our numbers + wherever the enemy appeared for a moment to be broken, and then retreating + under cover of our infantry when the opposing cavalry came down upon us in + overwhelming numbers. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more perfect than the manner in which the different + troops relieved each other during this part of the day. When the French + squadrons advanced, ours met them as boldly. When the ground became no + longer tenable, we broke and fell back, and the bayonets of the infantry + arrested their progress. If the cavalry pressed heavily upon the squares, + ours came up to the relief, and as they were beaten back, the artillery + opened upon them with an avalanche of grape-shot. + </p> + <p> + I have seen many battles of greater duration and more important in result; + many there have been in which more tactic was displayed, and greater + combinations called forth,—but never did I witness a more desperate + hand-to-hand conflict than on the heights of El Bodon. + </p> + <p> + Baffled by our resistance, Montbrun advanced with the Cuirassiers of the + Guard. Riding down our advanced squadrons, they poured upon us like some + mighty river, overwhelming all before it, and charged, cheering, up the + heights. Our brave troopers were thrown back upon the artillery, and many + of them cut down beside the guns. The artillerymen and the drivers shared + the same fate, and the cannon were captured. A cheer of exultation burst + from the French, and their <i>vivas</i> rent the air. Their exultation was + short-lived, and that cheer their death-cry; for the Fifth Foot, who had + hitherto lain concealed in the grass, sprang madly to their feet, their + gallant Major Ridge at their head. With a yell of vengeance they rushed + upon the foe; the glistening bayonets glanced amidst the cavalry of the + French; the troops pressed hotly home; and while the cuirassiers were + driven down the hill, the guns were recaptured, limbered up, and brought + away. This brilliant charge was the first recorded instance of cavalry + being assailed by infantry in line. + </p> + <p> + But the hill could no longer be held; the French were advancing on either + flank; overwhelming numbers pressed upon the front, and retreat was + unavoidable. The cavalry were ordered to the rear, and Picton's Division, + throwing themselves into squares, covered the retreating movement. + </p> + <p> + The French dragoons bore down upon every face of those devoted battalions; + the shouts of triumph cheered them as the earth trembled beneath their + charge,—but the British infantry, reserving their fire until the + sabres clanked with the bayonet, poured in a shattering volley, and the + cry of the wounded and the groans of the dying rose from the smoke around + them. + </p> + <p> + Again and again the French came on; and the same fate ever awaited then. + The only movement in the British squares was closing up the spaces as + their comrades fell or sank wounded to the earth. + </p> + <p> + At last reinforcements came up from the left; the whole retreated across + the plain, until as they approached Guenaldo, our cavalry, having + re-formed, came to their aid with one crushing charge, which closed the + day. + </p> + <p> + That same night Lord Wellington fell back, and concentrating his troops + within a narrow loop of land bounded on either flank by the Coa, awaited + the arrival of the light division, which joined us at three in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + The following day Marmont again made a demonstration of his force, but no + attack followed. The position was too formidable to be easily assailed, + and the experience of the preceding day had taught him that, however + inferior in numbers, the troops he was opposed to were as valiant as they + were ably commanded. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this, Marmont retired on the valley of the Tagus. Dorsenne also + fell back, and for the present at least, no further effort was made to + prosecute the invasion of Portugal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. + </h2> + <p> + THE SAN PETRO. + </p> + <p> + "Not badly wounded, O'Malley, I hope?" said General Crawfurd, as I waited + upon him soon after the action. + </p> + <p> + I could not help starting at the question, while he repeated it, pointing + at the same time to my left shoulder, from which a stream of blood was now + flowing down my coat-sleeve. + </p> + <p> + "I never noticed it, sir, till this moment. It can't be of much + consequence, for I have been on horseback the entire day, and never felt + it." + </p> + <p> + "Look to it at once, boy; a man wants all his blood for this campaign. Go + to your quarters. I shall not need you for the present; so pray see the + doctor at once." + </p> + <p> + As I left the general's quarters, I began to feel sensible of pain, and + before a quarter of an hour had elapsed, had quite convinced myself that + my wound was a severe one. The hand and arm were swollen, heavy, and + distended with hemorrhage beneath the skin, my thirst became great, and a + cold, shuddering sensation passed over me from time to time. + </p> + <p> + I sat down for a moment upon the grass, and was just reflecting within + myself what course I should pursue, when I heard the tramp of feet + approaching. I looked up, and perceived some soldiers in fatigue dresses, + followed by a few others who, from their noiseless gestures and sad + countenances, I guessed were carrying some wounded comrade to the rear. + </p> + <p> + "Who is it, boys?" cried I. + </p> + <p> + "It's the major, sir, the Lord be good to him!" said a hardy-looking + Eighty-eighth man, wiping his eye with the cuff of his coat as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Not your major? Not Major O'Shaughnessy?" said I, jumping up and rushing + forward towards the litter. Alas, too true, it was the gallant fellow + himself! There he lay, pale and cold; his bloodless cheek and parted lips + looking like death itself. A thin blue rivulet trickled from his forehead, + but his most serious wound appeared to be in the side; his coat was open, + and showed a mass of congealed and clotted blood, from the midst of which, + with every motion of the way, a fresh stream kept welling upward. Whether + from the shock or my loss of blood or from both together, I know not, but + I sank fainting to the ground. + </p> + <p> + It would have needed a clearer brain and a cooler judgment than I + possessed to have conjectured where I was, and what had occurred to me, + when next I recovered my senses. Weak, fevered, and with a burning thirst, + I lay, unable to move, and could merely perceive the objects which lay + within the immediate reach of my vision. The place was cold, calm, and + still as the grave. A lamp, which hung high above my head, threw a faint + light around, and showed me, within a niche of the opposite wall, the + figure of a gorgeously dressed female; she appeared to be standing + motionless, but as the pale light flickered upon her features, I thought I + could detect the semblance of a smile. The splendor of her costume and the + glittering gems which shone upon her spotless robe gleamed through the + darkness with an almost supernatural brilliancy, and so beautiful did she + look, so calm her pale features, that as I opened and shut my eyes and + rubbed my lids, I scarcely dared to trust to my erring senses, and believe + it could be real. What could it mean? Whence this silence; this cold sense + of awe and reverence? Was it a dream; was it the fitful vision of a + disordered intellect? Could it be death? My eyes were riveted upon that + beautiful figure. I essayed to speak, but could not; I would have beckoned + her towards me, but my hands refused their office. I felt I know not what + charm she possessed to calm my throbbing brain and burning heart; but as I + turned from the gloom and darkness around to gaze upon her fair brow and + unmoved features, I felt like the prisoner who turns from the cheerless + desolation of his cell, and looks upon the fair world and the smiling + valleys lying sunlit and shadowed before him. + </p> + <p> + Sleep at length came over me; and when I awoke, the day seemed breaking, + for a faint gray tint stole through a stained-glass window, and fell in + many colored patches upon the pavement. A low muttering sound attracted + me; I listened, it was Mike's voice. With difficulty raising myself upon + one arm, I endeavored to see more around me. Scarcely had I assumed this + position, when my eyes once more fell upon the white-clad figure of the + preceding night. At her feet knelt Mike, his hands clasped, and his head + bowed upon his bosom. Shall I confess my surprise, my disappointment! It + was no other than an image of the blessed Virgin, decked out in all the + gorgeous splendor which Catholic piety bestows upon her saints. The + features, which the imperfect light and my more imperfect faculties had + endowed with an expression of calm, angelic beauty, were, to my waking + senses, but the cold and barren mockery of loveliness; the eyes, which my + excited brain gifted with looks of tenderness and pity, stared with no + speculation in them; yet contrasting my feelings of the night before, full + as they were of, their deceptions, with my now waking thoughts, I longed + once more for that delusion which threw a dreamy pleasure over me, and + subdued the stormy passions of my soul into rest and repose. + </p> + <p> + "Who knows," thought I, "but he who kneels yonder feels now as I did then? + Who can tell how little the cold, unmeaning reality before him resembles + the spiritualized creation the fervor of his love and the ardor of his + devotion may have placed upon that altar? Who can limit or bound the depth + of that adoration for an object whose attributes appeal not only to every + sentiment of the heart, but also to every sense of the brain? I fancy that + I can picture to myself how these tinselled relics, these tasteless + waxworks, changed by the magic of devotion and of dread, become to the + humble worshipper images of loveliness and beauty. The dim religious + light; the reverberating footsteps echoed along those solemn aisles; the + vaulted arches, into whose misty heights the sacred incense floats upward, + while the deep organ is pealing its notes of praise or prayer,—these + are no slight accessories to all the pomp and grandeur of a church whose + forms and ceremonial, unchanged for ages and hallowed by a thousand + associations, appeal to the mind of the humblest peasant or the proudest + noble by all the weaknesses as by all the more favored features of our + nature." + </p> + <p> + How long I might have continued to meditate in this strain I know not, + when a muttered observation from Mike turned the whole current of my + thoughts. His devotion over, he had seated himself upon the steps of the + altar, and appeared to be resolving some doubts within himself concerning + his late pious duties. + </p> + <p> + "Masses is dearer here than in Galway. Father Rush would be well pleased + at two-and-sixpence for what I paid three doubloons for, this morning. And + sure it's droll enough. How expensive an amusement it is to kill the + French! Here's half a dollar I gave for the soul of a cuirassier that I + kilt yesterday, and nearly twice as much for an artilleryman I cut down at + the guns; and because the villain swore like a heythen, Father Pedro told + me he'd cost more nor if he died like a decent man." + </p> + <p> + At these words he turned suddenly round towards the Virgin, and crossing + himself devoutly, added,— + </p> + <p> + And sure it's yourself knows if it's fair to make me pay for devils that + don't know their duties; and after all, if you don't understand English + nor Irish, I've been wasting my time here this two hours." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Mike, how's my friend the major! How's Major O'Shaughnessy?" + </p> + <p> + "Charmingly, sir. It was only loss of blood that ailed him. A thief with a + pike—one of the chaps they call Poles, bekase of the long sticks + they carry with them—stuck the major in the ribs; but Doctor Quill—God + reward him! he's a great doctor and a funny divil too—he cured him + in no time." + </p> + <p> + "And where is he now, Mike?" + </p> + <p> + "Just convanient, in a small chapel off the sacristy; and throuble enough + we have to keep him quiet. He gave up the <i>con</i>fusion of roses, and + took to punch; and faith, it isn't hymns nor paslams [psalms] he's singing + all night. And they had me there, mixing materials and singing songs, till + I heard the bell for matins; and what between the punch and the prayers, I + never closed my eyes." + </p> + <p> + "What do they call this convent?" + </p> + <p> + "It is a hard word, I misremember. It's something like saltpetre. But + how's your honor? It's time to ask." + </p> + <p> + "Much better, Mike, much better. But as I see that either your drink or + your devotion seems to have affected your nerves, you'd better lie down + for an hour or two. I shall not want you." + </p> + <p> + "That's just what I can't; for you see I'm making a song for this evening. + The Rangers has a little supper, and I'm to be there; and though I've made + one, I'm not sure it'll do. May be your honor would give me your opinion + about it?" + </p> + <p> + "With all my heart, Mike; let's hear it." + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, is it here, before the Virgin and the two blessed saints that's up + there in the glass cases? But sure, when they make an hospital of the + place, and after the major's songs last night—" + </p> + <p> + "Exactly so, Mike; out with it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Ma'am," said he, turning towards the Virgin, "as I suspect you + don't know English, may be you'll think it's my offices I'm singing. So, + saving your favor, here it is." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MR. FREE'S SONG. + + AIR,—"<i>Arrah, Catty, now can't you be asy?</i>" + + Oh, what stories I'll tell when my sodgering's o'er, + And the gallant Fourteenth is disbanded; + Not a drill nor parade will I hear of no more, + When safely in Ireland landed. + With the blood that I spilt, the Frenchmen I kilt, + I'll drive the young girls half crazy; + And some cute one will cry, with a wink of her eye, + "Mister Free, now <i>why can't you be asy?</i>" + + I'll tell how we routed the squadrons in fight, + And destroyed them all at "Talavera," + And then I'll just add how we finished the night, + In learning to dance the "bolera;" + How by the moonshine we drank raal wine, + And rose next day fresh as a daisy; + Then some one will cry, with a look mighty sly, + "Arrah, Mickey, <i>now can't you lie asy?</i>" + + I'll tell how the nights with Sir Arthur we spent, + Around a big fire in the air too, + Or may be enjoying ourselves in a tent, + Exactly like Donnybrook fair too. + How he'd call out to me: "Pass the wine, Mr. Free, + For you're a man never is lazy!" + Then some one will cry, with a wink of her eye, + "Arrah, Mickey, dear, <i>can't you be asy?</i>" + + I'll tell, too, the long years in fighting we passed, + Till Mounseer asked Bony to lead him; + And Sir Arthur, grown tired of glory at last, + Begged of one Mickey Free to succeed him. + "But, acushla," says I, "the truth is I'm shy! + There's a lady in Ballymacrazy! + And I swore on the book—" He gave me a look, + And cried: "Mickey, <i>now can't you be asy?</i>" +</pre> + <p> + "Arrah, Mickey, now can't you be <i>asy?</i>" sang out a voice in chorus, + and the next moment Dr. Quill himself made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + "Well, O'Malley, is it a penitential psalm you're singing, or is my friend + Mike endeavoring to raise your spirits with a Galway sonata?" + </p> + <p> + "A little bit of his own muse, Doctor, nothing more; but tell me, how goes + it with the major,—is the poor fellow out of danger?" + </p> + <p> + "Except from the excess of his appetite, I know of no risk he runs. His + servant is making gruel for him all day in a thing like the grog-tub of a + frigate. But you've heard the news,—Sparks has been exchanged. He + came here last night; but the moment he caught sight of me, he took his + departure. Begad, I'm sure he'd rather pass a month in Verdun than a week + in my company!" + </p> + <p> + "By-the-bye, Doctor, you never told me how this same antipathy of Sparks + for you had its origin." + </p> + <p> + "Sure I drove him out of the Tenth before he was three weeks with the + regiment." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, I remember; you began the story for me one night on the retreat from + the Coa, but something broke it off in the middle." + </p> + <p> + "Just so, I was sent for to the rear to take off some gentleman's legs + that weren't in dancing condition; but as there's no fear of interruption + now, I'll finish the story. But first, let us have a peep at the wounded. + What beautiful anatomists they are in the French artillery! Do you feel + the thing I have now in my forceps? There,—don't jump,—that's + a bit of the brachial nerve most beautifully displayed. Faith, I think + I'll give Mike a demonstration." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mister Quill, dear! Oh, Doctor, darling!" + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, Mickey, now can't ye be asy?" sang out Maurice, with a perfect + imitation of Mike's voice and manner. + </p> + <p> + "A little lint here! Bend your arm,—that's it—Don't move your + fingers. Now, Mickey, make me a cup of coffee with a glass of brandy in + it. And now, Charley, for Sparks. I believe I told you what kind of + fellows the Tenth were,—regular out-and-outers. We hadn't three men + in the regiment that were not from the south of Ireland,—the <i>bocca + Corkana</i> on their lips, fun and devilment in their eyes, and more + drollery and humbug in their hearts than in all the messes in the service + put together. No man had any chance among them if he wasn't a real droll + one; every man wrote his own songs and sang them too. It was no small + promotion could tempt a fellow to exchange out of the corps. You may + think, then, what a prize your friend Sparks proved to us; we held a + court-martial upon him the week after he joined. It was proved in evidence + that he had never said a good thing in his life, and had about as much + notion of a joke as a Cherokee has of the Court of Chancery; and as to + singing, Lord bless you, he had a tune with wooden turns to it,—it + was most cruel to hear; and then the look of him, those eyes, like + dropsical oysters, and the hair standing every way, like a field of insane + flax, and the mouth with a curl in it like the slit in the side of a + fiddle. A pleasant fellow that for a mess that always boasted the + best-looking chaps in the service. + </p> + <p> + "'What's to be done with him?' said the major; 'shall we tell him we are + ordered to India, and terrify him about his liver?' + </p> + <p> + "'Or drill him into a hectic fever?' + </p> + <p> + "'Or drink him dry?' + </p> + <p> + "'Or get him into a fight and wing him?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, no,' said I, 'leave him to me; we'll laugh him out of the corps.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, we'll leave him to you, Maurice,' said the rest. + </p> + <p> + "And that day week you might read in the 'Gazette,' 'Pierce Flynn + O'Haygerty, to be Ensign, 10th Foot, <i>vice</i> Sparks, exchanged.'" + </p> + <p> + "But how was it done, Maurice; you haven't told me that." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing easier. I affected great intimacy with Sparks, bemoaned our hard + fate, mutually, in being attached to such a regiment: 'A damnable corps + this,—low, vulgar fellows, practical jokes; not the kind of thing + one expects in the army. But as for me, I've joined it partly from + necessity. You, however, who might be in a crack regiment, I can't + conceive your remaining in it.' + </p> + <p> + "'But why did you join, Doctor?' said he; 'what necessity could have + induced you?' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, my friend,' said I, '<i>that</i> is the secret,—<i>that</i> is + the hidden grief that must lie buried in my own bosom.' + </p> + <p> + "I saw that his curiosity was excited, and took every means to increase it + farther. At length, as if yielding to a sudden impulse of friendship, and + having sworn him to secrecy, I took him aside, and began thus,— + </p> + <p> + "'I may trust you, Sparks, I feel I may; and when I tell you that my + honor, my reputation, my whole fortune is at stake, you will judge of the + importance of the trust.' + </p> + <p> + "The goggle eyes rolled fearfully, and his features exhibited the most + craving anxiety to hear my story. + </p> + <p> + "'You wish to know why I left the Fifty-sixth. Now I'll tell you; but + mind, you're pledged, you're sworn, never to divulge it.' + </p> + <p> + "'Honor bright.' + </p> + <p> + "'There, that's enough; I'm satisfied. It was a slight infraction of the + articles of war; a little breach of the rules and regulations of the + service; a trifling misconception of the mess code,—they caught me + one evening leaving the mess with—What do you think in my pocket? + But you'll never tell! No, no, I know you'll not; eight forks and a + gravy-spoon,—silver forks every one of them. There now,' said I, + grasping his hand, 'you have my secret; my fame and character are in your + hands, for you see they made me quit the regiment,—a man can't stay + in a corps where he is laughed at.' + </p> + <p> + "Covering my face with my handkerchief, as if to conceal my shame, I + turned away, and left Sparks to his meditations. That same evening we + happened to have some strangers at mess; the bottle was passing freely + round, and as usual the good spirits of the party at the top of their + bent, when suddenly from the lower end of the table, a voice was heard + demanding, in tones of the most pompous importance, permission to address + the president upon a topic where the honor of the whole regiment was + concerned. + </p> + <p> + "'I rise, gentlemen,' said Mr. Sparks, 'with feelings the most painful; + whatever may have been the laxity of habit and freedom of conversation + habitual in this regiment, I never believed that so flagrant an instance + as this morning came to my ears—' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, murder!' said I. 'Oh, Sparks, darling, sure you're not going to + tell?' + </p> + <p> + "'Doctor Quill,' replied he, in an austere tone, 'it is impossible for me + to conceal it.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, Sparks, dear, will you betray me?' + </p> + <p> + "I gave him here a look of the most imploring entreaty, to which he + replied by one of unflinching sternness. + </p> + <p> + "'I have made up my mind, sir,' continued he; 'it is possible the officers + of this corps may look more leniently than I do upon this transaction; but + know it they shall.' + </p> + <p> + "'Out with it, Sparks; tell it by all means!' cried a number of voices; + for it was clear to every one, by this time, that he was involved in a + hoax. + </p> + <p> + "Amidst, therefore, a confused volley of entreaty on one side, and my + reiterated prayers for his silence, on the other, Sparks thus began:— + </p> + <p> + "'Are you aware, gentlemen, why Dr. Quill left the Fifty-sixth?' + </p> + <p> + "'No, no, no!' rang from all sides; 'let's have it!' + </p> + <p> + "'No, sir,' said he, turning towards me, 'concealment is impossible; an + officer detected with the mess-plate in his pocket—' + </p> + <p> + "They never let him finish, for a roar of laughter shook the table from + one end to the other; while Sparks, horror-struck at the lack of feeling + and propriety that could make men treat such a matter with ridicule, + glared around him on every side. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, Maurice, Maurice!' cried the major, wiping his eyes, 'this is too + bad; this is too bad!' + </p> + <p> + "'Gracious Heaven!' screamed Sparks, 'can you laugh at it?' + </p> + <p> + "'Laugh at it!' re-echoed the paymaster, 'God grant I only don't burst a + blood-vessel!' And once more the sounds of merriment rang out anew, and + lasted for several minutes. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, Maurice Quill,' cried an old captain, 'you've been too heavy on the + lad. Why, Sparks, man, he's been humbugging you.' + </p> + <p> + "Scarcely were the words spoken when he sprang from the room. The whole + truth flashed at once upon his mind; in an instant he saw that he had + exposed himself to the merciless ridicule of a mess-table and that all + peace for him, in that regiment at least, was over. + </p> + <p> + "We got a glorious fellow in exchange for him; and Sparks descended into a + cavalry regiment,—I ask your pardon, Charley,—where, as you + are well aware, sharp wit and quick intellect are by no means + indispensable. There now, don't be angry or you'll do yourself harm. So + good-by, for an hour or two." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE COUNT'S LETTER. + </p> + <p> + O'Shaughnessy's wound, like my own, was happily only formidable from the + loss of blood. The sabre or the lance are rarely, indeed, so death-dealing + as the musket or the bayonet; and the murderous fire from a square of + infantry is far more terrific in its consequences than the heaviest charge + of a cavalry column. In a few weeks, therefore, we were once more about + and fit for duty; but for the present the campaign was ended. The rainy + season with its attendant train of sickness and sorrow set in. The troops + were cantoned along the line of the frontier,—the infantry occupying + the villages, and the cavalry being stationed wherever forage could be + obtained. + </p> + <p> + The Fourteenth were posted at Avintas, but I saw little of them. I was + continually employed upon the staff; and as General Crawfurd's activity + suffered no diminution from the interruption of the campaign, rarely + passed a day without eight or nine hours on horseback. + </p> + <p> + The preparations for the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo occupied our undivided + attention. To the reduction of this fortress and of Badajos, Lord + Wellington looked as the most important objects, and prosecuted his plans + with unremitting zeal. To my staff appointment I owed the opportunity of + witnessing that stupendous feature of war, a siege; and as many of my + friends formed part of the blockading force, I spent more than one night + in the trenches. Indeed, except for this, the tiresome monotony of life + was most irksome at this period. Day after day the incessant rain poured + down. The supplies were bad, scanty, and irregular; the hospitals crowded + with sick; field-sports impracticable; books there were none; and a + dulness and spiritless depression prevailed on every side. Those who were + actively engaged around Ciudad Rodrigo had, of course, the excitement and + interest which the enterprise involved: but even there the works made slow + progress. The breaching artillery was defective in every way: the rain + undermined the faces of the bastions; the clayey soil sank beneath the + weight of the heavy guns; and the storms of one night frequently destroyed + more than a whole week's labor had effected. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed the dreary months along; the cheeriest and gayest among us + broken in spirit, and subdued in heart by the tedium of our life. The very + news which reached us partook of the gloomy features of our prospects. We + heard only of strong reinforcements marching to the support of the French + in Estramadura. We were told that the Emperor, whose successes in Germany + enabled him to turn his entire attention to the Spanish campaign, would + himself be present in the coming spring, with overwhelming odds and a firm + determination to drive us from the Peninsula. + </p> + <p> + In that frame of mind which such gloomy and depressing prospects are well + calculated to suggest, I was returning one night to my quarters at Mucia, + when suddenly I beheld Mike galloping towards me with a large packet in + his hand, which he held aloft to catch my attention. "Letters from + England, sir," said he, "just arrived with the general's despatches." I + broke the envelope at once, which bore the war-office seal, and as I did + so, a perfect avalanche of letters fell at my feet. The first which caught + my eye was an official intimation from the Horse Guards that the Prince + Regent had been graciously pleased to confirm my promotion to the troop, + my commission to bear date from the appointment, etc., etc. I could not + help feeling struck, as my eye ran rapidly across the lines, that although + the letter came from Sir George Dashwood's office, it contained not a word + of congratulation nor remembrance on his part, but was couched in the + usual cold and formal language of an official document. Impatient, + however, to look over my other letters, I thought but little of this; so, + throwing them hurriedly into my sabretasche, I cantered on to my quarters + without delay. Once more alone in silence, I sat down to commune with my + far-off friends, and yet with all my anxiety to hear of home, passed + several minutes in turning over the letters, guessing from whom they might + have come, and picturing to myself their probable contents. "Ah, Frank + Webber, I recognize your slap-dash, bold hand without the aid of the + initials in the corner; and this—what can this be?—this queer, + misshapen thing, representing nothing save the forty-seventh proposition + of Euclid, and the address seemingly put on with a cat's-tail dipped in + lampblack? Yes, true enough, it is from Mister Free himself. And what have + we here? This queer, quaint hand is no new acquaintance; how many a time + have I looked upon it as the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of caligraphy! But here + is one I'm not so sure of. Who could have written this bolt-upright, + old-fashioned superscription, not a letter of which seems on speaking + terms with its neighbor? The very O absolutely turns its back upon the M + in O'Malley, and the final Y wags his tail with a kind of independent + shake, as if he did not care a curse for his predecessors! And the seal, + too,—surely I know that griffin's head, and that stern motto, <i>Non + rogo sed capio</i>. To be sure, it is Billy Considine's, the count + himself. The very paper, yellow and time-stained, looks coeval with his + youth; and I could even venture to wager that his sturdy pen was nibbed + half a century since. I'll not look farther among this confused mass of + three-cornered billets, and long, treacherous-looking epistles, the very + folding of which denote the dun. Here goes for the count!" So saying to + myself, I drew closer to the fire, and began the following epistle:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O'MALLEY CASTLE, November 3. + + Dear Charley,—Here we sit in the little parlor with your last + letter, the "Times," and a big map before us, drinking your health, + and wishing you a long career of the same glorious success you have + hitherto enjoyed. Old as I am—eighty-two or eighty-three (I forget + which) in June—I envy you with all my heart. Luck has stood + to you, my boy; and if a French sabre or a bayonet finish you now, + you've at least had a splendid burst of it. I was right in my opinion + of you, and Godfrey himself owns it now,—a lawyer, indeed! Bad + luck to them! we've had enough of lawyers. There's old Hennesy,—honest + Jack, as they used to call him,—that your uncle trusted + for the last forty years, has raised eighteen thousand pounds on the + title-deeds, and gone off to America. The old scoundrel! But it's + no use talking; the blow is a sore one to Godfrey, and the gout + more troublesome than ever. Drumgold is making a motion in + Chancery about it, to break the sale, and the tenants are in open + rebellion and swear they'll murther a receiver, if one is sent down + among them. Indeed, they came in such force into Galway during + the assizes, and did so much mischief, that the cases for trial were + adjourned, and the judges left with a military escort to protect them. + This, of course, is gratifying to our feelings; for, thank Providence, + there is some good in the world yet. Kilmurry was sold last week + for twelve thousand. Andy Blake would foreclose the mortgage, + although we offered him every kind of satisfaction. This has done + Godfrey a deal of harm; and some pitiful economy—taking only + two bottles of claret after his dinner—has driven the gout to his + head. They've been telling him he'd lengthen his days by this, and + I tried it myself, and, faith, it was the longest day I ever spent in + my life. I hope and trust you take your liquor like a gentleman and + an Irish gentleman. + + Kinshela, we hear, has issued an execution against the house and + furniture; but the attempt to sell the demesne nearly killed your + uncle. It was advertised in a London paper, and an offer made for it + by an old general whom you may remember when down here. Indeed, + if I mistake not, he was rather kind to you in the beginning. It + would appear he did not wish to have his name known, but we found + him out, and such a letter as we sent him! It's little liking he'll + have to buy a Galway gentleman's estate over his head, that same Sir + George Dashwood! Godfrey offered to meet him anywhere he + pleased, and if the doctor thought he could bear the sea voyage, + he'd even go over to Holyhead; but the sneaking fellow sent an + apologetic kind of a letter, with some humbug excuse about very + different motives, etc. But we've done with him, and I think he + with us. +</pre> + <p> + When I had read thus far, I laid down the letter, unable to go on; the + accumulated misfortunes of one I loved best in the world, following so + fast one upon another, the insult—unprovoked, gratuitous insult—to + him upon whom my hopes of future happiness so much depended, completely + overwhelmed me. I tried to continue. Alas, the catalogue of evils went on; + each line bore testimony to some farther wreck of fortune, some clearer + evidence of a ruined house. + </p> + <p> + All that my gloomiest and darkest forebodings had pictured was come to + pass; sickness, poverty, harassing unfeeling creditors, treachery, and + ingratitude were goading to madness and despair a spirit whose kindliness + of nature was unequalled. The shock of blasted fortunes was falling upon + the dying heart; the convictions which a long life had never brought home—that + men were false and their words a lie—were stealing over the man upon + the brink of the grave; and he who had loved his neighbor like a brother + was to be taught, at the eleventh hour, that the beings he trusted were + perjured and forsworn. + </p> + <p> + A more unsuitable adviser than Considine, in difficulties like these, + there could not be; his very contempt for all the forms of law and justice + was sufficient to embroil my poor uncle still farther; so that I resolved + at once to apply for leave, and if refused, and no other alternative + offered, to leave the service. It was not without a sense of sorrow + bordering on despair, that I came to this determination. My soldier's life + had become a passion with me. I loved it for its bold and chivalrous + enthusiasm, its hour of battle and strife, its days of endurance and + hardship, its trials, its triumphs; its very reverses were endeared by + those they were shared with; and the spirit of adventure and the love of + danger—that most exciting of all gambling—had now entwined + themselves in my very nature. To surrender all these at once, and to + exchange the daily, hourly enthusiasm of a campaign for the prospects now + before me, was almost maddening. But still a sustaining sense of duty of + what I owed to him, who, in his love, had sacrificed all for me, + overpowered every other consideration. My mind was made up. + </p> + <p> + Father Rush's letter was little more than a recapitulation of the count's. + Debt, distress, sickness, and the heart-burnings of altered fortunes + filled it; and when I closed it, I felt like one over all whose views in + life a dark and ill-omened cloud was closing forever. Webber's I could not + read; the light and cheerful raillery of a friend would have seemed, at + such a time, like the cold, unfeeling sarcasm of an enemy. I sat down at + last to write to the general, enclosing my application for leave, and + begging of him to forward it, with a favorable recommendation, to + headquarters. + </p> + <p> + This done, I lay down upon my bed, and overcome by fatigue and fretting, + fell asleep to dream of my home and those I had left there; which, + strangely too, were presented to my mind with all the happy features that + made them so dear to my infancy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <p> + THE TRENCHES. + </p> + <p> + "I have not had time, O'Malley, to think of your application," said + Crawfurd, "nor is it likely I can for a day or two. Read that." So saying, + he pushed towards me a note, written, in pencil, which ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CIUDAD RODRIGO, December 18. + + Dear C.,—Fletcher tells me that the breaches will be practicable + by to-morrow evening, and I think so myself. Come over, then, at + once, for we shall not lose any time. + + Yours, W. +</pre> + <p> + "I have some despatches for your regiment, but if you prefer coming along + with me—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear General, dare I ask for such a favor?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, come along; only remember that, although my division will be + engaged, I cannot promise you anything to do. So now, get your horses + ready; let's away." + </p> + <p> + It was in the afternoon of the following day that we rode into the large + plain before Ciudad Rodrigo, and in which the allied armies were now + assembled to the number of twelve thousand men. The loud booming of the + siege artillery had been heard by me for some hours before; but + notwithstanding this prelude and my own high-wrought expectations, I was + far from anticipating the magnificent spectacle which burst upon my + astonished view. The air was calm and still; a clear, blue, wintry sky + stretched overhead, but below, the dense blue smoke of the deafening guns + rolled in mighty volumes along the earth, and entirely concealed the lower + part of the fortress; above this the tall towers and battlemented parapets + rose into the thin, transparent sky like fairy palaces. A bright flash of + flame would now and then burst forth from the walls, and a clanging crash + of the brass metal be heard; but the unceasing roll of our artillery + nearly drowned all other sounds, save when a loud cheer would burst from + the trenches, while the clattering fall of masonry, and the crumbling + stones as they rolled down, bespoke the reason of the cry. The utmost + activity prevailed on all sides; troops pressed forward to the reliefs in + the parallels; ammunition wagons moved to the front; general and staff + officers rode furiously about the plain; and all betokened that the hour + of attack was no longer far distant. + </p> + <p> + While all parties were anxiously awaiting the decision of our chief, the + general order was made known, which, after briefly detailing the necessary + arrangements, concluded with the emphatic words, "Ciudad Rodrigo <i>must</i> + be stormed to-night." All speculation as to the troops to be engaged in + this daring enterprise was soon at an end; for with his characteristic + sense of duty, Lord Wellington made no invidious selection, but merely + commanded that the attack should be made by whatever divisions might + chance to be that day in the trenches. Upon the Third and Light Divisions, + therefore, this glorious task devolved. The former was to attack the main + breach; to Crawfurd's Division was assigned the, if possible, more + difficult enterprise of carrying the lesser one; while Pack's Portuguese + Brigade were to menace the convent of La Caridad by a feint attack, to be + converted into a real one, if circumstances should permit. + </p> + <p> + The decision, however matured and comprehensive in all its details, was + finally adopted so suddenly that every staff officer upon the ground was + actively engaged during the entire evening in conveying the orders to the + different regiments. As the day drew to a close, the cannonade slackened + on either side, a solitary gun would be heard at intervals, and in the + calm stillness around, its booming thunder re-echoed along the valleys of + the Sierra; but as the moon rose and night set in, these were no longer + heard, and a perfect stillness and tranquillity prevailed around. Even in + the trenches, crowded with armed and anxious soldiers, not a whisper was + heard; and amidst that mighty host which filled the plain, the tramp of a + patrol could be distinctly noted, and the hoarse voice of the French + sentry upon the walls, telling that all was well in Ciudad Rodrigo. + </p> + <p> + The massive fortress, looming larger as its dark shadow stood out from the + sky, was still as the grave; while in the greater breach a faint light was + seen to twinkle for a moment, and then suddenly to disappear, leaving all + gloomy and dark as before. + </p> + <p> + Having been sent with orders to the Third Division, of which the + Eighty-eighth formed a part, I took the opportunity of finding out + O'Shaughnessy, who was himself to lead an escalade party in M'Kinnon's + Brigade. He sprang towards me as I came forward, and grasping my hand with + a more than usual earnestness, called out, "The very man I wanted! + Charley, my boy, do us a service now!" + </p> + <p> + Before I could reply, he continued in a lower tone, "A young fellow of + ours, Harry Beauclerc, has been badly wounded in the trenches; but by some + blunder, his injury is reported as a slight one, and although the poor + fellow can scarcely stand, he insists upon going with the stormers." + </p> + <p> + "Come here, Major, come here!" cried a voice at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + "Follow me, O'Malley," cried O'Shaughnessy, moving in the direction of the + speaker. + </p> + <p> + By the light of a lantern we could descry two officers kneeling upon the + ground; between them on the grass lay the figure of a third, upon whose + features, as the pale light fell, the hand of death seemed rapidly + stealing. A slight froth, tinged with blood, rested on his lip, and the + florid blood which stained the buff facing of his uniform indicated that + his wound was through the lungs. + </p> + <p> + "He has fainted," said one of the officers, in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + "Are you certain it is fainting?" said the other, in a still lower. + </p> + <p> + "You see how it is, Charley," said O'Shaughnessy; "this poor boy must be + carried to the rear. Will you then, like a kind fellow, hasten back to + Colonel Campbell and mention the fact. It will kill Beauclerc should any + doubt rest upon his conduct, if he ever recover this." + </p> + <p> + While he spoke, four soldiers of the regiment placed the wounded officer + in a blanket. A long sigh escaped him, and he muttered a few broken words. + </p> + <p> + "Poor fellow, it's his mother he's talking of! He only joined a month + since, and is a mere boy. Come, O'Malley, lose no time. By Jove! it is too + late; there goes the first rocket for the columns to form. In ten minutes + more the stormers must fall in." + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter, Giles?" said he to one of the officers, who had + stopped the soldiers as they were moving off with their burden,—"what + is it?" + </p> + <p> + "I have been cutting the white tape off his arm; for if he sees it on + waking, he'll remember all about the storming." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right—thoughtfully done!" said the other; "but who is to lead + his fellows? He was in the forlorn hope." + </p> + <p> + "I'll do it," cried I, with eagerness. "Come, O'Shaughnessy, you'll not + refuse me." + </p> + <p> + "Refuse you, boy!" said he, grasping my hand within both of his, "never! + But you must change your coat. The gallant Eighty-eighth will never + mistake their countryman's voice. But your uniform would be devilish + likely to get you a bayonet through it; so come back with me, and we'll + make you a Ranger in no time." + </p> + <p> + "I can give your friend a cap." + </p> + <p> + "And I," said the other, "a brandy flask, which, after all, is not the + worst part of a storming equipage." + </p> + <p> + "I hope," said O'Shaughnessy, "they may find Maurice in the rear. + Beauclerc's all safe in his hands." + </p> + <p> + "That they'll not," said Giles, "you may swear. Quill is this moment in + the trenches, and will not be the last man at the breach." + </p> + <p> + "Follow me now, lads," said O'Shaughnessy, in a low voice. "Our fellows + are at the angle of this trench. Who the deuce can that be, talking so + loud?" + </p> + <p> + "It must be Maurice," said Giles. + </p> + <p> + The question was soon decided by the doctor himself, who appeared giving + directions to his hospital-sergeant. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Peter, take the tools up to a convenient spot near the breach. + There's many a snug corner there in the ruins; and although we mayn't have + as good an operation-room as in old 'Steevens's,' yet we'll beat them + hollow in cases." + </p> + <p> + "Listen to the fellow," said Giles, with a shudder. "The thought of his + confounded thumbscrews and tourniquets is worse to me than a French + howitzer." + </p> + <p> + "The devil a kinder-hearted fellow than Maurice," said O'Shaughnessy, "for + all that; and if his heart was to be known this moment, he'd rather handle + a sword than a saw." + </p> + <p> + "True for you, Dennis," said Quill, overhearing him, "but we are both + useful in our way, as the hangman said to Lord Clare." + </p> + <p> + "But should you not be in the rear, Maurice?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "You are right, O'Malley," said he, in a whisper; "but, you see, I owe the + Cork Insurance Company a spite for making me pay a gout premium, and + that's the reason I'm here. I warned them at the time that their + stinginess would come to no good." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Captain O'Malley," said Giles, "I find I can't be as good as my + word with you; my servant has moved to the rear with all my traps." + </p> + <p> + "What is to be done?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Is it shaving utensils you want?" said Maurice. "Would a scalpel serve + your turn?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Doctor, I'm going to take a turn of duty with your fellows to-night." + </p> + <p> + "In the breach, with the stormers?" + </p> + <p> + "With the forlorn hope," said O'Shaughnessy. "Beauclerc is so badly + wounded that we've sent him back; and Charley, like a good fellow, has + taken his place." + </p> + <p> + "Martin told me," said Maurice, "that Beauclerc was only stunned; but, + upon my conscience, the hospital-mates, now-a-days, are no better than the + watchmakers; they can't tell what's wrong with the instrument till they + pick it to pieces. Whiz! there goes a blue light." + </p> + <p> + "Move on, move on," whispered O'Shaughnessy; "they're telling off the + stormers. That rocket is the order to fall in." + </p> + <p> + "But what am I to do for a coat?" + </p> + <p> + "Take mine, my boy," said Maurice, throwing off an upper garment of coarse + gray frieze as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + "There's a neat bit of uniform," continued he, turning himself round for + our admiration; "don't I look mighty like the pictures of George the First + at the battle of Dettingen!" + </p> + <p> + A burst of approving laughter was our only answer to this speech, while + Maurice proceeded to denude himself of his most extraordinary garment. + </p> + <p> + "What, in the name of Heaven, is it?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Don't despise it, Charley; it knows the smell of gunpowder as well as any + bit of scarlet in the service;" while he added, in a whisper, "it's the + ould Roscommon Yeomanry. My uncle commanded them in the year '42, and this + was his coat. I don't mean to say that it was new then; for you see it's a + kind of heirloom in the Quill family, and it's not every one I'd be giving + it to." + </p> + <p> + "A thousand thanks, Maurice," said I, as I buttoned it on, amidst an + ill-suppressed titter of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "It fits you like a sentry-box," said Maurice, as he surveyed me with a + lantern. "The skirts separate behind in the most picturesque manner; and + when you button the collar, it will keep your head up so high that the + devil a bit you'll see except the blessed moon. It's a thousand pities you + haven't the three-cocked hat with the feather trimming. If you wouldn't + frighten the French, my name's not Maurice. Turn about here till I admire + you. If you only saw yourself in a glass, you'd never join the dragoons + again. And look now, don't be exposing yourself, for I wouldn't have those + blue facings destroyed for a week's pay." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, it's yourself is the darling, Doctor, dear!" said a voice + behind me. I turned round; it was Mickey Free, who was standing with a + most profound admiration of Maurice beaming in every feature of his face. + "It's yourself has a joke for every hour o' the day." + </p> + <p> + "Get to the rear, Mike, get to the rear with the cattle; this is no place + for you or them." + </p> + <p> + "Good-night, Mickey," said Maurice. + </p> + <p> + "Good-night, your honor," muttered Mike to himself; "may I never die till + you set a leg for me." + </p> + <p> + "Are you dressed for the ball?" said Maurice, fastening the white tape + upon my arm. "There now, my boy, move on, for I think I hear Picton's + voice; not that it signifies now, for he's always in a heavenly temper + when any one's going to be killed. I'm sure he'd behave like an angel, if + he only knew the ground was mined under his feet." + </p> + <p> + "Charley, Charley!" called out O'Shaughnessy, in a suppressed voice, "come + up quickly!" + </p> + <p> + "No. 24, John Forbes—here! Edward Gillespie—here!" + </p> + <p> + "Who leads this party, Major O'Shaughnessy?" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Beauclerc, sir," replied O'Shaughnessy, pushing me forward by the arm + while he spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Keep your people together, sir; spare the powder, and trust to your cold + iron." He grasped my hand within his iron grip, and rode on. + </p> + <p> + "Who was it, Dennis?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you know him, Charley? That was Picton." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + THE STORMING OF CIUDAD RODRIGO. + </p> + <p> + Whatever the levity of the previous moment, the scene before us now + repressed it effectually. The deep-toned bell of the cathedral tolled + seven, and scarcely were its notes dying away in the distance, when the + march of the columns was heard stealing along the ground. A low murmuring + whisper ran along the advanced files of the forlorn hope; stocks were + loosened; packs and knapsacks thrown to the ground; each man pressed his + cap more firmly down upon his brow, and with lip compressed and steadfast + eye, waited for the word to move. + </p> + <p> + It came at last: the word "March!" passed in whispers from rank to rank, + and the dark mass moved on. What a moment was that as we advanced to the + foot of the breach! The consciousness that at the same instant, from + different points of that vast plain, similar parties were moving on; the + feeling that at a word the flame of the artillery and the flash of steel + would spring from that dense cloud, and death and carnage, in every shape + our imagination can conceive, be dealt on all sides; the hurried, fitful + thought of home; the years long past compressed into one minute's space; + the last adieu of all we've loved, mingling with the muttered prayer to + Heaven, while, high above all, the deep pervading sense that earth has no + temptation strong enough to turn us from that path whose ending must be a + sepulchre! + </p> + <p> + Each heart was too full for words. We followed noiselessly along the turf, + the dark figure of our leader guiding us through the gloom. On arriving at + the ditch, the party with the ladders moved to the front. Already some + hay-packs were thrown in, and the forlorn hope sprang forward. + </p> + <p> + All was still and silent as the grave. "Quietly, my men, quietly!" said + M'Kinnon; "don't press." Scarcely had he spoken when a musket whose + charge, contrary to orders, had not been drawn, went off. The whizzing + bullet could not have struck the wall, when suddenly a bright flame burst + forth from the ramparts, and shot upward towards the sky. For an instant + the whole scene before us was bright as noonday. On one side, the dark + ranks and glistening bayonets of the enemy; on the other, the red uniform + of the British columns: compressed like some solid wall, they stretched + along the plain. + </p> + <p> + A deafening roll of musketry from the extreme right announced that the + Third Division was already in action, while the loud cry of our leader, as + he sprang into the trench, summoned us to the charge. The leading + sections, not waiting for the ladders, jumped down, others pressing + rapidly behind them, when a loud rumbling thunder crept along the earth, a + hissing, crackling noise followed, and from the dark ditch a forked and + livid lightning burst like the flame from a volcano, and a mine exploded. + Hundreds of shells and grenades scattered along the ground were ignited at + the same moment; the air sparkled with the whizzing fuses, the musketry + plied incessantly from the walls, and every man of the leading company of + the stormers was blown to pieces. While this dreadful catastrophe was + enacting before our eyes, the different assaults were made on all sides; + the whole fortress seemed girt around with fire. From every part arose the + yells of triumph and the shouts of the assailants. As for us, we stood + upon the verge of the ditch, breathless, hesitating, and horror-struck. A + sudden darkness succeeded to the bright glare, but from the midst of the + gloom the agonizing cries of the wounded and the dying rent our very + hearts. + </p> + <p> + "Make way there! make way! here comes Mackie's party," cried an officer in + the front, and as he spoke the forlorn hope of the Eighty-eighth came + forward at a run; jumping recklessly into the ditch, they made towards the + breach; the supporting division of the stormers gave one inspiring cheer, + and sprang after them. The rush was tremendous; for scarcely had we + reached the crumbling ruins of the rampart, when the vast column, pressing + on like some mighty torrent, bore down upon our rear. Now commenced a + scene to which nothing I ever before conceived of war could in any degree + compare: the whole ground, covered with combustibles of every deadly and + destructive contrivance, was rent open with a crash; the huge masses of + masonry bounded into the air like things of no weight; the ringing clangor + of the iron howitzers, the crackling of the fuses, the blazing splinters, + the shouts of defiance, the more than savage yell of those in whose ranks + alone the dead and the dying were numbered, made up a mass of sights and + sounds almost maddening with their excitement. On we struggled; the + mutilated bodies of the leading files almost filling the way. + </p> + <p> + By this time the Third Division had joined us, and the crush of our + thickening ranks was dreadful; every moment some well-known leader fell + dead or mortally wounded, and his place was supplied by some gallant + fellow who, springing from the leading files, would scarcely have uttered + his cheer of encouragement, ere he himself was laid low. Many a voice with + whose notes I was familiar, would break upon my ear in tones of heroic + daring, and the next moment burst forth in a death-cry. For above an hour + the frightful carnage continued, fresh troops continually advancing, but + scarcely a foot of ground was made; the earth belched forth its volcanic + fires, and that terrible barrier did no man pass. In turn the bravest and + the boldest would leap into the whizzing flame, and the taunting cheers of + the enemy triumphed in derision at the effort. + </p> + <p> + "Stormers to the front! Only the bayonet! trust to nothing but the + bayonet!" cried a voice whose almost cheerful accents contrasted strangely + with the dead-notes around, and Gurwood, who led the forlorn hope of the + Fifty-second, bounded into the chasm; all the officers sprang + simultaneously after him; the men pressed madly on; a roll of withering + musketry crashed upon them; a furious shout replied to it. The British, + springing over the dead and dying, bounded like blood-hounds on their + prey. Meanwhile the ramparts trembled beneath the tramp of the light + division, who, having forced the lesser breach, came down upon the flank + of the French. The garrison, however, thickened their numbers, and bravely + held their ground. Man to man now was the combat. No cry for quarter, no + supplicating look for mercy; it was the death struggle of vengeance and + despair. At this instant an explosion louder than the loudest thunder + shook the air; the rent and torn up ramparts sprang into the sky; the + conquering and the conquered were alike the victims; for one of the + greatest magazines had been ignited by a shell; the black smoke, streaked + with a lurid flame, hung above the dead and the dying. The artillery and + the murderous musketry were stilled, paralyzed, as it were, by the ruin + and devastation before them. Both sides stood leaning upon their arms; the + pause was but momentary; the cries of wounded comrades called upon their + hearts. A fierce burst of vengeance rent the air; the British closed upon + the foe; for one instant they were met; the next, the bayonets gleamed + upon the ramparts, and Ciudad Rodrigo was won. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. + </h2> + <p> + THE RAMPART. + </p> + <p> + While such were the scenes passing around me, of my own part in them, I + absolutely knew nothing; for until the moment that the glancing bayonets + of the light division came rushing on the foe, and the loud, long cheer of + victory burst above us, I felt like one in a trance. Then I leaned against + an angle of the rampart, overpowered and exhausted; a bayonet wound, which + some soldier of our own ranks had given me when mounting the breach, + pained me somewhat; my uniform was actually torn to rags; my head bare; of + my sword, the hilt and four inches of the blade alone remained, while my + left hand firmly grasped the rammer of a cannon, but why or wherefore I + could not even guess. As thus I stood, the unceasing tide of soldiery + pressed on; fresh divisions came pouring in, eager for plunder, and + thirsting for the spoil. The dead and the dying were alike trampled + beneath the feet of that remorseless mass, who, actuated by vengeance and + by rapine, sprang fiercely up the breach. + </p> + <p> + Weak and exhausted, faint from my wound, and overcome by my exertions, I + sank among the crumbling ruin. The loud shouts which rose from the town, + mingled with cries and screams, told the work of pillage was begun; while + still a dropping musketry could be heard on the distant rampart, where + even yet the French made resistance. At last even this was hushed, but to + it succeeded the far more horrifying sounds of rapine and of murder; the + forked flames of burning houses rose here and there amidst the black + darkness of the night; and through the crackling of the timbers, and the + falling crash of roofs, the heart-rending shriek of women rent the very + air. Officers pressed forward, but in vain were their efforts to restrain + their men; the savage cruelty of the moment knew no bounds of restraint. + More than one gallant fellow perished in his fruitless endeavor to enforce + obedience; and the most awful denunciations were now uttered against those + before whom, at any other time, they dared not mutter. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed the long night, far more terrible to me than all the dangers + of the storm itself, with all its death and destruction dealing around it. + I know not if I slept: if so, the horrors on every side were pictured in + my dreams; and when the gray dawn was breaking, the cries from the doomed + city were still ringing in my ears. Close around me the scene was still + and silent; the wounded had been removed during the night, but the + thickly-packed dead lay side by side where they fell. It was a fearful + sight to see them as, blood-stained and naked (for already the + camp-followers had stripped the bodies), they covered the entire breach. + From the rampart to the ditch, the ranks lay where they had stood in life. + A faint phosphoric flame flickered above their ghastly corpses, making + even death still more horrible. I was gazing steadfastly, with all that + stupid intensity which imperfect senses and exhausted faculties possess, + when the sound of voices near aroused me. + </p> + <p> + "Bring him along,—this way, Bob. Over the breach with the scoundrel, + into the fosse." + </p> + <p> + "He shall die no soldier's death, by Heaven!" cried another and a deeper + voice, "if I lay his skull open with my axe." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, mercy, mercy! as you hope for—" + </p> + <p> + "Traitor! don't dare to mutter here!" As the last words were spoken, four + infantry soldiers, reeling from drunkenness, dragged forward a pale and + haggard wretch, whose limbs trailed behind him like those of palsy, his + uniform was that of a French chasseur, but his voice bespoke him English. + </p> + <p> + "Kneel down there, and die like a man! You were one once!" + </p> + <p> + "Not so, Bill, never. Fix bayonets, boys! That's right! Now take the word + from me." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, forgive me! for the love of Heaven, forgive me!" screamed the voice + of the victim; but his last accents ended in a death-cry, for as he spoke, + the bayonets flashed for an instant in the air, and the next were plunged + into his body. Twice I had essayed to speak, but my voice, hoarse from + shouting, came not; and I could but look upon this terrible murder with + staring eyes and burning brain. At last speech came, as if wrested by the + very excess of my agony, and I muttered aloud, "O God!" The words were not + well-spoken, when the muskets were brought to the shoulders, and reeking + with the blood of the murdered man, their savage faces scowled at me as I + lay. + </p> + <p> + A short and heart-felt prayer burst from my lips, and I was still. The + leader of the party called out, "Be steady, and together. One, two! Ground + arms, boys! Ground arms!" roared he, in a voice of thunder; "it's the + captain himself!" Down went the muskets with a crash; while, springing + towards me, the fellows caught me in their arms, and with one jerk mounted + me upon their shoulders, the cheer that accompanied the sudden movement + seeming like the yell of maniacs. "Ha, ha, ha! we have him now!" sang + their wild voices, as, with blood-stained hands and infuriated features, + they bore me down the rampart. My sensations of disgust and repugnance to + the party seemed at once to have evidenced themselves, for the corporal, + turning abruptly round, called out,— + </p> + <p> + "Don't <i>pity</i> him, Captain; the scoundrel was a deserter; he escaped + from the picket two nights ago, and gave information of all our plans to + the enemy." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," cried another, "and what's worse, he fired through an embrasure near + the breach, for two hours, upon his own regiment. It was there we found + him. This way, lads." + </p> + <p> + So saying, they turned short from the walls, and dashed down a dark and + narrow lane into the town. My struggles to get free were perfectly + ineffectual, and to my entreaties they were totally indifferent. + </p> + <p> + In this way, therefore, we made our entrance into the Plaza, where some + hundred soldiers, of different regiments, were bivouacked. A shout of + recognition welcomed the fellows as they came; while suddenly a party of + Eighty-eighth men, springing from the ground, rushed forward with drawn + bayonets, calling out, "Give him up this minute, or, by the Father of + Moses, we'll make short work of ye!" + </p> + <p> + The order was made by men who seemed well disposed to execute it; and I + was accordingly grounded with a shock and a rapidity that savored much + more of ready compliance than any respect for my individual comfort. A + roar of laughter rang through the motley mass, and every powder-stained + face around me seemed convulsed with merriment. As I sat passively upon + the ground, looking ruefully about, whether my gestures or my words + heightened the absurdity of my appearance, it is hard to say; but + certainly the laughter increased at each moment, and the drunken wretches + danced round me in ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + "Where is your major? Major O'Shaughnessy, lads?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "He's in the church, with the general, your honor," said the sergeant of + the regiment, upon whom the mention of his officer's name seemed at once + to have a sobering influence. Assisting me to rise (for I was weak as a + child), he led me through the dense crowd, who, such is the influence of + example, now formed into line, and as well as their state permitted, gave + me a military salute as I passed. "Follow me, sir," said the sergeant; + "this little dark street to the left will take us to the private door of + the chapel." + </p> + <p> + "Wherefore are they there, Sergeant?" + </p> + <p> + "There's a general of division mortally wounded." + </p> + <p> + "You did not hear his name?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. All I know is, he was one of the storming party at the lesser + breach." + </p> + <p> + A cold, sickening shudder came over me; I durst not ask farther, but + pressed on with anxious steps towards the chapel. + </p> + <p> + "There, sir, yonder, where you see the light. That's the door." + </p> + <p> + So saying, the sergeant stopped suddenly, and placed his hand to his cap. + I saw at once that he was sufficiently aware of his condition not to + desire to appear before his officers; so, hurriedly thanking him, I walked + forward. + </p> + <p> + "Halt, there! and give the countersign," cried a sentinel, who with fixed + bayonet stood before the door. + </p> + <p> + "I am an officer," said I, endeavoring to pass in. + </p> + <p> + "Stand bock, stand bock!" said the harsh voice of the Highlander, for such + he was. + </p> + <p> + "Is Major O'Shaughnessy in the church?" + </p> + <p> + "I dinna ken," was the short, rough answer. + </p> + <p> + "Who is the officer so badly wounded?" + </p> + <p> + "I dinna ken," repeated he, as gruffly as before; while he added, in a + louder key, "Stand bock, I tell ye, man! Dinna ye see the staff coming?" + </p> + <p> + I turned round hastily, and at the same instant several officers, who + apparently from precaution had dismounted at the end of the street, were + seen approaching. They came hurriedly forward, but without speaking. He + who was in advance of the party wore a short, blue cape over an undress + uniform. The rest were in full regimentals. I had scarcely time to throw a + passing glance upon him, when the officer I have mentioned as coming first + called out in a stern voice,— + </p> + <p> + "Who are you, sir?" + </p> + <p> + I started at the sounds; it was not the first time those accents had been + heard by me. + </p> + <p> + "Captain O'Malley, Fourteenth Light Dragoons." + </p> + <p> + "What brings you here, sir? Your regiment is at Caya." + </p> + <p> + "I have been employed as acting aide-de-camp to General Crawfurd," said I, + hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + "Is that your staff uniform?" said he, as with compressed brow and stern + look he fixed his eyes upon my coat. Before I had time to reply, or, + indeed, before I well knew how to do so, a gruff voice from behind called + out,— + </p> + <p> + "Damn me! if that ain't the fellow that led the stormers through a broken + embrasure! I say, my lord, that's the yeoman I was telling you of. Is it + not so, sir?" continued he, turning towards me. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. I led a party of the Eighty-eight at the breach." + </p> + <p> + "And devilish well you did it, too!" added Picton, for it was he who + recognized me. "I saw him, my lord, spring down from the parapet upon a + French gunner, and break his sword as he cleft his helmet in two. Yes, + yes; I shall not forget in a hurry how you laid about you with the rammer + of the gun! By Jove! that's it he has in his hand!" + </p> + <p> + While Picton ran thus hurriedly on, Lord Wellington's calm but stern + features never changed their expression. The looks of those around were + bent upon me with interest and even admiration; but his evinced nothing of + either. + </p> + <p> + Reverting at once to my absence from my post, he asked me,— + </p> + <p> + "Did you obtain leave for a particular service, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "No, my lord. It was simply from an accidental circumstance that—" + </p> + <p> + "Then, report yourself at your quarters as under arrest." + </p> + <p> + "But, my lord—" said Picton. Lord Wellington waited not for the + explanation, but walked firmly forward, and strode into the church. The + staff followed in silence, Picton turning one look of kindness on me as he + went, as though to say, "I'll not forget you." + </p> + <p> + "The devil take it," cried I, as I found myself once more alone, "but I'm + unlucky! What would turn out with other men the very basis of their + fortune, is ever with me the source of ill-luck." + </p> + <p> + It was evident, from Picton's account, that I had distinguished myself in + the breach; and yet nothing was more clear than that my conduct had + displeased the commander-in-chief. Picturing him ever to my mind's eye as + the <i>beau idéal</i> of a military leader, by some fatality of fortune I + was continually incurring his displeasure, for whose praise I would have + risked my life. "And this confounded costume—What, in the name of + every absurdity, could have ever persuaded me to put it on. What signifies + it, though a man should cover himself with glory, if in the end he is to + be laughed at? Well, well, it matters not much, now my soldiering's over! + And yet I could have wished that the last act of my campaigning had + brought with it pleasanter recollections." + </p> + <p> + As thus I ruminated, the click of the soldier's musket near aroused me: + Picton was passing out. A shade of gloom and depression was visible upon + his features, and his lip trembled as he muttered some sentences to + himself. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! Captain—I forget the name. Yes, Captain O'Malley; you are + released from arrest. General Crawfurd has spoken very well of you, and + Lord Wellington has heard the circumstances of your case." + </p> + <p> + "Is it General Crawfurd, then, that is wounded, sir?" said I, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Picton paused for a moment, while, with an effort, he controlled his + features into their stern and impassive expression, then added hurriedly + and almost harshly:— + </p> + <p> + Yes, sir; badly wounded through the arm and in the lung. He mentioned you + to the notice of the commander-in-chief, and your application for leave is + granted. In fact, you are to have the distinguished honor of carrying back + despatches. There, now; you had better join your brigade." + </p> + <p> + "Could I not see my general once more? It may be for the last time." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir!" sternly replied Picton. "Lord Wellington believes you under + arrest. It is as well he should suppose you obeyed his orders." + </p> + <p> + There was a tone of sarcasm in these words that prevented my reply; and + muttering my gratitude for his well-timed and kindly interference in my + behalf, I bowed deeply and turned away. + </p> + <p> + "I say, sir!" said Picton, as he returned towards the church, "should + anything befall,—that is, if, unfortunately, circumstances should + make you in want and desirous of a staff appointment, remember that you + are known to General Picton." + </p> + <p> + Downcast and depressed by the news of my poor general, I wended my way + with slow and uncertain steps towards the rampart. A clear, cold, wintry + sky and a sharp, bracing air made my wound, slight as it was, more + painful, and I endeavored to reach the reserves, where I knew the + hospital-staff had established, for the present, their quarters. I had not + gone far when, from a marauding party, I learned that my man Mike was in + search of me through the plain. A report of my death had reached him, and + the poor fellow was half distracted. + </p> + <p> + Longing anxiously to allay his fears on my account, which I well knew + might lead him into any act of folly or insanity, I pressed forward; + besides—shall I confess it?—amidst the manifold thoughts of + sorrow and affliction which weighed me down, I could not divest myself of + the feeling that so long as I wore my present absurd costume, I could be + nothing but an object of laughter and ridicule to all who met me. + </p> + <p> + I had not long to look for my worthy follower, for I soon beheld him + cantering about the plain. A loud shout brought him beside me; and truly + the poor fellow's delight was great and sincere. With a thousand + protestations of his satisfaction, and reiterated assurances of what he + would not have done to the French prisoners if anything had happened me, + we took our way together towards the camp. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. + </h2> + <p> + THE DESPATCH. + </p> + <p> + I was preparing to visit the town on the following morning, when my + attention was attracted by a dialogue which took place beneath my window. + </p> + <p> + "I say, my good friend," cried a mounted orderly to Mike, who was busily + employed in brushing a jacket,—"I say, are you Captain O'Malley's + man?" + </p> + <p> + "The least taste in life o' that same," replied he, with a half-jocular + expression. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said the other, "take up these letters to your master. Be + alive, my fine fellow, for they are despatches, and I must have a written + return for them." + </p> + <p> + "Won't ye get off and take a drop of somethin' refreshing; the air is + cowld this morning." + </p> + <p> + "I can't stay, my good friend, but thank you all the same; so be alive, + will you?" + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, there's no hurry in life. Sure, it's an invitation to dinner to + Lord Wellington or a tea-party at Sir Denny's; sure, my master's bothered + with them every day o' th' week: that's the misfortune of being an + agreeable creature; and I'd be led into dissipation myself, if I wasn't + rear'd prudent." + </p> + <p> + "Well, come along, take these letters, for I must be off; my time is + short." + </p> + <p> + "That's more nor your nose is, honey," said Mike, evidently piqued at the + little effect his advances had produced upon the Englishman. "Give them + here," continued he, while he turned the various papers in every + direction, affecting to read their addresses. + </p> + <p> + "There's nothing for me here, I see. Did none of the generals ask after + me?" + </p> + <p> + "You <i>are</i> a queer one!" said the dragoon, not a little puzzled what + to make of him. + </p> + <p> + Mike meanwhile thrust the papers carelessly into his pocket, and strode + into the house, whistling a quick-step as he went, with the air of a man + perfectly devoid of care or occupation. The next moment, however, he + appeared at my door, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand, and + apparently breathless with haste. + </p> + <p> + "Despatches, Mister Charles, despatches from Lord Wellington. The orderly + is waiting below for a return." + </p> + <p> + "Tell him he shall have it in one moment," replied I. "And now bring me a + light." + </p> + <p> + Before I had broken the seal of the envelope, Mike was once more at the + porch. + </p> + <p> + "My master is writing a few lines to say he'll do it. Don't be talking of + it," added he, dropping his voice, "but they want him to take another + fortress." + </p> + <p> + What turn the dialogue subsequently took, I cannot say, for I was entirely + occupied by a letter which accompanied the despatches. It ran as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + QUARTER-GENERAL, + + CIUDAD RODRIGO, Jan. 20, 1812. + + Dear Sir,—The commander-in-chief has been kind enough to accord you + the leave of absence you applied for, and takes the opportunity + of your return to England to send you the accompanying letters + for his Royal Highness the Duke of York. To his approval of + your conduct in the assault last night you owe this distinguished + mark of Lord Wellington's favor, which, I hope, will be duly + appreciated by you, and serve to increase your zeal for that service + in which you have already distinguished yourself. + + Believe me that I am most happy in being made the medium of + this communication, and have the honor to be, + + Very truly yours, + + T. PICTON. +</pre> + <p> + I read and re-read this note again and again. Every line was conned over + by me, and every phrase weighed and balanced in my mind. Nothing could be + more gratifying, nothing more satisfactory to my feelings; and I would not + have exchanged its possession for the brevet of a lieutenant-colonel. + </p> + <p> + "Halloo, Orderly!" cried I, from the window, as I hurriedly sealed my few + words of acknowledgment, "take this note back to General Picton, and + here's a guinea for yourself." So saying, I pitched into his ready hand + one of the very few which remained to me in the world. "This is, indeed, + good news!" said I, to myself. "This is, indeed, a moment of unmixed + happiness!" + </p> + <p> + As I closed the window, I could hear Mike pronouncing a glowing eulogium + upon my liberality, from which he could not, however, help in some degree + detracting, as he added: + </p> + <p> + "But the devil thank him, after all! Sure, it's himself has the illigant + fortune and the fine place of it!" + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the last sounds of the retiring horseman dying away in the + distance, when Mike's meditations took another form, and he muttered + between his teeth, "Oh, holy Agatha! a guinea, a raal gold guinea to a + thief of a dragoon that come with the letter, and here am I wearing a + picture of the holy family for a back to my waistcoat, all out of economy; + and sure, God knows, but may be they'll take their dealing trick out of me + in purgatory for this hereafter; and faith, it's a beautiful pair of + breeches I'd have had, if I wasn't ashamed to put the twelve apostles on + my legs." + </p> + <p> + While Mike ran on at this rate, my eyes fell upon a few lines of + postscript in Picton's letter, which I had not previously noticed. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The official despatches of the storming are, of course, intrusted to + senior officers, but I need scarcely remind you that it will be a + polite and proper attention to his Royal Highness to present your + letters with as little delay as possible. Not a moment is to be lost + on your landing in England." +</pre> + <p> + "Mike!" cried I, "how look the cattle for a journey?" + </p> + <p> + "The chestnut is a little low in flesh, but in great wind, your honor; and + the black horse is jumping like a filly." + </p> + <p> + "And Badger?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Howld him, if you can, that's all; but it's murthering work this, + carrying despatches day after day." + </p> + <p> + "This time, however, Mike, we must not grumble." + </p> + <p> + "May be it isn't far?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, as to that, I shall not promise much. I'm bound for England, + Mickey." + </p> + <p> + "For England!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mike, and for Ireland." + </p> + <p> + "For Ireland! whoop!" shouted he, as he shied his cap into one corner of + the room, the jacket he was brushing into the other, and began dancing + round the table with no bad imitation of an Indian war dance. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "How I'll dance like a fairy, + To see ould Dunleary, + And think twice ere I leave it to be a dragoon." +</pre> + <p> + "Oh, blessed hour! Isn't it beautiful to think of the illuminations and + dinners and speeches and shaking of hands, huzzaing, and hip-hipping. May + be there won't be pictures of us in all the shops,—Mister Charles + and his man Mister Free. May be they won't make plays out of us; myself + dressed in the gray coat with the red cuffs, the cords, the tops, and the + Caroline hat a little cocked, with a phiz in the side of it." Here he made + a sign with his expanded fingers to represent a cockade, which he + designated by this word. "I think I see myself dining with the + corporation, and the Lord Major of Dublin getting up to propose the health + of the hero of El Bodon, Mr. Free; and three times three, hurra! hurra! + hurra! Musha, but it's dry I am gettin' with the thoughts of the punch and + the poteen negus." + </p> + <p> + "If you go on at this rate, we're not likely to be soon at our journey's + end. So be alive now; pack up my kit; I shall start by twelve o'clock." + </p> + <p> + With one spring Mike cleared the stairs, and overthrowing everything and + everybody in his way, hurried towards the stable, chanting at the top of + his voice the very poetical strain he had indulged me with a few minutes + before. + </p> + <p> + My preparations were rapidly made; a few hurried lines of leave-taking to + the good fellows I had lived so much with and felt so strongly attached + to, with a firm assurance that I should join them again ere long, was all + that my time permitted. To Power I wrote more at length, detailing the + circumstances which my own letters informed me of, and also those which + invited me to return home. This done, I lost not another moment, but set + out upon my journey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + THE LEAVE. + </p> + <p> + After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was + yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding + pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida. Here I turned once + more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter. + It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet + how altered was all around. The wide plain, then bustling with all the + life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,—some + dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few + sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment + of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a + confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their + steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of + their own Guerillas. The fortress, too, was changed indeed. Those mighty + walls before whose steep sides the bravest fell back baffled and beaten, + were now a mass of ruin and decay; the muleteer could be seen driving his + mule along through the rugged ascent of that breach to win whose top the + best blood of Albion's chivalry was shed; and the peasant child looked + timidly from those dark enclosures in the deep fosse below, where perished + hundreds of our best and bravest. The air was calm, clear, and unclouded; + no smoke obscured the transparent atmosphere; the cannon had ceased; and + the voices that rang so late in accents of triumphant victory were stilled + in death. Everything, indeed, had undergone a mighty change; but nothing + brought the altered fortunes of the scene so vividly to my mind as when I + remembered that when last I had seen those walls, the dark shako of the + French grenadiers peered above their battlements, and now the gay tartan + of the Highlanders fluttered above them, and the red flag of England waved + boldly in the breeze. + </p> + <p> + Up to that moment my sensations were those of unmixed pleasure. The + thought of my home, my friends, my country, the feeling that I was + returning with the bronze of the battle upon my cheek, and the voice of + praise still ringing in my heart,—these were proud thoughts, and my + bosom heaved short and quickly as I revolved them; but as I turned my gaze + for the last time towards the gallant army I was leaving, a pang of + sorrow, of self-reproach, shot through me, and I could not help feeling + how far less worthily was I acting in yielding to the impulse of my + wishes, than had I remained to share the fortunes of the campaign. + </p> + <p> + So powerfully did these sensations possess me, that I sat motionless for + some time, uncertain whether to proceed; forgetting that I was the bearer + of important information, I only remembered that by my own desire I was + there; my reason but half convinced me that the part I had adopted was + right and honorable, and more than once my resolution to proceed hung in + the balance. It was just at this critical moment of my doubts that Mike, + who had been hitherto behind, came up. + </p> + <p> + "Is it the upper road, sir?" said he, pointing to a steep and rugged path + which led by a zigzag ascent towards the crest of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + I nodded in reply, when he added:— + </p> + <p> + "Doesn't this remind your honor of Sleibh More, above the Shannon, where + we used to be grouse shooting? And there's the keeper's house in the + valley; and that might be your uncle, the master himself, waving his hat + to you." + </p> + <p> + Had he known the state of my conflicting feelings at the moment, he could + not more readily have decided this doubt. I turned abruptly away, put + spurs to my horse, and dashed up the steep pass at a pace which evidently + surprised, and as evidently displeased, my follower. + </p> + <p> + How natural it is ever to experience a reaction of depression and lowness + after the first burst of unexpected joy! The moment of happiness is scarce + experienced ere come the doubts of its reality, the fears for its + continuance; the higher the state of pleasurable excitement, the more + painful and the more pressing the anxieties that await on it; the tension + of delighted feelings cannot last, and our overwrought faculties seek + repose in regrets. Happy he who can so temper his enjoyments as to view + them in their shadows as in their sunshine; he may not, it is true, behold + the landscape in the blaze of its noonday brightness, but he need not fear + the thunder-cloud nor the hurricane. The calm autumn of <i>his</i> bliss, + if it dazzle not in its brilliancy, will not any more be shrouded in + darkness and in gloom. + </p> + <p> + My first burst of pleasure over, the thought of my uncle's changed + fortunes pressed deeply on my heart, and a hundred plans suggested + themselves in turn to my mind to relieve his present embarrassments; but I + knew how impracticable they would all prove when opposed by his + prejudices. To sell the old home of his forefathers, to wander from the + roof which had sheltered his name for generations, he would never consent + to; the law might by force expel him, and drive him a wanderer and an + exile, but of his own free will the thing was hopeless. Considine, too, + would encourage rather than repress such feelings; his feudalism would + lead him to any lengths; and in defence of what he would esteem a right, + he would as soon shoot a sheriff as a snipe, and, old as he was, ask for + no better amusement than to arm the whole tenantry and give battle to the + king's troops on the wide plain of Scariff. Amidst such conflicting + thought, I travelled on moodily and in silence, to the palpable + astonishment of Mike, who could not help regarding me as one from whom + fortune met the most ungrateful returns. At every new turn of the road he + would endeavor to attract my attention by the objects around,—no + white-turreted château, no tapered spire in the distance, escaped him; he + kept up a constant ripple of half-muttered praise and censure upon all he + saw, and instituted unceasing comparisons between the country and his own, + in which, I am bound to say, Ireland rarely, if ever, had to complain of + his patriotism. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at Almeida, I learned that the "Medea" sloop-of-war was + lying off Oporto, and expected to sail for England in a few days. The + opportunity was not to be neglected. The official despatches, I was aware, + would be sent through Lisbon, where the "Gorgon" frigate was in waiting to + convey them; but should I be fortunate enough to reach Oporto in time, I + had little doubt of arriving in England with the first intelligence of the + fall of Ciudad Rodrigo. Reducing my luggage, therefore, to the smallest + possible compass, and having provided myself with a juvenile guide for the + pass of La Reyna, I threw myself, without undressing, upon the bed, and + waited anxiously for the break of day to resume my journey. + </p> + <p> + As I ruminated over the prospect my return presented, I suddenly + remembered Frank Webber's letter, which I had hastily thrust into a + portfolio without reading, so occupied was I by Considine's epistle; with + a little searching I discovered it, and trimming my lamp, as I felt no + inclination to sleep, I proceeded to the examination of what seemed a more + than usually voluminous epistle. It contained four closely-written pages, + accompanied by something like a plan in an engineering sketch. My + curiosity becoming further stimulated by this, I sat down to peruse it. It + began thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Official Despatch of Lieutenant-General Francis Webber to Lord + Castlereagh, detailing the assault and capture of the old pump, in + Trinity College, Dublin, on the night of the second of December, + eighteen hundred and eleven, with returns of killed, wounded, + and missing, with other information from the seat of war. + + HEADQUARTERS, No. 2, OLD SQUARE. + + My Lord,—In compliance with the instructions contained in your + lordship's despatch of the twenty-first ultimo, I concentrated the + force under my command, and assembling the generals of division, + made known my intentions in the following general order:— + + A. G. O. + + The following troops will this evening assemble at headquarters, and + having partaken of a sufficient dinner for the next two days, with + punch for four, will hold themselves in readiness to march in the + following order:— + + Harry Nesbitt's Brigade of Incorrigibles will form a blockading + force, in the line extending from the vice-provost's house to the + library. The light division, under Mark Waller, will skirmish from + the gate towards the middle of the square, obstructing the march of + the Cuirassiers of the Guard, which, under the command of old Duncan + the porter, are expected to move in that direction. Two columns of + attack will be formed by the senior sophisters of the Old Guard, and + a forlorn hope of the "cautioned" men at the last four examinations + will form, under the orders of Timothy O'Rourke, beneath the shadow + of the dining-hall. + + At the signal of the dean's bell the stormers will move forward. A + cheer from the united corps will then announce the moment of attack. + + The word for the night will be, "May the Devil admire me!" + + The commander-of-the-forces desires that the different corps should + be as strong as possible, and expects that no man will rema + any pretence whatever, in the rear with the lush. During the main + assault, Cecil Cavendish will make a feint upon the provost's + windows, to be converted into a real attack if the ladies scream. + + GENERAL ORDER. + + The commissary-general, Foley, will supply the following articles for + the use of the troops: Two hams; eight pair of chickens, the same to + be roasted; a devilled turkey; sixteen lobsters; eight hundred of + oysters, with a proportionate quantity of cold sherry and hot punch. + + The army will get drunk by ten o'clock to-night. + + Having made these dispositions, my lord, I proceeded to mislead + the enemy as to our intentions, in suffering my servant to be taken + with an intercepted despatch. This, being a prescription by Doctor + Colles, would convey to the dean's mind the impression that I was + still upon the sick list. This being done, and four canisters of + Dartford gunpowder being procured on tick, our military chest being in + a most deplorable condition, I waited for the moment of attack. + + A heavy rain, accompanied with a frightful hurricane, prevailed + during the entire day, rendering the march of the troops who came + from the neighborhood of Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Street, a + service of considerable fatigue. The outlying pickets in College Green, + being induced probably by the inclemency of the season, were rather + tipsy on joining, and having engaged in a skirmish with old M'Calister, + tying his red uniform over his head, the moment of attack + was precipitated, and we moved to the trenches by half-past nine + o'clock. + + Nothing could be more orderly, nothing more perfect, than the + march of the troops. As we approached the corner of the commons-hall, + a skirmish on the rear apprised us that our intentions had become + known; and I soon learned from my aide-de-camp, Bob Moore, + that the attack was made by a strong column of the enemy, under + the command of old Fitzgerald. + + Perpendicular (as your lordship is aware he is styled by the army) + came on in a determined manner, and before many minutes had + elapsed had taken several prisoners, among others Tom Drummond,—Long + Tom,—who, having fallen on all fours, was mistaken for a + long eighteen. The success, however, was but momentary; Nesbitt's + Brigade attacked them in flank, rescued the prisoners, extinguished + the dean's lantern, and having beaten back the heavy porters, took + Perpendicular himself prisoner. + + An express from the left informed me that the attack upon the + provost's house had proved equally successful; there wasn't a whole + pane of glass in the front, and from a footman who deserted, it was + learned that Mrs. Hutchinson was in hysterics. + + While I was reading this despatch, a strong feeling of the line + towards the right announced that something was taking place in that + direction. Bob Moore, who rode by on Drummond's back, hurriedly + informed me that Williams had put the lighted end of his cigar to + one of the fuses, but the powder, being wet, did not explode + notwithstanding his efforts to effect it. Upon this, I hastened to the + front, where I found the individual in question kneeling upon the + ground, and endeavoring, as far as punch would permit him, to kindle a + flame at the portfire. Before I could interfere, the spark had caught; + a loud, hissing noise followed; the different magazines successively + became ignited, and at length the fire reached the great four-pound + charge. + + I cannot convey to your lordship, by any words of mine, an idea of + this terrible explosion; the blazing splinters were hurled into the + air, and fell in fiery masses on every side from the park to King + William; Ivey the bell-ringer, was precipitated from the scaffold + beside the bell, and fell headlong into the mud beneath; the + surrounding buildings trembled at the shock; the windows were + shattered, and in fact a scene of perfect devastation ensued on all + sides. + + When the smoke cleared away, I rose from my recumbent position, + and perceived with delight that not a vestige of the pump remained. + The old iron handle was imbedded in the wall of the dining-hall, and + its round knob stood out like the end of a queue. + + Our loss was, of course, considerable; and ordering the wounded + to the rear, I proceeded to make an orderly and regular retreat. At + this time, however, the enemy had assembled in force. Two battalions + of porters, led on by Dr. Dobbin, charged us on the flank; a + heavy brigade poured down upon us from the battery, and but for + the exertions of Harry Nesbitt, our communication with our reserves + must have been cut off. Cecil Cavendish also came up; for although + beaten in his great attack, the forces under his command had penetrated + by the kitchen windows, and carried oil a considerable quantity + of cold meat. + + Concentrating the different corps, I made an echelon movement + upon the chapel, to admit of the light division coming up. This they + did in a few moments, informing me that they had left Perpendicular + in the haha, which, as your lordship is aware, is a fosse of the + very greenest and most stagnant nature. We now made good our retreat + upon number "2," carrying our wounded with us. The plunder + we also secured; but we kicked the prisoners, and suffered them to + escape. + + Thus terminated, my lord, one of the brightest achievements of the + undergraduate career. I enclose a list of the wounded, as also an + account of the various articles returned in the commissary-general's + list. + + Harry Nesbitt: severely wounded; no coat nor hat; a black-eye; + left shoe missing. + + Cecil Cavendish: face severely scratched; supposed to have received + his wound in the attack upon the kitchen. + + Tom Drummond: not recognizable by his friends; his features + resembling a transparency disfigured by the smoke of the preceding + night's illumination. + + Bob Moore: slightly wounded. + + I would beg particularly to recommend all these officers to your + lordship's notice; indeed, the conduct of Moore, in kicking the dean's + lantern out of the porter's hand, was marked by great promptitude + and decision. This officer will present to H. R. H. the following + trophies, taken from the enemy: The dean's cap and tassel; the key + of his chambers; Dr. Dobbin's wig and bands; four porters' helmets, + and a book on the cellar. + + I have the honor to remain, my lord, etc., + + FRANCIS WEBBER. + + G. O. + + The commander-of-the-forces returns his thanks to the various + officers and soldiers employed in the late assault, for their + persevering gallantry and courage. The splendor of the achievement + can only be equalled by the humanity and good conduct of the troops. + It only remains for him to add, that the less they say about the + transaction, and the sooner they are severally confined to their beds + with symptoms of contagious fever, the better. + + Meanwhile, to concert upon the future measures of the campaign, the + army will sup to-night at Morrison's. +</pre> + <p> + Here ended this precious epistle, rendering one fact sufficiently evident,—that, + however my worthy friend advanced in years, he had not grown in wisdom. + </p> + <p> + While ruminating upon the strange infatuation which could persuade a + gifted and an able man to lavish upon dissipation and reckless absurdity + the talents that must, if well directed, raise him to eminence and + distinction, a few lines of a newspaper paragraph fell from the paper I + was reading. It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LATE OUTRAGE IN TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN. + + We have great pleasure in stating that the serious disturbance which + took place within the walls of our University a few evenings since, + was in no wise attributable to the conduct of the students. A party + of ill-disposed townspeople were, it would appear, the instigators + and perpetrators of the outrage. That their object was the total + destruction of our venerated University there can be but little + doubt. Fortunately, however, they did not calculate upon the <i>esprit + de corps</i> of the students, a body of whom, under the direction of Mr. + Webber, successfully opposed the assailants, and finally drove them + from the walls. + + It is, we understand, the intention of the board to confer some mark + of approbation upon Mr. Webber, who, independently of this, has + strong claims upon their notice, his collegiate success pointing him + out as the most extraordinary man of his day. + + This, my dear Charley, will give you some faint conception of one + of the most brilliant exploits of modern days. The bulletin, believe + me, is not Napoleonized into any bombastic extravagance of success. + The tiling was splendid; from the brilliant firework of the old pump + itself, to the figure of Perpendicular dripping with duckweed, like + an insane river-god, it was unequalled. Our fellows behaved like + trumps; and to do them justice, so did the enemy. But unfortunately, + notwithstanding this, and the plausible paragraphs of the + morning papers, I have been summoned before the board for Tuesday + next. + + Meanwhile I employ myself in throwing off a shower of small + squibs for the journals, so that if the board deal not mercifully with + me, I may meet with sympathy from the public. I have just despatched + a little editorial bit for the "Times," calling, in terms of + parental tenderness, upon the University to say— + + "How long will the extraordinary excesses of a learned funct + be suffered to disgrace college? Is Doctor —— to be permitted to + exhibit an example of more riotous insubordination than would be + endured in an undergraduate? More on this subject hereafter." + + "'Saunders' News-letter.'—Dr. Barret appeared at the head + police-office, before Alderman Darley, to make oath that neither he + nor Catty were concerned in the late outrage upon the pump." etc., + etc. + + Paragraphs like these are flying about in every provincial paper of + the empire. People shake their heads when they speak of the University, + and respectable females rather cross over by King William and + the Bank than pass near its precincts. + + Tuesday Evening. + + Would you believe it, they've expelled me! Address your next + letter as usual, for they haven't got rid of me yet. + + Yours, F. W. +</pre> + <p> + "So I shall find him in his old quarters," thought I, "and evidently not + much altered since we parted." It was not without a feeling of (I trust + pardonable) pride that I thought over my own career in the interval. My + three years of campaigning life had given me some insight into the world, + and some knowledge of myself, and conferred upon me a boon, of which I + know not the equal,—that, while yet young, and upon the very + threshold of life, I should have tasted the enthusiastic pleasures of a + soldier's fortune, and braved the dangers and difficulties of a campaign + at a time when, under other auspices, I might have wasted my years in + unprofitable idleness or careless dissipation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. + </h2> + <p> + LONDON. + </p> + <p> + Twelve hours after my arrival in England I entered London. I cannot + attempt to record the sensations which thronged my mind as the din and + tumult of that mighty city awoke me from a sound sleep I had fallen into + in the corner of the chaise. The seemingly interminable lines of + lamplight, the crash of carriages, the glare of the shops, the buzz of + voices, made up a chaotic mass of sights and sounds, leaving my efforts at + thought vain and fruitless. + </p> + <p> + Obedient to my instructions, I lost not a moment in my preparations to + deliver my despatches. Having dressed myself in the full uniform of my + corps, I drove to the Horse Guards. It was now nine o'clock, and I learned + that his Royal Highness had gone to dinner at Carlton House. In a few + words which I spoke with the aide-de-camp, I discovered that no + information of the fall of Ciudad Rodrigo had yet reached England. The + greatest anxiety prevailed as to the events of the Peninsula, from which + no despatches had been received for several weeks past. + </p> + <p> + To Carlton House I accordingly bent my steps, without any precise + determination how I should proceed when there, nor knowing how far + etiquette might be an obstacle to the accomplishment of my mission. The + news of which I was the bearer was, however, of too important a character + to permit me to hesitate, and I presented myself to the aide-de-camp in + waiting, simply stating that I was intrusted with important letters to his + Royal Highness, the purport of which did not admit of delay. + </p> + <p> + "They have not gone to dinner yet," lisped out the aide-de-camp, "and if + you would permit me to deliver the letters—" + </p> + <p> + "Mine are despatches," said I, somewhat proudly, and in no way disposed to + cede to another the honor of personally delivering them into the hands of + the duke. + </p> + <p> + "Then you had better present yourself at the levee to-morrow morning," + replied he, carelessly, while he turned into one of the window recesses, + and resumed the conversation with one of the gentlemen-in-waiting. + </p> + <p> + I stood for some moments uncertain and undecided; reluctant on the one + part to relinquish my claim as the bearer of the despatches, and equally + unwilling to defer their delivery till the following day. + </p> + <p> + Adopting the former alternative, I took my papers from my sabretasche, and + was about to place them in the hands of the aide-de-camp, when the + folding-doors at the end of the apartment suddenly flew open, and a large + and handsome man with a high bald forehead entered hastily. + </p> + <p> + The different persons in waiting sprang from their lounging attitudes upon + the sofas, and bowed respectfully as he passed on towards another door. + His dress was a plain blue coat, buttoned to the collar, and his only + decoration a brilliant star upon the breast. There was that air, however, + of high birth and bearing about him that left no doubt upon my mind he was + of the blood royal. + </p> + <p> + As the aide-de-camp to whom I had been speaking opened the door for him to + pass out, I could hear some words in a low voice, in which the phrases, + "letters of importance" and "your Royal Highness" occurred. The individual + addressed turned suddenly about, and casting a rapid glance around the + room, without deigning a word in reply, walked straight up to where I was + standing. + </p> + <p> + "Despatches for me, sir?" said he, shortly, taking, as he spoke, the + packet from my hand. + </p> + <p> + "For his Royal Highness the commander-in-chief," said I, bowing + respectfully, and still uncertain in whose presence I was standing. He + broke the seal without answering, and as his eye caught the first lines of + the despatch, broke out into an exclamation of— + </p> + <p> + Ha, Peninsular news! When did you arrive, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "An hour since, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And these letters are from—" + </p> + <p> + "General Picton, your Royal Highness." + </p> + <p> + "How glorious! How splendidly done!" muttered he to himself, as he ran his + eyes rapidly over the letter. "Are you Captain O'Malley, whose name is + mentioned here so favorably?" + </p> + <p> + I bowed deeply in reply. + </p> + <p> + "You are most highly spoken of, and it will give me sincere pleasure to + recommend you to the notice of the Prince Regent. But stay a moment," so + saying, he hurriedly passed from the room, leaving me overwhelmed at the + suddenness of the incident, and a mark of no small astonishment to the + different persons in waiting, who had hitherto no other idea but that my + despatches were from Hounslow or Knightsbridge. + </p> + <p> + "Captain O'Malley," said an officer covered with decorations, and whose + slightly foreign accent bespoke the Hanoverian, "his Royal Highness + requests you will accompany me." The door opened as he spoke, and I found + myself in a most splendidly lit-up apartment,—the walls covered with + pictures, and the ceiling divided, into panels resplendent with the + richest gilding. A group of persons in court dresses were conversing in a + low tone as we entered, but suddenly ceased, and saluting my conductor + respectfully, made way for us to pass on. The folding-doors again opened + as we approached, and we found ourselves in a long gallery, whose + sumptuous furniture and costly decorations shone beneath the rich tints of + a massive lustre of ruby glass, diffusing a glow resembling the most + gorgeous sunset. Here also some persons in handsome uniform were + conversing, one of whom accosted my companion by the title of "Baron;" + nodding familiarly as he muttered a few words in German, he passed + forward, and the next moment the doors were thrown suddenly wide, and we + entered the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + The buzz of voices and the sound of laughter reassured me as I came + forward, and before I had well time to think where and why I was there, + the Duke of York advanced towards me, with a smile of peculiar sweetness + in its expression, and said, as he turned towards one side:— + </p> + <p> + "Your Royal Highness—Captain O'Malley!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the Prince moved forward, and bowed slightly. + </p> + <p> + "You've brought us capital news, Mr. O'Malley. May I beg, if you're not + too much tired, you'll join us at dinner. I am most anxious to learn the + particulars of the assault." + </p> + <p> + As I bowed my acknowledgments to the gracious invitation, he continued:— + </p> + <p> + "Are you acquainted with my friend here?—but of course you can + scarcely be; you began too early as a soldier. So let me present you to my + friend, Mr. Tierney," a middle-aged man, whose broad, white forehead and + deep-set eyes gave a character to features that were otherwise not + remarkable in expression, and who bowed rather stiffly. + </p> + <p> + Before he had concluded a somewhat labored compliment to me, we were + joined by a third person, whose strikingly-handsome features were lit up + with an expression of the most animated kind. He accosted the Prince with + an air of easy familiarity, and while he led him from the group, appeared + to be relating some anecdote which actually convulsed his Royal Highness + with laughter. + </p> + <p> + Before I had time or opportunity to inquire who the individual could be, + dinner was announced, and the wide folding-doors being thrown open, + displayed the magnificent dining-room of Carlton House in all the blaze + and splendor of its magnificence. + </p> + <p> + The sudden change from the rough vicissitudes of campaigning life to all + the luxury and voluptuous elegance of a brilliant court, created too much + confusion in my mind to permit of my impressions being the most accurate + or most collected. The splendor of the scene, the rank, but even more the + talent of the individuals by whom I was surrounded, had all their full + effect upon me. And although I found, from the tone of the conversation + about, how immeasurably I was their inferior, yet by a delicate and + courteous interest in the scene of which I had lately partaken, they took + away the awkwardness which in some degree was inseparable from the novelty + of my position among them. + </p> + <p> + Conversing about the Peninsula with a degree of knowledge which I could in + no wise comprehend from those not engaged in the war, they appeared + perfectly acquainted with all the details of the campaign; and I heard on + every side of me anecdotes and stories which I scarcely believed known + beyond the precincts of a regiment. The Prince himself—the grace and + charm of whose narrative talents have seldom been excelled—was + particularly conspicuous, and I could not help feeling struck with his + admirable imitations of voice and manner. The most accomplished actor + could not have personated the canny, calculating spirit of the Scot, or + the rollicking recklessness of the Irishman, with more tact and <i>finesse</i>. + But far above all this, shone the person I have already alluded to as + speaking to his Royal Highness in the drawing-room. Combining the happiest + conversational eloquence with a quick, ready, and brilliant fancy, he + threw from him in all the careless profusion of boundless resource a + shower of pointed and epigrammatic witticisms. Now illustrating a really + difficult subject by one happy touch, as the blaze of the lightning will + light up the whole surface of the dark landscape beneath it; now turning + the force of an adversary's argument by some fallacious but unanswerable + jest, accompanying the whole by those fascinations of voice, look, + gesture, and manner which have made those who once have seen, never able + to forget Brinsley Sheridan. + </p> + <p> + I am not able, were I even disposed, to record more particularly the + details of that most brilliant evening of my life. On every side of me I + heard the names of those whose fame as statesmen or whose repute as men of + letters was ringing throughout Europe. They were then, too, not in the + easy indolence of ordinary life, but displaying with their utmost effort + those powers of wit, fancy, imagination, and eloquence which had won for + them elsewhere their high and exalted position. The masculine + understanding and powerful intellect of Tierney vied with the brilliant + and dazzling conceptions of Sheridan. The easy <i>bonhomie</i> and English + heartiness of Fox contrasted with the cutting sarcasm and sharp raillery + of O'Kelly. While contesting the palm with each himself, the Prince + evinced powers of mind and eloquent facilities of expression that, in any + walk of life, must have made their possessor a most distinguished man. + Politics, war, women, literature, the turf, the navy, the opposition, + architecture, and the drama, were all discussed with a degree of + information and knowledge that proved to me how much of real acquirements + can be obtained by those whose exalted station surrounds them with the + collective intellect of a nation. As for myself, the time flew past + unconsciously. So brilliant a display of all that was courtly and + fascinating in manner, and all that was brightest in genius, was so novel + to me, that I really felt like one entranced. To this hour, my impression, + however confused in details, is as vivid as though that evening were but + yesternight; and although since that period I have enjoyed numerous + opportunities of meeting with the great and the gifted, yet I treasure the + memory of that evening as by far the most exciting of my whole life. + </p> + <p> + While I abstain from any mention of the many incidents of the evening, I + cannot pass over one which, occurring to myself, is valuable but as + showing, by one slight and passing trait, the amiable and kind feeling of + one whose memory is hallowed in the service. + </p> + <p> + A little lower than myself, on the opposite side of the table, I perceived + an old military acquaintance whom I had first met in Lisbon. He was then + on Sir Charles Stewart's staff, and we met almost daily. Wishing to + commend myself to his recollection, I endeavored for some time to catch + his eye, but in vain; but at last when I thought I had succeeded, I called + to him,— + </p> + <p> + "I say, Fred, a glass of wine with you." + </p> + <p> + When suddenly the Duke of York, who was speaking to Lord Hertford, turned + quickly round, and taking the decanter in his hand, replied,— + </p> + <p> + "With pleasure, O'Malley. What shall it be, my boy?" + </p> + <p> + I shall never forget the manly good-humor of his look as he sat waiting + for my answer. He had taken my speech as addressed to himself, and + concluding that from fatigue, the novelty of the scene, my youth, etc., I + was not over collected, vouchsafed in this kind way to receive it. + </p> + <p> + "So," said he, as I stammered out my explanation, "I was deceived. + However, don't cheat me out of my glass of wine. Let us have it now." + </p> + <p> + With this little anecdote, whose truth I vouch for, I shall conclude. More + than one now living was a witness to it, and my only regret in the mention + of it is my inability to convey the readiness with which he seized the + moment of apparent difficulty to throw the protection of his kind and + warm-hearted nature over the apparent folly of a boy. + </p> + <p> + It was late when the party broke up, and as I took my leave of the Prince, + he once more expressed himself in gracious terms towards me, and gave me + personally an invitation to a breakfast at Hounslow on the following + Saturday. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. + </h2> + <p> + THE BELL AT BRISTOL. + </p> + <p> + On the morning after my dinner at Carlton House, I found my + breakfast-table covered with cards and invitations. The news of the + storming of Ciudad Rodrigo was published in all the morning papers, and my + own humble name, in letters of three feet long, was exhibited in placards + throughout the city. Less to this circumstance, however, than to the kind + and gracious notice of the Prince, was I indebted for the attentions which + were shown me by every one; and indeed, so flattering was the reception I + met with, and so overwhelming the civility showered on me from all sides, + that it required no small effort on my part not to believe myself as much + a hero as they would make me. An eternal round of dinners, balls, + breakfasts, and entertainments filled up the entire week. I was included + in every invitation to Carlton House, and never appeared without receiving + from his Royal Highness the most striking marks of attention. Captivating + as all this undoubtedly was, and fascinated as I felt in being the lion of + London, the courted and sought after by the high, the titled, and the + talented of the great city of the universe, yet amidst all the splendor + and seduction of that new world, my heart instinctively turned from the + glare and brilliancy of gorgeous saloons, from the soft looks and softer + voice of beauty, from the words of praise as they fell from the lips of + those whose notice was fame itself,—to my humble home amidst the + mountains of the west. Delighted and charmed as I felt by that tribute of + flattery which associated my name with one of the most brilliant actions + of my country, yet hitherto I had experienced no touch of home or + fatherland. England was to me as the high and powerful head of my house, + whose greatness and whose glory shed a halo far and near, from the + proudest to the humblest of those that call themselves Britons; but + Ireland was-the land of my birth,—the land of my earliest ties, my + dearest associations,—the kind mother whose breath had fanned my + brow in infancy, and for her in my manhood my heart beat with every throb + of filial affection. Need I say, then, how ardently I longed to turn + homeward; for independent of all else, I could not avoid some + self-reproach on thinking what might be the condition of those I prized + the most on earth, at that very moment I was engaging in all the + voluptuous abandonment, and all the fascinating excesses of a life of + pleasure. I wrote several letters home, but received no answer; nor did I, + in the whole round of London society, meet with a single person who could + give me information of my family or my friends. The Easter recess had sent + the different members of Parliament to their homes; and thus, within a + comparatively short distance of all I cared for, I could learn nothing of + their fate. + </p> + <p> + The invitations of the Prince Regent, which were, of course, to be + regarded as commands, still detained me in London; and I knew not in what + manner to escape from the fresh engagements which each day heaped upon me. + In my anxiety upon the subject, I communicated my wishes to a friend on + the duke's staff, and the following morning, as I presented myself at his + levee, he called me towards him and addressed me:— + </p> + <p> + "What leave have you got, Captain O'Malley?" + </p> + <p> + "Three months, your Royal Highness." + </p> + <p> + "Do you desire an unattached troop; for if so, an opportunity occurs just + at this moment." + </p> + <p> + "I thank you most sincerely, sir, for your condescension in thinking of + me; but my wish is to join my regiment at the expiration of my leave." + </p> + <p> + "Why, I thought they told me you wanted to spend some time in Ireland?" + </p> + <p> + "Only sufficient to see my friends, your Royal Highness. That done, I'd + rather join my regiment immediately." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that alters the case! So then, probably, you'd like to leave us at + once. I see how it is; you've been staying here against your will all this + while. Then, don't say a word. I'll make your excuses at Carlton House; + and the better to cover your retreat, I'll employ you on service. Here, + Gordon, let Captain O'Malley have the despatches for Sir Henry Howard, at + Cork." As he said this, he turned towards me with an air of affected + sternness in his manner, and continued: "I expect, Captain O'Malley, that + you will deliver the despatches intrusted to your care without a moment's + loss of time. You will leave London within an hour. The instructions for + your journey will be sent to your hotel. And now," said he, again changing + his voice to its natural tone of kindliness and courtesy,—"and now, + my boy, good-by, and a safe journey to you. These letters will pay your + expenses, and the occasion save you all the worry of leave-taking." + </p> + <p> + I stood confused and speechless, unable to utter a single word of + gratitude for such unexpected kindness. The duke saw at once my + difficulty, and as he shook me warmly by the hand, added, in a laughing + tone,— + </p> + <p> + "Don't wait, now; you mustn't forget that your despatches are pressing." + </p> + <p> + I bowed deeply, attempted a few words of acknowledgment, hesitated, + blundered, broke down, and at last got out of the room, Heaven knows how, + and found myself running towards Long's at the top of my speed. Within + that same hour I was rattling along towards Bristol as fast as four + posters could burn the pavement, thinking with ecstasy over the pleasures + of my reception in England; but far more than all, of the kindness evinced + towards me by him who, in every feeling of his nature, and in every + feature of his deportment was "every inch a prince." + </p> + <p> + However astonished I had been at the warmth, by which I was treated in + London, I was still less prepared for the enthusiasm which greeted me in + every town through which I passed. There was not a village where we + stopped to change horses whose inhabitants did not simultaneously pour + forth to welcome me with every demonstration of delight. That the fact of + four horses and a yellow chaise should have elicited such testimonies of + satisfaction, was somewhat difficult to conceive; and even had the + important news that I was the bearer of despatches been telegraphed from + London by successive postboys, still the extraordinary excitement was + unaccountable. It was only on reaching Bristol that I learned to what + circumstance my popularity was owing. My friend Mike, in humble imitation + of election practices, had posted a large placard on the back of the + chaise, announcing, in letters of portentous length, something like the + following:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Bloody news! Fall of Ciudad Rodrigo! Five thousand prisoners + and two hundred pieces of cannon taken!" +</pre> + <p> + This veracious and satisfactory statement, aided by Mike's personal + exertions, and an unwearied performance on the trumpet he had taken from + the French dragoon, had roused the population of every hamlet, and made + our journey from London to Bristol one scene of uproar, noise, and + confusion. All my attempts to suppress Mike's oratory or music were + perfectly unavailing. In fact, he had pledged my health so many times + during the day; he had drunk so many toasts to the success of the British + arms, so many to the English nation, so many in honor of Ireland, and so + many in honor of Mickey Free himself,—that all respect for my + authority was lost in his enthusiasm for my greatness, and his shouts + became wilder, and the blasts from the trumpet more fearful and + incoherent; and finally, on the last stage of our journey, having + exhausted as it were every tribute of his lungs, he seemed (if I were to + judge by the evidence of my ears) to be performing something very like a + hornpipe on the roof of the chaise. + </p> + <p> + Happily for me there is a limit to all human efforts, and even <i>his</i> + powers at length succumbed; so that, when we arrived at Bristol, I + persuaded him to go to bed, and I once more was left to the enjoyment of + some quiet. To fill up the few hours which intervened before bedtime, I + strolled into the coffee room. The English look of every one, and + everything around, had still its charm for me; and I contemplated, with no + small admiration, that air of neatness and propriety so observant from the + bright-faced clock that ticked unwearily upon the mantelpiece, to the trim + waiter himself, with noiseless step and a mixed look of vigilance and + vacancy. The perfect stillness struck me, save when a deep voice called + for "another brandy-and-water," and some more modestly-toned request would + utter a desire for "more cream." The attention of each man, absorbed in + the folds of his voluminous newspaper, scarcely deigning a glance at the + new-comer who entered, was in keeping with the general surroundings,—giving, + in their solemnity and gravity, a character of almost religious + seriousness, to what, in any other land, would be a scene of riotous and + discordant tumult. I was watching all this with a more than common + interest, when the door opened, and the waiter entered with a large + placard. He was followed by another with a ladder, by whose assistance he + succeeded in attaching the large square of paper to the wall above the + fireplace. Every one about rose up, curious to ascertain what was going + forward; and I myself joined in the crowd around the fire. The first + glance of the announcement showed me what it meant; and it was with a + strange mixture of shame and confusion I read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "<i>Fall of Ciudad Rodrigo: with a full and detailed account of the + storming of the great breach, capture of the enemy's cannon, etc., by + Michael Free, 14th Light Dragoons</i>." +</pre> + <p> + Leaving the many around me busied in conjecturing who the aforesaid Mr. + Free might be, and what peculiar opportunities he might have enjoyed for + his report, I hurried from the room and called the waiter. + </p> + <p> + "What's the meaning of the announcement you've just put up in the + coffee-room? Where did it come from?" + </p> + <p> + "Most important news, sir; exclusively in the columns of the '<i>Bristol + Telegraph</i>,'—the gentleman has just arrived—" + </p> + <p> + "Who, pray? What gentleman?" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Free, sir, No. 13—large bed-room—blue damask—supper + for two—oysters—a devil—brandy-and-water-mulled port." + </p> + <p> + "What the devil do you mean? Is the fellow at supper?" + </p> + <p> + Somewhat shocked by the tone I ventured to assume towards the illustrious + narrator, the waiter merely bowed his reply. + </p> + <p> + "Show me to his room," said I; "I should like to see him." + </p> + <p> + "Follow me, if you please, sir,—this way. What name shall I say, + sir?" + </p> + <p> + "You need not mind announcing me,—I'm an old acquaintance,—just + show me the room." + </p> + <p> + "I beg pardon, sir, but Mr. Meekins, the editor of the '<i>Telegraph</i>,' + is engaged with him at present; and positive orders are given not to + suffer any interruption." + </p> + <p> + "No matter; do as I bid you. Is that it? Oh, I hear his voice. There, that + will do. You may go down-stairs, I'll introduce myself." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0317.jpg" + alt="Captain Mickey Free Relating his Heroic Deeds. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + So saying, and slipping a crown into the waiter's hand, I proceeded + cautiously towards the door, and opened it stealthily. My caution was, + however, needless; for a large screen was drawn across this part of the + room, completely concealing the door, closing which behind me, I took my + place beneath the shelter of this ambuscade, determined on no account to + be perceived by the parties. + </p> + <p> + Seated in a large arm-chair, a smoking tumbler of mulled port before him, + sat my friend Mike, dressed in my full regimentals, even to the helmet, + which, unfortunately however for the effect, he had put on back foremost; + a short "dudeen" graced his lip, and the trumpet so frequently alluded to + lay near him. + </p> + <p> + Opposite him sat a short, puny, round-faced little gentleman with rolling + eyes and a turned up nose. Numerous sheets of paper, pens, etc., lay + scattered about; and he evinced, by his air and gesture, the most marked + and eager attention to Mr. Free's narrative, whose frequent interruptions, + caused by the drink and the oysters, were viewed with no small impatience + by the anxious editor. + </p> + <p> + "You must remember, Captain, time's passing; the placards are all out. + Must be at press before one o'clock to-night,—the morning edition is + everything with us. You were at the first parallel, I think." + </p> + <p> + "Devil a one o' me knows. Just ring that bell near you. Them's elegant + oysters; and you're not taking your drop of liquor. Here's a toast for + you: 'May—' Whoop! raal Carlingford's, upon my conscience! See now, + if I won't hit the little black chap up there the first shot." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words spoken, when a little painted bust of Shakespeare + fell in fragments on the floor, as an oyster-shell laid him low. + </p> + <p> + A faint effort at a laugh at the eccentricities of his friend was all the + poor editor could accomplish, while Mike's triumph knew no bounds. + </p> + <p> + "Didn't I tell you? But come now, are you ready? Give the pen a drink, if + you won't take one yourself." + </p> + <p> + "I am ready, quite ready," responded the editor. + </p> + <p> + "Faith, and it's more nor I am. See now, here it is: The night was + murthering dark; you could not see a stim." + </p> + <p> + "Not see a—a what?" + </p> + <p> + "A stim, bad luck to you; don't you know English? Hand me the hot water. + Have you that down yet?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Pray proceed." + </p> + <p> + "The Fifth Division was orthered up, bekase they were fighting chaps; the + Eighty-eighth was among them; the Rangers—Oh, upon my soul, we must + drink the Rangers! Here, devil a one o' me will go on till we give them + all the honors—Hip!—begin." + </p> + <p> + "Hip!" sighed the luckless editor, as he rose from his chair, obedient to + the command. + </p> + <p> + "Hurra! hurra! hurra! Well done! There's stuff in you yet, ould foolscap! + The little bottle's empty; ring again, if ye plaze. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Oh, Father Magan + Was a beautiful man, + But a bit of a rogue, a bit of a rogue! + He was just six feet high, + Had a cast in his eye, + And an illigint brogue, an illigint brogue! + + 'He was born in Killarney, + And reared up in blarney—' +</pre> + <p> + "Arrah, don't be looking miserable and dissolute that way. Sure, I'm only + screwing myself up for you; besides, you can print the song av you like. + It's a sweet tune, 'Teddy, you Gander,'" + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mr. Free, I see no prospect of our ever getting done." + </p> + <p> + "The saints in Heaven forbid!" interrupted Mike, piously; "the evening's + young, and drink plenty. Here now, make ready!" + </p> + <p> + The editor once more made a gesture of preparation. + </p> + <p> + "Well, as I was saying," resumed Mike, "it was pitch dark when the columns + moved up, and a cold, raw night, with a little thin rain falling. Have you + that down?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Pray go on." + </p> + <p> + "Well, just as it might be here, at the corner of the trench, I met Dr. + Quill. 'They're waiting for you, Mr. Free,' says he, 'down there. Picton's + asking for you.' 'Faith, and he must wait,' says I, 'for I'm terrible + dry.' With that, he pulled out his canteen and mixed me a little + brandy-and-water. 'Are you taking it without a toast?' says Doctor + Maurice. 'Never fear,' says I; 'here's Mary Brady—'" + </p> + <p> + "But, my dear sir," interposed Mr. Meekins, "pray <i>do</i> remember this + is somewhat irrelevant. In fifteen minutes it will be twelve o'clock." + </p> + <p> + "I know it, ould boy, I know it. I see what you're at. You were going to + observe how much better we'd be for a broiled bone." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing of the kind, I assure you. For Heaven's sake, no more eating and + drinking!" + </p> + <p> + "No more eating nor drinking! Why not? You've a nice notion of a convivial + evening. Faith, we'll have the broiled bone sure enough, and, what's more, + a half gallon of the strongest punch they can make us; an' I hope that, + grave as you are, you'll favor the company with a song." + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mr. Free—" + </p> + <p> + "Arrah, none of your blarney! Don't be misthering me! Call me Mickey, or + Mickey Free, if you like better." + </p> + <p> + "I protest," said the editor, with dismay, "that here we are two hours at + work, and we haven't got to the foot of the great breach." + </p> + <p> + "And wasn't the army three months and a half in just getting that far, + with a battering train and mortars and the finest troops ever were seen? + And there you sit, a little fat creature, with your pen in your hand, + grumbling that you can't do more than the whole British army. Take care + you don't provoke me to beat you; for I am quiet till I'm roused. But, by + the Rock o' Cashel—" + </p> + <p> + Here he grasped the brass trumpet with an energy that made the editor + spring from his chair. + </p> + <p> + "For mercy's sake, Mr. Free—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I won't; but sit down there, and don't be bothering me about sieges + and battles and things you know nothing about." + </p> + <p> + "I protest," rejoined Mr. Meekins, "that, had you not sent to my office + intimating your wish to communicate an account of the siege, I never + should have thought of intruding myself upon you. And now, since you + appear indisposed to afford the information in question, if you will + permit me, I'll wish you a very good-night." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, and so you shall, and help me to pass one too; for not a step out + o' that chair shall you take till morning. Do ye think I am going to be + left here by myself all alone?" + </p> + <p> + "I must observe—" said Mr. Meekins. + </p> + <p> + "To be sure, to be sure," said Mickey; "I see what you mean. You're not + the best of company, it's true; but at a pinch like this—There now, + take, your liquor." + </p> + <p> + "Once for all, sir," said the editor, "I would beg you to recollect that, + on the faith of your message to me, I have announced an account of the + storming of Ciudad Rodrigo for our morning edition. Are you prepared, may + I ask, for the consequences of my disappointing ten thousand readers?" + </p> + <p> + "It's little I care for one of them. I never knew much of reading myself." + </p> + <p> + "If you think to make a jest of me—" interposed Mr. Meekins, + reddening with passion. + </p> + <p> + "A jest of you! Troth, it's little fun I can get out of you; you're as + tiresome a creature as ever I spent an evening with. See now, I told you + before not to provoke me; we'll have a little more drink; ring the bell. + Who knows but you'll turn out better by-and-by?" + </p> + <p> + As Mike rose at these words to summon the waiter, Mr. Meekins seized the + opportunity to make his escape. Scarcely had he reached the door, however, + when he was perceived by Mickey, who hurled the trumpet at him with all + his force, while he uttered a shout that nearly left the poor editor + lifeless with terror. This time, happily, Mr. Free's aim failed him, and + before he could arrest the progress of his victim, he had gained the + corridor, and with one bound, cleared the first flight of the staircase, + his pace increasing every moment as Mike's denunciations grew louder and + louder, till at last, as he reached the street, Mr. Free's delight + overcame his indignation, and he threw himself upon a chair and laughed + immoderately. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, may I never! if I didn't frighten the editor. The little spalpeen + couldn't eat his oysters and take his punch like a man. But sure if he + didn't, there's more left for his betters." So saying, he filled himself a + goblet and drank it off. "Mr. Free, we won't say much for your + inclinations, for maybe they are not the best; but here's bad luck to the + fellow that doesn't think you good company; and here," added he, again + filling his glass,—"and here's may the devil take editors and + authors and compositors, that won't let us alone, but must be taking our + lives and our songs and our little devilments, that belongs to one's own + family, and tell them all over the world. A lazy set of thieves you are, + every one of you; spending your time inventing lies, devil a more nor + less; and here," this time he filled again,—"and here's a hot corner + and Kilkenny coals, that's half sulphur, to the villain—" + </p> + <p> + For what particular class of offenders Mike's penal code was now devised, + I was not destined to learn; for overcome by punch and indignation, he + gave one loud whoop, and measured his length upon the floor. Having + committed him to the care of the waiters, from whom I learned more fully + the particulars of his acquaintance with Mr. Meekins, I enjoined them, + strictly, not to mention that I knew anything of the matter; and betook + myself to my bed sincerely rejoicing that in a few hours more Mike would + be again in that laud where even his eccentricities and excesses would be + viewed with a favorable and forgiving eye. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. + </h2> + <p> + IRELAND. + </p> + <p> + "You'd better call your master up," said the skipper to Mickey Free, on + the second evening after our departure from Bristol; "he said he'd like to + have a look at the coast." + </p> + <p> + The words were overheard by me, as I lay between sleeping and waking in + the cabin of the packet, and without waiting for a second invitation, I + rushed upon deck. The sun was setting, and one vast surface of yellow + golden light played upon the water, as it rippled beneath a gentle gale. + The white foam curled at our prow, and the rushing sound told the speed we + were going at. The little craft was staggering under every sheet of her + canvas, and her spars creaked as her white sails bent before the breeze. + Before us, but to my landsman's eyes scarcely perceptible, were the + ill-defined outlines of cloudy darkness they called land, and which I + continued to gaze at with a strange sense of interest, while I heard the + names of certain well-known headlands assigned to apparently mere masses + of fog-bank and vapor. + </p> + <p> + He who has never been separated in early years, while yet the budding + affections of his heart are tender shoots, from the land of his birth and + of his home, knows nothing of the throng of sensations that crowd upon him + as he nears the shore of his country. The names, familiar as household + words, come with a train of long-buried thoughts; the feeling of + attachment to all we call our own—that patriotism of the heart—stirs + strongly within him, as the mingled thrills of hope and fear alternately + move him to joy or sadness. + </p> + <p> + Hard as are the worldly struggles between the daily cares of him who + carves out his own career and fortune, yet he has never experienced the + darkest poverty of fate who has not felt what it is to be a wanderer, + without a country to lay claim to. Of all the desolations that visit us, + this is the gloomiest and the worst. The outcast from the land of his + fathers, whose voice must never be heard within the walls where his + infancy was nurtured, nor his step be free upon the mountains where he + gambolled in his youth, this is indeed wretchedness. The instinct of + country grows and strengthens with our years; the joys of early life are + linked with it; the hopes of age point towards it; and he who knows not + the thrill of ecstasy some well-remembered, long-lost-sight-of place can + bring to his heart when returning after years of absence, is ignorant of + one of the purest sources of happiness of our nature. + </p> + <p> + With what a yearning of the heart, then, did I look upon the dim and misty + cliffs, that mighty framework of my island home, their stern sides lashed + by the blue waters of the ocean, and their summits lost within the clouds! + With what an easy and natural transition did my mind turn from the wild + mountains and the green valleys to their hardy sons, who toiled beneath + the burning sun of the Peninsula; and how, as some twinkling light of the + distant shore would catch my eye, did I wonder within myself whether + beside that hearth and board there might not sit some whose thoughts were + wandering over the sea beside the bold steeps of El Bodon, or the + death-strewn plain of Talavera,—their memories calling up some trait + of him who was the idol of his home; whose closing lids some fond mother + had watched over; above whose peaceful slumber her prayers had fallen; but + whose narrow bed was now beneath the breach of Badajos, and his sleep the + sleep that knows not waking! + </p> + <p> + I know not if in my sad and sorrowing spirit I did not envy him who thus + had met a soldier's fate,—for what of promise had my own! My hopes + of being in any way instrumental to my poor uncle's happiness grew hourly + less. His prejudices were deeply rooted and of long standing; to have + asked him to surrender any of what he looked upon as the prerogatives of + his house and name, would be to risk the loss of his esteem. What then + remained for me? Was I to watch, day by day and hour by hour, the falling + ruin of our fortunes? Was I to involve myself in the petty warfare of + unavailing resistance to the law? And could I stand aloof from my best, my + truest, my earliest friend, and see him, alone and unaided, oppose his + weak and final struggle to the unrelenting career of persecution. Between + these two alternatives the former could be my only choice; and what a + choice! + </p> + <p> + Oh, how I thought over the wild heroism of the battle-field, the reckless + fury of the charge, the crash, the death-cry, and the sad picture of the + morrow, when all was past, and a soldier's glory alone remained to shed + its high halo over the faults and the follies of the dead. + </p> + <p> + As night fell, the twinkling of the distant lighthouses—some + throwing a column of light from the very verge of the horizon, others + shining brightly, like stars, from some lofty promontory—marked the + different outlines of the coast, and conveyed to me the memory of that + broken and wild mountain tract that forms the bulwark of the Green Isle + against the waves of the Atlantic. Alone and silently I trod the deck, now + turning to look towards the shore, where I thought I could detect the + position of some well-known headland, now straining my eyes seaward to + watch some bright and flitting star, as it rose from or merged beneath the + foaming water, denoting the track of the swift pilot-boat, or the hardy + lugger of the fisherman; while the shrill whistle of the floating sea-gull + was the only sound save the rushing waves that broke in spray upon our + quarter. + </p> + <p> + What is it that so inevitably inspires sad and depressing thoughts as we + walk the deck of some little craft in the silence of the night's dark + hours? No sense of danger near, we hold on our course swiftly and + steadily, cleaving the dark waves and bending gracefully beneath the + freshening breeze. Yet still the motion, which, in the bright sunshine of + the noonday tells of joy and gladness, brings now no touch of pleasure to + our hearts. The dark and frowning sky, the boundless expanse of gloomy + water, spread like some gigantic pall around us, and our thoughts either + turn back upon the saddest features of the past or look forward to the + future with a sickly hope that all may not be as we fear it. + </p> + <p> + Mine were, indeed, of the gloomiest; and the selfishness alone of the + thought prevented me from wishing that, like many another, I had fallen by + a soldier's death on the plains of the Peninsula! + </p> + <p> + As the night wore on, I wrapped myself in my cloak and lay down beneath + the bulwark. The whole of my past life came in review before me, and I + thought over my first meeting with Lucy Dashwood; the thrill of boyish + admiration gliding into love; the hopes, the fears, that stirred my heart; + the firm resolve to merit her affection, which made me a soldier. Alas, + how little thought she of him to whose whole life she had been a + guide-star and a beacon! And as I thought over the hard-fought fields, the + long, fatiguing marches, the nights around the watch-fires, and felt how, + in the whirl and enthusiasm of a soldier's life, the cares and sorrows of + every day existence are forgotten, I shuddered to reflect upon the career + that might now open before me. To abandon, perhaps forever, the glorious + path I had been pursuing for a life of indolence and weariness, while my + name, that had already, by the chance of some fortunate circumstances, + begun to be mentioned with a testimony of approval, should be lost in + oblivion or remembered but as that of one whose early promise was not + borne out by the deeds of his manhood. + </p> + <p> + As day broke, overcome by watching, I slept, but was soon awoke by the + stir and bustle around me. The breeze had freshened, and we were running + under a reefed mainsail and foresail; and as the little craft bounded + above the blue water, the white foam crested above her prow, and ran in + boiling rivulets along towards the after-deck. The tramp of the seamen, + the hoarse voice of the captain, the shrill cry of the sea-birds, + betokened, however, nothing of dread or danger; and listlessly I leaned + upon my elbow and asked what was going forward. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, sir; only making ready to drop our anchor." + </p> + <p> + "Are we so near shore, then?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "You've only to round that point to windward, and have a clear run into + Cork harbor." + </p> + <p> + I sprang at once to my legs. The land-fog prevented my seeing anything + whatever, but I thought that in the breeze, fresh and balmy as it blew, I + could feel the wind off shore. "At last," said I,—"at last!" as I + stepped into the little wherry which shot alongside of us, and we glided + into the still basin of Cove. How I remember every white-walled cottage, + and the beetling cliffs, and that bold headland beside which the valley + opens, with its dark-green woods, and then Spike Island. And what a stir + is yonder, early as it is; the men-of-war tenders seem alive with people, + while still the little village is sunk in slumber, not a smoke-wreath + rising from its silent hearths. Every plash of the oars in the calm water + as I neared the land, every chance word of the bronzed and hardy + fisherman, told upon my heart. I felt it was my home. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it beautiful, sir? Isn't it illigant?" said a voice behind me, + which there could be little doubt in my detecting, although I had not seen + the individual since I left England. + </p> + <p> + "Is not what beautiful?" replied I, rather harshly, at the interruption of + my own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + "Ireland, to be sure; and long life to her!" cried he, with a cheer that + soon found its responsive echoes in the hearts of our sailors, who + seconded the sentiment with all their energy. + </p> + <p> + "How am I to get up to Cork, lads?" said I. "I am pressed for time, and + must get forward." + </p> + <p> + "We'll row your honor the whole way, av it's plazing to you." + </p> + <p> + "Why, thank you, I'd rather find some quicker mode of proceeding." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe you'd have a chaise? There's an elegant one at M'Cassidy's." + </p> + <p> + "Sure, the blind mare's in foal," said the bow oar. "The devil a step she + can go out of a walk; so, your honor, take Tim Riley's car, and you'll get + up cheap. Not that you care for money; but he's going up at eight o'clock + with two young ladies." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, be-gorra!" said the other, "and so he is. And faix, ye might do + worse; they're nice craytures." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said I, "your advice seems good; but perhaps they might object to + my company." + </p> + <p> + "I've no fear; they're always with the officers. Sure, the Miss Dalrymples—" + </p> + <p> + "The Miss Dalrymples! Push ahead, boys; it must be later than I thought. + We must get the chaise; I can't wait." + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes more brought us to land. + </p> + <p> + My arrangements were soon made, and as my impatience to press forward + became greater the nearer I drew to my destination, I lost not a moment. + </p> + <p> + The yellow chaise—sole glory of Cove—was brought forth at my + request; and by good fortune, four posters which had been down the + preceding evening from Cork to some gentleman's seat near were about to + return. These were also pressed into my service; and just as the first + early riser of the little village was drawing his curtain to take a + half-closed eye-glance upon the breaking morning, I rattled forth upon my + journey at a pace which, could I only have secured its continuance, must + soon have terminated my weary way. + </p> + <p> + Beautiful as the whole line of country is, I was totally unconscious of + it; and even Mike's conversational powers, divided as they were between + myself and the two postilions, were fruitless in arousing me from the deep + pre-occupation of my mind by thoughts of home. + </p> + <p> + It was, then, with some astonishment I heard the boy upon the wheeler ask + whither he should drive me to. + </p> + <p> + "Tell his honor to wake up; we're in Cork now." + </p> + <p> + "In Cork! Impossible, already!" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, may be so; but it's Cork, sure enough." + </p> + <p> + "Drive to the 'George.' It's not far from the commander-in-chief's + quarters." + </p> + <p> + "'Tis five minutes' walk, sir. You'll be there before they're put to + again." + </p> + <p> + "Horses for Fermoy!" shouted out the postilions, as we tore up to the door + in a gallop. I sprang out, and by the assistance of the waiter, discovered + Sir Henry Howard's quarters, to whom my despatches were addressed. Having + delivered them into the hands of an aide-de-camp, who sat bolt upright in + his bed, rubbing his eyes to appear awake, I again hurried down-stairs, + and throwing myself into the chaise, continued my journey. + </p> + <p> + "Them's beautiful streets, any how!" said Mike, "av they wasn't kept so + dirty, and the houses so dark, and the pavement bad. That's Mr. Beamish's, + that fine house there with the brass rapper and the green lamp beside it; + and there's the hospital. Faix, and there's the place we beat the police + when I was here before; and the house with the sign of the Highlander is + thrown down; and what's the big building with the stone posts at the + door?" + </p> + <p> + "The bank, sir," said the postilion, with a most deferential air as Mike + addressed him. "What bank, acushla?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a one of me knows, sir; but they call it the bank, though it's only + an empty house." + </p> + <p> + "Cary and Moore's bank, perhaps?" said I, having heard that in days long + past some such names had failed in Cork for a large amount. + </p> + <p> + "So it is; your honor's right," cried the postilion; while Mike, standing + up on the box, and menacing the house with his clinched fist, shouted out + at the very top of his voice: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, bad luck to your cobwebbed windows and iron railings! Sure, it's my + father's son ought to hate the sight of you." + </p> + <p> + "I hope, Mike, your father never trusted his property in such hands?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't suspect he did, your honor. He never put much belief in the + banks; but the house cost him dear enough without that." + </p> + <p> + As I could not help feeling some curiosity in this matter, I pressed + Mickey for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + "But maybe it's not Cary and Moore's, after all; and I may be cursing + dacent people." + </p> + <p> + Having reassured his mind by telling him that the reservation he made by + the doubt would tell in their favor should he prove mistaken, he afforded + me the following information:— + </p> + <p> + "When my father—the heavens be his bed!—was in the 'Cork,' + they put him one night on guard at that same big house you just passed, av + it was the same; but if it wasn't that, it was another. And it was a + beautiful fine night in August and the moon up, and plenty of people + walking about, and all kinds of fun and devilment going on,—drinking + and dancing and everything. + </p> + <p> + "Well, my father was stuck up there with his musket, to walk up and down, + and not say, 'God save you kindly,' or the time of day or anything, but + just march as if he was in the barrack-yard; and by reason of his being + the man he was he didn't like it half, but kept cursing and swearing to + himself like mad when he saw pleasant fellows and pretty girls going by, + laughing and joking. + </p> + <p> + "'Good-evening, Mickey,' says one. 'Fine sport ye have all to yourself, + with your long feather in your cap.' + </p> + <p> + "'Arrah, look how proud he is,' says another, 'with his head up as if he + didn't see a body.' + </p> + <p> + "'Shoulder, hoo!' cried a drunken chap, with a shovel in his hand. Then + they all began laughing away at my father. + </p> + <p> + "'Let the dacent man alone,' said an ould fellow in a wig. 'Isn't he + guarding the bank, wid all the money in it?' + </p> + <p> + "'Faix, he isn't,' says another; 'for there's none left.' + </p> + <p> + "'What's that you're saying?' says my father. + </p> + <p> + "'Just that the bank's broke; devil a more!' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'And there's no goold in it?' says my father. + </p> + <p> + '"Divil a guinea.' + </p> + <p> + "'Nor silver?' + </p> + <p> + "'No, nor silver; nor as much as sixpence, either.' + </p> + <p> + "'Didn't ye hear that all day yesterday when the people was coming in with + their notes, the chaps there were heating the guineas in a frying-pan, + pretending that they were making them as fast as they could; and sure, + when they had a batch red-hot they spread them out to cool; and what + betune the hating and the cooling, and the burning the fingers counting + them, they kept the bank open to three o'clock, and then they ran away.' + </p> + <p> + "'Is it truth yer telling?' says my father. + </p> + <p> + "'Sorra word o' lie in it! Myself had two-and-fourpence of their notes.' + </p> + <p> + "'And so they're broke,' says my father, 'and nothing left?' + </p> + <p> + "'Not a brass farden.' + </p> + <p> + "'And what am I staying here for, I wonder, if there's nothing to guard?' + </p> + <p> + "'Faix, if it isn't for the pride of the thing—' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, sorra taste!' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, may be for divarsion.' + </p> + <p> + "'Nor that either.' + </p> + <p> + "'Faix, then you're a droll man, to spend the evening that way,' says he; + and all the crowd—for there was a crowd—said the same. So with + that my father unscrewed his bayonet, and put his piece on his shoulder, + and walked off to his bed in the barrack as peaceable as need be. But + well, when they came to relieve him, wasn't there a raal commotion? And + faith, you see, it went mighty hard with my father the next morning; for + the bank was open just as usual, and my father was sintinced to fifty + lashes, but got off with a week in prison, and three more rowling a big + stone in the barrack-yard." + </p> + <p> + Thus chatting away, the time passed over, until we arrived at Fermoy. Here + there was some little delay in procuring horses; and during the + negotiation, Mike, who usually made himself master of the circumstances of + every place through which he passed, discovered that the grocer's shop of + the village was kept by a namesake, and possibly a relation of his own. + </p> + <p> + "I always had a notion, Mister Charles, that I came from a good stock; and + sure enough, here's 'Mary Free' over the door there, and a beautiful place + inside; full of tay and sugar and gingerbread and glue and coffee and + bran, pickled herrings, soap, and many other commodities." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you'd like to claim kindred, Mike," said I, interrupting; "I'm + sure she'd feel flattered to discover a relative in a Peninsular hero." + </p> + <p> + "It's just what I'm thinking; av we were going to pass the evening here, + I'd try if I couldn't make her out a second cousin at least." + </p> + <p> + Fortune, upon this occasion, seconded Mike's wishes, for when the horses + made their appearance, I learned, to my surprise, that the near side one + would not bear a saddle, and the off-sider could only run on his own side. + In this conjuncture, the postilion was obliged to drive from what, <i>Hibernicè</i> + speaking, is called the perch,—no ill-applied denomination to a + piece of wood which, about the thickness of one's arm, is hung between the + two fore-springs, and serves as a resting-place in which the luckless + wight, weary of the saddle, is not sorry to repose himself. + </p> + <p> + "What's to be done?" cried I. "There's no room within; my traps barely + leave space for myself among them." + </p> + <p> + "Sure, sir," said the postilion, "the other gentleman can follow in the + morning coach; and if any accident happens to yourself on the road, by + reason of a break-down, he'll be there as soon as yourself." + </p> + <p> + This, at least, was an agreeable suggestion, and as I saw it chimed with + Mike's notions, I acceded at once; he came running up at the moment. + </p> + <p> + "I had a peep at her through the window, Mister Charles, and, faix, she + has a great look of the family." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mickey, I'll leave you twenty-four hours to cultivate the + acquaintance; and to a man like you the time, I know, is ample. Follow me + by the morning's coach. Till then, good-by." + </p> + <p> + Away we rattled once more, and soon left the town behind us. The wild + mountain tract which stretched on either side of the road presented one + bleak and brown surface, unrelieved by any trace of tillage or habitation; + an apparently endless succession of fern-clad hills lay on every side; + above, the gloomy sky of leaden, lowering aspect, frowned darkly; the sad + and wailing cry of the pewet or the plover was the only sound that broke + the stillness, and far as the eye could reach, a dreary waste extended. + The air, too, was cold and chilly; it was one of those days which, in our + springs, seemed to cast a retrospective glance towards the winter they + have left behind them. The prospect was no cheering one; from heaven above + or earth below there came no sight nor sound of gladness. The rich glow of + the Peninsular landscape was still fresh in my memory,—the luxurious + verdure; the olive, the citron, and the vine; the fair valleys teeming + with abundance; the mountains terraced with their vineyards; the blue + transparent sky spreading o'er all; while the very air was rife with the + cheering song of birds that peopled every grove. What a contrast was here! + We travelled on for miles, but no village nor one human face did we see. + Far in the distance a thin wreath of smoke curled upward; but it came from + no hearth; it arose from one of those field-fires by which spendthrift + husbandry cultivates the ground. It was, indeed, sad; and yet, I know not + how, it spoke more home to my heart than all the brilliant display and all + the voluptuous splendor I had witnessed in London. By degrees some traces + of wood made their appearance, and as we descended the mountain towards + Cahir, the country assumed a more cultivated and cheerful look,—patches + of corn or of meadow-land stretched on either side, and the voice of + children and the lowing of oxen mingled with the cawing of the rooks, as + in dense clouds they followed the ploughman's track. The changed features + of the prospect resembled the alternate phases of temperament of the + dweller on the soil,—the gloomy determination; the smiling + carelessness; the dark spirit of boding; the reckless jollity; the almost + savage ferocity of purpose, followed by a child-like docility and a + womanly softness; the grave, the gay, the resolute, the fickle; the firm, + the yielding, the unsparing, and the tender-hearted,—blending their + contrarieties into one nature, of whose capabilities one cannot predicate + the bounds, but to whom, by some luckless fatality of fortune, the great + rewards of life have been generally withheld until one begins to feel that + the curse of Swift was less the sarcasm wrung from indignant failures than + the cold and stern prophecy of the moralist. + </p> + <p> + But how have I fallen into this strain! Let me rather turn my eyes forward + towards my home. How shall I find all there? Have his altered fortunes + damped the warm ardor of my poor uncle's heart? Is his smile sicklied over + by sorrow; or shall I hear his merry laugh and his cheerful voice as in + days of yore? How I longed to take my place beside that hearth, and in the + same oak-chair where I have sat telling the bold adventures of a fox-chase + or some long day upon the moors, speak of the scenes of my campaigning + life, and make known to him those gallant fellows by whose side I have + charged in battle, or sat in the bivouac! How will he glory in the + soldier-like spirit and daring energy of Fred Power! How will he chuckle + over the blundering earnestness and Irish warmth of O'Shaughnessy! How + will he laugh at the quaint stories and quainter jests of Maurice Quill! + And how often will he wish once more to be young in hand as in heart to + mingle with such gay fellows, with no other care, no other sorrow, to + depress him, save the passing fortune of a soldier's life! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. + </h2> + <p> + THE RETURN. + </p> + <p> + A rude shock awoke me as I lay asleep in the corner of the chaise; a shout + followed, and the next moment the door was torn open, and I heard the + postilion's voice crying to me:— + </p> + <p> + "Spring out! Jump out quickly, sir!" + </p> + <p> + A whole battery of kicks upon the front panel drowned the rest of his + speech; but before I could obey his injunction, he was pitched upon the + road, the chaise rolled over and the pole snapped short in the middle, + while the two horses belabored the carriage and each other with all their + might. Managing, as well as I was able, to extricate myself, I leaped out + upon the road, and by the aid of a knife, and at the cost of some bruises, + succeeded in freeing the horses from their tackle. The postboy, who had + escaped without any serious injury, labored manfully to aid me, blubbering + the whole time upon the consequences his misfortune would bring down upon + his head. + </p> + <p> + "Bad luck to ye!" cried he, apostrophizing the off-horse, a tall, + raw-boned beast, with a Roman nose, a dipped back, and a tail ragged and + jagged like a hand-saw,—"bad luck to ye! there never was a good one + of your color!" + </p> + <p> + This, for the information of the "unjockeyed," I may add, was a species of + brindled gray. + </p> + <p> + "How did it happen, Patsey; how did it happen, my lad?" + </p> + <p> + "It was the heap o' stones they left in the road since last autumn; and + though I riz him at it fairly, he dragged the ould mare over it and broke + the pole. Oh, wirra, wirra!" cried he, wringing his hands in an agony of + grief, "sure there's neither luck nor grace to be had with ye since the + day ye drew the judge down to the last assizes!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, what's to be done?" + </p> + <p> + "Sorra a bit o' me knows; the shay's ruined intirely, and the ould divil + there knows he's conquered us. Look at him there, listening to every word + we're saying! You eternal thief, may be its ploughing you'd like better!" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said I, "this will never get us forward. What part of the + country are we in?" + </p> + <p> + "We left Banagher about four miles behind us; that's Killimur you see with + the smoke there in the hollow." + </p> + <p> + Now, although I did not see Killimur (for the gray mist of the morning + prevented me recognizing any object a few hundred yards distant), yet from + the direction in which he pointed, and from the course of the Shannon, + which I could trace indistinctly, I obtained a pretty accurate notion of + where we were. + </p> + <p> + "Then we are not very far from Portumna?" + </p> + <p> + "Just a pleasant walk before your breakfast." + </p> + <p> + "And is there not a short cut to O'Malley Castle over that mountain?" + </p> + <p> + "Faix, and so there is; and ye can be no stranger to these parts if ye + know that." + </p> + <p> + "I have travelled it before now. Just tell me, is the wooden bridge + standing over the little stream? It used to be carried away every winter + in my time." + </p> + <p> + "It's just the same now. You'll have to pass by the upper ford; but it + comes to the same, for that will bring you to the back gate of the + demesne, and one way is just as short as the other." + </p> + <p> + "I know it, I know it; so now, do you follow me with my luggage to the + castle, and I'll set out on foot." + </p> + <p> + So saying, I threw off my cloak, and prepared myself for a sharp walk of + some eight miles over the mountain. As I reached the little knoll of land + which, overlooking the Shannon, affords a view of several miles in every + direction, I stopped to gaze upon the scene where every object around was + familiar to me from infancy: the broad, majestic river, sweeping in bold + curves between the wild mountains of Connaught and the wooded hills and + cultivated slopes of the more fertile Munster, the tall chimneys of many a + house rose above the dense woods where in my boyhood I had spent hours and + days of happiness. One last look I turned towards the scene of my late + catastrophe ere I began to descend the mountain. The postboy, with the + happy fatalism of his country, and a firm trust in the future, had + established himself in the interior of the chaise, from which a blue curl + of smoke wreathed upward from his pipe; the horses grazed contentedly by + the roadside; and were I to judge from the evidence before me, I should + say that I was the only member of the party inconvenienced by the + accident. A thin sleeting of rain began to fall; the wind blew sharply in + my face, and the dark clouds, collecting in masses above, seemed to + threaten a storm. Without stopping for even a passing look at the many + well-known spots about, I pressed rapidly on. My old experience upon the + moors had taught me that sling trot in which jumping from hillock to + hillock over the boggy surface, you succeed in accomplishing your journey + not only with considerable speed, but perfectly dryshod. + </p> + <p> + By the lonely path which I travelled, it was unlikely I should meet any + one. It was rarely traversed except by the foot of the sportsman, or some + stray messenger from the castle to the town of Banagher. Its solitude, + however, was in no wise distasteful to me; my heart was full to bursting. + Each moment as I walked some new feature of my home presented itself + before me. Now it was all happiness and comfort; the scene of its ancient + hospitable board, its warm hearth, its happy faces, and its ready welcome + were all before me, and I increased my speed to the utmost, when suddenly + a sense of sad and sorrowing foreboding would draw around me, and the + image of my uncle's sick-bed, his worn features, his pallid look, his + broken voice would strike upon my heart, and all the changes that poverty, + desertion, and decay can bring to pass would fall upon my heart, and weak + and trembling I would stand for some moments unable to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how many a reproachful thought came home to me at what I scrupled not + to call to myself the desertion of my home! Oh, how many a prayer I + uttered, in all the fervor of devotion, that my selfish waywardness and my + yearning for ambition might not bring upon me, in after-life, years of + unavailing regret! As I thought thus, I reached the brow of a little + mountain ridge, beneath which, at a distance of scarcely more than a mile, + the dark woods of O'Malley Castle stretched, before me. The house itself + was not visible, for it was situated in a valley beside the river. But + there lay the whole scene of my boyhood: there the little creek where my + boat was kept, and where I landed on the morning after my duel with + Bodkin; there stretched for many a mile the large, callow meadows, where I + trained my horses, and schooled them for the coming season; and far in the + distance, the brown and rugged peak of old Scariff was lost in the clouds. + The rain by this time had ceased, the wind had fallen, and an almost + unnatural stillness prevailed around; but yet the heavy masses of vapor + frowned ominously, and the leaden hue of land and water wore a gloomy and + depressing aspect. My impatience to get on increased every moment, and + descending the mountain at the top of my speed, I at length reached the + little oak paling that skirted the wood, opened the little wicket, and + entered the path. It was the self-same one I had trod in revery and + meditation the night before I left my home. I remember, too, sitting down + beside the little well which, enclosed in a frame of rock, ran trickling + across the path to be lost among the gnarled roots and fallen leaves + around. Yes, this was the very spot. + </p> + <p> + Overcome for the instant by my exertion and by my emotion, I sat down upon + the stone, and taking off my cap, bathed my heated and throbbing temples + in the cold spring, Refreshed at once, I was about to rise and press + onward, when suddenly my attention was caught by a sound which, faint from + distance, scarce struck upon my ear. I listened again; but all was still + and silent, the dull splash of the river as it broke upon the reedy shore + was the only sound I heard. Thinking it probably some mere delusion of my + heated imagination, I rose to push forward; but at the moment a slight + breeze stirred in the leaves around me, the light branches rustled and + bent beneath it, and a low moaning sound swelled upward, increasing each + instant as it came; like the distant roar of some mighty torrent it grew + louder as the wind bore it towards me, and now falling, now swelling, it + burst forth into one loud, prolonged cry of agony and grief. O God! it was + the death-wail! I fell upon my knees, my hands clasped in agony; the sweat + of misery dropped off my brow, and with a heart bleeding and breaking I + prayed—I know not what. Again the terrible cry smote upon my ear, + and I could mark the horrible cadences of the death-song, as the voices of + the mourners joined in chorus. + </p> + <p> + My suspense became too great to bear. I dashed madly forward, one sound + still ringing in my ears, one horrid image before my eyes. I reached the + garden wall; I cleared the little rivulet beside the flower-garden; I + traversed its beds (neglected and decayed); I gained the avenue, taking no + heed of the crowds before me,—some on foot, some on horseback, + others mounted upon the low country car, many seated in groups upon the + grass, their heads bowed upon their bosoms, silent and speechless. As I + neared the house the whole approach was crowded with carriages and + horsemen. At the foot of the large flight of steps stood the black and + mournful hearse, its plumes nodding in the breeze. With the speed of + madness and the recklessness of despair I tore my way through the thickly + standing groups upon the steps; I could not speak, I could not utter. Once + more the frightful cry swelled upward, and in its wild notes seemed to + paralyze me; for with my hands upon my temples, I stood motionless and + still. A heavy footfall as of persons marching in procession came nearer + and nearer, and as the sounds without sank into sobs of bitterness and + woe, the black pall of a coffin, borne on men's shoulders, appeared at the + door, and an old man whose gray hair floated in the breeze, and across + whose stern features a struggle for self-mastery—a kind of spasmodic + effort—was playing, held out his hand to enforce silence. His eye, + lack-lustre and dimmed with age, roved over the assembled multitude, but + there was no recognition in his look until at last he turned it on me. A + slight hectic flush colored his pale cheek, his lip trembled, he essayed + to speak, but could not. I sprang towards him, but choked by agony, I + could not utter; my look, however, spoke what my tongue could not. He + threw his arms around me, and muttering the words, "Poor Godfrey!" pointed + to the coffin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. + </h2> + <p> + HOME. + </p> + <p> + Many, many years have passed away since the time I am now about to speak + of, and yet I cannot revert, even for a moment, to the period without a + sad and depressing feeling at my heart. The wreck of fortune, the + thwarting of ambition, the failure in enterprise, great though they be, + are endurable evils. The never-dying hope that youth is blessed with will + find its resting-place still within the breast, and the baffled and beaten + will struggle on unconquered; but for the death of friends, for the loss + of those in whom our dearest affections were centred, there is no solace,—the + terrible "never" of the grave knows no remorse, and even memory, that in + our saddest hours can bring bright images and smiling faces before us, + calls up here only the departed shade of happiness, a passing look at that + Eden of our joys from which we are separated forever. And the desolation + of the heart is never perfect till it has felt the echoes of a last + farewell on earth reverberating within it. + </p> + <p> + Oh, with what tortures of self-reproach we think of all former intercourse + with him that is gone! How would we wish to live our lives once more, + correcting each passage of unkindness or neglect! How deeply do we blame + ourselves for occasions of benefit lost, and opportunities unprofited by; + and how unceasingly, through after-life, the memory of the departed recurs + to us! In all the ties which affection and kindred weave around us, one + vacant spot is there, unseen and unknown by others, which no blandishments + of love, no caresses of friendship can fill up; although the rank grass + and the tall weeds of the churchyard may close around the humble tomb, the + cemetery of the heart is holy and sacred, pure from all the troubled + thoughts and daily cares of the busy world. To that hallowed spot do we + retire as into our chamber, and when unrewarded efforts bring discomfiture + and misery to our minds, when friends are false, and cherished hopes are + blasted, we think on those who never ceased to love till they had ceased + to live; and in the lonely solitude of our affliction we call upon those + who hear not, and may never return. + </p> + <p> + Mine was a desolate hearth. I sat moodily down in the old oak parlor, my + heart bowed down with grief. The noiseless steps, the mourning garments of + the old servants; the unnatural silence of those walls within which from + my infancy the sounds of merriment and mirth had been familiar; the large + old-fashioned chair where he was wont to sit, now placed against the wall,—all + spoke of the sad past. Yet, when some footsteps would draw near, and the + door would open, I could not repress a thrill of hope that he was coming; + more than once I rushed to the window and looked out; I could have sworn I + heard his voice. + </p> + <p> + The old cob pony he used to ride was grazing peacefully before the door; + poor Carlo, his favorite spaniel, lay stretched upon the terrace, turning + ever and anon a look towards the window, and then, as if wearied of + watching for him who came not, he would utter a long, low, wailing cry, + and lie down again to sleep. The rich lawn, decked with field flowers of + many a hue, stretched away towards the river, upon whose calm surface the + white-sailed lugger scarce seemed to move; the sounds of a well-known + Irish air came, softened by distance, as some poor fisherman sat mending + his net upon the bank, and the laugh of children floated on the breeze. + Yes, they were happy. + </p> + <p> + Two months had elapsed since my return home; how passed by me I know not; + a lethargic stupor had settled upon me. Whole days long I sat at the + window, looking listlessly at the tranquil river, and watching the white + foam as, borne down from the rapids, it floated lazily along. The count + had left me soon, being called up to Dublin by some business, and I was + utterly alone. The different families about called frequently to ask after + me, and would, doubtless, have done all in their power to alleviate my + sorrow, and lighten the load of my affliction; but with a morbid fear, I + avoided every one, and rarely left the house except at night-fall, and + then only to stroll by some lonely and deserted path. + </p> + <p> + Life had lost its charm for me; my gratified ambition had ended in the + blackest disappointment, and all for which I had labored and longed was + only attained that I might feel it valueless. + </p> + <p> + Of my circumstances as to fortune I knew nothing, and cared not more; + poverty and riches could matter little now; all my day dreams were + dissipated now, and I only waited for Considine's return to leave Ireland + forever. I had made up my mind, if by any unexpected turn of fate the war + should cease in the Peninsula, to exchange into an Indian regiment. The + daily association with objects which recalled but one image to my brain, + and that ever accompanied by remorse of conscience, gave me not a moment's + peace. My every thought of happiness was mixed up with scenes which now + presented nothing but the evidences of blighted hope; to remain, then, + where I was, would be to sink into the heartless misanthropist, and I + resolved that with my sword I would carve out a soldier's fortune and a + soldier's grave. + </p> + <p> + Considine came at last. I was sitting alone, at my usual post beside the + window, when the chaise rattled up to the door; for an instant I started + to my legs; a vague sense of something like hope shot through me, the + whole might be a dream, and <i>he</i>—The next moment I became cold + and sick, a faintish giddiness obscured my sight, and though I felt his + grasp as he took my hand, I saw him not. An indistinct impression still + dwells upon my mind of his chiding me for my weakness in thus giving way; + of his calling upon me to assert my position, and discharge the duties of + him whose successor I now was. I heard him in silence; and when he + concluded, faintly pledging myself to obey him, I hurried to my room, and + throwing myself upon my bed burst into an agony of tears. Hitherto my pent + up sorrow had wasted me day by day; but the rock was now smote, and in + that gush of misery my heart found relief. + </p> + <p> + When I appeared the following morning, the count was struck with my + altered looks; a settled sorrow could not conceal the changes which time + and manhood had made upon me; and as from a kind of fear of showing how + deeply I grieved, I endeavored to conceal it, by degrees I was enabled to + converse calmly and dispassionately upon my fortunes. + </p> + <p> + "Poor Godfrey," said he, "appointed me his sole executor a few days before + it happened; he knew the time was drawing near, and strange enough, + Charley, though he heard of your return to England, he would not let us + write. The papers spoke of you as being at Carlton House almost daily; + your name appeared at every great festival; and while his heart warmed at + your brilliant success, he absolutely dreaded your coming home. 'Poor + fellow,' he would say, 'what a change for him, to leave the splendor and + magnificence of his Prince's board for our meagre fare and altered + fortunes! And then,' he added, 'as for me—God forgive me!—I + can go now; but how should I bear to part with him if he comes back to + me.' And now," said the count, when he had concluded a detailed history of + my dear uncle's last illness,—"and now, Charley, what are your + plans?" + </p> + <p> + Briefly, and in a few words, I stated to him my intentions. Without + placing much stress upon the strongest of my reasons—my distaste to + what had once been home—I avowed my wish to join my regiment at + once. + </p> + <p> + He heard me with evident impatience, and as I finished, seized my arm in + his strong grasp. "No, no, boy, none of this; your tone of assumed + composure cannot impose on Bill Considine. You must not return to the + Peninsula—at least not yet awhile; the disgust of life may be strong + at twenty, but it's not lasting; besides, Charley," here his voice + faltered slightly, "<i>his</i> wishes you'll not treat lightly. Read + this." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he took a blotted and ill-written letter from his + breast-pocket, and handed it to me. It was in my poor uncle's hand, and + dated the very morning of his death. It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Bill,—Charley must never part with the old house, + come what will; I leave too many ties behind for a stranger's heritage; + he must live among my old friends, and watch, protect + and comfort them. He has done enough for fame; let him now + do something for affection. We have none of us been over good + to these poor people; one of the name must try and save our + credit. God bless you both! It is, perhaps, the last time I shall + utter it. + + G. O'M. +</pre> + <p> + I read these few and, to me, affecting lines over and over, forgetful of + all save of him who penned them; when Considine, who supposed that my + silence was attributable to doubt and hesitation, called out:— + </p> + <p> + "Well, what now?" + </p> + <p> + "I remain," said I, briefly. + </p> + <p> + He seized me in his arms with transport, as he said:— + </p> + <p> + "I knew it, boy, I knew it. They told me you were spoiled by flattery, and + your head turned by fortune; they said that home and country would weigh + lightly in the balance against fame and glory; but I said no, I knew you + better. I told them indignantly that I had nursed you on my knee; that I + watched you from infancy to boyhood, from boy to man; that he of whose + stock you came had one feeling paramount to all, his love of his own + fatherland, and that you would not disgrace him. Besides, Charley, there's + not an humble hearth for many a long mile around us, where, amidst the + winter's blast, tempered not excluded, by frail walls and poverty,—there's + not one such but where poor Godfrey's name rises each night in prayer, and + blessings are invoked on him by those who never felt them themselves." + </p> + <p> + "I'll not desert them." + </p> + <p> + "I know you'll not, boy, I know you'll not. Now for the means." + </p> + <p> + Here he entered into a long and complicated exposure of my dear uncle's + many difficulties, by which it appeared that, in order to leave the estate + free of debt to me, he had for years past undergone severe privations. + These, however,—such is the misfortune of an unguided effort,—had + but ill succeeded, and there was scarcely a farm on the property without + its mortgage. Upon the house and demesne a bond for three thousand pounds + still remained; and to pay off this, Considine advised my selling a + portion of the property. + </p> + <p> + "It's old Blake lent the money; and only a week before your uncle died, he + served a notice for repayment. I never told Godfrey; it was no use. It + could only embitter his last few hours; and, besides, we had six months to + think of it. The half of that time has now elapsed, however; we must see + to this." + </p> + <p> + "And did Blake really make this demand, knowing my poor uncle's + difficulties?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, I half think he did not; for Godfrey was too fine a fellow ever to + acknowledge anything of the sort. He had twelve sheep killed for the poor + in Scariff, at a time when not a servant of the house tasted meat for + months; ay, and our own table, too, none of the most abundant, I assure + you." + </p> + <p> + What a picture was this, and how forcibly did it remind me of what I had + witnessed in times past. Thus meditating, we returned to the house; and + Considine, whose activity never slumbered, sat down to con over the + rent-roll with old Maguire the steward. + </p> + <p> + When I joined the count in the evening, I found him surrounded by maps, + rent-rolls, surveys, and leases. He had been poring over these various + documents, to ascertain from which portion of the property we could best + recruit our failing finances. To judge from the embarrassed look and + manner with which he met me, the matter was one of no small difficulty. + The encumbrances upon the estate had been incurred with an unsparing hand; + and except where some irreclaimable tract of bog or mountain rendered a + loan impracticable, each portion of the property had its share of debt. + </p> + <p> + "You can't sell Killantry, for Basset has above six thousand pounds on it + already. To be sure, there's the Priest's Meadows,—fine land and in + good heart; but Malony was an old tenant of the family, and I cannot + recommend your turning him over to a stranger. The widow M'Bride's farm is + perhaps the best, after all, and it would certainly bring the sum we want; + still, poor Mary was your nurse, Charley, and it would break her heart to + do it." + </p> + <p> + Thus, wherever we turned, some obstacle presented itself, if not from + moneyed causes, at least from those ties and associations which, in an + attached and faithful tenantry, are sure to grow up between them and the + owner of the soil. + </p> + <p> + Feeling how all-important these things were—endeavoring as I was to + fulfil the will and work out the intentions of my uncle—I saw at + once that to sell any portion of the property must separate me, to a + certain extent, from those who long looked up to our house, and who, in + the feudalism of the west, could ill withdraw their allegiance from their + own chief to swear fealty to a stranger. The richer tenants were those + whose industry and habits rendered them objects of worth and attachment; + to the poorer ones, to whose improvidence and whose follies (if you will) + their poverty was owing, I was bound by those ties which the ancient habit + of my house had contracted for centuries. The bond of benefit conferred + can be stronger than the debt of gratitude itself. What was I then to do? + My income would certainly permit of my paying the interest upon my several + mortgages, and still retaining wherewithal to live; the payment of Blake's + bond was my only difficulty, and small as it was, it was still a + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + "I have it, Charley!" said Considine; "I've found out the way of doing it. + Blake will have no objection, I'm sure, to take the widow's farm in + payment of his debt, giving you a power of redemption within five years. + In that time, what with economy, some management, perhaps," added he, + smiling slightly,—"perhaps a wife with money may relieve all your + embarrassments at once. Well, well, I know you are not thinking of that + just now; but come, what say you to my plan?" + </p> + <p> + "I know not well what to say. It seems to be the best; but still I have my + misgivings." + </p> + <p> + "Of course you have, my boy; nor could I love you if you'd part with an + old and faithful follower without them. But, after all, she is only a + hostage to the enemy; we'll win her back, Charley." + </p> + <p> + "If you think so—" + </p> + <p> + "I do. I know it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, be it so; only one thing I bargain,—she must herself + consent to this change of masters. It will seem to her a harsh measure + that the child she had nursed and fondled in her arms should live to + disunite her from those her oldest attachments upon earth. We must take + care, sir, that Blake cannot dispossess her; this would be too hard." + </p> + <p> + "No, no; that we'll guard against. And now, Charley, with prudence and + caution, we'll clear off every encumbrance, and O'Malley Castle shall yet + be what it was in days of yore. Ay, boy, with the descendant of the old + house for its master, and not that general—how do you call him?—that + came down here to contest the county, who with his offer of thirty + thousand pounds thought to uproot the oldest family of the west. Did I + ever show you the letter we wrote him?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," replied I, trembling with agitation as I spoke; "you merely + alluded to it in one of yours." + </p> + <p> + "Look here, lad!" said he, drawing it from the recesses of a black leather + pocket-book. "I took a copy of it; read that." + </p> + <p> + The document was dated, "O'Malley Castle, December 9th." It ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sir,—I have this moment learned from my agent, that you, or + some one empowered by you for the purpose, made an offer of several + thousand pounds to buy up the different mortgages upon my property, + with a subsequent intention of becoming its possessor. Now, sir, I + beg to tell you, that if your ungentlemanlike and underhand plot + had succeeded, you dared not darken with your shadow the door-sill + of the house you purchased. Neither your gold nor your flattery—and + I hear you are rich in both—could wipe out from the minds + and hearts of my poor tenantry the kindness of centuries. Be advised, + then, sir; withdraw your offer; let a Galway gentleman settle + his own difficulties his own way; his troubles and cares are quite + sufficient, without your adding to them. There can be but one + mode in which your interference with him could be deemed acceptable: + need I tell you, sir, who are a soldier, how that is? As I + know your official duties are important, and as my nephew—who + feels with me perfectly in this business—is abroad, I can only say + that failing health and a broken frame shall not prevent my undertaking + a journey to England, should my doing so meet your wishes + on this occasion. I am, sir, + + Your obedient servant, GODFREY O'MALLEY. +</pre> + <p> + "This letter," continued Considine, "I enclosed in an envelope, with the + following few lines of my own:"— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Count Considine presents his compliments to Lieutenant-General + Dashwood; and feeling that as the friend of Mr. Godfrey O'Malley, + the mild course pursued by that gentleman may possibly be attributed + to his suggestion, he begs to assure General Dashwood that the reverse + was the case, and that he strenuously counselled the propriety + of laying a horsewhip upon the general's shoulders, as a preliminary + step in the transaction. + + "Count Considine's address is No. 16 Kildare Street." +</pre> + <p> + "Great God!" said I, "is this possible?" + </p> + <p> + "Well may you say so, my boy: for—would you believe it?—after + all that, he writes a long blundering apology, protesting I know not what + about motives of former friendship, and terminating with a civil hint that + we have done with him forever. And of my paragraph he takes no notice; and + thus ends the whole affair." + </p> + <p> + "And with it my last hope also!" muttered I to myself. + </p> + <p> + That Sir George Dashwood's intentions had been misconstrued and mistaken I + knew perfectly well; that nothing but the accumulated evils of poverty and + sickness could have induced my poor uncle to write such a letter I was + well aware; but now the mischief was accomplished, the evil was done, and + nothing remained but to bear with patience and submission, and to endeavor + to forget what thus became irremediable. + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood made no allusion to me, sir, in his reply?" inquired + I, catching at anything like a hope. + </p> + <p> + "Your name never occurs in his letter. But you look pale, boy; all these + discussions come too early upon you; besides, you stay too much at home, + and take no exercise." + </p> + <p> + So saying, Considine bustled off towards the stables to look after some + young horses that had just been taken up; and I walked out alone to ponder + over what I had heard, and meditate on my plans for the future. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> + <p> + AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. + </p> + <p> + As I wandered on, the irritation of my spirit gradually subsided. It was, + to be sure, distressing to think over the light in which my uncle's letter + had placed me before Sir George Dashwood, had even my reputation only with + him been at stake; but with my attachment to his daughter, it was almost + maddening. And yet there was nothing to be done; to disavow my + participation would be to throw discredit upon my uncle. Thus were my + hopes blighted; and thus, at that season when life was opening upon me, + did I feel careless and indifferent to everything. Had my military career + still remained to me, that at least would have suggested scenes sufficient + to distract me from the past; but now my days must be spent where every + spot teemed with memories of bygone happiness and joys never to come back + again. + </p> + <p> + My mind was, however, made up; and without speaking a word to Considine, I + turned homeward, and sat down at my writing-table. In a few brief lines I + informed my army agent of my intention of leaving the service, and desired + that he would sell out for me at once. Fearing lest my resolution might + not be proof against the advice and solicitation of my friends, I + cautioned him against giving my address, or any clew by which letters + might reach me. + </p> + <p> + This done, I addressed a short note to Mr. Blake, requesting to know the + name of his solicitor, in whose hands the bond was placed, and announcing + my intention of immediate repayment. + </p> + <p> + Trifling as these details were in themselves, I cannot help recording how + completely they changed the whole current of my thoughts. A new train of + interests began to spring up within me; and where so lately the clang of + the battle, the ardor of the march, the careless ease of the bivouac, had + engrossed every feeling, now more humble and homely thoughts succeeded; + and as my personal ambition had lost its stimulant, I turned with pleasure + to those of whose fate and fortunes I was in some sort the guardian. There + may be many a land where the verdure blooms more in fragrance and in + richness, where the clime breathes softer, and a brighter sky lights up + the landscape; but there is none—I have travelled through many a one—where + more touching and heart-bound associations are blended with the features + of the soil than in Ireland, and cold must be the spirit, and barren the + affections of him who can dwell amidst its mountains and its valleys, its + tranquil lakes, its wooded fens, without feeling their humanizing + influence upon him. Thus gradually new impressions and new duties + succeeded; and ere four months elapsed, the quiet monotony of my daily + life healed up the wounds of my suffering, and in the calm current of my + present existence, a sense of content, if not of happiness, crept gently + over me, and I ceased to long for the clash of arms and the loud blast of + the trumpet. + </p> + <p> + Unlike all my former habits, I completely abandoned the sports of the + field. He who had participated in them with me was no longer there; and + the very sight of the tackle itself suggested sad and depressing thoughts. + </p> + <p> + My horses I took but little pleasure in. To gratify the good and kind + people about, I would walk through the stables, and make some passing + remark, as if to show some interest; but I felt it not. No; it was only by + the total change of all the ordinary channels of my ideas that I could + bear up; and now my days were passed in the fields, either listlessly + strolling along, or in watching the laborers as they worked. Of my + neighbors I saw nothing; returning their cards, when they called upon me, + was the extent of our intercourse; and I had no desire for any further. As + Considine had left me to visit some friends in the south, I was quite + alone, and for the first time in my life, felt how soothing can be such + solitude. In each happy face, in every grateful look around me, I felt + that I was fulfilling my uncle's last behest; and the sense of duty, so + strong when it falls upon the heart accompanied by the sense of power, + made my days pass rapidly away. + </p> + <p> + It was towards the close of autumn, when I one morning received a letter + from London, informing me that my troop had been sold, and the purchase + money—above four thousand pounds—lodged to my credit at my + banker's. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Blake had merely answered my former note by a civil message that + the matter in question was by no means pressing, I lost not a moment, when + this news reached me, to despatch Mike to Gurt-na-Morra with a few lines, + expressing my anxious desire to finish the transaction, and begging of Mr. + Blake to appoint a day for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + To this application Mr. Blake's reply was, that he would do himself the + honor of waiting upon me the following day, when the arrangements I + desired could be agreed upon. Now this was exactly what I wished, if + possible, to avoid. Of all my neighbors, he was the one I predetermined to + have no intercourse with; I had not forgotten my last evening at his + house, nor had I forgiven his conduct to my uncle. However, there was + nothing for it but submission; the interview need not be a long, and it + should be a last one. Thus resolving, I waited in patience for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + I was seated at my breakfast the next morning, conning between whiles the + columns of the last paper, and feeding my spaniel, who sat upon a large + chair beside me, when the door opened, and the servant announced, "Mr. + Blake;" and the instant after that gentleman bustled in holding out both + his hands with all evidences of most friendly warmth, and calling out,— + </p> + <p> + "Charley O'Malley, my lad! I'm delighted to see you at last!" + </p> + <p> + Now, although the distance from the door to the table at which I sat was + not many paces, yet it was quite sufficient to chill down all my + respectable relative's ardor before he approached: his rapid pace became + gradually a shuffle, a slide, and finally a dead stop; his extended arms + were reduced to one hand, barely advanced beyond his waistcoat; his voice, + losing the easy confidence of its former tone, got husky and dry, and + broke into a cough; and all these changes were indebted to the mere fact + of my reception of him consisting in a cold and distant bow, as I told the + servant to place a chair and leave the room. + </p> + <p> + Without any preliminary whatever, I opened the subject of our negotiation, + expressed my regret that it should have waited so long, and my desire to + complete it. + </p> + <p> + Whether it was that the firm and resolute tone I assumed had its effect at + once, or that disappointed at the mode in which I received his advances he + wished to conclude our interview as soon as need be, I know not; but he + speedily withdrew from a capacious pocket a document in parchment, which, + having spread at large upon the table, and having leisurely put on his + spectacles, he began to hum over its contents to himself in an undertone. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, here it is," said he. "'Deed of conveyance between Godfrey + O'Malley, of O'Malley Castle, Esq., on the one part'—perhaps you'd + like your solicitor to examine it,—'and Blake, of Gurt'—because + there is no hurry, Captain O'Malley—'on the other.' In fact, after + all, it is a mere matter of form between relatives," said he, as I + declined the intervention of a lawyer. "I'm not in want of the money—'all + the lands and tenements adjoining, in trust, for the payment of the said + three thousand'—thank God, Captain, the sum is a trifle that does + not inconvenience me! The boys are provided for; and the girls—the + pickpockets, as I call them, ha, ha, ha!—not ill off neither;—'with + rights of turbary on the said premises'—who are most anxious to have + the pleasure of seeing you. Indeed, I could scarcely keep Jane from coming + over to-day. 'Sure he's my cousin,' says she; 'and what harm would it be + if I went to see him?' Wild, good-natured girls, Captain! And your old + friend Matthew—you haven't forgot Matthew?—has been keeping + three coveys of partridge for you this fortnight. 'Charley,' says he,—they + call you Charley still, Captain,—'shall have them, and no one else.' + And poor Mary—she was a child when you were here—Mary is + working a sash for you. But I'm forgetting—I know you have so much + business on your hands—" + </p> + <p> + "Pray, Mr. Blake, be seated. I know nothing of any more importance than + the matter before us. If you will permit me to give you a check for this + money. The papers, I'm sure, are perfectly correct." + </p> + <p> + "If I only thought it did not inconvenience you—" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing of the kind, I assure you. Shall I say at sight, or in ten days + hence?" + </p> + <p> + "Whenever you please, Captain. But it's sorry I am to come troubling you + about such things, when I know you are thinking of other matters. And, as + I said before, the money does not signify to me; the times, thank God, are + good, and I've never been very improvident." + </p> + <p> + "I think you'll find that correct." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, to be sure it is! Well, well; I'm going away without saying half what + I intended." + </p> + <p> + "Pray do not hurry yourself. I have not asked have you breakfasted, for I + remember Galway habits too well for that. But if I might offer you a glass + of sherry and water after your ride?" + </p> + <p> + "Will you think me a beast if I say yes, Captain? Time was when I didn't + care for a canter of ten or fifteen miles in the morning no more than + yourself; and that's no small boast; God forgive me, but I never see that + clover-field where you pounded the Englishman, without swearing there + never was a leap made before or since. Is this Mickey, Captain? Faith, and + it's a fine, brown, hearty-looking chap you're grown, Mickey. That's + mighty pleasant sherry, but where would there be good wine if it wasn't + here? Oh, I remember now what it was I wanted. Peter,—my son Peter, + a slip of a boy, he's only sixteen,—well, d'you see, he's downright + deranged about the army: he used to see your name in the papers every day, + and that terrible business at—what's the name of the place?—where + you rode on the chap's back up the breach." + </p> + <p> + "Ciudad Rodrigo, perhaps," said I, scarcely able to repress a laugh. + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, since that he'll hear of nothing but going into the army; ay, + and into the dragoons too. Now, Captain, isn't it mighty expensive in the + dragoons?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, no, not particularly so,—at least in the regiment I served + with." + </p> + <p> + "I promised him I'd ask you; the boy's mad, that's the fact. I wish, + Captain, you'd just reason with him a little; he'll mind what you say, + there's no fear of that. And you see, though I'd like to do what's fair, + I'm not going to cut off the girls for the sake of the boys; with the + blessing of Providence, they'll never be able to reproach me for that. + What I say is this: treat <i>me</i> well, and I'll treat you the same. + Marry the man my choice would pick out for you, and it's not a matter of a + thousand or two I'll care for. There was Bodkin—you remember him?" + said he, with a grin; "he proposed for Mary, but since the quarrel with + you, she could never bear the sight of him, and Alley wouldn't come down + to dinner if he was in the house. Mary's greatly altered; I wish you heard + her sing 'I'd mourn the hopes that leave me.' Queer girl she is; she was + little more than a child when you were here, and she remembers you just as + if it was yesterday." + </p> + <p> + While Mr. Blake ran on at this rate, now dilating upon my own manifold + virtues and accomplishments, now expatiating upon the more congenial + theme,—the fascinations of his fair daughters, and the various + merits of his sons,—I could not help feeling how changed our + relative position was since our last meeting; the tone of cool and vulgar + patronage he then assumed towards the unformed country lad was now + converted into an air of fawning and deferential submission, still more + distasteful. + </p> + <p> + Young as I was, however, I had already seen a good deal of the world; my + soldiering had at least taught me something of men, and I had far less + difficulty in deciphering the intentions and objects of my worthy + relative, than I should have had in the enigmatical mazes of the parchment + bond of which he was the bearer. After all, to how very narrow an extent + in life are we fashioned by our own estimate of ourselves! My changed + condition affected me but little until I saw how it affected others; that + the position I occupied should seem better now that life had lost the + great stimulus of ambition, was somewhat strange; and that flattery should + pay its homage to the mourning coat which it would have refused to my + soldier's garb, somewhat surprised me. Still my bettered fortunes shone + only brightly by reflected light; for in my own heart I was sad, + spiritless, and oppressed. + </p> + <p> + Feeling somewhat ashamed at the coldness with which I treated a man so + much my elder, I gradually assumed towards Mr. Blake a manner less + reserved. He quickly availed himself of the change, and launched out into + an eloquent <i>exposé</i> of my advantages and capabilities; the only + immediate effect of which was to convince me that my property and my + prospects must have been very accurately conned over and considered by + that worthy gentleman before he could speak of the one or the other with + such perfect knowledge. + </p> + <p> + "When you get rid of these little encumbrances, your rent-roll will be + close on four thousand a year. There's Bassett, sure, by only reducing his + interest from ten to five per cent, will give you a clear eight hundred + per annum; let him refuse, and I'll advance the money. And, besides, look + at Freney's farm; there's two hundred acres let for one third of the + value, and you must look to these tilings; for, you see, Captain, we'll + want you to go into Parliament; you can't help coming forward at the next + election, and by the great gun of Athlone, we'll return you." + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. Blake swallowed a full bumper of sherry, and getting up a little + false enthusiasm for the moment, grasped me by both hands and shook me + violently; this done, like a skilful general, who, having fired the last + shot of his artillery, takes care to secure his retreat, he retired + towards the door, where his hat and coat were lying. + </p> + <p> + "I've a hundred apologies to make for encroaching upon your time; but, + upon my soul, Captain, you are so agreeable, and the hours have passed + away so pleasantly—May I never, if it is not one o'clock!—but + you must forgive me." + </p> + <p> + My sense of justice, which showed me that the agreeability had all been on + Mr. Blake's side, prevented me from acknowledging this compliment as it + deserved; so I merely bowed stiffly, without speaking. By this time he had + succeeded in putting on his great-coat, but still, by some mischance or + other, the moment of his leaving-taking was deferred; one time he buttoned + it awry, and had to undo it all again; then, when it was properly + adjusted, he discovered that his pocket-handkerchief was not available, + being left in the inner coat-pocket; to this succeeded a doubt as to the + safety of the check, which instituted another search, and it was full ten + minutes before he was completely caparisoned and ready for the road. + </p> + <p> + "Good-by, Captain, good-by!" said he warmly, yet warily, not knowing at + what precise temperature the metal of my heart was fusible. At a mild heat + I had been evidently unsinged, and the white glow of his flattery seemed + only to harden me. The interview was now over, and as I thought sufficient + had been done to convince my friend that the terms of distant acquaintance + were to be the limits of our future intercourse, I assumed a little show + of friendliness, and shook his hand warmly. + </p> + <p> + "Good-by, Mr. Blake; pray present my respectful compliments to your + friends. Allow me to ring for your horse; you are not going to have a + shower, I hope." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Captain, only a passing cloud," said he, warming up perceptibly + under the influence of my advances, "nothing more. Why, what is it I'm + forgetting now! Oh, I have it! May be I'm too bold; but sure an old friend + and relation may take a liberty sometimes. It was just a little request of + Mrs. Blake, as I was leaving the house." He stopped here as if to take + soundings, and perceiving no change in my countenance, continued: "It was + just to beg, that, in a kind and friendly way, you'd come over and eat + your dinner with us on Sunday; nobody but the family, not a soul—Mrs. + Blake and the girls; a boiled leg of mutton; Matthew; a fresh trout, if we + can catch one! Plain and homely, but a hearty welcome, and a bottle of old + claret, may be, too—ah! ah! ah!" + </p> + <p> + Before the cadence of Mr. Blake's laugh had died away, I politely but + resolutely declined the proffered invitation, and by way of setting the + question at rest forever, gave him to understand that, from impaired + health and other causes, I had resolved upon strictly confining myself to + the limits of my own house and grounds, at least for the present. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Blake then saluted me for the last time, and left the room. As he + mounted his hackney, I could not help overhearing an abortive effort he + made to draw Mike into something like conversation; but it proved an utter + failure, and it was evident he deemed the man as incorrigible as the + master. + </p> + <p> + "A very fine young man the captain is—remarkable!—and it's + proud I am to have him for a nephew!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, he cantered down the avenue, while Mickey, as he looked after + him, muttered between his teeth, "And faix, it's prouder you'd be av he + was your son-in-law!" + </p> + <p> + Mike's soliloquy seemed to show me, in a new light, the meaning of my + relative's manner. It was for the first time in my life that such a + thought had occurred to me, and it was not without a sense of shame that I + now admitted it. + </p> + <p> + If there be something which elevates and exalts us in our esteem, tinging + our hearts with heroism and our souls with pride, in the love and + attachment of some fair and beautiful girl, there is something equally + humiliating in being the object of cold and speculative calculation to a + match-making family: your character studied; your pursuits watched; your + tastes conned over; your very temperament inquired into; surrounded by + snares; environed by practised attentions; one eye fixed upon the + registered testament of your relative, the other riveted upon your own + caprices; and then those thousand little cares and kindnesses which come + so pleasurably upon the heart when the offspring of true affection, + perverted as they are by base views and sordid interest, are so many + shocks to the feeling and understanding. Like the Eastern sirocco, which + seems to breathe of freshness and of health, and yet bears but pestilence + and death upon its breezes,—so these calculated and well-considered + traits of affection only render callous and harden the heart which had + responded warmly, openly, and abundantly to the true outpourings of + affection. At how many a previously happy hearth has the seed of this + fatal passion planted its discord! How many a fair and lovely girl, with + beauty and attractions sufficient to win all that her heart could wish of + fondness and devotion, has, by this pernicious passion, become a cold, + heartless, worldly coquette, weighing men's characters by the adventitious + circumstances of their birth and fortune, and scrutinizing the eligibility + of a match with the practised acumen with which a notary investigates the + solvency of a creditor. How do the traits of beauty, gesture, voice, and + manner become converted into the common-place and distasteful trickery of + the world! The very hospitality of the house becomes suspect, their + friendship is but fictitious; those rare and goodly gifts of fondness and + sisterly affection which grow up in happier circumstances, are here but + rivalry, envy, and ill-conceived hatred. The very accomplishments which + cultivate and adorn life, that light but graceful frieze which girds the + temple of homely happiness, are here but the meditated and well-considered + occasions of display. All the bright features of womanhood, all the + freshness of youth, and all its fascinations are but like those + richly-colored and beautiful fruits, seductive to the eye and fair to look + upon, but which within contain nothing but a core of rottenness and decay. + </p> + <p> + No, no; unblessed by all which makes a hearth a home, I may travel on my + weary way through life; but such a one as this I will not make the partner + of my sorrows and my joys, come what will of it! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. + </h2> + <p> + A SURPRISE. + </p> + <p> + From the hour of Mr. Blake's departure, my life was no longer molested. My + declaration, which had evidently, under his auspices, been made the + subject of conversation through the country, was at least so far + successful, as it permitted me to spend my time in the way I liked best, + and without the necessity of maintaining the show of intercourse, when in + reality I kept up none, with the neighborhood. While thus, therefore, my + life passed on equably and tranquilly, many mouths glided over, and I + found myself already a year at home, without it appearing more than a few + weeks. Nothing seems so short in retrospect as monotony; the number, the + variety, the interest of the events which occupy us, making our hours pass + glibly and flowingly, will still suggest to the mind the impressions of a + longer period than when the daily routine of our occupations assumes a + character of continued uniformity. It seems to be the <i>amende</i> made + by hours of weariness and tedium, that, in looking back upon them, they + appear to have passed rapidly over. Not that my life, at the period I + speak of, was devoid of interest; on the contrary, devoting myself with + zeal and earnestness to the new duties of my station, I made myself + thoroughly acquainted with the condition of my property, the interest of + my tenantry, their prospects, their hopes, their objects. Investigating + them as only he can who is the owner of the soil, I endeavored to remedy + the ancient vices of the land,—the habits of careless, reckless + waste, of indifference for the morrow; and by instilling a feature of + prudent foresight into that boundless confidence in the future upon which + every Irishman of every rank lives and trusts, I succeeded at last in so + far ameliorating their situation, that a walk through my property, instead + of presenting—as it at first did—a crowd of eager and anxious + supplicants, entreating for abatements in rent, succor for their sick, and + sometimes even food itself, showed me now a happy and industrious people, + confident in themselves, and firmly relying on their own resources. + </p> + <p> + Another spring was now opening, and a feeling of calm and tranquil + happiness, the result of my successful management of my estate, made my + days pass pleasantly along. I was sitting at a late breakfast in my little + library; the open window afforded a far and wide prospect of the country, + blooming in all the promise of the season, while the drops of the passing + shower still lingered upon the grass, and were sparkling like jewels under + the bright sunshine. Masses of white and billowy cloud moved swiftly + through the air, coloring the broad river with many a shadow as they + passed. The birds sang merrily, the trees shook their leaves in concert, + and there was that sense of movement in everything on earth and sky which + gives to spring its character of lightness and exhilaration. The youth of + the year, like the youth of our own existence, is beautiful in the + restless activity which marks it. The tender flower that seems to open as + we look; the grass that springs before our eyes,—all speak of + promise. The changing phases of the sky, like the smiles and tears of + infancy, excite without weariness, and while they engage our sympathies, + they fatigue not our compassion. + </p> + <p> + Partly lost in thought as I looked upon the fair and varied scene before + me, now turning to the pages of the book upon the breakfast-table, the + hours of the morning passed quickly over, and it was already beyond noon. + I was startled from my revery by sounds which I could scarcely trust my + ears to believe real. I listened again, and thought I could detect them + distinctly. It seemed as though some one were rapidly running over the + keys of a pianoforte, essaying with the voice to follow the notes, and + sometimes striking two or three bold and successive chords; then a merry + laugh would follow, and drown all other sounds. "What can it be?" thought + I. "There is, to be sure, a pianoforte in the large drawing-room; but + then, who would venture upon such a liberty as this? Besides, who is + capable of it? There, it can be no inexperienced performer gave that + shake; my worthy housekeeper never accomplished that!" So saying, I jumped + from the breakfast-table, and set off in the direction of the sound. A + small drawing-room and the billiard-room lay between me and the large + drawing-room; and as I traversed them, the music grew gradually louder. + Conjecturing that, whoever it might be, the performance would cease on my + entrance, I listened for a few moments before opening the door. Nothing + could be more singular, nothing more strange, than the effect of those + unaccustomed sounds in that silent and deserted place. The character of + the music, too, contributed not a little to this; rapidly passing from + grave to gay, from the melting softness of some plaintive air to the + reckless hurry and confusion of an Irish jig, the player seemed, as it + were, to run wild through all the floating fancies of his memory; now + breaking suddenly off in the saddest cadence of a song, the notes would + change into some quaint, old-fashioned crone, in which the singer seemed + so much at home, and gave the queer drollery of the words that expression + of archness so eminently the character of certain Irish airs. "But what + the deuce is this?" said I, as, rattling over the keys with a flowing but + brilliant finger, she,—for it was unquestionably a woman,—with + a clear and sweet voice, broken by laughter, began to sing the words of + Mr. Bodkin's song, "The Man for Galway." When she had finished the last + verse, her hand strayed, as it were, carelessly across the instrument, + while she herself gave way to a free burst of merriment; and then, + suddenly resuming the air, she chanted forth the following words, with a + spirit and effect I can convey no idea of:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "To live at home, + And never roam; + To pass his days in sighing; + To wear sad looks, + Read stupid books, + And look half dead or dying; + Not show his face, + Nor join the chase, + But dwell a hermit always: + Oh, Charley, dear! + To me 'tis clear, + You're not the man for Galway!" +</pre> + <p> + "You're not the man for Galway!" repeated she once more, while she closed + the piano with a loud bang. + </p> + <p> + "And why not, my dear, why not the man for Galway?" said I, as, bursting + open the door, I sprang into the room. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it's you, is it?—at last! So I've unearthed you, have I?" + </p> + <p> + With these words she burst into an immoderate fit of laughter; leaving me, + who intended to be the party giving the surprise, amazed, confused, and + speechless, in the middle of the floor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0362.jpg" alt="Baby Blake. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + That my reader may sympathize a little in my distresses, let me present + him with the <i>tableau</i> before me. Seated upon the piano-stool was a + young-lady of at most eighteen years: her face, had it not been for its + expression of exuberant drollery and malicious fun, would have been + downright beautiful; her eyes, of the deepest blue, and shaded by long + lashes, instead of indulging the character of pensive and thoughtful + beauty for which Nature destined them, sparkled with a most animated + brightness; her nose, which, rather short, was still beautifully + proportioned, gave, with her well-curled upper lip, a look of sauciness to + the features quite bewitching; her hair—that brilliant auburn we see + in a <i>Carlo Dolci</i>—fell in wild and massive curls upon her + shoulders. Her costume was a dark-green riding-habit, not of the newest in + its fashion, and displaying more than one rent in its careless folds; her + hat, whip, and gloves lay on the floor beside her, and her whole attitude + and bearing indicated the most perfect ease and carelessness. + </p> + <p> + "So you are caught—taken alive!" said she, as she pressed her hands + upon her sides in a fresh burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove! this is a surprise indeed!" said I. "And, pray, into whose fair + hands have I fallen a captive?" recovering myself a little, and assuming a + half air of gallantry. + </p> + <p> + "So you don't know me, don't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life I do not!" + </p> + <p> + "How good! Why, I'm Baby Blake." + </p> + <p> + "Baby Blake?" said I, thinking that a rather strange appellation for one + whose well-developed proportions betokened nothing of infancy,—"Baby + Blake?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure; your cousin Baby." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said I, springing forward. "Let me embrace my relative." + Accepting my proffered salutation with the most exemplary coolness, she + said:— + </p> + <p> + "Get a chair, now, and let's have a talk together." + </p> + <p> + "Why the devil do they call you Baby?" said I, still puzzled by this + palpable misnomer. + </p> + <p> + "Because I am the youngest, and I was always the baby," replied she, + adjusting her ringlets with a most rural coquetry. "Now tell me something. + Why do you live shut up here like a madman, and not come near us at + Gurt-na-Morra?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that's a long story, Baby. But, since we are asking questions, how + did you get in here?" + </p> + <p> + "Just through the window, my dear; and I've torn my habit, as you see." + </p> + <p> + So saying, she exhibited a rent of about two feet long, thrusting through + it a very pretty foot and ankle at the same time. + </p> + <p> + "As my inhospitable customs have cost you a habit, you must let me make + you a present of one." + </p> + <p> + "No, will you though? That's a good fellow. Lord! I told them I knew you + weren't a miser; that you were only odd, that's all." + </p> + <p> + "And how did you come over, Baby?" + </p> + <p> + "Just cantered over with little Paddy Byrne. I made him take all the walls + and ditches we met, and they're scraping the mud off him ever since. I'm + glad I made you laugh, Charley; they say you are so sad. Dear me, how + thirsty I am! Have you any beer?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure, Baby. But wouldn't you like some luncheon?" + </p> + <p> + "Of all things. Well, this is fun!" said she, as taking my arm, I led her + from the drawing-room. "They don't know where I'm gone,—not one of + them; and I've a great mind not to tell them, if you wouldn't blab." + </p> + <p> + "Would it be quite proper?" + </p> + <p> + "Proper!" cried she, imitating my voice. "I like that! as if I was going + to run away with you! Dear me, what a pretty house, and what nice + pictures! Who is the old fellow up there in the armor?" + </p> + <p> + "That's Sir Hildebrand O'Malley," said I, with some pride in recognizing + an ancestor of the thirteenth century. + </p> + <p> + "And the other old fright with the wig, and his hands stuck in his + pockets?" + </p> + <p> + "My grandfather, Baby." + </p> + <p> + "Lord, how ugly he is! Why, Charley, he hasn't the look of you. One would + think, too, he was angry at us. Ay, old gentleman, you don't like to see + me leaning on Cousin Charley's arm! That must be the luncheon; I'm sure I + hear knives and forks rattling there." + </p> + <p> + The old butler's astonishment was not inferior to my own a few minutes + before, when I entered the dining-room with my fair cousin upon my arm. As + I drew a chair towards the table, a thought struck me that possibly it + might only be a due attention to my fair guest if I invited the + housekeeper, Mrs. Magra, to favor us with her presence; and accordingly, + in an undertone, so as not to be overheard by old Simon, I said,— + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps, Baby, you'd like to have Mrs. Magra to keep us company?" + </p> + <p> + "Who's she?" was the brief answer. + </p> + <p> + "The housekeeper; a very respectable old matron." + </p> + <p> + "Is she funny?" + </p> + <p> + "Funny! not a bit." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then, never mind her. What made you think of her?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, I thought, perhaps you'd think—That is people might say—In + fact I was doing a little bit proper on your account." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that was it, was it? Thank you for nothing, my dear; Baby Blake can + take care of herself. And now just help me to that wing there. Do you + know, Cousin Charley, I think you're an old quiz, and not half as good a + fellow as you used to be?" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, Baby, don't be in such a hurry to pronounce upon me. Let us + take a glass of wine. Fill Miss Blake's glass, Simon." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you may be better when one comes to know you. I detest sherry. No, + never mind, I'll take it, as it's here. Charley, I'll not compliment you + upon your ham; they don't know how to save them here. I'll give you such a + receipt when you come over to see us. But will you come? That's the + question." + </p> + <p> + "How can you ask me! Don't you think I'll return your visit?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, hang your ceremony! Come and see us, like a good-natured fellow that + knew us since we played together and quarrelled over our toys on the + grass. Is that your sword up there? Did you hear that noise? That was + thunder: there it comes. Look at that!" + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, a darkness like night overspread the landscape; the waves of + the river became greatly agitated, and the rain, descending in torrents, + beat with tremendous force against the windows; clap after clap of thunder + followed; the lightning flashed fearfully through the gloom; and the wind, + growing every moment stronger, drove the rain with redoubled violence + against the glass. For a while we amused ourselves with watching the + effects of the storm without: the poor laborers flying from their work; + the dripping figures seeking shelter beneath the trees; the barques; the + very loaded carts themselves,—all interested Miss Baby, whose eye + roved from the shore to the Shannon, recognizing with a practised eye + every house upon its banks, and every barque that rocked and pitched + beneath the gale. + </p> + <p> + "Well, this is pleasant to look out at," said she, at length, and after + the storm had lasted for above an hour, without evincing any show of + abatement; "but what's to become of <i>me?</i>" + </p> + <p> + Now that was the very question I had been asking myself for the last + twenty minutes without ever being able to find the answer. + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Charley, what's to become of me?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, never fear; one thing's quite certain, you cannot leave this in such + weather. The river is certainly impassable by this time at the ford, and + to go by the road is out of the question; it is fully twelve miles. I have + it, Baby; you, as I've said before, can't leave this, but I can. Now, I'll + go over to Gurt-na-Morra, and return in the morning to bring you back; it + will be fine by that time." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I like your notion. You'll leave me all alone here to drink tea, I + suppose, with your friend Mrs. Magra. A pleasant evening I'd have of it; + not a bit—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Baby, don't be cross; I only meant this arrangement really for your + sake. I needn't tell you how very much I'd prefer doing the honors of my + poor house in person." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see what you mean,—more propers. Well, well, I've a great + deal to learn; but look, I think its growing lighter." + </p> + <p> + "No, far from it; it's only that gray mass along the horizon that always + bodes continual rain." + </p> + <p> + As the prospect without had little cheering to look upon, we sat down + beside the fire and chatted away, forgetting very soon in a hundred mutual + recollections and inquiries, the rain and the wind, the thunder and the + hurricane. Now and then, as some louder crash would resound above our + heads, for a moment we would turn to the window, and comment upon the + dreadful weather; but the next, we had forgotten all about it, and were + deep in our confabulations. + </p> + <p> + As for my fair cousin, who at first was full of contrivances to pass the + time,—such as the piano, a game at backgammon, chicken hazard, + battledoor,—she at last became mightily interested in some of my + soldiering adventures, and it was six o'clock ere we again thought that + some final measure must be adopted for restoring Baby to her friends, or + at least, guarding against the consequences her simple and guileless + nature might have involved her in. + </p> + <p> + Mike was called into the conference, and at his suggestion, it was decided + that we should have out the phaeton, and that I should myself drive Miss + Blake home; a plan which offered no other difficulties than this one,—namely, + that of above thirty horses in my stables, I had not a single pair which + had ever been harnessed. + </p> + <p> + This, so far from proving the obstacle I deemed it, seemed, on the + contrary, to overwhelm Baby with delight. + </p> + <p> + "Let's have them. Come, Charley, this will be rare fun; we couldn't have a + team of four, could we?" + </p> + <p> + "Six, if you like it, my dear coz—only who's to hold them? They're + young thorough-breds,—most of them never backed; some not bitted. In + fact, I know nothing of my stable. I say, Mike, is there anything fit to + take out?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; there's Miss Wildespin, she's in training, to be sure; but we + can't help that; and the brown colt they call, 'Billy the Bolter,'—they're + the likeliest we have; without your honor would take the two chestnuts we + took up last week; they're raal devils to go; and if the tackle will hold + them, they'll bring you to Mr. Blake's door in forty minutes." + </p> + <p> + "I vote for the chestnuts," said Baby, slapping her boot with her + horsewhip. + </p> + <p> + "I move an amendment in favor of Miss Wildespin," said I, doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "He'll never do for Galway," sang Baby, laying her whip on my shoulder + with no tender hand; "yet you used to cross the country in good style when + you were here before." + </p> + <p> + "And might do so again, Baby." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, no; that vile dragoon seat, with your long stirrup, and your heel + dropped, and your elbow this way, and your head that! How could you ever + screw your horse up to his fence, lifting him along as you came up through + the heavy ground, and with a stroke of your hand sending him pop over, + with his hind-legs well under him?" Here she burst into a fit of laughter + at my look of amazement, as with voice, gesture, and look she actually + dramatized the scene she described. + </p> + <p> + By the time that I had costumed my fair friend in my dragoon cloak and a + foraging cap, with a gold band around it, which was the extent of muffling + my establishment could muster, a distant noise without apprised us that + the phaeton was approaching. Certainly, the mode in which that equipage + came up to the door might have inspired sentiments of fear in any heart + less steeled against danger than my fair cousin's. The two blood chestnuts + (for it was those Mike harnessed, having a groom's dislike to take a racer + out of training) were surrounded by about twenty people: some at their + heads; some patting them on the flanks; some spoking the wheels; and a + few, the more cautious of the party, standing at a respectable distance + and offering advice. The mode of progression was simply a spring, a + plunge, a rear, a lounge, and a kick; and considering it was the first + time they ever performed together, nothing could be more uniform than + their display. Sometimes the pole would be seen to point straight upward, + like a lightning conductor, while the infuriated animals appeared sparring + with their fore-legs at an imaginary enemy. Sometimes, like the pictures + in a school-book on mythology, they would seem in the act of diving, while + with their hind-legs they dashed the splash-board into fragments behind + them,—their eyes flashing fire, their nostrils distended, their + flanks heaving, and every limb trembling with passion and excitement. + </p> + <p> + "That's what I call a rare turn-out," said Baby, who enjoyed the + proceeding amazingly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but remember," said I, "we're not to have all these running footmen + the whole way." + </p> + <p> + "I like that near-sider with the white fetlock." + </p> + <p> + "You're right, Miss," said Mike, who entered at the moment, and felt quite + gratified at the criticism,—"you're right, Miss; it's himself can do + it." + </p> + <p> + "Come, Baby, are you ready?" + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir," said she, touching her cap knowingly with her + forefinger. + </p> + <p> + "Will the tackle hold, Mike?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "We'll take this with us, at any rate," pointing, as he spoke, to a + considerable coil of rope, a hammer, and a basket of nails, he carried on + his arm. "It's the break harness we have, and it ought to be strong + enough; but sure if the thunder comes on again, they'd smash a chain + cable." + </p> + <p> + "Now, Charley," cried Baby, "keep their heads straight; for when they go + that way, they mean going." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Baby, let's start; but pray remember one thing,—if I'm not as + agreeable on the journey as I ought to be, if I don't say as many pretty + things to my pretty coz, it's because these confounded beasts will give me + as much as I can do." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, look after the cattle, and take another time for squeezing my + hand. I say, Charley, you'd like to smoke, now, wouldn't you? If so, don't + mind me." + </p> + <p> + "A thousand thanks for thinking of it; but I'll not commit such a trespass + on good breeding." + </p> + <p> + When we reached the door, the prospect looked dark and dismal enough. The + rain had almost ceased, but masses of black clouds were hurrying across + the sky, and the low rumbling noise of a gathering storm crept along the + ground. Our panting equipage, with its two mounted grooms behind,—for + to provide against all accident, Mike ordered two such to follow us,—stood + in waiting. Miss Blake's horse, held by the smallest imaginable bit of + boyhood, bringing up the rear. + </p> + <p> + "Look at Paddy Byrne's face," said Baby, directing my attention to the + little individual in question. + </p> + <p> + Now, small as the aforesaid face was, it contrived, within its limits, to + exhibit an expression of unqualified fear. I had no time, however, to give + a second look, when I jumped into the phaeton and seized the reins. Mike + sprang up behind at a look from me, and without speaking a word, the + stablemen and helpers flew right and left. The chestnuts, seeing all free + before them, made one tremendous plunge, carrying the fore-carriage clear + off the ground, and straining every nut, bolt, screw, and strap about us + with the effort. + </p> + <p> + "They're off now," cried Mickey. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, they are off now," said Baby. "Keep them going." + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be easier to follow than this advice; and in fact so little + merit had I in obeying it, that I never spoke a word. Down the avenue we + went, at the speed of lightning, the stones and the water from the late + rain flying and splashing about us. In one series of plunges, agreeably + diversified by a strong bang upon the splash-board, we reached the gate. + Before I had time to utter a prayer for our safety, we were through and + fairly upon the high road. + </p> + <p> + "Musha, but the master's mad!" cried the old dame of the gate-lodge; "he + wasn't out of this gate for a year and a half, and look now—" + </p> + <p> + The rest was lost in the clear ringing laugh of Baby, who clapped her + hands in ecstasy and delight. + </p> + <p> + "What a spanking pair they are! I suppose you wouldn't let me get my hand + on them?" said she, making a gesture as if to take the reins. + </p> + <p> + "Heaven forbid, my dear!" said I; "they've nearly pulled my wrists off + already." + </p> + <p> + Our road, like many in the west of Ireland, lay through a level tract of + bog; deep ditches, half filled with water, on either side of us, but, + fortunately, neither hill nor valley for several miles. + </p> + <p> + "There's the mail," said Baby, pointing to a dark speck at a long distance + off. + </p> + <p> + Ere many minutes elapsed, our stretching gallop, for such had our pace + sobered into, brought us up with it, and as we flew by, at top speed, Baby + jumped to her feet, and turning a waggish look at our beaten rivals, burst + out into a fit of triumphant laughter. + </p> + <p> + Mike was correct as to time; in some few seconds less than forty minutes + we turned into the avenue of Gurt-na-Morra. Tearing along like the very + moment of their starting, the hot and fiery animals galloped up the + approach, and at length came to a stop in a deep ploughed field, into + which, fortunately for us, Mr. Blake, animated less by the picturesque + than the profitable, had converted his green lawn. This check, however, + was less owing to my agency than to that of my servants; for dismounting + in haste, they flew to the horses' heads, and with ready tact, and before + I had helped my cousin to the ground, succeeded in unharnessing them from + the carriage, and led them, blown and panting, covered with foam, and + splashed with mud, into the space before the door. + </p> + <p> + By this time we were joined by the whole Blake family, who poured forth in + astonishment at our strange and sudden appearance. Explanation on my part + was unnecessary, for Baby, with a volubility quite her own, gave the whole + recital in less than three minutes. From the moment of her advent to her + departure, they had it all; and while she mingled her ridicule at my + surprise, her praise of my luncheon, her jests at my prudence, the whole + family joined heartily in her mirth, while they welcomed, with most + unequivocal warmth, my first visit to Gurt-na-Morra. + </p> + <p> + I confess it was with no slight gratification I remarked that Baby's visit + was as much a matter of surprise to them as to me. Believing her to have + gone to visit at Portumna Castle, they felt no uneasiness at her absence; + so that, in her descent upon me, she was really only guided by her own + wilful fancy, and that total absence of all consciousness of wrong which + makes a truly innocent girl the hardiest of all God's creatures. I was + reassured by this feeling, and satisfied that, whatever the intentions of + the elder members of the Blake family, Baby was, at least, no participator + in their plots or sharer in their intrigues. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> + <p> + NEW VIEWS. + </p> + <p> + When I found myself the next morning at home, I could not help ruminating + over the strange adventures of the preceding day, and felt a kind of + self-reproach at the frigid manner in which I had hitherto treated all the + Blake advances, contrasting so ill for me with the unaffected warmth and + kind good-nature of their reception. Never alluding, even by accident, to + my late estrangement; never, by a chance speech, indicating that they felt + any soreness for the past,—they talked away about the gossip of the + country: its feuds, its dinners, its assizes, its balls, its garrisons,—all + the varied subjects of country life were gayly and laughingly discussed; + and when, as I entered my own silent and deserted home, and contrasted its + look of melancholy and gloom with the gay and merry scene I so lately + parted from, when my echoing steps reverberated along the flagged hall,—I + thought of the happy family picture I left behind me, and could not help + avowing to myself that the goods of fortune I possessed were but ill + dispensed, when, in the midst of every means and appliance for comfort and + happiness, I lived a solitary man, companionless and alone. + </p> + <p> + I arose from breakfast a hundred times,—now walking impatiently + towards the window, now strolling into the drawing-room. Around, on every + side, lay scattered the prints and drawings, as Baby had thrown them + carelessly upon the floor; her handkerchief was also there. I took it up; + I know not why,—some lurking leaven of old romance perhaps suggested + it,—but I hoped it might prove of delicate texture, and bespeaking + that lady-like coquetry which so pleasantly associates with the sex in our + minds. Alas, no! Nothing could be more palpably the opposite: torn, and + with a knot—some hint to memory—upon one corner, it was no aid + to my careering fancy. And yet—and yet, what a handsome girl she is; + how finely, how delicately formed that Greek outline of forehead and brow; + how transparently soft that downy pink upon her cheek! With what varied + expression those eyes can beam!—ay, that they can: but, confound it, + there's this fault, their very archness, their sly malice, will be + interpreted by the ill-judging world to any but the real motive. "How like + a flirt!" will one say. "How impertinent! How ill-bred!" The conventional + stare of cold, patched, and painted beauty, upon whose unblushing cheek no + stray tinge of modesty has wandered, will be tolerated, even admired; + while the artless beamings of the soul upon the face of rural loveliness + will be condemned without appeal. + </p> + <p> + Such a girl may a man marry who destines his days to the wild west; but + woe unto him!—woe unto him, should he migrate among the more + civilized and less charitable <i>coteries</i> of our neighbors! + </p> + <p> + "Ah, here are the papers, and I was forgetting. Let me see—'Bayonne'—ay, + 'march of the troops—Sixth Corps.' What can that be without? I say, + Mike, who is cantering along the avenue?" + </p> + <p> + "It's me, sir. I'm training the brown filly for Miss Mary, as your honor + bid me last night." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, very true. Does she go quietly?" + </p> + <p> + "Like a lamb, sir; barrin' she does give a kick now and then at the sheet, + when it bangs against her legs." + </p> + <p> + "Am I to go over with the books now, sir?" said a wild-looking shockhead + appearing within the door. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, take them over, with my compliments; and say I hope Miss Mary Blake + has caught no cold." + </p> + <p> + "You were speaking about a habit and hat, sir?" said Mrs. Magra, curtsying + as she entered. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Magra; I want your advice. Oh, tell Barnes I really cannot be + bored about those eternal turnips every day of my life. And, Mike, I wish + you'd make them look over the four-horse harness. I want to try those + grays; they tell me they'll run well together. Well, Freney, more + complaints, I hope? Nothing but trespasses! I don't care, so you'd not + worry me, if they eat up every blade of clover in the grounds; I'm sick of + being bored this way. Did you say that we'd eight couple of good dogs?—quite + enough to begin with. Tell Jones to ride into Banagher and look after that + box; Buckmaster sent it from London two months ago, and it has been lying + there ever since. And, Mrs. Magra, pray let the windows be opened, and the + house well aired; that drawing-room would be all the better for new + papering." + </p> + <p> + These few and broken directions may serve to show my readers—what + certainly they failed to convince myself of—that a new chapter of my + life had opened before me; and that, in proportion to the length of time + my feelings had found neither vent nor outlet, they now rushed madly, + tempestuously into their new channels, suffering no impediment to arrest, + no obstacle to oppose their current. + </p> + <p> + Nothing can be conceived more opposite to my late, than my present habits + now became. The house, the grounds, the gardens, all seemed to participate + in the new influence which beamed upon myself; the stir and bustle of + active life was everywhere perceptible; and amidst numerous preparations + for the moors and the hunting-field, for pleasure parties upon the river, + and fishing excursions up the mountains, my days were spent. The Blakes, + without even for a moment pressing their attentions upon me, permitted me + to go and come among them unquestioned and unasked. When, nearly every + morning, I appeared in the breakfast-room, I felt exactly like a member of + the family; the hundred little discrepancies of thought and habit which + struck me forcibly at first, looked daily less apparent; the careless + inattentions of my fair cousins as to dress, their free-and-easy + boisterous manner, their very accents, which fell so harshly on my ear, + gradually made less and less impression, until at last, when a raw English + Ensign, just arrived in the neighborhood, remarked to me in confidence, + "What devilish fine girls they were, if they were not so confoundedly + Irish!" I could not help wondering what the fellow meant, and attributed + the observation more to his ignorance than to its truth. + </p> + <p> + Papa and Mamma Blake, like prudent generals, so long as they saw the + forces of the enemy daily wasting before them; so long as they could with + impunity carry on the war at his expense,—resolved to risk nothing + by a pitched battle. Unlike the Dalrymples, they could leave all to time. + </p> + <p> + Oh, tell me not of dark eyes swimming in their own ethereal essence; tell + me not of pouting lips, of glossy ringlets, of taper fingers, and + well-rounded insteps; speak not to me of soft voices, whose seductive + sounds ring sweetly in our hearts; preach not of those thousand womanly + graces so dear to every man, and doubly to him who lives apart from all + their influences and their fascinations; neither dwell upon congenial + temperament, similarity of taste, of disposition, and of thought; these + are not the great risks a man runs in life. Of all the temptations, strong + as these may be, there is one greater than them all, and that is, + propinquity! + </p> + <p> + Show me the man who has ever stood this test; show me the man, deserving + the name of such, who has become daily and hourly exposed to the breaching + artillery of flashing eyes, of soft voices, of winning smiles, and kind + speeches, and who hasn't felt, and that too soon too, a breach within the + rampart of his heart. He may, it is true,—nay, he will, in many + cases,—make a bold and vigorous defence; sometimes will he + re-intrench himself within the stockades of his prudence; but, alas! it is + only to defer the moment when he must lay down his arms. He may, like a + wise man who sees his fate inevitable, make a virtue of necessity, and + surrender at discretion; or, like a crafty foe, seeing his doom before + him, under the cover of the night he may make a sortie from the garrison, + and run for his life. Ignominious as such a course must be, it is often + the only one left. + </p> + <p> + But to come back. Love, like the small-pox, is most dangerous when you + take it in the natural way. Those made matches, which Heaven is supposed + to have a hand in, when placing an unmarried gentleman's property in the + neighborhood of an unmarried lady's, which destine two people for each + other in life, because their well-judging friends have agreed, "They'll do + very well; they were made for each other,"—these are the mild cases + of the malady. This process of friendly vaccination takes out the poison + of the disease, substituting a more harmless and less exciting affection; + but the really dangerous instances are those from contact, that same + propinquity, that confounded tendency every man yields to, to fall into a + railroad of habit; that is the risk, that is the danger. What a bore it is + to find that the absence of one person, with whom you're in no wise in + love, will spoil your morning's canter, or your rowing party upon the + river! How much put out are you, when she, to whom you always gave your + arm in to dinner, does not make her appearance in the drawing-room; and + your tea, too, some careless one, indifferent to your taste, puts a lump + of sugar too little, or cream too much, while she—But no matter; + habit has done for you what no direct influence of beauty could do, and a + slave to your own selfish indulgences, and the cultivation of that ease + you prize so highly, you fall over head and ears in love. + </p> + <p> + Now, you are not, my good reader, by any means to suppose that this was my + case. No, no; I was too much what the world terms the "old soldier" for + that. To continue my illustration: like the fortress that has been often + besieged, the sentry upon the walls keeps more vigilant watch; his ear + detects the far-off clank of the dread artillery; he marks each parallel; + he notes down every breaching battery; and if he be captured, at least it + is in fair fight. + </p> + <p> + Such were some of my reflections as I rode slowly home one evening from + Gurt-na-Morra. Many a time, latterly, had I contrasted my own lonely and + deserted hearth with the smiling looks, the happy faces, and the merry + voices I had left behind me; and many a time did I ask myself, "Am I never + to partake of a happiness like this?" How many a man is seduced into + matrimony from this very feeling! How many a man whose hours have passed + fleetingly at the pleasant tea-table, or by the warm hearth of some old + country-house, going forth into the cold and cheerless night, reaches his + far-off home only to find it dark and gloomy, joyless and companionless? + How often has the hard-visaged look of his old butler, as, with sleepy + eyes and yawning face, he hands a bed-room candle, suggested thoughts of + married happiness? Of the perils of propinquity I have already spoken; the + risks of contrast are also great. Have you never, in strolling through + some fragrant and rich conservatory, fixed your eye upon a fair and lovely + flower, whose blossoming beauty seems to give all the lustre and all the + incense of the scene around? And how have you thought it would adorn and + grace the precincts of your home, diffusing fragrance on every side. Alas, + the experiment is not always successful. Much of the charm and many of the + fascinations which delight you are the result of association of time and + of place. The lovely voice, whose tones have spoken to your heart, may, + like some instrument, be delightful in the harmony of the orchestra, but, + after all, prove a very middling performer in a duet. + </p> + <p> + I say not this to deter men from matrimony, but to warn them from a + miscalculation which may mar their happiness. Flirtation is a very fine + thing, but it's only a state of transition after all. The tadpole + existence of the lover would be great fun, if one was never to become a + frog under the hands of the parson. I say all this dispassionately and + advisedly. Like the poet of my country, for many years of my life,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "My only books were woman's looks," +</pre> + <p> + and certainly I subscribe to a circulating library. + </p> + <p> + All this long digression may perhaps bring the reader to where it brought + me,—the very palpable conviction, that, though not in love with my + cousin Baby, I could not tell when I might eventually become so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. + </h2> + <p> + A RECOGNITION. + </p> + <p> + The most pleasing part about retrospect is the memory of our bygone hopes. + The past, however happy, however blissful, few would wish to live over + again; but who is there that does not long for, does not pine after the + day-dream which gilded the future, which looked ever forward to the time + to come as to a realization of all that was dear to us, lightening our + present cares, soothing our passing sorrows by that one thought? + </p> + <p> + Life is marked out in periods in which, like stages in a journey, we rest + and repose ourselves, casting a look, now back upon the road we have been + travelling, now throwing a keener glance towards the path left us. It is + at such spots as these remembrance comes full upon us, and that we feel + how little our intentions have swayed our career or influenced our + actions; the aspirations, the resolves of youth, are either looked upon as + puerile follies, or a most distant day settled on for their realization. + The principles we fondly looked to, like our guide-stars, are dimly + visible, not seen; the friends we cherished are changed and gone; the + scenes themselves seem no longer the sunshine and the shade we loved; and, + in fact, we are living in a new world, where our own altered condition + gives the type to all around us; the only link that binds us to the past + being that same memory that like a sad curfew tolls the twilight of our + fairest dreams and most cherished wishes. + </p> + <p> + That these glimpses of the bygone season of our youth should be but fitful + and passing—tinging, not coloring the landscape of our life—we + should be engaged in all the active bustle and turmoil of the world, + surrounded by objects of hope, love, and ambition, stemming the strong + tide in whose fountain is fortune. + </p> + <p> + He, however, who lives apart, a dreary and a passionless existence, will + find that in the past, more than in the future, his thoughts have found + their resting-place; memory usurps the place of hope, and he travels + through life like one walking onward; his eyes still turning towards some + loved forsaken spot, teeming with all the associations of his happiest + hours, and preserving, even in distance, the outline that he loved. + </p> + <p> + Distance in time, as in space, smooths down all the inequalities of + surface; and as the cragged and rugged mountain, darkened by cliff and + precipice, shows to the far-off traveller but some blue and misty mass, so + the long-lost-sight-of hours lose all the cares and griefs that tinged + them, and to our mental eye, are but objects of uniform loveliness and + beauty; and if we do not think of + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The smiles, the tears, + Of boyhood's years," +</pre> + <p> + it is because, like April showers, they but checker the spring of our + existence. + </p> + <p> + For myself, baffled in hope at a period when most men but begin to feel + it, I thought myself much older than I really was; the disappointments of + the world, like the storms of the ocean, impart a false sense of + experience to the young heart, as he sails forth upon his voyage; and it + is an easy error to mistake trials for time. + </p> + <p> + The goods of fortune by which I was surrounded, took nothing from the + bitterness of my retrospect; on the contrary, I could not help feeling + that every luxury of my life was bought by my surrender of that career + which had elated me in my own esteem, and which, setting a high and noble + ambition before me, taught me to be a man. + </p> + <p> + To be happy, one must not only fulfil the duties and exactions of his + station, but the station itself must answer to his views and aspirations + in life. Now, mine did not sustain this condition: all that my life had of + promise was connected with the memory of her who never could share my + fortunes; of her for whom I had earned praise and honor; becoming + ambitious as the road to her affection, only to learn after, that my hopes + were but a dream, and my paradise a wilderness. + </p> + <p> + While thus the inglorious current of my life ran on, I was not indifferent + to the mighty events the great continent of Europe was witnessing. The + successes of the Peninsular campaign; the triumphant entry of the British + into France; the downfall of Napoleon; the restoration of the Bourbons,—followed + each other with the rapidity of the most common-place occurrences; and in + the few short years in which I had sprung from boyhood to man's estate, + the whole condition of the world was altered. Kings deposed; great armies + disbanded; rightful sovereigns restored to their dominions; banished and + exiled men returned to their country, invested with rank and riches; and + peace, in the fullest tide of its blessings, poured down upon the earth + devastated and blood-stained. + </p> + <p> + Years passed on; and between the careless abandonment to the mere + amusement of the hour, and the darker meditation upon the past, time + slipped away. From my old friends and brother officers I heard but rarely. + Power, who at first wrote frequently, grew gradually less and less + communicative. Webber, who had gone to Paris at the peace, had written but + one letter; while, from the rest, a few straggling lines were all I + received. In truth be it told, my own negligence and inability to reply + cost me this apparent neglect. + </p> + <p> + It was a fine evening in May, when, rigging up a sprit-sail, I jumped into + my yawl, and dropped easily down the river. The light wind gently curled + the crested water, the trees waved gently and shook their branches in the + breeze, and my little barque, bending slightly beneath, rustled on her + foamy track with that joyous bounding motion so inspiriting to one's + heart. The clouds were flying swiftly past, tinging with their shadows the + mountains beneath; the Munster shore, glowing with a rich sunlight, showed + every sheep-cot and every hedge-row clearly out, while the deep shadow of + tall Scariff darkened the silent river where Holy Island, with its ruined + churches and melancholy tower, was reflected in the still water. + </p> + <p> + It was a thoroughly Irish landscape: the changeful sky; the fast-flitting + shadows; the brilliant sunlight; the plenteous fields; the broad and + swelling stream; the dark mountain, from whose brown crest a wreath of + thin blue smoke was rising,—were all there smiling yet sadly, like + her own sons, across whose lowering brow some fitful flash of fancy ever + playing dallies like sunbeams on a darkening stream, nor marks the depth + that lies below. + </p> + <p> + I sat musing over the strange harmony of Nature with the temperament of + man, every phase of his passionate existence seeming to have its type in + things inanimate, when a loud cheer from the land aroused me, and the + words, "Charley! Cousin Charley!" came wafted over the water to where I + lay. For some time I could but distinguish the faint outline of some + figures on the shore; but as I came nearer, I recognized my fair cousin + Baby, who, with a younger brother of some eight or nine years old, was + taking an evening walk. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know, Charley," said she, "the boys have gone over to the castle + to look for you; we want you particularly this evening." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, Cousin Baby! Well, I fear you must make my excuses." + </p> + <p> + "Then, once for all, I will not. I know this is one of your sulky moods, + and I tell you frankly I'll not put up with them any more." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Baby, not so; out of spirits if you will, but not out of temper." + </p> + <p> + "The distinction is much too fine for me, if there be any. But there now, + do be a good fellow; come up with us—come up with me!" + </p> + <p> + As she said this she placed her arm within mine. I thought, too,—perhaps + it was but a thought,—she pressed me gently. I know she blushed and + turned away her head to hide it. + </p> + <p> + "I don't pretend to be proof to your entreaty, Cousin Baby," said I, with + half-affected gallantry, putting her fingers to my lips. + </p> + <p> + "There, how can you be so foolish; look at William yonder; I am sure he + must have seen you!" But William, God bless him! was bird's-nesting or + butterfly-hunting or daisy-picking or something of that kind. + </p> + <p> + O ye young brothers, who, sufficiently old to be deemed companions and <i>chaperons</i>, + but yet young enough to be regarded as having neither eyes nor ears, what + mischief have ye to answer for; what a long reckoning of tender speeches, + of soft looks, of pressed hands, lies at your door! What an incentive to + flirtation is the wily imp who turns ever and anon from his careless + gambols to throw his laughter-loving eyes upon you, calling up the + mantling blush to both your cheeks! He seems to chronicle the hours of + your dalliance, making your secrets known unto each other. We have gone + through our share of flirtation in this life: match-making mothers, prying + aunts, choleric uncles, benevolent and open-hearted fathers, we understand + to the life, and care no more for such man-traps than a Melton man, well + mounted on his strong-boned thorough-bred, does for a four-barred ox-fence + that lies before him. Like him, we take them flying; never relaxing the + slapping stride of our loose gallop, we go straight ahead, never turning + aside, except for a laugh at those who flounder in the swamps we sneer at. + But we confess honestly, we fear the little, brother, the small urchin + who, with nankeen trousers and three rows of buttons, performs the part of + Cupid. He strikes real terror into our heart; he it is who, with a cunning + wink or sly smile, seems to confirm the soft nonsense we are weaving; by + some slight gesture he seems to check off the long reckoning of our + attentions, bringing us every moment nearer to the time when the score + must be settled and the debt paid. He it is who, by a memory delightfully + oblivious of his task and his table-book, is tenacious to the life of what + you said to Fanny; how you put your head under Lucy's bonnet; he can + imitate to perfection the way you kneeled upon the grass; and the wretch + has learned to smack his lips like a <i>gourmand</i>, that he, may convey + another stage of your proceeding. + </p> + <p> + Oh, for infant schools for everything under the age of ten! Oh, for + factories for the children of the rich! The age of prying curiosity is + from four-and-a-half to nine, and Fonché himself might get a lesson in <i>police</i> + from an urchin in his alphabet. + </p> + <p> + I contrived soon, however, to forget the presence of even the little + brother. The night was falling; Baby appeared getting fatigued with her + walk, for she leaned somewhat more heavily upon my arm, and I—I + cannot tell wherefore—fell into that train of thinking aloud, which + somehow, upon a summer's eve, with a fair girl beside one, is the very + nearest thing to love-making. + </p> + <p> + "There, Charley, don't now—ah, don't! Do let go my hand; they are + coming down the avenue." + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely time to obey the injunction, when Mr. Blake called out:— + </p> + <p> + "Well, indeed! Charley, this is really fortunate; we have got a friend to + take tea with us, and wanted you to meet him." + </p> + <p> + Muttering an internal prayer for something not exactly the welfare of the + aforesaid friend, whom I judged to be some Galway squire, I professed + aloud the pleasure I felt in having come in so opportunely. + </p> + <p> + "He wishes particularly to make your acquaintance." + </p> + <p> + "So much the worse," thought I to myself; "it rarely happens that this + feeling is mutual." + </p> + <p> + Evidently provoked at the little curiosity I exhibited, Blake added,— + </p> + <p> + "He's on his way to Fermoy with a detachment." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! what regiment, pray?" + </p> + <p> + "The 28th Foot." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I don't know them." + </p> + <p> + By this time we reached the steps of the hall-door, and just as we did so, + the door opened suddenly, and a tall figure in uniform presented himself. + With one spring he seized my hand and nearly wrung it off. + </p> + <p> + "Why what," said I, "can this be? Is it really—" + </p> + <p> + "Sparks," said he,—"your old friend Sparks, my boy; I've changed + into the infantry, and here I am. Heard by chance you were in the + neighborhood; met Mr. Blake, your friend here, at the inn, and accepted + his invitation to meet you." + </p> + <p> + Poor Sparks, albeit the difference in his costume, was the same as ever. + Having left the Fourteenth soon after I quitted them, he knew but little + of their fortunes; and he himself had been on recruiting stations nearly + the whole time since we had met before. + </p> + <p> + While we each continued to extol the good fortune of the other,—he + mine as being no longer in the service, and I his for still being so,—we + learned the various changes which had happened to each of us during our + separation. Although his destination was ultimately Fermoy, Portumua was + ordered to be his present quarter; and I felt delighted to have once more + an old companion within reach, to chat over former days of campaigning and + nights of merriment in the Peninsula. + </p> + <p> + Sparks soon became a constant visitor and guest at Gurt-na-Morra; his good + temper, his easy habits, his simplicity of character, rapidly enabled him + to fall into all their ways; and although evidently not what Baby would + call "the man for Galway," he endeavored with all his might to please + every one, and certainly succeeded to a considerable extent. + </p> + <p> + Baby alone seemed to take pleasure in tormenting the poor sub. Long before + she met with him having heard much from me of his exploits abroad, she was + continually bringing up some anecdote of his unhappy loves or mis-placed + passions; which he evidently smarted under the more, from the circumstance + that he appeared rather inclined to like my fair cousin. + </p> + <p> + As she continued this for some time, I remarked that Sparks, who at first + was all gayety and high spirits, grew gradually more depressed and + dispirited. I became convinced that the poor fellow was in love; very + little management on my part was necessary to obtain his confession; and + accordingly, the same evening the thought first struck me, as we were + riding slowly home towards O'Malley Castle, I touched at first generally + upon the merits of the Blakes, their hospitality, etc., then diverged to + the accomplishments and perfections of the girls, and lastly, Baby + herself, in all form, came up for sentence. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, yes!" said Sparks, with a deep sigh, "it is quite as you say; she is + a lovely girl; and that liveliness in her character, that elasticity in + her temperament, chastened down as it might be, by the feeling of respect + for the man she loved! I say, Charley, is it a very long attachment of + yours?" + </p> + <p> + "A long attachment of mine! Why, my dear Sparks, you can't suppose that + there is anything between us! I pledge you my word most faithfully." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, don't tell me that; what good can there be in mystifying me?" + </p> + <p> + "I have no such intention, believe me. My cousin Baby, however I like and + admire her, has no other place in my affection than a very charming girl + who has lightened a great many dreary and tiresome hours, and made my + banishment from the world less irksome than I should have found it without + her." + </p> + <p> + "And you are really not in love?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it!" + </p> + <p> + "Nor going to marry her either?" + </p> + <p> + "Not the least notion of it!—a fact. Baby and I are excellent + friends, for the very reason that we were never lovers; we have had no <i>petits + jeux</i> of fallings out and makings up; no hide-and-seek trials of + affected indifference and real disappointments; no secrets, no griefs, nor + grudges; neither quarrels nor keepsakes. In fact, we are capital cousins; + quizzing every one for our own amusement; riding, walking, boating + together; in fact, doing and thinking of everything save sighs and + declarations; always happy to meet, and never broken-hearted when we + parted. And I can only add, as a proof of my sincerity, that if you feel + as I suspect you do from your questions, I'll be your ambassador to the + court of Gurt-na-Morra with sincere pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "Will you really? Will you, indeed, Charley, do this for me? Will you + strengthen my wishes by your aid, and give me all your influence with the + family?" + </p> + <p> + I could scarcely help smiling at poor Sparks's eagerness, or the + unwarrantable value he put upon my alliance, in a case where his own + unassisted efforts did not threaten much failure. + </p> + <p> + "I repeat it, Sparks, I'll make a proposal for you in all form, aided and + abetted by everything recommendatory and laudatory I can think of; I'll + talk of you as a Peninsular of no small note and promise; and observe + rigid silence about your Welsh flirtation and your Spanish elopement." + </p> + <p> + "You'll not blab about the Dalrymples, I hope?" + </p> + <p> + "Trust me; I only hope you will be always equally discreet: but now—when + shall it be? Should you like to consider the matter more?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, nothing of the kind; let it be to-morrow, at once, if I am to + fail; even that—anything's better than suspense." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, to-morrow be it," said I. + </p> + <p> + So I wished him a good-night, and a stout heart to hear his fortune + withal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> + <p> + A MISTAKE. + </p> + <p> + I ordered my horses at an early hour; and long before Sparks—lover + that he was—had opened his eyes to the light, was already on my way + towards Gurt-na-Morra. Several miles slipped away before I well determined + how I should open my negotiations: whether to papa Blake, in the first + instance, or to madame, to whose peculiar province these secrets of the + home department belonged; or why not at once to Baby?—because, after + all, with her it rested finally to accept or refuse. To address myself to + the heads of the department seemed the more formal course; and as I was + acting entirely as an "envoy extraordinary," I deemed this the fitting + mode of proceeding. + </p> + <p> + It was exactly eight o'clock as I drove up to the door. Mr. Blake was + standing at the open window of the breakfast-room, sniffing the fresh air + of the morning. The Blake mother was busily engaged with the economy of + the tea-table; a very simple style of morning costume, and a nightcap with + a flounce like a petticoat, marking her unaffected toilet. Above stairs, + more than one head <i>en papillate</i> took a furtive peep between the + curtains; and the butler of the family, in corduroys and a fur cap, was + weeding turnips in the lawn before the door. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Blake had barely time to take a hurried departure, when her husband + came out upon the steps to bid me welcome. There is no physiognomist like + your father of a family, or your mother with marriageable daughters. + Lavater was nothing to them, in reading the secret springs of action, the + hidden sources of all character. Had there been a good respectable bump + allotted by Spurzheim to "honorable intentions," the matter had been all + fair and easy,—the very first salute of the gentleman would have + pronounced upon his views. But, alas! no such guide is forthcoming; and + the science, as it now exists, is enveloped in doubt and difficulty. The + gay, laughing temperament of some, the dark and serious composure of + others; the cautious and reserved, the open and the candid, the witty, the + sententious, the clever, the dull, the prudent, the reckless,—in a + word, every variety which the innumerable hues of character imprint upon + the human face divine are their study. Their convictions are the slow and + patient fruits of intense observation and great logical accuracy. + Carefully noting down every lineament and feature,—their change, + their action, and their development,—they track a lurking motive + with the scent of a bloodhound, and run down a growing passion with an + unrelenting speed. I have been in the witness-box, exposed to the licensed + badgering and privileged impertinence of a lawyer, winked, leered, + frowned, and sneered at with all the long-practised tact of a <i>nisi + prius</i> torturer; I have stood before the cold, fish-like, but searching + eye of a prefect of police, as he compared my passport with my person, and + thought he could detect a discrepancy in both,—but I never felt the + same sense of total exposure as when glanced at by the half-cautious, + half-prying look of a worthy father or mother, in a family where there are + daughters to marry, and "nobody coming to woo." + </p> + <p> + "You're early, Charley," said Mr. Blake, with an affected mixture of + carelessness and warmth. "You have not had breakfast?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. I have come to claim a part of yours; and if I mistake not, you + seem a little later than usual." + </p> + <p> + "Not more than a few minutes. The girls will be down presently; they're + early risers, Charley; good habits are just as easy as bad ones; and, the + Lord be praised! my girls were never brought up with any other." + </p> + <p> + "I am well aware of it, sir; and indeed, if I may be permitted to take + advantage of the <i>apropos</i>, it was on the subject of one of your + daughters that I wished to speak to you this morning, and which brought me + over at this uncivilized hour, hoping to find you alone." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Blake's look for a moment was one of triumphant satisfaction; it was + but a glance, however, and repressed the very instant after, as he said, + with a well got-up indifference,— + </p> + <p> + "Just step with me into the study, and we're sure not to be interrupted." + </p> + <p> + Now, although I have little time or space for such dallying, I cannot help + dwelling for a moment upon the aspect of what Mr. Blake dignified with the + name of his study. It was a small apartment with one window, the panes of + which, independent of all aid from a curtain, tempered the daylight + through the medium of cobwebs, dust, and the ill-trained branches of some + wall-tree without. + </p> + <p> + Three oak chairs and a small table were the only articles of furniture, + while around, on all sides, lay the <i>disjecta membra</i> of Mr. Blake's + hunting, fishing, shooting, and coursing equipments,—old top-boots, + driving whips, odd spurs, a racing saddle, a blunderbuss, the helmet of + the Galway Light Horse, a salmon net, a large map of the county with a + marginal index to several mortgages marked with a cross, a stable lantern, + the rudder of a boat, and several other articles representative of his + daily associations; but not one book, save an odd volume of Watty Cox's + Magazine, whose pages seemed as much the receptacle of brown hackles for + trout-fishing as the resource of literary leisure. + </p> + <p> + "Here we'll be quite cosey, and to ourselves," said Mr. Blake, as, placing + a chair for me, he sat down himself, with the air of a man resolved to + assist, by advice and counsel, the dilemma of some dear friend. + </p> + <p> + After a few preliminary observations, which, like a breathing canter + before a race, serves to get your courage up, and settle you well in your + seat, I opened my negotiation by some very broad and sweeping truisms + about the misfortunes of a bachelor existence, the discomforts of his + position, his want of home and happiness, the necessity for his one day + thinking seriously about marriage; it being in a measure almost as + inevitable a termination of the free-and-easy career of his single life as + transportation for seven years is to that of a poacher. "You cannot go on, + sir," said I, "trespassing forever upon your neighbors' preserves; you + must be apprehended sooner or later; therefore, I think, the better way is + to take out a license." + </p> + <p> + Never was a small sally of wit more thoroughly successful. Mr. Blake + laughed till he cried, and when he had done, wiped his eyes with a snuffy + handkerchief, and cried till he laughed again. As, somehow, I could not + conceal from myself a suspicion as to the sincerity of my friend's mirth, + I merely consoled myself with the French adage, that "he laughs best who + laughs last;" and went on:— + </p> + <p> + "It will not be deemed surprising, sir, that a man should come to the + discovery I have just mentioned much more rapidly by having enjoyed the + pleasure of intimacy with your family; not only by the example of perfect + domestic happiness presented to him, but by the prospect held out that a + heritage of the fair gifts which adorn and grace a married life may + reasonably be looked for among the daughters of those themselves the + realization of conjugal felicity." + </p> + <p> + Here was a canter, with a vengeance; and as I felt blown, I slackened my + pace, coughed, and resumed:— + </p> + <p> + "Mary Blake, sir, is, then, the object of my present communication; she it + is who has made an existence that seemed fair and pleasurable before, + appear blank and unprofitable without her. I have, therefore, to come at + once to the point, visited you this morning, formally to ask her hand in + marriage; her fortune, I may observe at once, is perfectly immaterial, a + matter of no consequence [so Mr. Blake thought also]; a competence fully + equal to every reasonable notion of expenditure—" + </p> + <p> + "There, there; don't, don't!" said Mr. Blake, wiping his eyes, with a sob + like a hiccough,—"don't speak of money! I know what you would say, a + handsome settlement,—a well-secured jointure, and all that. Yes, + yes, I feel it all." + </p> + <p> + "Why, yes, sir, I believe I may add that everything in this respect will + answer your expectations." + </p> + <p> + "Of course; to be sure. My poor dear Baby! How to do without her, that's + the rub! You don't know, O'Malley, what that girl is to me—you can't + know it; you'll feel it one day though—that you will!" + </p> + <p> + "The devil I shall!" said I to myself. "The great point is, after all, to + learn the young lady's disposition in the matter—" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Charley, none of this with me, you sly dog! You think I don't know + you. Why, I've been watching,—that is, I have seen—no, I mean + I've heard—They—they,—people will talk, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Very true, sir. But, as I was going to remark—" + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment the door opened, and Miss Baby herself, looking most + annoyingly handsome, put in her head. + </p> + <p> + "Papa, we're waiting breakfast. Ah, Charley, how d'ye do?" + </p> + <p> + "Come in, Baby," said Mr. Blake; "you haven't given me my kiss this + morning." + </p> + <p> + The lovely girl threw her arms around his neck, while her bright and + flowing locks fell richly upon his shoulder. I turned rather sulkily away; + the thing always provokes me. There is as much cold, selfish cruelty in + such <i>coram publico</i> endearments, as in the luscious display of rich + rounds and sirloins in a chop-house to the eyes of the starved and + penniless wretch without, who, with dripping rags and watering lip, eats + imaginary slices, while the pains of hunger are torturing him! + </p> + <p> + "There's Tim!" said Mr. Blake, suddenly. "Tim Cronin!—Tim!" shouted + he to, as it seemed to me, an imaginary individual outside; while, in the + eagerness of pursuit, he rushed out of the study, banging the door as he + went, and leaving Baby and myself to our mutual edification. + </p> + <p> + I should have preferred it being otherwise; but as the Fates willed it + thus, I took Baby's hand, and led her to the window. Now, there is one + feature of my countrymen which, having recognized strongly in myself, I + would fain proclaim; and writing as I do—however little people may + suspect me—solely for the sake of a moral, would gladly warn the + unsuspecting against. I mean, a very decided tendency to become the + consoler, the confidant of young ladies; seeking out opportunities of + assuaging their sorrow, reconciling their afflictions, breaking eventful + passages to their ears; not from any inherent pleasure in the tragic + phases of the intercourse, but for the semi-tenderness of manner, that + harmless hand-squeezing, that innocent waist-pressing, without which + consolation is but like salmon without lobster,—a thing maimed, + wanting, and imperfect. + </p> + <p> + Now, whether this with me was a natural gift, or merely a "way we have in + the army," as the song says, I shall not pretend to say; but I venture to + affirm that few men could excel me in the practice I speak of some + five-and-twenty years ago. Fair reader, do pray, if I have the happiness + of being known to you, deduct them from my age before you subtract from my + merits. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Baby, dear, I have just been speaking about you to papa. Yes, dear—don't + look so incredulous—even of your own sweet self. Well, do you know, + I almost prefer your hair worn that way; those same silky masses look + better falling thus heavily—" + </p> + <p> + "There, now, Charley! ah, don't!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Baby, as I was saying, before you stopped me, I have been asking + your papa a very important question, and he has referred me to you for the + answer. And now will you tell me, in all frankness and honesty, your mind + on the matter?" + </p> + <p> + She grew deadly pale as I spoke these words, then suddenly flushed up + again, but said not a word. I could perceive, however, from her heaving + chest and restless manner, that no common agitation was stirring her + bosom. It was cruelty to be silent, so I continued:— + </p> + <p> + "One who loves you well, Baby, dear, has asked his own heart the question, + and learned that without you he has no chance of happiness; that your + bright eyes are to him bluer than the deep sky above him; that your soft + voice, your winning smile—and what a smile it is!—have taught + him that he loves, nay, adores you! Then, dearest—what pretty + fingers those are! Ah, what is this? Whence came that emerald? I never saw + that ring before, Baby!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that," said she, blushing deeply,—"that is a ring the foolish + creature Sparks gave me a couple of days ago; but I don't like it—I + don't intend to keep it." + </p> + <p> + So saying, she endeavored to draw it from her finger, but in vain. + </p> + <p> + "But why, Baby, why take it off? Is it to give him the pleasure of putting + it on again? There, don't look angry; we must not fall out, surely." + </p> + <p> + "No, Charley, if you are not vexed with me—if you are not—" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, my dear Baby; nothing of the kind. Sparks was quite right in not + trusting his entire fortune to my diplomacy; but at least, he ought to + have told me that he had opened the negotiation. Now, the question simply + is: Do you love him? or rather, because that shortens matters: Will you + accept him?" + </p> + <p> + "Love who?" + </p> + <p> + "Love whom? Why Sparks, to be sure!" + </p> + <p> + A flash of indignant surprise passed across her features, now pale as + marble; her lips were slightly parted, her large full eyes were fixed upon + me steadfastly, and her hand, which I had held in mine, she suddenly + withdrew from my grasp. + </p> + <p> + "And so—and so it is of Mr. Sparks's cause you are so ardently the + advocate?" she said at length, after a pause of most awkward duration. + </p> + <p> + "Why, of course, my dear cousin. It was at his suit and solicitation I + called on your father; it was he himself who entreated me to take this + step; it was he—" + </p> + <p> + But before I could conclude, she burst into a torrent of tears and rushed + from the room. + </p> + <p> + Here was a situation! What the deuce was the matter? Did she, or did she + not, care for him? Was her pride or her delicacy hurt at my being made the + means of the communication to her father? What had Sparks done or said to + put himself and me in such a devil of a predicament? Could she care for + any one else? + </p> + <p> + "Well, Charley!" cried Mr. Blake, as he entered, rubbing his hands in a + perfect paroxysm of good temper,—"well, Charley, has love-making + driven breakfast out of your head?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, faith, sir, I greatly fear I have blundered my mission sadly. My + cousin Mary does not appear so perfectly satisfied; her manner—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't tell me such nonsense. The girl's manner! Why, man, I thought you + were too old a soldier to be taken in that way." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, sir, the best thing, under the circumstances, is to send over + Sparks himself. Your consent, I may tell him, is already obtained." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my boy; and my daughter's is equally sure. But I don't see what we + want with Sparks at all. Among old friends and relatives as we are, there + is, I think, no need of a stranger." + </p> + <p> + "A stranger! Very true, sir, he is a stranger; but when that stranger is + about to become your son-in-law—" + </p> + <p> + "About to become what?" said Mr. Blake, rubbing his spectacles, and + placing them leisurely on his nose to regard me,—"to become what?" + </p> + <p> + "Your son-in-law. I hope I have been sufficiently explicit, sir, in making + known Mr. Sparks's wishes to you." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Sparks! Why damn me, sir—that is—I beg pardon for the + warmth—you—you never mentioned his name to-day till now. You + led me to suppose that—in fact, you told me most clearly—" + </p> + <p> + Here, from the united effects of rage and a struggle for concealment, Mr. + Blake was unable to proceed, and walked the room with a melodramatic stamp + perfectly awful. + </p> + <p> + "Really, sir," said I at last, "while I deeply regret any misconception or + mistake I have been the cause of, I must, in justice to myself, say that I + am perfectly unconscious of having misled you. I came here this morning + with a proposition for the hand of your daughter in behalf of—" + </p> + <p> + "Yourself, sir. Yes, yourself. I'll be—no! I'll not swear; but—but + just answer me, if you ever mentioned one word of Mr. Sparks, if you ever + alluded to him till the last few minutes?" + </p> + <p> + I was perfectly astounded. It might be, alas, it was exactly as he stated! + In my unlucky effort at extreme delicacy, I became only so very mysterious + that I left the matter open for them to suppose that it might be the Khan + of Tartary was in love with Baby. + </p> + <p> + There was but one course now open. I most humbly apologized for my + blunder; repeated by every expression I could summon up, my sorrow for + what had happened; and was beginning a renewal of negotiation "in re + Sparks," when, overcome by his passion, Mr. Blake could hear no more, but + snatched up his hat and left the room. + </p> + <p> + Had it not been for Baby's share in the transaction I should have laughed + outright. As it was, I felt anything but mirthful; and the only clear and + collected idea in my mind was to hurry home with all speed, and fasten a + quarrel on Sparks, the innocent cause of the whole mishap. Why this + thought struck me let physiologists decide. + </p> + <p> + A few moments' reflection satisfied me that under present circumstances, + it would be particularly awkward to meet with any others of the family. + Ardently desiring to secure my retreat, I succeeded, after some little + time, in opening the window-sash; consoling myself for any injury I was + about to inflict upon Mr. Blake's young plantation in my descent, by the + thought of the service I was rendering him while admitting a little fresh + air into his sanctum. + </p> + <p> + For my patriotism's sake I will not record my sensations as I took my way + through the shrubbery towards the stable. Men are ever so prone to revenge + their faults and their follies upon such inoffensive agencies as time and + place, wind or weather, that I was quite convinced that to any other but + Galway ears my <i>exposé</i> would have been perfectly clear and + intelligible; and that in no other country under heaven would a man be + expected to marry a young lady from a blunder in his grammar. + </p> + <p> + "Baby may be quite right," thought I; "but one thing is assuredly true,—if + I'll never do for Galway, Galway will never do for me. No, hang it! I have + endured enough for above two years. I have lived in banishment, away from + society, supposing that, at least, if I isolated myself from the pleasures + of the world I was exempt from its annoyances." But no; in the seclusion + of my remote abode troubles found their entrance as easily as elsewhere, + so that I determined at once to leave home; wherefor, I knew not. If life + had few charms, it had still fewer ties for me. If I was not bound by the + bonds of kindred, I was untrammelled by their restraints. + </p> + <p> + The resolution once taken, I burned to put it into effect; and so + impatiently did I press forward as to call forth more than one + remonstrance on the part of Mike at the pace we were proceeding. As I + neared home, the shrill but stirring sounds of drum and fife met me; and + shortly after a crowd of country people filled the road. Supposing it some + mere recruiting party, I was endeavoring to press on, when the sounds of a + full military band, in the exhilarating measure of a quick-step, convinced + me of my error; and as I drew to one side of the road, the advanced guard + of an infantry regiment came forward. The men's faces were flushed, their + uniforms dusty and travel-stained, their knapsacks strapped firmly on, and + their gait the steady tramp of the march. Saluting the subaltern, I asked + if anything of consequence had occurred in the south that the troops were + so suddenly under orders. The officer stared at me for a moment or two + without speaking, and while a slight smile half-curled his lip, answered:— + </p> + <p> + "Apparently, sir, you seem very indifferent to military news, otherwise + you can scarcely be ignorant of the cause of our route." + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary," said I, "I am, though a young man, an old soldier, and + feel most anxious about everything connected with the service." + </p> + <p> + "Then it is very strange, sir, you should not have heard the news. + Bonaparte has returned from Elba, has arrived at Paris, been received with + the most overwhelming enthusiasm, and at this moment the preparations for + war are resounding from Venice to the Vistula. All our forces, disposable, + are on the march for embarkation. Lord Wellington has taken the command, + and already, I may say, the campaign has begun." + </p> + <p> + The tone of enthusiasm in which the young officer spoke, the astounding + intelligence itself, contrasting with the apathetic indolence of my own + life, made me blush deeply, as I, muttered some miserable apology for my + ignorance. + </p> + <p> + "And you are now <i>en route?</i>" + </p> + <p> + "For Fermoy; from which we march to Cove for embarkation. The first + battalion of our regiment sailed for the West Indies a week since, but a + frigate has been sent after them to bring them back; and we hope all to + meet in the Netherlands before the month is over. But I must beg your + pardon for saying adieu. Good-by, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Good-by, sir; good-by," said I, as still standing in the road, I was so + overwhelmed with surprise that I could scarcely credit my senses. + </p> + <p> + A little farther on, I came up with the main body of the regiment, from + whom I learned the corroboration of the news, and also the additional + intelligence that Sparks had been ordered off with his detachment early in + the morning, a veteran battalion being sent into garrison in the various + towns of the south and west. + </p> + <p> + "Do you happen to know a Mr. O'Malley, sir?" said the major, coming up + with a note in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "I beg to present him to you," said I, bowing. + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, Sparks gave me this note, which he wrote with a pencil as we + crossed each other on the road this morning. He told me you were an old + Fourteenth man. But your regiment is in India, I believe; at least Power + said they were under orders when we met him." + </p> + <p> + "Fred Power! Are you acquainted with him? Where is he now, pray?" + </p> + <p> + "Fred is on the staff with General Vandeleur, and is now in Belgium." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said I, every moment increasing my surprise at some new piece of + intelligence. "And the Eighty-eighth?" said I, recurring to my old friends + in that regiment. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the Eighty-eighth are at Gibraltar, or somewhere in the + Mediterranean; at least, I know they are not near enough to open the + present campaign with us. But if you'd like to hear any more news, you + must come over to Borrisokane; we stop there to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Then I'll certainly do so." + </p> + <p> + "Come at six then, and dine with us." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed," said I; "and now, good-morning." + </p> + <p> + So saying, I once more drove on; my head full of all that I had been + hearing, and my heart bursting with eagerness to join the gallant fellows + now bound for the campaign. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. + </h2> + <p> + BRUSSELS. + </p> + <p> + I must not protract a tale already far too long, by the recital of my + acquaintance with the gallant Twenty-sixth. It is sufficient that I should + say that, having given Mike orders to follow me to Cove, I joined the + regiment on their march, and accompanied them to Cork. Every hour of each + day brought us in news of moment and importance; and amidst all the + stirring preparations for the war, the account of the splendid spectacle + of the <i>Champ de Mai</i> burst upon astonished Europe, and the + intelligence spread far and near that the enthusiasm of France never rose + higher in favor of the Emperor. And while the whole world prepared for the + deadly combat, Napoleon surpassed even himself, by the magnificent + conceptions for the coming conflict, and the stupendous nature of those + plans by which he resolved on resisting combined and united Europe. + </p> + <p> + While our admiration and wonder of the mighty spirit that ruled the + destinies of the continent rose high, so did our own ardent and burning + desire for the day when the open field of fight should place us once more + in front of each other. + </p> + <p> + Every hard-fought engagement of the Spanish war was thought of and talked + over; from Talavera to Toulouse, all was remembered. And while among the + old Peninsulars the military ardor was so universally displayed, among the + regiments who had not shared the glories of Spain and Portugal, an equal, + perhaps a greater, impulse was created for the approaching campaign. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at Cork, the scene of bustle and excitement exceeded + anything I ever witnessed. Troops were mustering in every quarter; + regiments arriving and embarking; fresh bodies of men pouring in; drills, + parades, and inspections going forward; arms, ammunition, and military + stores distributing; and amidst all, a spirit of burning enthusiasm + animated every rank for the approaching glory of the newly-arisen war. + </p> + <p> + While thus each was full of his own hopes and expectations, I alone felt + depressed and downhearted. My military caste was lost to me forever, my + regiment many, many a mile from the scene of the coming strife; though + young, I felt like one already old and bygone. The last-joined ensign + seemed, in his glowing aspiration, a better soldier than I, as, sad and + dispirited, I wandered through the busy crowds, surveying with curious eye + each gallant horseman as he rode proudly past. What was wealth and fortune + to me? What had they ever been, compared with all they cost me?—the + abandonment of the career I loved, the path in life I sought and panted + for. Day after day I lingered on, watching with beating heart each + detachment as they left the shore; and when their parting cheer rang high + above the breeze, turned sadly back to mourn over a life that had failed + in its promise, and an existence now shorn of its enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + It was on the evening of the 3d of June that I was slowly wending my way + back towards my hotel. Latterly I had refused all invitations to dine at + the mess. And by a strange spirit of contradiction, while I avoided + society, could yet not tear myself away from the spot where every + remembrance of my past life was daily embittered by the scenes around me. + But so it was; the movement of the troops, their reviews, their arrivals, + and departures, possessed the most thrilling interest for me. While I + could not endure to hear the mention of the high hopes and glorious vows + each brave fellow muttered. + </p> + <p> + It was, as I remember, on the evening of the 3d of June, I entered my + hotel lower in spirits even than usual. The bugles of the gallant + Seventy-first, as they dropped down with the tide, played a well-known + march I had heard the night before Talavera. All my bold and hardy days + came rushing madly to my mind; and my present life seemed no longer + endurable. The last army list and the newspaper lay on my table, and I + turned to read the latest promotions with that feeling of bitterness by + which an unhappy man loves to tamper with his misery. + </p> + <p> + Almost the first paragraph I threw my eyes upon ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + OSTEND, May 24. + + The "Vixen" sloop-of-war, which arrived at our port this morning, + brought among several other officers of inferior note + Lieutenant-General Sir George Dashwood, appointed as + Assistant-Adjutant-General + on the staff of his Grace the Duke of Wellington. The gallant + general was accompanied by his lovely and accomplished daughter, + and his military secretary and aide-de-camp, Major Hammersley, + of the 2d Life Guards. They partook of a hurried <i>déjeuné</i> + with the Burgomaster, and left immediately after for Brussels. +</pre> + <p> + Twice I read this over, while a burning, hot sensation settled upon my + throat and temples. "So Hammersley still persists; he still hopes. And + what then?—what can it be to me?—my prospects have long since + faded and vanished! Doubtless, ere this, I am as much forgotten as though + we had never met,—would that we never had!" I threw up the + window-sash; a light breeze was gently stirring, and as it fanned my hot + and bursting head, I felt cooled and relieved. Some soldiers were talking + beneath the window and among them I recognized Mike's voice. + </p> + <p> + "And so you sail at daybreak, Sergeant?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mister Free; we have our orders to be on board before the + flood-tide. The 'Thunderer' drops down the harbor to-night, and we are + merely here to collect our stragglers." + </p> + <p> + "Faix, it's little I thought I'd ever envy a sodger any more; but someway, + I wish I was going with you." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing easier, Mike," said another, laughing. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, true for you, but that's not the way I'd like to do it. If my master, + now, would just get over his low spirits, and spake a word to the Duke of + York, devil a doubt but he'd give him his commission back again, and then + one might go in comfort." + </p> + <p> + "Your master likes his feather pillow better than a mossy stone under his + head, I'm thinking; and he ain't far wrong either." + </p> + <p> + "You're out there, Neighbor. It's himself cares as little for hardship as + any one of you; and sure it's not becoming me to say it, but the best + blood and the best bred was always the last to give in for either cold or + hunger, ay, or even complain of it." + </p> + <p> + Mike's few words shot upon me a new and a sudden conviction,—what + was to prevent my joining once more? Obvious as such a thought now was, + yet never until this moment did it present itself so palpably. So + habituated does the mind become to a certain train of reasoning, framing + its convictions according to one preconceived plan, and making every fact + and every circumstance concur in strengthening what often may be but a + prejudice,—that the absence of the old Fourteenth in India, the sale + of my commission, the want of rank in the service, all seemed to present + an insurmountable barrier to my re-entering the army. A few chance words + now changed all this, and I saw that as a volunteer at least, the path of + glory was still open, and the thought was no sooner conceived, than the + resolve to execute it. While, therefore, I walked hurriedly up and down, + devising, planning, plotting, and contriving, each instant I would stop to + ask myself how it happened I had not determined upon this before. + </p> + <p> + As I summoned Mike before me, I could not repress a feeling of false + shame, as I remembered how suddenly so natural a resolve must seem to have + been adopted; and it was with somewhat of hesitation that I opened the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + "And so, sir, you are going after all,—long life to you? But I never + doubted it. Sure, you wouldn't be your father's son, and not join + divarsion when there was any going on." + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow's eyes brightened up, his look gladdened, and before he + reached the foot of the stairs, I heard his loud cheer of delight that + once more we were off to the wars. + </p> + <p> + The packet sailed for Liverpool the next morning. By it we took our + passage, and on the third morning I found myself in the waiting-room at + the Horse Guards, expecting the moment of his Royal Highness's arrival; my + determination being to serve as a volunteer in any regiment the duke might + suggest, until such time as a prospect presented itself of entering the + service as a subaltern. + </p> + <p> + The room was crowded by officers of every rank and arm in the service. The + old, gray-headed general of division; the tall, stout-looking captain of + infantry; the thin and boyish figure of the newly-gazetted cornet,—were + all there; every accent, every look that marked each trait of national + distinction in the empire, had its representative. The reserved and + distant Scotchman; the gay, laughing, exuberant Patlander; the dark-eyed, + and dark-browed North Briton,—collected in groups, talked eagerly + together; while every instant, as some new arrival would enter, all eyes + would turn to the spot, in eager expectation of the duke's coming. At last + the clash of arms, as the guard turned out, apprised us of his approach, + and we had scarcely time to stand up and stop the buzz of voices, when the + door opened, and an aide-de-camp proclaimed in a full tone,— + </p> + <p> + "His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief!" + </p> + <p> + Bowing courteously on every side, he advanced through the crowd, turning + his rapid and piercing look here and there through the room, while with + that tact, the essential gift of his family, he recognized each person by + his name, directing from one to the other some passing observation. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Sir George Cockburn, how d' ye do?—your son's appointment is + made out. Major Conyers, that application shall be looked to. Forbes, you + must explain that I cannot possibly put men in the regiment of their + choice; the service is the first thing. Lord L——, your + memorial is before the Prince Regent; the cavalry command will, I believe, + however, include your name." + </p> + <p> + While he spoke thus, he approached the place where I was standing, when, + suddenly checking himself, he looked at me for a moment somewhat sternly. + "Why not in uniform, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Your Royal Highness, I am not in the army." + </p> + <p> + "Not in the army—not in the army? And why, may I beg to know, have + you—But I'm speaking to <i>Captain</i> O'Malley, if I mistake not?" + </p> + <p> + "I held that rank, sir, once; but family necessities compelled me to sell + out. I have now no commission in the service, but am come to beseech your + Royal Highness's permission to serve as a volunteer." + </p> + <p> + "As a volunteer, eh—a volunteer? Come, that's right, I like that; + but still, we want such fellows as you,—the man of Ciudad Rodrigo. + Yes, my Lord L——, this is one of the stormers; fought his way + through the trench among the first; must not be neglected. Hold yourself + in readiness, Captain—hang it, I was forgetting; Mr. O'Malley, I + mean—hold yourself in readiness for a staff appointment. Smithson, + take a note of this." So saying, he moved on; and I found myself in the + street, with a heart bounding with delight, and a step proud as an + emperor's. + </p> + <p> + With such rapidity the events of my life now followed one upon the other, + that I could take no note of time as it passed. On the fourth day after my + conversation with the duke I found myself in Brussels. As yet I heard + nothing of the appointment, nor was I gazetted to any regiment or any + situation on the staff. It was strange enough, too, I met but few of my + old associates, and not one of those with whom I had been most intimate in + my Peninsular career; but it so chanced that very many of the regiments + who most distinguished themselves in the Spanish campaigns, at the peace + of 1814 were sent on foreign service. My old friend Power was, I learned, + quartered at Courtrai; and as I was perfectly at liberty to dispose of my + movements at present, I resolved to visit him there. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful evening on the 12th of June. I had been inquiring + concerning post-horses for my journey, and was returning slowly through + the park. The hour was late—near midnight—but a pale + moonlight, a calm, unruffled air, and stronger inducements still, the song + of the nightingales that abound in this place, prevailed on many of the + loungers to prolong their stay; and so from many a shady walk and tangled + arbor, the clank of a sabre would strike upon the ear, or the low, soft + voice of woman would mingle her dulcet sound with the deep tones of her + companion. I wandered on, thoughtful and alone; my mind pre-occupied so + completely with the mighty events passing before me, I totally forgot my + own humble career, and the circumstances of my fortune. As I turned into + an alley which leads from the Great Walk towards the Palace of the Prince + of Orange, I found my path obstructed by three persons who were walking + slowly along in front of me. I was, as I have mentioned, deeply absorbed + in thought, so that I found myself close behind them before I was aware of + their presence. Two of the party were in uniform, and by their plumes, + upon which a passing ray of moonlight flickered, I could detect they were + general officers; the third was a lady. Unable to pass them, and unwilling + to turn back, I was unavoidably compelled to follow, and however + unwilling, to overhear somewhat of their conversation. + </p> + <p> + "You mistake, George, you mistake! Depend upon it, this will be no + lengthened campaign; victory will soon decide for one side or the other. + If Napoleon beats the Prussians one day, and beat us the next, the German + States will rally to his standard, and the old confederation of the Rhine + will spring up once more in all the plenitude of its power. The <i>Champ + de Mai</i> has shown the enthusiasm of France for their Emperor. Louis + XVIII fled from his capital, with few to follow, and none to say, 'God + bless him!' The warlike spirit of the nation is roused again; the interval + of peace, too short to teach habits of patient and enduring industry, is + yet sufficient to whet the appetite for carnage; and nothing was wanting, + save the presence of Napoleon alone, to restore all the brilliant + delusions and intoxicating splendors of the empire." + </p> + <p> + "I confess," said the other, "I take a very different view from yours in + this matter; to me, it seems that France is as tired of battles as of the + Bourbons—" + </p> + <p> + I heard no more; for though the speaker continued, a misty confusion + passed across my mind. The tones of his voice, well-remembered as they + were by me, left me unable to think; and as I stood motionless on the + spot, I muttered half aloud, "Sir George Dashwood." It was he, indeed; and + she who leaned upon his arm could be no other than Lucy herself. I know + not how it was; for many a long month I had schooled my heart, and taught + myself to believe that time had dulled the deep impression she had made + upon me, and that, were we to meet again, it would be with more sorrow on + my part for my broken dream of happiness than of attachment and affection + for her who inspired it; but now, scarcely was I near her—I had not + gazed upon her looks, I had not even heard her voice—and yet, in all + their ancient force, came back the early passages of my love; and as her + footfall sounded gently upon the ground, my heart beat scarce less + audibly. Alas, I could no longer disguise from myself the avowal that she + it was, and she only, who implanted in my heart the thirst for + distinction; and the moment was ever present to my mind in which, as she + threw her arms around her father's neck, she muttered, "Oh, why not a + soldier!" + </p> + <p> + As I thus reflected, an officer in full dress passed me hurriedly, and + taking off his hat as he came up with the party before me, bowed + obsequiously. + </p> + <p> + "My Lord ——, I believe, and Sir George Dashwood?" They replied + by a bow. "Sir Thomas Picton wishes to speak with you both for a moment; + he is standing beside the 'Basin.' If you will permit—" said he, + looking towards Lucy. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Sir George; "if you will have the goodness to + accompany us, my daughter will wait our coming here. Sit down, Lucy, we + shall not be long away." + </p> + <p> + The next moment she was alone. The last echoes of their retiring footsteps + had died away in the grassy walk, and in the calm and death-like stillness + I could hear every rustle of her silk dress. The moonlight fell in fitful, + straggling gleams between the leafy branches, and showed me her + countenance, pale as marble. Her eyes were upturned slightly; her brown + hair, divided upon her fair forehead, sparkled with a wreath of + brilliants, which heightened the lustrous effect of her calm beauty; and + now I could perceive her dress bespoke that she had been at some of the + splendid entertainments which followed day after day in the busy capital. + </p> + <p> + Thus I stood within a few paces of <i>her</i>, to be near to whom, a few + hours before, I would willingly have given all I possessed in the world; + and yet now a barrier, far more insurmountable than time and space, + intervened between us; still it seemed as though fortune had presented + this incident as a last farewell between us. Why should I not take + advantage of it? Why should I not seize the only opportunity that might + ever occur of rescuing myself from the apparent load of ingratitude which + weighed on my memory? I felt in the cold despair of my heart that I could + have no hold upon her affection; but a pride, scarce less strong that the + attachment that gave rise to it, urged me to speak. By one violent effort + I summoned up my courage; and while I resolved to limit the few words I + should say merely to my vindication, I prepared to advance. Just at this + instant, however, a shadow crossed the path; a rustling sound was heard + among the branches, and the tall figure of a man in a dragoon cloak stood + before me. Lucy turned suddenly at the sound; but scarcely had her eyes + been bent in the direction, when, throwing off his cloak, he sprang + forward and dropped at her feet. All my feeling of shame at the part I was + performing was now succeeded by a sense of savage and revengeful hatred. + It was enough that I should be brought to look upon her whom I had lost + forever without the added bitterness of witnessing her preference for a + rival. The whirlwind passion of my brain stunned and stupefied me. + Unconsciously I drew my sword from my scabbard, and it was only as the + pale light fell upon the keen blade that the thought flashed across me, + "What could I mean to do?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Hammersley,"—it was he indeed,—said she, "it is unkind, + it is unfair, nay, it is unmanly to press me thus; I would not pain you, + were it not that, in sparing you now, I should entail deeper injury upon + you hereafter. Ask me to be your sister, your friend; ask me to feel + proudly in your triumphs, to glory in your success; all this I do feel; + but, oh! I beseech you, as you value your happiness, as you prize mine, + ask me no more than this." + </p> + <p> + There was a pause of some seconds; and at length, the low tones of a man's + voice, broken and uncertain in their utterance, said,— + </p> + <p> + "I know it—I feel it—my heart never bade me hope—and now—'tis + over." + </p> + <p> + He stood up as he spoke, and while he threw the light folds of his mantle + round him, a gleam of light fell upon his features. They were pale as + death; two dark circles surrounded his sunken eyes, and his bloodless lip + looked still more ghastly, from the dark mustache that drooped above it. + </p> + <p> + "Farewell!" said he, slowly, as he crossed his arms sadly upon his breast; + "I will not pain you more." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, go not thus from me!" said she, as her voice became tremulous with + emotion; "do not add to the sorrow that weighs upon my heart! I cannot, + indeed I cannot, be other than I am; and I do but hate myself to think + that I cannot give my love where I have given all my esteem. If time—" + But before she could continue further, the noise of approaching footsteps + was heard, and the voice of Sir George, as he came near. Hammersley + disappeared at once, and Lucy, with rapid steps, advanced to meet her + father, while I remained riveted upon the spot. What a torrent of emotions + then rushed upon my heart! What hopes, long dead or dying, sprang up to + life again! What visions of long-abandoned happiness flitted before me! + Could it be then—dare I trust myself to think it—that Lucy + cared for me? The thought was maddening! With a bounding sense of ecstasy, + I dashed across the park, resolving, at all hazards, to risk everything + upon the chance, and wait the next morning upon Sir George Dashwood. As I + thought thus, I reached my hotel, where I found Mike in waiting with a + letter. As I walked towards the lamp in the <i>porte cochere</i>, my eyes + fell upon the address. It was General Dashwood's hand; I tore it open, and + read as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Sir,—Circumstances into which you will excuse me entering, + having placed an insurmountable barrier to our former terms of + intimacy, you will, I trust, excuse me declining the honor of any + nearer acquaintance, and also forgive the liberty I take in informing + you of it, which step, however unpleasant to my feelings, will save + us both the great pain of meeting. + + I have only this moment heard of your arrival in Brussels, and + take thus the earliest opportunity of communicating with you. + With every assurance of my respect for you personally, and an + earnest desire to serve you in your military career, I beg to remain, + + Very faithfully yours, + + GEORGE DASHWOOD +</pre> + <p> + "Another note, sir," said Mike, as he thrust into my unconscious hands a + letter he had just received from an orderly. + </p> + <p> + Stunned, half stupefied, I broke the seal. The contents were but three + lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sir,—I have the honor to inform you that Sir Thomas Picton has + appointed you an extra aide-de-camp on his personal staff. You will, + therefore, present yourself to-morrow morning at the Adjutant-General's + office, to receive your appointment and instructions. + I have the honor to be, etc., + + G. FITZROY. +</pre> + <p> + Crushing the two letters in my fevered hand, I retired to my room, and + threw myself, dressed as I was, upon my bed. Sleep, that seems to visit us + in the saddest as in the happiest times of our existence, came over me, + and I did not wake until the bugles of the Ninety-fifth were sounding the + reveille through the park, and the brightest beams of the morning sun were + peering through the window. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. + </h2> + <p> + AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. O'Malley," said a voice, as my door opened, and an officer in undress + entered,—"Mr. O'Malley, I believe you received your appointment last + night on General Picton's staff?" + </p> + <p> + I bowed in reply, as he resumed:— + </p> + <p> + "Sir Thomas desires you will proceed to Courtrai with these despatches in + all haste. I don't know if you are well mounted, but I recommend you, in + any case, not to spare your cattle." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he wished me a good-morning, and left me, in a state of no + small doubt and difficulty, to my own reflections. What the deuce was I to + do? I had no horse; I knew not where to find one. What uniform should I + wear? For, although appointed on the staff, I was not gazetted to any + regiment that I knew of, and hitherto had been wearing an undress frock + and a foraging cap; for I could not bring myself to appear as a civilian + among so many military acquaintances. No time was, however, to be lost; so + I proceeded to put on my old Fourteenth uniform, wondering whether my + costume might not cost me a reprimand in the very outset of my career. + Meanwhile I despatched Mike to see after a horse, caring little for the + time, the merits, or the price of the animal provided he served my present + purpose. + </p> + <p> + In less than twenty minutes my worthy follower appeared beneath my window, + surrounded by a considerable mob, who seemed to take no small interest in + the proceedings. + </p> + <p> + "What the deuce is the matter?" cried I, as I opened the sash and looked + out. + </p> + <p> + "Mighty little's the matter, your honor; it's the savages, here, that's + admiring my horsemanship," said Mike, as he belabored a tall, + scraggy-looking mule with a stick which bore an uncommon resemblance to a + broom-handle. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean to do with that beast?" said I. "You surely don't expect + me to ride a mule to Courtrai?" + </p> + <p> + "Faith, and if you don't, you are likely to walk the journey; for there + isn't a horse to be had for love or money in the town; but I am told that + Mr. Marsden is coming up to-morrow with plenty, so that you may as well + take the journey out of the soft horns as spoil a better; and if he only + makes as good use of his fore-legs as he does of his hind ones, he'll + think little of the road." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0410.jpg" alt="Mickey Astonishes the Natives. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + A vicious lash out behind served in a moment to corroborate Mike's + assertion, and to scatter the crowd on every side. + </p> + <p> + However indisposed to exhibit myself with such a turn-out, my time did not + admit of any delay; and so, arming myself with my despatches, and having + procured the necessary information as to the road, I set out from the + Belle Vue, amidst an ill-suppressed titter of merriment from the mob, + which nothing but fear of Mike and his broomstick prevented becoming a + regular shout of laughter. + </p> + <p> + It was near night-fall as, tired and weary of the road, I entered the + little village of Halle. All was silent and noiseless in the deserted + streets; nor a lamp threw its glare upon the pavement, nor even a solitary + candle flickered through the casement. Unlike a town, garrisoned by + troops, neither sentry nor outpost was to be met with; nothing gave + evidence that the place was held by a large body of men; and I could not + help feeling struck, as the footsteps of my mule were echoed along the + causeway, with the silence almost of desolation around me. By the creaking + of a sign, as it swung mournfully to and fro, I was directed to the door + of the village inn, where, dismounting, I knocked for some moments, but + without success. At length, when I had made an uproar sufficient to alarm + the entire village, the casement above the door slowly opened, and a head + enveloped in a huge cotton nightcap—so, at least, it appeared to me + from the size—protruded itself. After muttering a curse in about the + most barbarous French I ever heard, he asked me what I wanted there; to + which I replied, most nationally, by asking in return, where the British + dragoons were quartered. + </p> + <p> + "They have left for Nivelle this morning, to join some regiments of your + own country." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! ah!" thought I, "he mistakes me for a Brunswicker;" to which, by the + uncertain light, my uniform gave me some resemblance. As it was now + impossible for me to proceed farther, I begged to ask where I could + procure accommodation for the night. + </p> + <p> + "At the burgomaster's. Turn to your left at the end of this street, and + you will soon find it. They have got some English officers there, who, I + believe in my soul, never sleep." + </p> + <p> + This was, at least, pleasant intelligence, and promised a better + termination to my journey than I had begun to hope for; so wishing my + friend a good-night, to which he willingly responded, I resumed my way + down the street. As he closed the window, once more leaving me to my own + reflections, I began to wonder within myself to what arm of the service + belonged these officers to whose convivial gifts he bore testimony. As I + turned the corner of the street, I soon discovered the correctness of his + information. A broad glare of light stretched across the entire pavement + from a large house with a clumsy stone portico before it. On coming + nearer, the sound of voices, the roar of laughter, the shouts of merriment + that issued forth, plainly bespoke that a jovial party were seated within. + The half-shutter which closed the lower part of the windows prevented my + obtaining a view of the proceedings; but having cautiously approached the + casement, I managed to creep on the window-sill and look into the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0412.jpg" alt="The Gentlemen Who Never Sleep. " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + There the scene was certainly a curious one. Around a large table sat a + party of some twenty persons, the singularity of whose appearance may be + conjectured when I mention that all those who appeared to be British + officers were dressed in the robes of the <i>échevins</i> (or aldermen) of + the village; while some others, whose looks bespoke them as sturdy + Flemings, sported the cocked hats and cavalry helmets of their associates. + He who appeared the ruler of the feast sat with his back towards me, and + wore, in addition to the dress of burgomaster, a herald's tabard, which + gave him something the air of a grotesque screen at its potations. A huge + fire blazed upon the ample hearth, before which were spread several staff + uniforms, whose drabbled and soaked appearance denoted the reason of the + party's change of habiliments. Every imaginable species of drinking-vessel + figured upon the board, from the rich flagon of chased silver to the + humble <i>cruche</i> we see in a Teniers picture. As well as I could hear, + the language of the company seemed to be French, or, at least, such an + imitation of that language as served as a species of neutral territory for + both parties to meet in. + </p> + <p> + He of the tabard spoke louder than the others, and although, from the + execrable endeavors he made to express himself in French, his natural + voice was much altered, there was yet something in his accents which + seemed perfectly familiar to me. + </p> + <p> + "Mosheer l'Abbey," said he, placing his arm familiarly on the shoulder of + a portly personage, whose shaven crown strangely contrasted with a pair of + corked moustachios,—"Mosheer l'Abbey, nous sommes frères, et moi, + savez-vous, suis évèque,—'pon my life it's true; I might have been + Bishop of Saragossa, if I only consented to leave the Twenty-third. Je + suis bong Catholique. Lord bless you, if you saw how I loved the nunneries + in Spain! J'ai tres jolly souvenirs of those nunneries; a goodly company + of little silver saints; and this waistcoat you see—mong gilet—was + a satin petticoat of our Lady of Loretto." + </p> + <p> + Need I say, that before this speech was concluded, I had recognized in the + speaker nobody but that inveterate old villain, Monsoon himself. + </p> + <p> + "Permettez, votre Excellence," said a hale, jolly-looking personage on his + left, as he filled the major's goblet with obsequious politeness. + </p> + <p> + "Bong engfong," replied Monsoon, tapping him familiarly on the head. + "Burgomaster, you are a trump; and when I get my promotion, I'll make you + prefect in a wine district. Pass the lush, and don't look sleepy! + 'Drowsiness,' says Solomon, 'clothes a man in rags;' and no man knew the + world better than Solomon. Don't you be laughing, you raw boys. Never mind + them, Abbey; ils sont petits garçongs—fags from Eton and Harrow; + better judges of mutton broth than sherry negus." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Major, you are forgetting this song you promised us." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said several voices together; "the song, Major! the song!" + </p> + <p> + "Time enough for that; we're doing very well as it is. Upon my life, + though, they hold a deal of wine. I thought we'd have had them fit to + bargain with before ten, and see, it's near midnight; and I must have my + forage accounts ready for the commissary-general by to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + This speech having informed me the reason of the Major's presence there, I + resolved to wait no longer a mere spectator of their proceedings; so + dismounting from my position, I commenced a vigorous attack upon the door. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before I was heard; but at length the door was opened, + and I was accosted by an Englishman, who, in a strange compound of French + and English, asked, "What the devil I meant by all that uproar?" + Determining to startle my old friend the major, I replied, that "I was + aide-de-camp to General Picton, and had come down on very unpleasant + business." By this time the noise of the party within had completely + subsided, and from a few whispered sentences, and their thickened + breathing, I perceived that they were listening. + </p> + <p> + "May I ask, sir," continued I, "if Major Monsoon is here?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," stammered out the ensign, for such he was. + </p> + <p> + "Sorry for it, for his sake," said I; "but my orders are peremptory." + </p> + <p> + A deep groan from within, and a muttered request to pass down the sherry, + nearly overcame my gravity; but I resumed:— + </p> + <p> + "If you will permit me, I will make the affair as short as possible. The + major, I presume, is here?" + </p> + <p> + So saying, I pushed forward into the room, where now a slight scuffling + noise and murmur of voices had succeeded silence. Brief as was the + interval of our colloquy, the scene within had, notwithstanding, undergone + considerable change. The English officers, hastily throwing off their + aldermanic robes, were busily arraying themselves in their uniforms, while + Monsoon himself, with a huge basin of water before him, was endeavoring to + wash the cork from his countenance in the corner of his tabard. + </p> + <p> + "Very hard upon me, all this; upon my life, so it is! Picton is always at + me, just as if we had not been school-fellows. The service is getting + worse every day. Regardez-moi, Curey, mong face est propre? Eh? There, + thank you. Good fellow the Curey is, but takes a deal of fluid. Oh, + Burgomaster! I fear it is all up with me! No more fun, no more + jollification, no more plunder—and how I did do it. Nothing like + watching one's little chances! 'The poor is hated even by his neighbor.' + Oui, Curey, it is Solomon says that, and they must have had a heavy + poor-rate in his day to make him say so. Another glass of sherry!" + </p> + <p> + By this time I approached the back of the chair, and slapping him heartily + on the shoulder, called out,— + </p> + <p> + "Major, old boy, how goes it?" + </p> + <p> + "Eh?—what—how!—who is this? It can't be—egad, sure + it is, though. Charley! Charley O'Malley, you scapegrace, where have you + been? When did you join?" + </p> + <p> + "A week ago, Major. I could resist it no longer. I did my best to be a + country gentleman, and behave respectably, but the old temptation was too + strong for me. Fred Power and yourself, Major, had ruined my education; + and here I am once more among you." + </p> + <p> + "And so Picton and the arrest and all that, was nothing but a joke?" said + the old fellow, rolling his wicked eyes with a most cunning expression. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing more, Major, set your heart at rest." + </p> + <p> + "What a scamp you are," said he, with another grin. "Il est mon fils—il + est mon fils, Curey," presenting me, as he spoke, while the burgomaster, + in whose eyes the major seemed no inconsiderable personage, saluted me + with profound respect. + </p> + <p> + Turning at once towards this functionary, I explained that I was the + bearer of important despatches, and that my horse—I was ashamed to + say my mule—having fallen lame, I was unable to proceed. + </p> + <p> + "Can you procure me a remount, Monsieur?" said I, "for I must hasten on to + Courtrai." + </p> + <p> + "In half an hour you shall be provided, as well as with a mounted guide + for the road. Le fils de son Excellence," said he, with emphasis, bowing + to the major as he spoke; who, in his turn, repaid the courtesy with a + still lower obeisance. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, Charley; here is a clean glass. I am delighted to see you, my + boy! They tell me you have got a capital estate and plenty of ready. Lord, + we so wanted you, as there's scarcely a fellow with sixpence among us. + Give me the lad that can do a bit of paper at three months, and always be + ready for a renewal. You haven't got a twenty-pound note?" This was said + <i>sotto voce</i>. "Never mind; ten will do. You can give me the remainder + at Brussels. Strange, is it not, I have not seen a bit of clean bank paper + like this for above a twelvemonth!" This was said as he thrust his hand + into his pocket, with one of those peculiar leers upon his countenance + which, unfortunately, betrayed more satisfaction at his success than + gratitude for the service. "You are looking fat—too fat, I think," + said he, scrutinizing me from head to foot; "but the life we are leading + just now will soon take that off. The slave-trade is luxurious indolence + compared to it. Post haste to Nivelle one day; down to Ghent the next; + forty miles over a paved road in a hand-gallop, and an aide-de-camp with a + watch in his hand at the end of it, to report if you are ten minutes too + late. And there is Wellington has his eye everywhere. There is not a truss + of hay served to the cavalry, nor a pair of shoes half-soled in the + regiment, that he don't know of it. I've got it over the knuckles + already." + </p> + <p> + "How so, Major? How was that?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, he ordered me to picket two squadrons of the Seventh, and a supper + was waiting. I didn't like to leave my quarters, so I took up my telescope + and pitched upon a sweet little spot of ground on a hill; rather difficult + to get up, to be sure, but a beautiful view when you're on it. 'There is + your ground, Captain,' said I, as I sent one of my people to mark the + spot. He did not like it much; however, he was obliged to go. And, would + you believe it?—so much for bad luck!—there turned out to be + no water within two miles of it—not a drop, Charley; and so, about + eleven at night, the two squadrons moved down into Grammont to wet their + lips, and what is worse, to report me to the commanding officer. And only + think! They put me under arrest because Providence did not make a river + run up a mountain!" + </p> + <p> + Just as the major finished speaking, the distant clatter of horses' feet + and the clank of cavalry was heard approaching. We all rushed eagerly to + the door; and scarcely had we done so, when a squadron of dragoons came + riding up the street at a fast trot. + </p> + <p> + "I say, good people," cried the officer, in French, "where does the + burgomaster live here?" + </p> + <p> + "Fred Power, 'pon my life!" shouted the major. + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Monsoon, that you? Give me a tumbler of wine, old boy; you are sure + to have some, and I am desperately blown." + </p> + <p> + "Get down, Fred, get down! We have an old friend here." + </p> + <p> + "Who the deuce d'ye mean?" said he, as throwing himself from the saddle he + strode into the room. "Charley O'Malley, by all that's glorious!" + </p> + <p> + "Fred, my gallant fellow!" said I. + </p> + <p> + "It was but this morning, Charley, that I so wished for you here. The + French are advancing, my lad. They have crossed the frontier; Zeithen's + corps have been attacked and driven in; Blucher is falling back upon + Ligny; and the campaign is opened. But I must press forward. The regiment + is close behind me, and we are ordered to push for Brussels in all haste." + </p> + <p> + "Then these despatches," said I, showing my packet, "'tis unnecessary to + proceed with?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite so. Get into the saddle and come back with us." + </p> + <p> + The burgomaster had kept his word with me; so mounted upon a strong + hackney, I set out with Power on the road to Brussels. I have had occasion + more than once to ask pardon of my reader for the prolixity of my + narrative, so I shall not trespass on him here by the detail of our + conversation as we jogged along. Of me and my adventures he already knows + enough—perhaps too much. My friend Power's career, abounding as it + did in striking incidents, and all the light and shadow of a soldier's + life, yet not bearing upon any of the characters I have presented to your + acquaintance, except in one instance,—of that only shall I speak. + </p> + <p> + "And the senhora, Fred; how goes your fortune in that quarter?" + </p> + <p> + "Gloriously, Charley! I am every day expecting the promotion in my + regiment which is to make her mine." + </p> + <p> + "You have heard from her lately, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Heard from her! Why, man, she is in Brussels." + </p> + <p> + "In Brussels?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure. Don Emanuel is in high favor with the duke, and is now + commissary-general with the army; and the senhora is the <i>belle</i> of + the Rue Royale, or at least, it's a divided sovereignty between her and + Lucy Dashwood. And now, Charley, let me ask, what of her? There, there, + don't blush, man. There is quite enough moonlight to show how tender you + are in that quarter." + </p> + <p> + "Once for all, Fred, pray spare me on that subject. You have been far too + fortunate in your <i>affaire de coeur</i>, and I too much the reverse, to + permit much sympathy between us." + </p> + <p> + "Do you not visit, then; or is it a cut between you?" "I have never met + her since the night of the masquerade of the villa—at least, to + speak to—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I must confess, you seem to manage your own affairs much worse than + your friends'; not but that in so doing you are exhibiting a very Irish + feature of your character. In any case, you will come to the ball? Inez + will be delighted to see you; and I have got over all my jealousy." + </p> + <p> + "What ball? I never heard of it." + </p> + <p> + "Never heard of it! Why, the Duchess of Richmond's, of course. Pooh, pooh, + man! Not invited?—of course you are invited; the staff are never + left out on such occasions. You will find your card at your hotel on your + return." + </p> + <p> + "In any case, Fred—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall insist upon your going. I have no <i>arrière pensée</i> about a + reconciliation with the Dashwoods, no subtle scheme, on my honor; but + simply I feel that you will never give yourself fair chances in the world, + by indulging your habit of shrinking from every embarrassment. Don't be + offended, boy. I know you have pluck enough to storm a battery; I have + seen you under fire before now. What avails your courage in the field, if + you have not presence of mind in the drawing-room? Besides, everything + else out of the question, it is a breach of etiquette towards your chief + to decline such an invitation." + </p> + <p> + "You think so?" + </p> + <p> + "Think so?—no; I am sure of it." + </p> + <p> + "Then, as to uniform, Fred?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, as to that, easily managed. And now I think of it, they have sent me + an unattached uniform, which you can have; but remember, my boy, if I put + you in my coat, I don't want you to stand in my shoes. Don't forget also + that I am your debtor in horseflesh, and fortunately able to repay you. I + have got such a charger; your own favorite color, dark chestnut, and + except one white leg, not a spot about him; can carry sixteen stone over a + five-foot fence, and as steady as a rock under fire." + </p> + <p> + "But, Fred, how are you—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, never mind me; I have six in my stable, and intend to share with you. + The fact is, I have been transferred from one staff to another for the + last six months, and four of my number are presents. Is Mike with you? Ah, + glad to hear it; you will never get on without that fellow. Besides, it is + a capital thing to have such a connecting link with one's nationality. No + fear of your ever forgetting Ireland with Mr. Free in your company. You + are not aware that we have been correspondents. A fact, I assure you. Mike + wrote me two letters; and such letters they were! The last was a Jeremiad + over your decline and fall, with a very ominous picture of a certain Miss + Baby Blake." + </p> + <p> + "Confound the rascal!" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, though, Charley, you were coming it rather strong with Baby. + Inez saw the letter, and as well as she could decipher Mike's + hieroglyphics, saw there was something in it; but the name Baby puzzled + her immensely, and she set the whole thing down to your great love of + children. I don't think that Lucy quite agreed with her." + </p> + <p> + "Did she tell it to Miss Dashwood?" I inquired, with fear and trembling. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that she did; in fact, Inez never ceases talking of you to Lucy. But + come, lad, don't look so grave. Let's have another brush with the enemy; + capture a battery of their guns; carry off a French marshal or two; get + the Bath for your services, and be thanked in general orders,—and I + will wager all my <i>château en Espagne</i> that everything goes well." + </p> + <p> + Thus chatting away, sometimes over the past, of our former friends and gay + companions, of our days of storm and sunshine; sometimes indulging in + prospects for the future, we trotted along, and as the day was breaking, + mounted the ridge of low hills, from whence, at the distance of a couple + of leagues, the city of Brussels came into view. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. + </h2> + <p> + THE DUCHESS OF RICHMOND'S BALL. + </p> + <p> + Whether we regard the illustrious and distinguished personages who + thronged around, or we think of the portentous moment in which it was + given, the Duchess of Richmond's ball, on the night of the 15th of June, + 1815, was not only one of the most memorable, but, in its interest, the + most exciting entertainment that the memory of any one now living can + compass. + </p> + <p> + There is always something of no common interest in seeing the bronzed and + war-worn soldier mixing in the crowd of light-hearted and brilliant + beauty. To watch the eye whose proud glance has flashed over the mail-clad + squadrons now bending meekly beneath the look of some timid girl; to hear + the voice that, high above the battle or the breeze, has shouted the + hoarse word "Charge!" now subdued into the low, soft murmur of flattery or + compliment. This, at any rate, is a picture full of its own charm; but + when we see these heroes of a hundred fights; when we look upon these + hardy veterans, upon whose worn brows the whitened locks of time are + telling, indulging themselves in the careless gayety of a moment, snatched + as it were from the arduous career of their existence, while the tramp of + the advancing enemy shakes the very soil they stand on, and where it may + be doubted whether each aide-de-camp who enters comes a new votary of + pleasure or the bearer of tidings that the troops of the foe are + advancing, and already the work of death has begun: this is, indeed, a + scene to make the heart throb, and the pulse beat high; this is a moment + second in its proud excitement only to the very crash and din of battle + itself. And into this entrancing whirlwind of passion and of pleasure, of + brilliant beauty and ennobled greatness, of all that is lovely in woman + and all that is chivalrous and heroic in man, I brought a heart which, + young in years, was yet tempered by disappointment; still, such was the + fascination, such the brilliancy of the spectacle, that scarcely had I + entered, than I felt a change come over me,—the old spirit of my + boyish ardor, that high-wrought enthusiasm to do something, to be + something which men may speak of, shot suddenly through me, and I felt my + cheek tingle and my temples throb, as name after name of starred and + titled officers were announced, to think that to me, also, the path of + glorious enterprise was opening. + </p> + <p> + "Come along, come along," said Power, catching me by the arm, "you've not + been presented to the duchess. I know her. I'll do it for you; or perhaps + it is better Sir Thomas Picton should. In any case, <i>filez</i> after me, + for the dark-eyed senhora is surely expecting us. There, do you see that + dark, intelligent-looking fellow leaning over the end of the sofa? That is + Alava. And there, you know who that is, that <i>beau ideal</i> of a + hussar? Look how jauntily he carries himself; see the careless but + graceful sling with which he edges through the crowd; and look! Mark his + bow! Did you see that, Charley? Did you catch the quick glance he shot + yonder, and the soft smile that showed his white teeth? Depend upon it, + boy, some fair heart is not the better nor the easier for that look." + </p> + <p> + "Who is it?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Lord Uxbridge, to be sure; the handsomest fellow in the service; and + there goes Vandeleur, talking with Vivian; the other, to the left, is + Ponsonby." + </p> + <p> + "But stay, Fred, tell me who that is?" For a moment or two, I had some + difficulty in directing his attention to the quarter I desired. The + individual I pointed out was somewhat above the middle size; his uniform + of blue and gold, though singularly plain, had a look of richness about + it; besides that, among the orders which covered his breast, he wore one + star of great brilliancy and size. This, however, was his least + distinction; for although surrounded on every side by those who might be + deemed the very types and pictures of their <i>caste</i>, there was + something in the easy but upright carriage of his head, the intrepid + character of his features, the bold and vigorous flashing of his deep blue + eye, that marked him as no common man. He was talking with an old and + prosy-looking personage in civilian dress; and while I could detect an + anxiety to get free from a tiresome companion, there was an air of + deferential, and even kind attention in his manner, absolutely + captivating. + </p> + <p> + "A thorough gentleman, Fred, whoever he be," said I. + </p> + <p> + "I should think so," replied Power, dryly; "and as our countrymen would + say, 'The Devil thank him for it!' That is the Prince of Orange; but see, + look at him now, his features have learned another fashion." And true it + was; with a smile of the most winning softness, and with a voice, whose + slightly foreign accent took nothing from its interest, I heard him + engaging a partner for a waltz. + </p> + <p> + There was a flutter of excitement in the circle as the lady rose to take + his arm, and a muttered sound of, "How very beautiful, quelle est belle, + c'est un ange!" on all sides. I leaned forward to catch a glance as she + passed; it was Lucy Dashwood. Beautiful beyond anything I had ever seen + her, her lovely features lit up with pleasure and with pride, she looked + in every way worthy to lean upon the arm of royalty. The graceful majesty + of her walk, the placid loveliness of her gentle smile, struck every one + as she passed on. As for me, totally forgetting all else, not seeing or + hearing aught around me, I followed her with my eye until she was lost + among the crowd, and then, with an impulse of which I was not master, + followed in her steps. + </p> + <p> + "This way, this way," said Power; "I see the senhora." So saying, we + entered a little boudoir, where a party was playing at cards. Leaning on + the back of a chair, Inez was endeavoring, with that mixture of coquetry + and half malice she possessed, to distract the attention of the player. As + Power came near, she scarcely turned her head to give him a kind of saucy + smile; while, seeing me, she held out her hand with friendly warmth, and + seemed quite happy to meet me. + </p> + <p> + "Do, pray, take her away; get her to dance, to eat ice, or flirt with you, + for Heaven's sake!" said the half-laughing voice of her victim. "I have + revoked twice, and misdealt four times since she has been here. Believe + me, I shall take it as the greatest favor, if you'll—" + </p> + <p> + As he got thus far he turned round towards me, and I perceived it was Sir + George Dashwood. The meeting was as awkward for him as for me; and while a + deep flush covered my face, he muttered some unintelligible apology, and + Inez burst into a fit of laughter at the ludicrous <i>contretemps</i> of + our situation. + </p> + <p> + "I will dance with you now, if you like," said she, "and that will be + punishing all three. Eh, Master Fred?" + </p> + <p> + So saying, she took my arm as I led her toward the ball-room. + </p> + <p> + "And so you really are not friends with the Dashwoods? How very provoking, + and how foolish, too! But really, Chevalier, I must say you treat ladies + very ill. I don't forget your conduct to me. Dear me, I wish we could move + forward, there is some one pushing me dreadfully!" + </p> + <p> + "Get on, Ma'am, get on!" said a sharp, decided voice behind me. I turned, + half smiling, to see the speaker. It was the Duke of Wellington himself, + who, with his eye fixed upon some person at a distance, seemed to care + very little for any intervening obstruction. As I made way for him to pass + between us, he looked hardly at me, while he said in a short, quick way,— + </p> + <p> + "Know your face very well: how d'ye do?" With this brief recognition he + passed on, leaving me to console Inez for her crushed sleeve, by informing + her who had done it. + </p> + <p> + The ball was now at its height. The waltzers whirled past in the wild + excitement of the dance. The inspiriting strains of the music, the sounds + of laughter, the din, the tumult, all made up that strange medley which, + reacting upon the minds of those who cause it, increases the feeling of + pleasurable abandonment, making the old feel young, and the young + intoxicated with delight. + </p> + <p> + As the senhora leaned upon me, fatigued with waltzing, I was endeavoring + to sustain a conversation with her; while my thoughts were wandering with + my eyes to where I had last seen Lucy Dashwood. + </p> + <p> + "It must be something of importance; I'm sure it is," said she, at the + conclusion of a speech of which I had not heard one word. "Look at General + Picton's face!" + </p> + <p> + "Very pretty, indeed," said I; "but the hair is unbecoming," replying to + some previous observation she had made, and still lost in a revery. A + hearty burst of laughter was her answer as she gently shook my arm, + saying,— + </p> + <p> + "You really are too bad! You've never listened to one word I've been + telling you, but keep continually staring with your eyes here and there, + turning this way and looking that, and with a dull, vacant, and unmeaning + smile, answering at random, in the most provoking manner. There now, pray + pay attention, and tell me what that means." As she said this, she pointed + with her fan to where a dragoon officer, in splashed and spattered + uniform, was standing talking to some three or four general officers. "But + here comes the duke; it can't be anything of consequence." + </p> + <p> + At the same instant the Duke of Wellington passed with the Duchess of + Richmond on his arm. + </p> + <p> + "No, Duchess; nothing to alarm you. Did you say ice?" + </p> + <p> + "There, you heard that, I hope!" said Inez; "there is nothing to alarm + us." + </p> + <p> + "Go to General Picton at once; but don't let it be remarked," said an + officer, in a whisper, as he passed close by me. + </p> + <p> + "Inez, I have the greatest curiosity to learn what that new arrival has to + say for himself; and if you will permit me, I'll leave you with Lady + Gordon for one moment—" + </p> + <p> + "Delighted, of all things. You are without exception, the most tiresome—Good-by." + </p> + <p> + "Sans adieu," said I, as I hurried through the crowd towards an open + window, on the balcony outside of which Sir Thomas Picton was standing. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Mr. O'Malley, have you a pencil? There, that'll do. Ride down to + Etterbeeck with this order for Godwin. You have heard the news, I suppose, + that the French are in advance? The Seventy-ninth will muster in the + Grando Place. The Ninety-second and the Twenty-eighth along the Park and + the Boulevard. Napoleon left Fresnes this morning. The Prussians have + fallen back. Zeithen has been beaten. We march at once." + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, to-night. There, don't delay! But above all, let everything be + done quietly and noiselessly. The duke will remain here for an hour longer + to prevent suspicion. When you've executed your orders, come back here." + </p> + <p> + I mounted the first horse I could find at the door, and galloped with top + speed over the heavy causeway to Etterbeeck. In two minutes the drum beat + to arms, and the men were mustering as I left. Thence I hastened to the + barracks of the Highland Brigade and the 28th Regiment; and before half an + hour, was back in the ball-room, where, from the din and tumult, I guessed + the scene of pleasure and dissipation continued unabated. As I hurried up + the staircase a throng of persons were coming down, and I was obliged to + step aside to let them pass. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, come here, pray," said Picton, who, with a lady cloaked and hooded + leaning upon his arm, was struggling to make way through the crowd. "The + very man!" + </p> + <p> + "Will you excuse me if I commit you to the care of my aide-de-camp, who + will see you to your carriage? The duke has just desired to see me." This + he said in a hurried and excited tone; and the same moment beckoned to me + to take the lady's arm. + </p> + <p> + It was with some difficulty I succeeded in reaching the spot, and had only + time to ask whose carriage I should call for, ere we arrived in the hall. + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood's," said a low, soft voice, whose accents sank into + my very heart. Heaven! it was Lucy herself; it was her arm that leaned on + mine, her locks that fluttered beside me, her hand that hung so near, and + yet I could not speak. I tried one word; but a choking feeling in my + throat prevented utterance, and already we were upon the door-steps. + </p> + <p> + "Sir George Dashwood's carriage," shouted the footman, and the + announcement was repeated by the porter. The steps were hurried down; the + footman stood door in hand; and I led her forward, mute and trembling. Did + she know me? I assisted her as she stepped in; her hand touched mine: it + was the work of a second; to me it was the bliss of years. She leaned a + little forward; and as the servant put up the steps, said in her soft, + sweet tone, "Thank you, sir. Good-night." + </p> + <p> + I felt my shoulder touched by some one who, it appeared, was standing + close to me for some seconds; but so occupied was I in gazing at her that + I paid no attention to the circumstance. The carriage drove away and + disappeared in the thick darkness of a starless night. I turned to + re-enter the house, and as I did so, the night lamp of the hall fell upon + the features of the man beside me, and showed me the pale and corpse-like + face of Fred Hammersley. His eye was bent upon me with an expression of + fierce and fiery passion, in which the sadness of long-suffering also + mingled. His bloodless lips parted, moved as though speaking, while yet no + sound issued; and his nostril, dilating and contracting by turns, seemed + to denote some deep and hidden emotion that worked within him. + </p> + <p> + "Hammersley," said I, holding out my hand towards him,—"Hammersley, + do not always mistake me?" + </p> + <p> + He shook his head mournfully as it fell forward upon his breast, and + covering his arm, moved slowly away without speaking. + </p> + <p> + General Picton's voice as he descended the stairs, accompanied by Generals + Vandeleur and Vivian, aroused me at once, and I hurried towards him. + </p> + <p> + "Now, sir, to horse. The troops will defile by the Namur gate, and meet me + there in an hour. Meanwhile tell Colonel Cameron that he must march with + the light companies of his own and the Ninety-second at once." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Picton, they'll say we were taken by surprise in England; won't + they?" said a sharp, strong voice, in a half-laughing tone from behind. + </p> + <p> + "No, your Grace," said Sir Thomas, bowing slightly; "they'll scarcely do + so when they hear the time we took to get under arms." + </p> + <p> + I heard no more; but throwing myself into the saddle of my troop horse, + once more rode back to the Belle Vue to make ready for the road. + </p> + <p> + The thin pale crescent of a new moon, across which masses of dark and inky + clouds were hurrying, tipped with its faint and sickly light the tall + minarets of the Hotel de Ville, as I rode into the Grande Place. Although + midnight, the streets were as crowded as at noonday; horse, foot, and + dragoons passing and hurrying hither; the wild pibroch of the Highlander; + the mellow bugle of the Seventy-first; the hoarse trumpet of the cavalry; + the incessant roll of the drum,—mingled their sounds with the tide + of human voices, in which every accent was heard, from the reckless cheer + of anticipated victory, to the heart-piercing shriek of woman's agony. + Lights gleamed from every window; from the doors of almost every house + poured forth a crowd of soldiers and townsfolk. The sergeants, on one + side, might be seen telling off their men, their cool and steady + countenances evidencing no semblance of emotion; while near them some + young ensign, whose beardless cheek and vacant smile bespoke the mere boy, + looked on with mingled pride and wonder at the wild scene before him. + Every now and then some general officer with his staff came cantering + past; and as the efforts to muster and form the troops grew more pressing, + I could mark how soon we were destined to meet the enemy. + </p> + <p> + There are few finer monuments of the architecture of the Middle Ages than + the Grande Place of Brussels,—the rich façade of the Hôtel de Ville, + with its long colonnade of graceful arches, upon every keystone of which + some grim, grotesque head is peering; the massive cornices; the heavy + corbels carved into ten thousand strange and uncouth fancies; but finer + than all, the taper and stately spire, fretted and perforated like some + piece of silver filigree, stretches upward towards the sky, its airy + pinnacle growing finer and more beautiful as it nears the stars it points + to. How full of historic associations is every dark embrasure, every + narrow casement around! Here may have stood the great emperor, Charles the + Fifth, meditating upon that greatness he was about to forego forever; here + from this tall window, may have looked the sad and sickly features of + Jeanne Laffolle, as with wandering eye and idiot smile she gazed upon the + gorgeous procession beneath. There is not a stone that has not echoed to + the tread of haughty prince or bold baron; yet never, in the palmiest days + of ancient chivalry, did those proud dwellings of the great of old look + out upon a braver and more valiant host than now thronged beneath their + shadow. It was indeed a splendid sight, where the bright gleams of torch + and lantern threw the red light around, to watch the measured tread and + steady tramp of the Highland regiments as they defiled into the open + space; each footstep as it met the ground, seeming in its proud and firm + tread, to move in more than sympathy with the wild notes of their native + mountains; silent and still they moved along; no voice spoke within their + ranks, save that of some command to "Close up—take ground—to + the right—rear rank—close order." Except such brief words as + these, or the low muttered praise of some veteran general as he rode down + the line, all was orderly and steady as on a parade. Meanwhile, from an + angle of the square, the band of an approaching regiment was heard; and to + the inspiriting quickness of "The Young May Moon," the gallant + Twenty-eighth came forward and took up their ground opposite to the + Highlanders. + </p> + <p> + The deep bell of the Hôtel de Ville tolled one. The solemn sound rang out + and died away in many an echo, leaving upon the heart a sense of some + unknown depression; and there was something like a knell in the deep + cadence of its bay; and over many a cheek a rapid trace of gloomy thought + now passed; and true—too true, alas!—how many now listened for + the last time! + </p> + <p> + "March! march!" passed from front to rear; and as the bands burst forth + again in streams of spirit-stirring harmony, the Seventy-ninth moved on; + the Twenty-eighth followed; and as they debouched from the "Place" the + Seventy-first and the Ninety-second succeeded them. Like wave after wave, + the tide of armed men pressed on, and mounted the steep and narrow street + towards the upper town of Brussels. Here Pack's Brigade was forming in the + Place Royale; and a crowd of staff officers dictating orders, and writing + hurriedly on the drum-heads, were also seen. A troop of dragoons stood + beside their horses at the door of the Belle Vue, and several grooms with + led horses walked to and fro. + </p> + <p> + "Ride forward, sir, to the Bois de Cambre," said Picton, "and pivot the + troops on the road to Mont St. Jean. You will then wait for my coming up, + or further orders." + </p> + <p> + This command, which was given to me, I hastened to obey; and with + difficulty forcing my way through the opposing crowd, at length reached + the Namur gate. Here I found a detachment of the Guards, who as yet had + got no orders to march, and were somewhat surprised to learn the forward + movement. Ten minutes' riding brought me to the angle of the wood, whence + I wrote a few lines to my host of the Belle Vue, desiring him to send Mike + after me with my horses and my kit. The night was cold, dark, and + threatening; the wind howled with a low and wailing cry through the dark + pine-trees; and as I stood alone and in solitude, I had time to think of + the eventful hours before me, and of that field which ere long was to + witness the triumph or the downfall of my country's arms. The road which + led through the forest of Soignies caught an additional gloom from the + dark, dense woods around. The faint moon only showed at intervals; and a + lowering sky, without a single star, stretched above us. It was an awful + and a solemn thing to hear the deep and thundering roll of that mighty + column, awakening the echoes of the silent forest as they went. So hurried + was the movement that we had scarcely any artillery, and that of the + lightest calibre; but the clash and clank of the cavalry, the heavy, + monotonous tramp of infantry were there; and as division followed after + division, staff officers rode hurriedly to and fro, pressing the eager + troops still on. + </p> + <p> + "Move up there, Ninety-fifth. Ah, Forty-second, we've work before us!" + said Picton, as he rode up to the head of his brigade. The air of + depression which usually sat upon his careworn features now changed for a + light and laughing look, while his voice was softened and subdued into a + low and pleasing tone. Although it was midsummer, the roads were heavy and + deep with mud. For some weeks previously the weather had been rainy; and + this, added to the haste and discomfort of the night march, considerably + increased the fatigue of the troops. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, + not a murmur nor complaint was heard on any side. + </p> + <p> + "I'm unco glad to get a blink o' them, onyhow," said a tall, raw-boned + sergeant, who marched beside me. + </p> + <p> + "Faith, and may be you won't be over pleased at the expression of their + faces, when you see them," said Mike, whose satisfaction at the prospect + before him was still as great as that of any other amidst the thousands + there. + </p> + <p> + The day was slowly breaking, as a Prussian officer, splashed and covered + with foam, came galloping up at full speed past us. While I was yet + conjecturing what might be the intelligence he brought, Power rode up to + my side. + </p> + <p> + "We're in for it, Charley," said he. "The whole French army are in march; + and Blucher's aide-de-camp, who has arrived, gives the number at one + hundred and fifty thousand men. The Prussians are drawn up between St. + Amand and Sombref, and the Nassau and Dutch troops are at Quatre Bras, + both expecting to be attacked." + </p> + <p> + "Quatre Bras was the original rallying spot for our troops, was it not?" + said I. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes. It is that we're now marching upon; but our Prussian friend + seems to think we shall arrive too late. Strong French corps are already + at Fresnes, under the command, it is said, of Marshal Ney." + </p> + <p> + The great object of the British commander-in-chief was to arrive at Quatre + Bras in sufficient time to effect his junction with Blucher before a + battle should be fought. To effect this no exertion was spared: efforts + almost super-human were made; for, however prepared for a forward + movement, it was impossible to have anticipated anything until the + intentions of Napoleon became clearly manifest. While Nivelles and + Charleroi were exposed to him on one side, Namur lay open on the other; + and he could either march upon Brussels, by Mons or Halle, or, as he + subsequently attempted, by Quatre Bras and Waterloo. No sooner, however, + were his intentions unmasked, and the line of his operations manifested, + than Lord Wellington, with an energy equal to the mighty occasion that + demanded it, poured down with the whole force under his command to meet + him. + </p> + <p> + The march was a most distressing one; upward of three-and-twenty miles, + with deep and cut-up roads, in hot, oppressive weather, in a country + almost destitute of water. Still the troops pressed forward, and by noon + came within hearing of the heavy cannonade in front, which indicated the + situation of the battle. From this time aide-de-camp followed aide-de-camp + in quick succession, who, from their scared looks and hurried gestures, + seemed to bode but ill-fortune to the cause we cared for. What the precise + situation of the rival armies might be we knew not; but we heard the + French were in overwhelming numbers; that the Dutch troops had abandoned + their position; the Hanoverians being driven back, the Duke of Brunswick—the + brave sovereign of a gallant people—fell charging at the head of his + black hussars. From one phrase which constantly met our ears, it seemed + that the Bois de Bossu was the key of the position. This had been won and + lost repeatedly by both sides; and as we neared the battle-field a + despatch hurriedly announced to Picton the importance of at once + recovering this contested point. The Ninety-fifth were ordered up to the + attack. Scarcely was the word given, when fatigue, thirst, and exhaustion + were forgotten; with one cheer the gallant regiment formed into line, and + advanced upon the wood. Meanwhile the Highland Brigade moved down towards + the right; the Royals and the Twenty-eighth debouched upon the left of the + road; and in less than half an hour after our arrival our whole force was + in action. + </p> + <p> + There is something appalling, to the bravest army, in coming up to battle + at the time that an overwhelming and conquering foe are carrying victory + triumphantly before them: such was our position at Quatre Bras. Bravely + and gloriously as the forces of the Prince of Orange fought, the day, + however, was not theirs. The Bois de Bossu, which opened to the enemy the + road to Brussels, was held by their tirailleurs; the valley to the right + was rode over by their mounted squadrons, who with lance and sabre carried + all before them; their dark columns pressed steadily on; and a + death-dealing artillery swept the allied ranks from flank to flank. Such + was the field when the British arrived, and throwing themselves into + squares, opposed their unaided force to the dreadful charges of the enemy. + The batteries showered down their storms of grape; Milhaud's Heavy + Dragoons, assisted by crowds of lancers, rushed upon the squares, but they + stood unbroken and undaunted, as sometimes upon three sides of their + position the infuriated horsemen of the enemy came down. Once, and once + only, were the French successful; the 42d, who were stationed amidst tall + corn-fields, were surrounded with cavalry before they knew it. The word + was given to form square; the Lancers were already among them, and + fighting back to back, the gallant Highlanders met the foe. Fresh numbers + poured down upon them, and already half the regiment was disabled and + their colonel killed. These brave fellows were rescued by the 44th, who, + throwing in a withering volley, fixed bayonets and charged. Meanwhile the + 95th had won and lost the wood, which, now in the possession of the French + tirailleurs, threatened to turn the left of our position. It was at this + time that a body of cavalry were seen standing to the left of the Enghien + road, as if in observation. An officer sent forward to reconnoitre, + returned with the intelligence that they were British troops, for he had + seen their red uniforms. + </p> + <p> + "I can't think it, sir," said Picton. "It is hardly possible that any + regiment from Enghien could have arrived already. Ride forward, O'Malley, + and if they be our fellows, let them carry that height yonder; there are + two guns there cutting the 92d to pieces." + </p> + <p> + I put spurs to my horse, cleared the road at once, and dashing across the + open space to the left of the wood, rode on in the direction of the + horsemen. When I came within the distance of three hundred yards I + examined them with my glass, and could plainly detect the scarlet coats + and bright helmets. "Ha," thought I, "the 1st Dragoon Guards, no doubt." + Muttering to myself thus much, I galloped straight on; and waving my hand + as I came near, announced that I was the bearer of an order. Scarcely had + I done so, when four horsemen, dashing spurs into their steeds, plunged + hastily out from the line, and before I could speak, surrounded me. While + the foremost called out, as he flourished his sabre above his head, + "Rendez-vous!" At the same moment I was seized on each side, and led back + a captive into the hands of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + "We guess your mistake, Capitaine," said the French officer before whom I + was brought. "We are the regiment of Berg, and our scarlet uniform cost us + dearly enough yesterday." + </p> + <p> + This allusion, I afterwards learned, was in reference to a charge by a + cuirassier regiment, which, in mistaking them for English, poured a volley + into them, and killed and wounded about twenty of their number. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. + </h2> + <p> + QUATRE BRAS. + </p> + <p> + Those who have visited the field of Quatre Bras will remember that on the + left of the high road, and nearly at the extremity of the Bois de Bossu, + stands a large Flemish farm-house, whose high pitched roof, pointed + gables, and quaint, old-fashioned chimneys, remind one of the architecture + so frequently seen in Tenier's pictures. The house, which, with its + dependencies of stables, granaries, and out-houses, resembles a little + village, is surrounded by a large, straggling orchard of aged fruit-trees, + through which the approach from the high road leads. The interior of this + quaint dwelling, like all those of its class, is only remarkable for a + succession of small, dark, low-ceiled rooms, leading one into another; + their gloomy aspect increased by the dark oak furniture, the heavy + armories, and old-fashioned presses, carved in the grotesque taste of the + sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Those who visit it now may mark the + trace of cannon-shot here and there through the building; more than one + deep crack will attest the force of the dread artillery. Still the + traveller will feel struck with the rural peace and quietude of the scene; + the speckled oxen that stand lowing in the deep meadows; the splash of the + silvery trout as he sports in the bright stream that ripples along over + its gravelly bed; the cawing of the old rooks in the tall beech-trees; but + more than all, the happy laugh of children,—speak of the spot as one + of retired and tranquil beauty; yet when my eyes opened upon it on the + morning of the 17th of June, the scene presented features of a widely + different interest. The day was breaking as the deep, full sound of the + French bugles announced the reveille. Forgetful of where I was, I sprang + from my bed and rushed to the window; the prospect before me at once + recalled me to my recollection, and I remembered that I was a prisoner. + The exciting events around left me but little time and as little + inclination to think over my old misfortunes; and I watched, with all the + interest of a soldier, the movement of the French troops in the orchard + beneath. A squadron of dragoons, who seemed to have passed the night + beside their horses, lay stretched or seated in all the picturesque + groupings of a bivouac,—some already up and stirring; others leaned + half listlessly upon their elbows, and looked about as if unwilling to + believe the night was over; and some, stretched in deep slumber, woke not + with the noise and tumult around them. The room in which I was confined + looked out upon the road to Charleroi; I could therefore see the British + troops; and as the French army had fallen back during the night, only an + advanced guard maintaining the position, I was left to my unaided + conjectures as to the fortune of the preceding day of battle. What a + period of anxiety and agitation was that morning to me; what would I not + have given to learn the result of the action since the moment of my + capture! Stubborn as our resistance had been, we were evidently getting + the worst, of it; and if the Guards had not arrived in time, I knew we + must have been beaten. + </p> + <p> + I walked up and down my narrow room, tortured and agonized by my doubts, + now stopping to reason over the possibilities of success, now looking from + the window to try if, in the gesture and bearing of those without, I could + conjecture anything that passed. Too well I knew the vaunting character of + the French soldier, in defeat as in victory, to put much confidence in + their bearing. While, however, I watched them with an eager eye, I heard + the tramp of horsemen coming along the paved causeway. From the moment my + ear caught the sound to that of their arrival at the gate of the orchard, + but few minutes elapsed; their pace was indeed a severe one, and as they + galloped through the narrow path that led to the farm-house, they never + drew rein till they reached the porch. The party consisted of about a + dozen persons whose plumed hats bespoke them staff officers; but their + uniforms were concealed beneath their great-coats. As they came along the + picket sprang to their feet, and the guard at the door beneath presented + arms. This left no doubt upon my mind that some officer of rank was among + them, and as I knew that Ney himself commanded on the preceding day, I + thought it might be he. The sound of voices beneath informed me that the + party occupied the room under that in which I was, and although I listened + attentively I could hear nothing but the confused murmur of persons + conversing together without detecting even a word. My thoughts now fell + into another channel, and as I ruminated over my old position, I heard the + noise of the sentry at my door as he brought his musket to the shoulder, + and the next moment an officer in the uniform of the Chasseurs of the + Guard entered. Bowing politely as he advanced to the middle of the room, + he addressed me thus:— + </p> + <p> + "You speak French, sir?" and as I replied in the affirmative, continued:— + </p> + <p> + "Will you, then, have the goodness to follow me this way?" + </p> + <p> + Although burning with anxiety to learn what had taken place, yet somehow I + could not bring myself to ask the question. A secret pride mingled with my + fear that all had not gone well with us, and I durst not expose myself to + hear of our defeat from the lips of an enemy. I had barely time to ask + into whose presence I was about to be ushered, when with a slight smile of + a strange meaning, he opened the door and introduced me into the saloon. + Although I had seen at least twelve or fourteen horsemen arrive, there + were but three persons in the room as I entered. One of these, who sat + writing at a small table near the window, never lifted his head on my + entrance, but continued assiduously his occupation. Another, a tall, + fine-looking man of some sixty years or upward, whose high, bald forehead + and drooping mustache, white as snow, looked in every way the old soldier + of the empire, stood leaning upon his sabre; while the third, whose + stature, somewhat below the middle size, was yet cast in a strong and + muscular mould, stood with his back to the fire, holding on his arms the + skirts of a gray surtout which he wore over his uniform; his legs were + cased in the tall <i>bottes à l'écuyère</i> worn by the <i>chasseur à + cheval</i>, and on his head a low cocked hat, without plume or feather, + completed his costume. There was something which, at the very moment of my + entrance, struck me as uncommon in his air and bearing, so much so that + when my eyes had once rested on his pale but placid countenance, his + regular, handsome, but somewhat stern features, I totally forgot the + presence of the others and looked only at him. + </p> + <p> + "What's your rank, sir?" said he, hurriedly, and with a tone which bespoke + command. + </p> + <p> + "I have none at present, save—" + </p> + <p> + "Why do you wear your epaulettes then, sir?" said he, harshly, while from + his impatient look, and hurried gesture, I saw that he put no faith in my + reply. + </p> + <p> + "I am an aide-de-camp to General Picton, but without regimental rank." + </p> + <p> + "What was the British force under arms yesterday?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not feel at liberty to give you any information as to the number or + the movements of our army." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Diantre! Diantre!</i>" said he, slapping his boot with his horsewhip, + "do you know what you've been saying there, eh? Cambronne, you heard him, + did you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Sire, and if your Majesty would permit me to deal with him, I would + have his information, if he possess any, and that ere long, too." + </p> + <p> + "Eh, <i>gaillard</i>," said he, laughing, as he pinched the old general's + ear in jest, "I believe you, with all my heart." + </p> + <p> + The full truth flashed upon my mind. I was in presence of the Emperor + himself. As, however, up to this moment I was unconscious of his presence, + I resolved now to affect ignorance of it throughout. + </p> + <p> + "Had you despatches, sir?" said he, turning towards me with a look of + stern severity. "Were any despatches found upon him when he was taken?" + This latter question was directed to the aide-de-camp who introduced me, + and who still remained at the door. + </p> + <p> + "No, Sire, nothing was found upon him except this locket." + </p> + <p> + As he said these words he placed in Napoleon's hands the keepsake which + St. Croix had left with me years before in Spain, and which, as the reader + may remember, was a miniature of the Empress Josephine. + </p> + <p> + The moment the Emperor threw his eyes upon it, the flush which excitement + had called into his cheek disappeared at once. He became pale as death, + his very lips as bloodless as his wan cheek. + </p> + <p> + "Leave me, Lefebvre; leave me, Cambronne, for a moment. I will speak with + this gentleman alone." + </p> + <p> + As the door closed upon them he leaned his arm upon the mantelpiece, and + with his head sunk upon his bosom, remained some moments without speaking. + </p> + <p> + "Augure sinistre!" muttered he within his teeth, as his piercing gaze was + riveted upon the picture before him. "Voilà la troisième fois peut-être la + dernière." Then suddenly rousing himself, he advanced close to me, and + seizing me by the arm with a grasp like iron, inquired:— + </p> + <p> + "How came you by this picture? The truth, sir; mark me, the truth!" + </p> + <p> + Without showing any sign of feeling hurt at the insinuation of this + question, I detailed, in as few words as I could, the circumstance by + which the locket became mine. Long before I had concluded, however, I + could mark that his attention flagged, and finally wandered far away from + the matter before him. + </p> + <p> + "Why will you not give me the information I look for? I seek for no breach + of faith. The campaign is all but over. The Prussians were beaten at + Ligny, their army routed, their artillery captured, ten thousand prisoners + taken. Your troops and the Dutch were conquered yesterday, and they are in + full retreat on Brussels. By to-morrow evening I shall date my bulletin + from the palace at Laeken. Antwerp will be in my possession within + twenty-four hours. Namur is already mine. Cambronne, Lefebvre," cried he, + "cet homme-là n'en sait rien," pointing to me as he spoke; "let us see the + other." With this he motioned slightly with his hand as a sign for me to + withdraw, and the next moment I was once more in the solitude of my + prison-room, thinking over the singular interview I had just had with the + great Emperor. + </p> + <p> + How anxiously pass the hours of one who, deprived of other means of + information, is left to form his conjectures by some passing object or + some chance murmur. The things which, in the ordinary course of life, are + passed by unnoticed and unregarded, are now matters of moment,—with + what scrutiny he examines the features of those whom he dare not question; + with what patient ear he listens to each passing word. Thus to me, a + prisoner, the hours went by tardily yet anxiously; no sabre clanked; no + war-horse neighed; no heavy-booted cuirassier tramped in the courtyard + beneath my window, without setting a hundred conjectures afloat as to what + was about to happen. For some time there had been a considerable noise and + bustle in and about the dwelling. Horsemen came and went continually. The + sounds of galloping could be heard along the paved causeway; then the + challenge of the sentry at the gate; then the nearer tread of approaching + stops, and many voices speaking together, would seem to indicate that some + messenger had arrived with despatches. At length all these sounds became + hushed and still. No longer were the voices heard; and except the measured + tread of the heavy cuirassier, as he paced on the flags beneath, nothing + was to be heard. My state of suspense, doubly greater now than when the + noise and tumult suggested food for conjecture, continued till towards + noon, when a soldier in undress brought me some breakfast, and told me to + prepare speedily for the road. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had he left the room, when the rumbling noise of wagons was heard + below, and a train of artillery carts moved into the little courtyard + loaded with wounded men. It was a sad and frightful sight to see these + poor fellows, as, crammed side by side in the straw of the <i>charrette</i>, + they lay, their ghastly wounds opening with every motion of the wagon, + while their wan, pale faces were convulsed with agony and suffering. Of + every rank, from the sous-lieutenant to the humble soldier, from every arm + of the service, from the heavy cuirassier of the guard to the light and + intrepid tirailleur, they were there. I well remember one, an + artillery-man of the guard, who, as they lifted him forth from the cart, + presented the horrifying spectacle of one both of whose legs had been + carried away by a cannon-shot. Pale, cold, and corpse-like, ha lay in + their arms; his head lay heavily to one side, his arms fell passively as + in death. It was at this moment a troop of lancers, the advanced guard of + D'Erlon's Division, came trotting up the road; the cry of "Vive + l'Empereur!" burst from them as they approached; its echo rang within the + walls of the farm-house, when suddenly the dying man, as though some magic + touch had called him back to life and vigor, sprang up erect between his + bearers, his filmy eye flashing fire, a burning spot of red coloring his + bloodless cheek. He cast one wild and hurried look around him, like one + called back from death to look upon the living; and as he raised his + blood-stained hand above his head, shouted, in a heart-piercing cry, "Vive + l'Empereur!" The effort was his last. It was the expiring tribute of + allegiance to the chief he adored. The blood spouted in cataracts from his + half-closed wounds, a convulsive spasm worked through his frame, his eyes + rolled fearfully, as his outstretched hands seemed striving to clutch some + object before them, and he was dead. Fresh arrivals of wounded continued + to pour in; and now I thought I could detect at intervals the distant + noise of a cannonade. The wind, however, was from the southward, and the + sounds were too indistinct to be relied on. + </p> + <p> + "Allons, aliens, mon cher!" said a rough but good-humored looking fellow, + as he strode into my room. He was the quartermaster of Milhaud's Dragoons, + under whose care I was now placed, and came to inform me that we were to + set out immediately. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur Bonnard was a character in his way; and if it were not so near + the conclusion of my history, I should like to present him to my readers. + As it is, I shall merely say he was a thorough specimen of one class of + his countrymen,—a loud talker, a louder swearer, a vaporing, + boasting, overbearing, good-natured, and even soft-hearted fellow, who + firmly believed that Frenchmen were the climax of the species, and + Napoleon the climax of Frenchmen. Being a great <i>bavard</i>, he speedily + told me all that had taken place during the last two days. From him I + learned that the Prussians had really been beaten at Ligny, and had fallen + back, he knew not where. They were, however, he said, hotly pursued by + Grouchy, with thirty-five thousand men, while the Emperor himself was now + following the British and Dutch armies with seventy thousand more. + </p> + <p> + "You see," continued he, "l'affaire est faite! Who can resist the + Emperor?" + </p> + <p> + These were sad tidings for me; and although I did not place implicit + confidence in my informant, I had still my fears that much of what he said + was true. + </p> + <p> + "And the British, now," said I, "what direction have they taken?" + </p> + <p> + "Bah, they're in retreat on Brussels, and will probably capitulate + to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Capitulate!" + </p> + <p> + "Oui, oui; ne vous fâchez pas, camarade," said he, laughing. "What could + you do against Napoleon? You did not expect to beat him, surely? But come, + we must move on; I have my orders to bring you to Planchenoit this + evening, and our horses are tired enough already." + </p> + <p> + "Mine, methinks, should be fresh," said I. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Parbleu, mon!</i>" replied he; "he has twice made the journey to + Fresnes this morning with despatches for Marshal Ney; the Emperor is + enraged with the marshal for having retreated last night, having the wood + in his possession; he says he should have waited till daybreak, and then + fallen upon your retreating columns. As it is, you are getting away + without much loss. <i>Sacristie</i>, that was a fine charge!" These last + words he muttered to himself, adding, between his teeth, "Sixty-four + killed and wounded." + </p> + <p> + "What was that? Who were they?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "Our fellows," replied he, frankly; "the Emperor ordered up two + twelve-pounders, and eight squadrons of lancers; they fell upon your light + dragoons in a narrow part of the high road. But suddenly we heard a noise + in front; your hussars fell back, and a column of your heavy dragoons came + thundering down upon us. <i>Parbleu!</i> they swept over us as if we were + broken infantry; and there! there!" said he, pointing to the courtyard, + from whence the groans of the wounded still rose,—"there are the + fruits of that terrible charge." + </p> + <p> + I could not restrain an outbreak of triumphant pleasure at this gallant + feat of my countrymen. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said the honest quartermaster; "it was a fine thing; but a + heavy reckoning is at hand. But come, now, let us take the road." + </p> + <p> + In a few moments more I found myself seated upon a heavy Norman horse, + whose lumbering demi-peak saddle was nearly cleft in two by a sabre-cut. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay," said Monsieur Bonnard, as he saw my eye fixed on the spot, "it + was one of your fellows did that; and the same cut clove poor Pierre from + the neck to the seat." + </p> + <p> + "I hope," said I, laughing, "the saddle may not prove an unlucky one." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," said the Frenchman, seriously; "it has paid its debt to fate." + </p> + <p> + As we pressed on our road, which, broken by the heavy guns, and ploughed + up in many places by the artillery, was nearly impassable, we could + distinctly hear from time to time the distant boom of the large guns, as + the retiring and pursuing armies replied to each other; while behind us, + but still a long way off, a dark mass appeared on the horizon: they were + the advancing columns of Ney's Division. + </p> + <p> + "Have the troops come in contact more than once this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "Not closely," said the quartermaster; "the armies have kept a respectful + distance; they were like nothing I can think of," said the figurative + Frenchman, "except two hideous serpents wallowing in mire, and vomiting at + each other whole rivers of fire and flame." + </p> + <p> + As we approached Planchenoit, we came up to the rear-guard of the French + army; from them we learned that Ney's Division, consisting of the Eighth + Corps, had joined the Emperor; that the British were still in retreat, but + that nothing of any importance had occurred between the rival armies, the + French merely firing their heavy guns from time to time to ascertain by + the reply the position of the retreating forces. The rain poured down in + torrents; gusts of cold and stormy wind swept across the wide plains, or + moaned sorrowfully through the dense forest. As I rode on by the side of + my companion, I could not help remarking how little the effects of a + fatiguing march and unfavorable weather were apparent on those around me. + The spirit of excited gayety pervaded every rank; and unlike the stern + features which the discipline of our service enforces, the French soldiers + were talking, laughing and even singing, as they marched; the canteens + passed freely from hand to hand, and jests and toasts flew from front to + rear along the dark columns; many carried their loaves of dark rye-bread + on the tops of their bayonets; and to look upon that noisy and tumultuous + mass as they poured along, it would have needed a practised eye to believe + them the most disciplined of European armies. + </p> + <p> + The sun was just setting, as mounting a ridge of high land beside the high + road, my companion pointed with his finger to a small farm-house, which, + standing alone in the plain, commands an extensive view on every side of + it. + </p> + <p> + "There," said he,—"there is the <i>quartier général</i>; the Emperor + sleeps there to-night. The King of Holland will afford him a bed to-morrow + night." + </p> + <p> + The dark shadows of the coming night were rapidly falling as I strained my + eyes to trace the British position. A hollow, rumbling sound announced the + movement of artillery in our front. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, Arnotte?" said the quartermaster to a dragoon officer who + rode past. + </p> + <p> + "It is nothing," replied the other, laughing, "but a <i>ruse</i> of the + Emperor. He wishes to ascertain if the enemy are in force, or if we have + only a strong rear-guard before us." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke fifteen heavy guns opened there fire, and the still air + reverberated with a loud thunder. The sound had not died away, the very + smoke lay yet heavily upon the moist earth, when forty pieces of British + cannon rang out their answer, and the very plain trembled beneath the + shock. + </p> + <p> + "Ha, they are there, then!" exclaimed the dragoon, as his eyes flashed + with ecstasy. "Look! see! the artillery are limbering up already. The + Emperor is satisfied." + </p> + <p> + And so it was. A dark column of twelve hundred horse that accompanied the + guns into the plain, now wheeled slowly round, and wound their long track + far away to the right. The rain fell in torrents; the wind was hushed; and + as the night fell in darkness, the columns moved severally to their + destinations. The bivouacs were formed; the watch-fires were lighted; and + seventy thousand men and two hundred pieces of cannon occupied the heights + of Planchenoit. + </p> + <p> + "My orders are to bring you to La Caillon," said the quartermaster; "and + if you only can spur your jaded horse into a trot, we shall soon reach + it." + </p> + <p> + About a hundred yards from the little farm-house, stood a small cottage of + a peasant. Here some officers of Marshal Soult's staff had taken up their + quarters; and thither my guide now bent his steps. + </p> + <p> + "Comment, Bonnard!" said an aide-de-camp, as we rode up. "Another + prisoner? <i>Sacrebleu!</i> We shall have the whole British staff among + us. You are in better luck than your countryman, the general, I hope," + said the aide-decamp. "His is a sad affair; and I'm sorry for it, too. + He's a fine, soldier-like looking fellow." + </p> + <p> + "Pray, what has happened?" said I. "To what do you allude?" + </p> + <p> + "Merely to one of your people who has just been taken with some letters + and papers of Bourmont's in his possession. The Emperor is in no very + amicable humor towards the traitor, and resolves to pay off some part of + his debt on his British correspondent." + </p> + <p> + "How cruel! How unjust!" + </p> + <p> + "Why, yes, it is hard, I confess, to be shot for the fault of another. + Mais, que voulez-vous?" + </p> + <p> + "And when is this atrocious act to take place?" + </p> + <p> + "By daybreak to-morrow," said he, bowing, as he turned towards the hut. + "Meanwhile, let me counsel you, if you would not make another in the + party, to reserve your indignation for your return to England." + </p> + <p> + "Come along," said the quartermaster; "I find they have got quarters for + you in the granary of the farm. I'll not forget you at supper-time." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he gave his horse to an orderly, and led me by a little path to + a back entrance of the dwelling. Had I time or inclination for such a + scene, I might have lingered long to gaze at the spectacle before me. The + guard held their bivouac around the quarters of the Emperor; and here, + beside the watch-fires, sat the bronzed and scarred veterans who had + braved every death and danger, from the Pyramids to the Kremlin. On every + side I heard the names of those whom history has already consigned to + immortality; and as the fitful blaze of a wood-fire flashed from within + the house, I could mark the figure of one who, with his hands behind his + back, walked leisurely to and fro, his head leaned a little forward as + though in deep thought; but as the light fell upon his pale and placid + features, there was nothing there to indicate the stormy strife of hope + and fear that raged beneath. From the rapid survey I took around I was + roused by an officer, who, saluting me, politely desired me to follow him. + We mounted a flight of stone steps which, outside the wall of the + building, led to the upper story of a large but ruined granary. Here a + sentry was posted, who permitting us to pass forward, I found myself in a + small, mean-looking apartment, whose few articles of coarse furniture were + dimly lighted by the feeble glimmer of a lamp. At the farther end of the + room sat a man wrapped in a large blue cavalry cloak, whose face, covered + with his hands as he bent downward, was completely concealed from view. + The noise of the opening door did not appear to arouse him, nor did he + notice my approach. As I entered, a faint sigh broke from him, as he + turned his back upon the light; but he spoke not a word. + </p> + <p> + I sat for some time in silence, unwilling to obtrude myself upon the + sorrows of one to whom I was unknown; and as I walked up and down the + gloomy chamber, my thoughts became riveted so completely upon my own + fortunes that I ceased to remember my fellow-prisoner. The hours passed + thus lazily along, when the door suddenly opened, and an officer in the + dress of a lancer of the guard stood for an instant before me, and then, + springing forward, clasped me by both hands, and called out,— + </p> + <p> + "Charles, mon ami, c'est bien toi?" + </p> + <p> + The voice recalled to my recollections what his features, altered by time + and years, had failed to do. It was Jules St. Croix, my former prisoner in + the Peninsula. I cannot paint the delight with which I saw him again; his + presence now, while it brought back the memory of some of my happiest + days, also assured me that I was not friendless. + </p> + <p> + His visit was a brief one, for he was in attendance on Marshal Lobau's + staff. In the few minutes, however, of his stay, he said,— + </p> + <p> + "I have a debt to pay, Charles, and have come to discharge it. In an hour + hence I shall leave this with despatches for the left of our line. Before + I go, I'll come here with two or three others, as it were, to wish you a + good-night. I'll take care to carry a second cloak and a foraging cap; + I'll provide a fast horse; you shall accompany us for some distance. I'll + see you safe across our pickets; for the rest, you must trust to yourself. + C'est arrangé, n'est-ce-pas?" + </p> + <p> + One firm grasp of his hand, to which I responded by another, followed, and + he was gone. + </p> + <p> + Everything concurred to show me that a tremendous battle must ensue on the + morrow, if the British forces but held their position. It was, then, with + a feeling of excitement approaching to madness that I saw my liberty + before me; that once more I should join in the bold charge and the rude + shock of arms, hear the wild cry of my gallant countrymen, and either live + to triumph with them in victory, or wait not to witness our defeat. Fast + flew my hopes, as with increasing impatience I waited St. Croix's coming, + and with anxious heart listened to every sound upon the stairs which might + indicate his approach. At length he came. I heard the gay and laughing + voices of his companions as they came along; the door opened, and + affecting the familiarity of old acquaintance to deceive the sentry, they + all shook me by the hand and spoke in terms of intimacy. + </p> + <p> + "Labedoyère is below," said St. Croix, in a whisper; "you must wait here a + few moments longer, and I'll return for you; put on the cloak and cap, and + speak not a word as you pass out. The sentry will suppose that one of our + party has remained behind; for I shall call out as if speaking to him, as + I leave the room." + </p> + <p> + The voice of an officer calling in tones of impatience for the party to + come down, cut short the interview; and again assuring me of their + determination to stand by me, they left the chamber and descended into the + court. Scarcely had the door closed behind them, when my fellow-prisoner, + whom I had totally forgotten, sprang on his legs and came towards me. His + figure screening the lamplight as he stood, prevented my recognizing his + features, but the first tones of his voice told me who he was. + </p> + <p> + "Stay, sir," cried he, as he placed his hand upon my arm; "I have + overheard your project. In an hour hence you will be free. Can you—-will + you perform a service for one who will esteem it not the less that it will + be the last that man can render him? The few lines which I have written + here with my pencil are for my daughter." + </p> + <p> + I could bear no more, and called out in a voice broken as his own,— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, be not deceived, sir. Will you, even in an hour like this, accept a + service from one whom you have banished from your house?" + </p> + <p> + The old man started as I spoke; his hand trembled till it shook my very + arm, and after a pause and with an effort to seem calm and collected, he + added,— + </p> + <p> + "My hours are few. Some despatches of General Bourmont with which the duke + intrusted me were found in my possession. My sentence is a hurried one, + and it is death. By to-morrow's sunrise—" + </p> + <p> + "Stay, stay!" said I. "You shall escape; my life is in no danger. I have, + as you see, even friends among the staff. Besides, I have done nothing to + compromise or endanger my position." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," said he, sternly, "I will not act such a part as this. The + tears you have seen in these old eyes are not for myself. I fear not + death. Better it were it should have come upon the field of glorious + battle; but as it is, my soldier's honor is intact, untainted." + </p> + <p> + "You refuse the service on account of him who proffers it," said I, as I + fell heavily upon a seat, my head bowed upon my bosom. + </p> + <p> + "Not so, not so, my boy," replied he, kindly. "The near approach of death, + like the fading light of day, gives us a longer and a clearer view before + us. I feel that I have wronged you; that I have imputed to you the errors + of others; but, believe me, if I have wronged you, I have punished my own + heart; for, Charles, I have loved you like a son." + </p> + <p> + "Then prove it," said I, "and let me act towards you as towards a father. + You will not? You refuse me still? Then, by Heaven, I remain to share your + fate! I well know the temper of him who has sentenced you, and that, by + one word of mine, my destiny is sealed forever." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, boy! This is but rash and insane folly. Another year or two, nay, + perhaps a few months more, and in the common course of Nature I had ceased + to be; but you, with youth, with fortune, and with hope—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, not with hope!" said I, in a voice of agony. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, say not so," replied he, calmly, while a sickly smile played sadly + over his face; "you will give this letter to my daughter, you will tell + her that we parted as friends should part; and if after that, when time + shall have smoothed down her grief, and her sorrow be rather a dark dream + of the past than a present suffering,—if then you love her, and if—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, tempt me not thus!" said I, as the warm tears gushed from my eyes. + "Lead me not thus astray from what my honor tells me I should do. Hark! + They are coming already. I hear the clank of their sabres; they are + mounting the steps; not a moment is to be lost! Do you refuse me still?" + </p> + <p> + "I do," replied he, firmly; "I am resolved to bide my fate." + </p> + <p> + "Then so do I," cried I, as folding my arms, I sat down beside the window, + determined on my course. + </p> + <p> + "Charley, Charley," said he, stooping over me, "my friend, my last hope, + the protector of my child—" + </p> + <p> + "I will not go," said I, in a hollow whisper. + </p> + <p> + Already they were at the door; I heard their voices as they challenged the + sentry; I heard his musket as he raised it to his shoulder. The thought + flashed across me. I jumped up, and throwing the loose mantle of the + French dragoon around him, and replacing his own with the foraging cap of + St. Croix, I sprang into a corner of the room, and seating myself so as to + conceal my face, waited the result. The door opened, the party entered + laughing and talking together. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Eugène," said one, taking Sir George by the arm, "you have spent + long enough time here to learn the English language. We shall be late at + the outpost. Messieurs les Anglais, good-night, good-night!" + </p> + <p> + This was repeated by the others as they passed out with Sir George + Dashwood among them, who, seeing that my determination was not to be + shaken, and that any demur on his part must necessarily compromise both, + yielded to a <i>coup-de-main</i> what he never would have consented to + from an appeal to his reason. The door closed; their steps died away in + the distance. Again a faint sound struck my ear; it was the challenge of + the sentry beneath, and I heard the tramp of horses' feet. All was still, + and in a burst of heart-felt gratitude I sank upon my knees, and thanked + God that he was safe. + </p> + <p> + So soundly did I sleep, that not before I was shaken several times by the + shoulder could I awake on the following morning. + </p> + <p> + "I thought there were two prisoners here," said a gruff voice, as an old + mustached-looking veteran cast a searching look about the room. "However, + we shall have enough of them before sunset. Get—get up; Monsieur le + Duc de Dalmatie desires some information you can give him." + </p> + <p> + As he said this, he led me from the room; and descending the flight of + stone steps, we entered the courtyard. It was but four o'clock, the rain, + still falling in torrents, yet every one was up and stirring. + </p> + <p> + "Mount this horse," said my gruff friend, "and come with me towards the + left; the marshal has already gone forward." + </p> + <p> + The heavy mist of the morning, darkened by the lowering clouds which + almost rested on the earth, prevented our seeing above a hundred yards + before us; but the hazy light of the watch-fires showed me extent of the + French position, as it stretched away along the ridge towards the Halle + road. We rode forward at a trot, but in the deep clayey soil we sank at + each moment to our horses' fetlocks. I turned my head as I heard the tramp + and splash of horsemen behind, and perceived that I was followed by two + dragoons, who, with their carbines on the rest, kept their eyes steadily + upon me to prevent any chance of escape. In a slight hollow of the ground + before us stood a number of horsemen, who conversed together in a low tone + as we came up. + </p> + <p> + "There, that is the marshal," said my companion, in a whisper, as we + joined the party. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Monsieur le Duc," said an engineer colonel, who stood beside Soult's + horse with a colored plan in his hand,—"yes, that is the Château de + Goumont, yonder. It is, as you perceive, completely covered by the rising + ground marked here. They will doubtless place a strong artillery force in + this quarter." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, who is this?" said the marshal, turning his eyes suddenly upon me, + and then casting a look of displeasure around him, lest I should have + overheard any portion of their conversation. "You are deficient in + cavalry, it would appear, sir," said he to me. + </p> + <p> + "You must feel, Monsieur le Duc," said I, calmly, "how impossible it is + for me, as a man of honor and a soldier, to afford you any information as + to the army I belong to." + </p> + <p> + "I do not see that, sir. You are a prisoner in our hands; your treatment, + your fortune, your very life depends on us. Besides, sir, when French + officers fall into the power of your people, I have heard they meet with + no very ceremonious treatment." + </p> + <p> + "Those who say so, say falsely," said I, "and wrong both your countrymen + and mine. In any case—" + </p> + <p> + "The Guards are an untried force in your service," said he, with a mixture + of inquiry and assertion. + </p> + <p> + I replied not a word. + </p> + <p> + "You must see, sir," continued he, "that all the chances are against you. + The Prussians beaten, the Dutch discouraged, the Belgians only waiting for + victory to incline to our standard, to desert your ranks and pass over to + ours; while your troops, scarcely forty thousand,—nay, I might say, + not more than thirty-five thousand. Is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + Here was another question so insidiously conveyed that even a change of + feature on my part might have given the answer. A half smile, however, and + a slight bow was all my reply; while Soult muttered something between his + teeth, which called forth a laugh from those around him. + </p> + <p> + "You may retire, sir, a little," said he, dryly, to me. + </p> + <p> + Not sorry to be freed from the awkwardness of my position, I fell back to + the little rising ground behind. Although the rain poured down without + ceasing, the rising sun dispelled, in part, the heavy vapor, and by + degrees different portions of the wide plain presented themselves to view; + and as the dense masses of fog moved slowly along, I could detect, but + still faintly, the outline of the large, irregular building which I had + heard them call the Château de Goumont, and from whence I could hear the + clank of masonry, as, at intervals, the wind bore the sounds towards me. + These were the sappers piercing the walls for musketry; and this I could + now perceive was looked upon as a position of no small importance. + Surrounded by a straggling orchard of aged fruit-trees, the château lay + some hundred yards in advance of the British line, commanded by two + eminences,—one of which, in the possession of the French, was + already occupied by a park of eleven guns; of the other I knew nothing, + except the passing glance I had obtained of its position on the map. The + Second Corps, under Jerome Bonaparte, with Foy and Kellermann's Brigade of + light artillery, stretched behind us. On the right of these came D'Erlon's + Corps, extending to a small wood, which my companion told me was + Frischermont; while Lobau's Division was stationed to the extreme right + towards St. Lambert, to maintain the communication with Grouchy at Wavre, + or, if need be, to repel the advance of the Prussians and prevent their + junction with the Anglo-Dutch army. The Imperial Guard, with the cavalry, + formed the reserve. Such was, in substance, the information given me by my + guide, who seemed to expatiate with pleasure over the magnificent array of + battle, while he felt a pride in displaying his knowledge of the various + divisions and their leaders. + </p> + <p> + "I see the marshal moving towards the right," said he; "we had better + follow him." + </p> + <p> + It was now about eight o'clock as from the extremity of the line I could + see a party of horsemen advancing at a sharp canter. + </p> + <p> + "That must be Ney," said my companion. "See how rashly he approaches the + English lines!" + </p> + <p> + And so it was. The party in question rode fearlessly down the slope, and + did not halt until they reached within about three hundred yards of what + appeared a ruined church. + </p> + <p> + "What is that building yonder?" + </p> + <p> + "That—that," replied he, after a moment's thought,—"that must + be La Haye Sainte; and yonder, to the right of it, is the road to + Brussels. There, look now! Your people are in motion. See, a column is + moving towards the right, and the cavalry are defiling on the other side + of the road! I was mistaken, that cannot be Ney. <i>Sacre Dieu!</i> it was + the Emperor himself, and here he comes." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the party galloped forward and pulled up short within a few + yards of where we stood. + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" cried he, as his sharp glance fell upon me, "there is my taciturn + friend of Quatre Bras. You see, sir, I can dispense with your assistance + now; the chess-board is before me;" and then added, in a tone he intended + not to be overheard, "Everything depends on Grouchy." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Haxo," he called out to an officer who galloped up, <i>chapeau</i> + in hand, "what say you? Are they intrenched in that position?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Sire, the ground is open, and in two hours more will be firm enough + for the guns to manoeuvre." + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, for breakfast," said Napoleon, as with an easy and tranquil + smile he turned his horse's head and cantered gently up the heights + towards La Belle Alliance. As he approached the lines, the cry of "Vive + l'Empereur!" burst forth. Regiment after regiment took it up; and from the + distant wood of Frischermont to the far left beside Merke-braine, the + shout resounded. So sudden, so simultaneous the outbreak, that he himself, + accustomed as he well was to the enthusiasm of his army, seemed as he + reined in his horse, and looked with proud and elated eye upon the + countless thousands, astounded and amazed. He lifted with slow and + graceful action his unplumed hat above his head, and while he bowed that + proud front before which kings have trembled, the acclamation burst forth + anew, and rent the very air. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the sun shone brilliantly from out the dark clouds, and + flashed upon the shining blades and glistening bayonets along the line. A + dark and lowering shadow hung gloomily over the British position, while + the French sparkled and glittered in the sunbeams. His quick glance passed + with lightning speed from one to the other; and I thought that, in his + look, upturned to heaven, I could detect the flitting thought which bade + him hope it was an augury. The bands of the Imperial Guard burst forth in + joyous and triumphant strains; and amidst the still repeated cries of + "L'Empereur! l'Empereur!" he rode slowly along towards La Belle Alliance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. + </h2> + <p> + WATERLOO. + </p> + <p> + Napoleon's first intention was to open the battle by an attack upon the + extreme right; but Ney, who returned from an observation of the ground, + informed him that a rivulet swollen by the late rains had now become a + foaming torrent perfectly impassable to infantry. To avoid this difficulty + he abandoned his favorite manoeuvre of a flank movement, and resolved to + attack the enemy by the centre. Launching his cavalry and artillery by the + road to Brussels, he hoped thus to cut off the communication of the + British with their own left, as well as with the Prussians, for whom he + trusted that Grouchy would be more than a match. + </p> + <p> + The reserves were in consequence all brought up to the centre. Seven + thousand cavalry and a massive artillery assembled upon the heights of La + Belle Alliance, and waited but the order to march. It was eleven o'clock, + and Napoleon mounted his horse and rode slowly along the line; again the + cry of "Vive l'Empereur!" resounded, and the bands of the various + regiments struck up their spirit-stirring strains as the gorgeous staff + moved along. On the British side all was tranquil; and still the different + divisions appeared to have taken up their ground, and the long ridge from + Ter-la-Haye to Merke-braine bristled with bayonets. Nothing could possibly + be more equal than the circumstances of the field. Each army possessed an + eminence whence their artillery might play. A broad and slightly + undulating valley lay between both. The ground permitted in all places + both cavalry and infantry movements, and except the crumbling walls of the + Château of Hougoumont, or the farm-house of La Haye Sainte, both of which + were occupied by the British, no advantage either by Nature or art + inclined to either side. It was a fair stand-up fight. It was the mighty + tournament, not only of the two greatest nations, but the two deadliest + rivals and bitterest enemies, led on by the two greatest military geniuses + that the world has ever seen; it might not be too much to say, or ever + will see. As for me, condemned to be an inactive spectator of the mighty + struggle, doomed to witness all the deep-laid schemes and well-devised + plans of attack which were destined for the overthrow of my country's + arms, my state was one of torture and suspense. I sat upon the little + rising ground of Rossomme; before me in the valley, where yet the tall + corn waved in ripe luxuriance, stood the quiet and peaceful-looking old + Château of Hougoumont, and the blossoming branches of the orchard; the + birds were gayly singing their songs; the shrill whistle of the fatal + musketry was to be heard; and through my glass I could detect the uniform + of the soldiers who held the position, and my heart beat anxiously and + proudly as I recognized the Guards. In the orchard and the garden were + stationed some riflemen,—at least their dress and the scattered + order they assumed bespoke them such. While I looked, the tirailleurs of + Jerome's Division advanced from the front of the line, and descending the + hill in a sling trot, broke into scattered parties, keeping up as they + went a desultory and irregular fire. The English skirmishers, less expert + in this peculiar service, soon fell back, and the head of Reille's Brigade + began their march towards the château. The English artillery is unmasked + and opens its fire. Kellermann advances at a gallop his twelve pieces of + artillery; the château is concealed from view by the dense smoke, and as + the attack thickens, fresh troops pour forward, the artillery thundering + on either side; the entire lines of both armies stand motionless + spectators of the terrific combat, while every eye is turned towards that + devoted spot from whose dense mass of cloud and smoke the bright glare of + artillery is flashing, as the crashing masonry, the burning rafters, and + the loud yell of battle add to the frightful interest of the scene. For + above an hour the tremendous attack continues without cessation; the + artillery stationed upon the height has now found its range, and every + ringing shot tells upon the tottering walls; some wounded soldiers return + faint and bleeding from the conflict, but there are few who escape. A + crashing volley of fire-arms is now heard from the side where the orchard + stands; a second, and a third succeed, one after the other as rapid as + lightning itself. A silence follows, when, after a few moments, a + deafening cheer bursts forth, and an aide-de-camp gallops up to say that + the orchard has been carried at the point of the bayonet, the Nassau + sharp-shooters who held it having, after a desperate resistance, retired + before the irresistible onset of the French infantry. "A moi! maintenant!" + said General Foy, as he drew his sabre and rode down to the head of his + splendid division, which, anxious for the word to advance, was standing in + the valley. "En avant! mes braves!" cried he, while, pointing to the + château with his sword, he dashed boldly forward. Scarcely had he advanced + a hundred yards, when a cannon-shot, "ricocheting" as it went, struck his + horse in the counter and rolled him dead on the plain. Disengaging himself + from the lifeless animal, at once he sprang to his feet, and hurried + forward. The column was soon hid from my view, and I was left to mourn + over the seemingly inevitable fate that impended over my gallant + countrymen. + </p> + <p> + In the intense interest which chained me to this part of the field, I had + not noticed till this moment that the Emperor and his staff were standing + scarcely thirty yards from where I was. Napoleon, seated upon a gray, + almost white, Arabian, had suffered the reins to fall loosely on the neck + as he held with both hands his telescope to his eye; his dress, the usual + green coat with white facings, the uniform of the <i>chasseurs à cheval</i>, + was distinguished merely by the cross of the legion; his high boots were + splashed and mud-stained from riding through the deep and clayey soil; his + compact and clean-bred charger looked also slightly blown and heated, but + he himself, and I watched his features well, looked calm, composed, and + tranquil. How anxiously did I scrutinize that face; with what a throbbing + heart did I canvass every gesture, hoping to find some passing trait of + doubt, of difficulty, or of hesitation; but none was there. Unlike one who + looked upon the harrowing spectacle of the battle-field, whose all was + depending on the game before him; gambling with one throw his last his + only stake, and that the empire of the world. Yet, could I picture to + myself one who felt at peace within himself,—naught of reproach, + naught of regret to move or stir his spirit, whose tranquil barque had + glided over the calm sea of life, unruffled by the breath of passion,—I + should have fancied such was he. + </p> + <p> + Beside him sat one whose flashing eye and changing features looked in + every way his opposite; watching with intense anxiety the scene of the + deadly struggle round the château, every look, every gesture told the + changing fortune of the moment; his broad and brawny chest glittered with + orders and decorations, but his heavy brow and lowering look, flushed + almost black with excitement, could not easily be forgotten. It was Soult, + who, in his quality of major-general, accompanied the Emperor throughout + the day. + </p> + <p> + "They have lost it again, Sire," said the marshal, passionately; "and see, + they are forming beneath the cross-fire of the artillery; the head of the + column keeps not its formation two minutes together; why does he not move + up?" + </p> + <p> + "Domont, you know the British; what troops are those in the orchard? They + use the bayonet well." + </p> + <p> + The officer addressed pointed his glass for a moment to the spot. Then, + turning to the Emperor, replied, as he touched his hat, "They are the + Guards, Sire." + </p> + <p> + During this time Napoleon spoke not a word; his eye ever bent upon the + battle, he seemed to pay little if any attention to the conversation about + him. As he looked, an aide-de-camp, breathless and heated, galloped up. + </p> + <p> + "The columns of attack are formed, Sire; everything is ready, and the + marshal only waits the order." + </p> + <p> + Napoleon turned upon his saddle, and directing his glass towards Ney's + Division, looked fixedly for some moments at them. His eye moved from + front to rear slowly, and at last, carrying his telescope along the line, + he fixed it steadily upon the far left. Here, towards St. Lambert, a + slight cloud seemed to rest on the horizon, as the Emperor continued to + gaze steadfastly at it. Every glass of the staff was speedily turned in + that direction. + </p> + <p> + "It is nothing but a cloud; some exhalation from the low grounds in that + quarter," whispered one. + </p> + <p> + "To me," said another, "they look like trees, part of the Bois de Wavre." + </p> + <p> + "They are men," said the Emperor, speaking for the first time. "Est-ce + Grouchy? Est-ce Blucher?" + </p> + <p> + Soult inclines to believe it to be the former, and proceeds to give his + reasons; but the Emperor, without listening, turns towards Domont, and + orders him, with his division of light cavalry and Subervic's Brigade, to + proceed thither at once. If it be Grouchy, to establish a junction with + him; to resist, should it prove to be the advanced guard of Marshal + Blucher. Scarcely is the order given when a column of cavalry, wheeling + "fours about," unravels itself from the immense mass, and seems to + serpentine like an enormous snake between the squares of the mighty army. + The pace increases at every moment, and at length we see them emerge from + the extreme right and draw up, as if on parade, above half a mile from the + wood. This movement, by its precision and beauty, attracted our entire + attention, not only from the attack upon Hougoumont, but also from an + incident which had taken place close beside us. This was the appearance of + a Prussian hussar who had been taken prisoner between Wavre and + Planchenoit; he was the bearer of a letter from Bulow to Wellington, + announcing his arrival at St. Lambert, and asking for orders. + </p> + <p> + This at once explains the appearance on the right; but the prisoner also + adds, that the three Prussian corps were at Wavre, having pushed their + patrols two leagues from that town without ever encountering any portion + of the force under the command of Grouchy. For a moment not a word is + spoken. A silence like a panic pervades the staff; the Emperor himself is + the first to break it. + </p> + <p> + "This morning," said he, turning towards Soult, "the chances were ninety + to one in our favor; Bulow's arrival has already lost us thirty of the + number; but the odds are still sufficient, if Grouchy but repair the <i>horrible + fault</i> he has committed." + </p> + <p> + He paused for a moment, and as he lifted up his own hand, and turned a + look of indignant passion towards the staff, added, in a voice the sarcasm + of whose tone there is no forgetting:— + </p> + <p> + "Il s'amuse à Gembloux! Still," said he, speaking rapidly and with more + energy than I had hitherto noticed, "Bulow may be entirely cut off. Let an + officer approach. Take this letter, sir," giving as he spoke, Bulow's + letter to Lord Wellington,—"give this letter to Marshal Grouchy; + tell him that at this moment he should be before Wavre; tell him that + already, had he obeyed his orders—but no, tell him to march at once, + to press forward his cavalry, to come up in two hours, in three at + farthest. You have but five leagues to ride; see, sir, that you reach him + within an hour." + </p> + <p> + As the officer hurries away at the top of his speed, an aide-de-camp from + General Domont confirms the news; they are the Prussians whom he has + before him. As yet, however, they are debouching from the wood, and have + attempted no forward movement. + </p> + <p> + "What's Bulow's force, Marshal?" + </p> + <p> + "Thirty thousand, Sire." + </p> + <p> + "Let Lobau take ten thousand, with the Cuirassiers of the Young Guard, and + hold the Prussians in check." + </p> + <p> + "Maintenant, pour les autres," this he said with a smile, as he turned his + eyes once more towards the field of battle. The aide-de-camp of Marshal + Ney, who, bare-headed and expectant, sat waiting for orders, presented + himself to view. The Emperor turned towards him as he said, with a clear + and firm voice:— + </p> + <p> + "Tell the marshal to open the fire of his batteries; to carry La Haye + Sainte with the bayonet, and leaving an infantry division for its + protection, to march against La Papelotte and La Haye. They must be + carried by the bayonet." + </p> + <p> + The aide-de-camp was gone; Napoleon's eye followed him as he crossed the + open plain and was lost in the dense ranks of the dark columns. Scarcely + five minutes elapsed when eighty guns thundered out together, and as the + earth shook and trembled beneath, the mighty movement of the day began its + execution. From Hougoumont, where the slaughter and the carnage continued + unslackened and unstayed, every eye was now turned towards the right. I + knew not what troops occupied La Haye Sainte, or whether they were British + who crowned the heights above it; but in my heart how fervently did I pray + that they might be so. Oh, in that moment of suspense and agonizing doubt, + what would I not have given to know that Picton himself and the fighting + Fifth were there; that behind that ridge the Greys, the Royals, and the + Enniskilleners sat motionless, but burning to advance; and the breath of + battle waved among the tartans of the Highlanders, and blew upon the + flashing features of my own island countrymen. Had I known this, I could + have marked the onset with a less failing spirit. + </p> + <p> + "There goes Marcognet's Division," said my companion, springing to his + legs; "they're moving to the right of the road. I should like to see the + troops that will stand before them." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he mounted his horse, and desiring me to accompany him, rode to + the height beside La Belle Alliance. The battle was now raging from the + Château de Hougoumont to St. Lambert, where the Prussian tirailleurs, as + they issued from the wood, were skirmishing with the advanced posts of + Lobau's Brigade. The attack upon the centre, however, engrossed all my + attention, and I watched the dark columns as they descended into the + plain, while the incessant roll of the artillery played about them. To the + right of Ney's attack, D'Erlon advanced with three divisions, and the + artillery of the Guard. Towards this part of the field my companion moved. + General le Vasseur desired to know if the division on the Brussels road + were English or Hanoverian troops, and I was sent for to answer the + question. We passed from square to square until at length we found + ourselves upon the flank of D'Erlon's Division. Le Vasseur, who at the + head of his cuirassiers waited but the order to charge, waved impatiently + with his sword for us to approach. We were now to the right of the high + road, and about four hundred yards from the crest of the hill where, + protected by a slight hedge, Picton, with Kempt's Brigade, waited the + attack of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment an incident took place which, while in itself one of + the most brilliant achievements of the day, changed in a signal manner my + own fortunes. The head of D'Erlon's column pressed with fixed bayonets up + the gentle slope. Already the Belgian infantry give way before them. The + brave Brunswickers, overwhelmed by the heavy cavalry of France, at first + begin to waver, then are broken; and at last retreat in disorder up the + road, a whirlwind of pursuing squadrons thundering behind them. "En avant! + en avant! la victoire est ènous," is shouted madly through the impatient + ranks; and the artillery is called up to play upon the British squares; + upon which, fixed and immovable, the cuirassiers have charged without + success. Like a thunderbolt, the flying artillery dashes to the front; but + scarcely has it reached the bottom of the ascent, when, from the deep + ground, the guns become embedded in the soil, the wheels refuse to move. + In vain the artillery drivers whip and spur their laboring cattle. + Impatiently the leading files of the column prick with their bayonets the + struggling horses. The hesitation is fatal; for Wellington, who, with + eager glance, watches from an eminence beside the high road the advancing + column, sees the accident. An order is given; and with one fell swoop, the + heavy cavalry brigade pour down. Picton's Division deploys into line; the + bayonets glance above the ridge; and with a shout that tells above the + battle, on they come, the fighting Fifth. One volley is exchanged; but the + bayonet is now brought to the charge, and the French division retreat in + close column, pursued by their gallant enemy. Scarcely have the leading + divisions fallen back, and the rear pressed down upon, or thrown into + disorder, when the cavalry trumpets sound a charge; the bright helmets of + the Enniskilleners come flashing in the sunbeams, and the Scotch Greys, + like a white-crested wave, are rolling upon the foe. Marcognet's Division + is surrounded; the dragoons ride them down on every side; the guns are + captured; the drivers cut down; and two thousand prisoners are carried + off. A sudden panic seems to seize upon the French, as cavalry, infantry, + and artillery are hurried back on each other. Vainly the French attempt to + rally; the untiring enemy press madly on; the household brigade, led on by + Lord Uxbridge, came thundering down the road, riding down with their + gigantic force the mailed cuirassiers of France. Borne along with the + retreating torrents, I was carried on amidst the densely commingled mass. + The British cavalry, which, like the lightnings that sever the + thunder-cloud, pierces through in every direction, plunged madly upon us. + The roar of battle grew louder, as hand to hand they fought. Milhaud's + Heavy Dragoons, with the 4th Lancers, came up at a gallop. Picton presses + forward, waving his plumed hat above his head; his proud eye flashes with + the fire of victory. That moment is his last. Struck in the forehead by a + musket-ball, he falls dead from the saddle; and the wild yell of the Irish + regiments, as they ring his death-cry, are the last sounds which he hears. + Meanwhile the Life Guards are among us; prisoners of rank are captured on + every side; and I, seizing the moment, throw myself among the ranks of my + countrymen, and am borne to the rear with the retiring squadrons. + </p> + <p> + As we reached the crest of the hill above the road, a loud cheer in the + valley beneath us burst forth, and from the midst of the dense smoke a + bright and pointed flame shot up towards the sky. It was the farm-house La + Haye Sainte, which the French had succeeded in setting fire to with hot + shot. For some time past the ammunition of the corps that held it had + failed, and a dropping irregular musketry was the only reply to the + incessant rattle of the enemy. As the smoke cleared away we discovered + that the French had carried the position; and as no quarter was given in + that deadly hand-to-hand conflict, not one returned to our ranks to toll + the tale of their defeat. + </p> + <p> + "This is the officer that I spoke of," said an aide-decamp, as he rode up + to where I was standing bare-headed and without a sword. "He has just made + his escape from the French lines, and will be able to give your lordship + some information." + </p> + <p> + The handsome features and gorgeous costume of Lord Uxbridge were known to + me; but I was not aware, till afterward, that a soldier-like, + resolute-looking officer beside him was General Graham. It was the latter + who first addressed me. + </p> + <p> + "Are you aware, sir," said he, "if Grouchy's force have arrived?" + </p> + <p> + "They have not; on the contrary, shortly before I escaped, an aide-de-camp + was despatched to Gembloux, to hasten his coming. And the troops, for they + must be troops, were debouching from the wood yonder. They seem to form a + junction with the corps to the right; they are the Prussians. They arrived + there before noon from St. Lambert, and are part of Bulow's Corps. Count + Lobau and his division of ten thousand men were despatched, about an hour + since, to hold them in check." + </p> + <p> + "This is great news," said Lord Uxbridge. "Fitzroy must know it at once." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he dashed spurs into his horse, and soon disappeared amidst the + crowd on the hill-top. + </p> + <p> + "You had better see the duke, sir," said Graham. "Your information is too + important to be delayed. Captain Calvert, let this officer have a horse; + his own is too tired to go much farther." + </p> + <p> + "And a cap, I beg of you," added I in an undertone, "for I have already + found a sabre." + </p> + <p> + By a slightly circuitous route we reached the road, upon which a mass of + dismounted artillery-carts, baggage-wagons, and tumbrils were heaped + together as a barricade against the attack of the French dragoons, who + more than once had penetrated to the very crest of our position. Close to + this and on a little rising ground, from which a view of the entire field + extended, from Hougoumont to the far left, the Duke of Wellington stood + surrounded by his staff. His eye was bent upon the valley before him, + where the advancing columns of Ney's attack still pressed onward; while + the fire of sixty great guns poured death and carnage into his lines. The + Second Belgian Division, routed and broken, had fallen back upon the 27th + Regiment, who had merely time to throw themselves into square, when + Milhaud's cuirassiers, armed with their terrible long, straight swords, + came sweeping down upon them. A line of impassable bayonets, a living <i>chevaux-de-frise</i> + of the best blood of Britain, stood firm and motionless before the shock. + The French <i>mitraille</i> played mercilessly on the ranks; but the + chasms were filled up like magic, and in vain the bold horsemen of Gaul + galloped round the bristling files. At length the word, "Fire!" was heard + within the square, and as the bullets at pistol-range rattled upon them, + the cuirass afforded them no defence against the deadly volley. Men and + horses rolled indiscriminately upon the earth. Then would come a charge of + our clashing squadrons, who, riding recklessly upon the foe, were in their + turn to be repulsed by numbers, and fresh attacks poured down upon our + unshaken infantry. + </p> + <p> + "That column yonder is wavering. Why does he not bring up his supporting + squadrons?" inquired the duke, pointing to a Belgian regiment of light + dragoons, who were formed in the same brigade with the 7th Hussars. + </p> + <p> + "He refuses to oppose his light cavalry to cuirassiers, my lord," said an + aide-de-camp, who had just returned from the division in question. + </p> + <p> + "Tell him to march his men off the ground," said the duke in a quiet and + impassive tone. + </p> + <p> + In less than ten minutes the "Belgian regiment" was seen to defile from + the mass and take the road to Brussels, to increase the panic of that city + by circulating and strengthening the report that the English were beaten, + and Napoleon in full march upon the capital. + </p> + <p> + "What's Ney's force; can you guess, sir?" said the Duke of Wellington, + turning to me. + </p> + <p> + "About twelve thousand men, my lord." + </p> + <p> + "Are the Guard among them?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; the Guard are in reserve above La Belle Alliance." + </p> + <p> + "In what part of the field is Bonaparte?" + </p> + <p> + "Nearly opposite to where we stand." + </p> + <p> + "I told you, gentlemen, Hougoumont never was the great attack. The battle + must be decided here," pointing as he spoke to the plain beneath us, where + Ney still poured on his devoted columns, where yet the French cavalry rode + down upon our firm squares. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, an aide-de-camp rode up from the valley. + </p> + <p> + "The Ninety-second requires support, my lord. They cannot maintain their + position half an hour longer with out it." + </p> + <p> + "Have they given way, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "No—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, they must stand where they are. I hear cannon towards the + left; yonder, near Frischermont." + </p> + <p> + At this moment the light cavalry swept past the base of the hill on which + we stood, hotly followed by the French heavy cuirassier brigade. Three of + our guns were taken; and the cheering of the French infantry, as they + advanced to the charge, presaged their hope of victory. + </p> + <p> + "Do it, then," said the duke, in reply to some whispered question of Lord + Uxbridge; and shortly after the heavy trot of advancing squadrons was + heard behind. + </p> + <p> + They were the Life Guards and the Blues, who, with the 1st Dragoon Guards + and the Enniskilleners, were formed into close column. + </p> + <p> + "I know the ground, my lord," said I to Lord Uxbridge. + </p> + <p> + "Come along, sir, come along," said he, as he threw his hussar jacket + loosely behind him to give freedom to his sword arm. "Forward, my men, + forward; but steady, hold your horses in hand, threes about, and together, + charge! + </p> + <p> + "Charge!" he shouted; while as the word flew from squadron to squadron, + each horseman bent upon his saddle, and that mighty mass, as though + instinct with but one spirit, dashed like a thunderbolt upon the column + beneath them. The French, blown and exhausted, inferior besides in weight, + both of man and horse, offered but a short resistance. As the tall corn + bends beneath the sweeping hurricane, wave succeeding wave, so did the + steel-clad squadrons of France fall before the nervous arm of Britain's + cavalry. Onward they went, carrying death and ruin before them, and never + stayed their course until the guns were recaptured, and the cuirassiers, + repulsed, disordered, and broken, had retired beneath the protection of + their artillery. + </p> + <p> + There was, as a brilliant and eloquent writer on the subject mentions, a + terrible sameness in the whole of this battle. Incessant charges of + cavalry upon the squares of our infantry, whose sole manoeuvre consisted + in either deploying into line to resist the attack of the infantry, or + falling back into square when the cavalry advanced; performing those two + evolutions under the devastating fire of artillery, before the unflinching + heroism of that veteran infantry whose glories have been reaped upon the + blood-stained fields of Austerlitz, Marengo, and Wagram, or opposing an + unbroken front to the whirlwind swoop of infuriated cavalry. Such were the + enduring and devoted services demanded from the English troops; and such + they failed not to render. Once or twice had temper nearly failed them, + and the cry ran through the ranks, "Are we never to move forward? Only let + us at them!" But the word was not yet spoken which was to undam the + pent-up torrent, and bear down with unrelenting vengeance upon the now + exulting columns of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + It was six o'clock; the battle had continued with unchanged fortune for + three hours. The French, masters of La Haye Sainte, could never advance + farther into our position. They had gained the orchard of Hougoumont; but + the château was still held by the British Guards, although its blazing + roof and crumbling walls made its occupation rather the desperate stand of + unflinching valor than the maintenance of an important position. The smoke + which hung upon the field rolled in slow and heavy masses back upon the + French lines, and gradually discovered to our view the entire of the army. + We quickly perceived that a change was taking place in their position. The + troops, which on their left stretched far beyond Hougoumont, were now + moved nearer to the centre. The attack upon the château seemed less + vigorously supported, while the oblique direction of their right wing, + which, pivoting upon Planchenoit, opposed a face to the Prussians, all + denoted a change in their order of battle. It was now the hour when + Napoleon, at last convinced that nothing but the carnage he could no + longer support could destroy the unyielding ranks of British infantry; + that although Hougoumont had been partially, La Haye Sainte completely + won; that upon the right of the road the farm-houses Papolotte and La Haye + were nearly surrounded by his troops, which with any other army must prove + the forerunner of defeat,—yet still the victory was beyond his + grasp. The bold stratagems, whose success the experience of a life had + proved, were here to be found powerless. The decisive manoeuvre of + carrying one important point of the enemy's lines, of turning him upon the + flank, or piercing him through the centre, were here found impracticable. + He might launch his avalanche of grape-shot, he might pour down his + crashing columns of cavalry, he might send forth the iron storm of his + brave infantry; but though death in every shape heralded their approach, + still were others found to fill the fallen ranks, and feed with their + hearts' blood the unslaked thirst for slaughter. Well might the gallant + leader of this gallant host, as he watched the reckless onslaught of the + untiring enemy, and looked upon the unflinching few who, bearing the proud + badge of Britain, alone sustained the fight, well might he exclaim, "Night + or Blucher!" + </p> + <p> + It was now seven o'clock, when a dark mass was seen to form upon the + heights above the French centre, and divide into three gigantic columns, + of which the right occupied the Brussels road. These were the reserves, + consisting of the Old and Young Guards, and amounting to twelve thousand,—the + <i>élite</i> of the French army,—reserved by the Emperor for a great + <i>coup-de-main</i>. These veterans of a hundred battles had been + stationed from the beginning of the day, inactive spectators of the fight; + their hour was now come, and with a shout of "Vive l'Empereur!" which rose + triumphantly over the din and crash of battle, they began their march. + Meanwhile aides-de-camp galloped along the lines announcing the arrival of + Grouchy, to reanimate the drooping spirits of the men; for at last a doubt + of victory was breaking upon the minds of those who never before, in the + most adverse hour of fortune, deemed <i>his</i> star could be set that led + them on to glory. + </p> + <p> + "They are coming; the attack will be made on the centre, my lord," said + Lord Fitzroy Somerset, as he directed his glass upon the column. Scarcely + had he spoken when the telescope fell from his hand, as his arm, shattered + by a French bullet, fell motionless to his side. + </p> + <p> + "I see it," was the cool reply of the duke, as he ordered the Guards to + deploy into line and lie down behind the ridge, which now the French + artillery had found the range of, and were laboring at their guns. In + front of them the Fifty-second, Seventy-first, and Ninety-fifth were + formed; the artillery stationed above and partly upon the road, loaded + with grape, and waited but the word to open. + </p> + <p> + It was an awful, a dreadful moment. The Prussian cannon thundered on our + left; but so desperate was the French resistance, they made but little + progress. The dark columns of the Guard had now commenced the ascent, and + the artillery ceased their fire as the bayonets of the grenadiers showed + themselves upon the slope. Then began that tremendous cheer from right to + left of our line, which those who heard never can forget. It was the + impatient, long-restrained burst of unslaked vengeance. With the instinct + which valor teaches, they knew the hour of trial was come; and that wild + cry flew from rank to rank, echoing from the blood-stained walls of + Hougoumont to the far-off valley of La Papelotte. "They come! they come!" + was the cry; and the shout of "Vive l'Empereur!" mingled with the + out-burst of the British line. + </p> + <p> + Under an overwhelming shower of grape, to which succeeded a charge of + cavalry of the Imperial Guard, the head of Ney's column fired its volley + and advanced with the bayonet. The British artillery now opened at half + range, and although the plunging fire scathed and devasted the dark ranks + of the Guard, on they came, Ney himself on foot at their head. Twice the + leading division of that gallant column turned completely round, as the + withering fire wasted and consumed them; but they were resolved to win. + </p> + <p> + Already they gained the crest of the hill, and the first line of the + British were falling back before them. The artillery closes up; the + flanking fire from the guns upon the road opens upon them; the head of + their column breaks like a shell; the duke seizes the moment, and advances + on foot towards the ridge. + </p> + <p> + "Up, Guards, and at them!" he cried. + </p> + <p> + The hour of triumph and vengeance had arrived. In a moment the Guards were + on their feet; one volley was poured in; the bayonets were brought to the + charge; they closed upon the enemy; then was seen the most dreadful + struggle that the history of all war can present. Furious with + long-restrained passion, the Guards rushed upon the leading divisions; the + Seventy-first and Ninety-fifth and Twenty-sixth overlapped them on the + flanks. Their generals fell thickly on every side; Michel, Jamier, and + Mallet are killed; Friant lies wounded upon the ground; Ney, his dress + pierced and ragged with balls, shouts still to advance; but the leading + files waver; they fall back; the supporting divisions thicken; confusion, + panic succeeds. The British press down; the cavalry come galloping up to + their assistance; and at last, pell-mell, overwhelmed and beaten, the + French fell back upon the Old Guard. This was the decisive moment of the + day; the duke closed his glass, as he said,— + </p> + <p> + "The field is won. Order the whole line to advance." + </p> + <p> + On they came, four deep, and poured like a torrent from the height. + </p> + <p> + "Let the Life Guards charge them," said the duke; but every aide-de-camp + on his staff was wounded, and I myself brought the order to Lord Uxbridge. + </p> + <p> + Lord Uxbridge had already anticipated his orders, and bore down with four + regiments of heavy cavalry upon the French centre. The Prussian artillery + thundered upon their flank and at their rear. The British bayonet was in + their front; while a panic fear spread through their ranks, and the cry of + "Sauve qui peut!" resounded on all sides. In vain Ney, the bravest of the + brave, in vain Soult, Bertrand, Gourgaud, and Labedoyère, burst from the + broken, disorganized mass, and called on them to stand fast. A battalion + of the Old Guard, with Cambronne at their head, alone obeyed the summons; + forming into square, they stood between the pursuers and their prey, + offering themselves a sacrifice to the tarnished honor of their arms. To + the order to surrender they answered with a cry of defiance; and as our + cavalry, flushed and elated with victory, rode round their bristling + ranks, no quailing look, no craven spirit was there. The Emperor himself + endeavored to repair the disaster; he rode with lightning speed hither and + thither, commanding, ordering, nay, imploring, too; but already the night + was falling, the confusion became each moment more inextricable, and the + effort was a fruitless one. A regiment of the Guards, and two batteries + were in reserve behind Planchenoit. He threw them rapidly into position; + but the overwhelming impulse of flight drove the mass upon them, and they + were carried away upon the torrent of the beaten army. No sooner did the + Emperor see this his last hope desert him, than he dismounted from his + horse, and drawing his sword, threw himself into a square, which the first + regiment of Chasseurs of the Old Guard had formed with a remnant of the + battalion. Jerome followed him, as he called out,— + </p> + <p> + "You are right, brother; here should perish all who bear the name of + Bonaparte." + </p> + <p> + The same moment the Prussian light artillery rend the ranks asunder, and + the cavalry charge down upon the scattered fragments. A few of his staff, + who never left him, place the Emperor upon a horse and fly through the + death-dealing artillery and musketry. A squadron of the Life Guards, to + which I had attached myself, came up at the moment, and as Blucher's + hussars rode madly here and there, where so lately the crowd of staff + officers had denoted the presence of Napoleon, expressed their rage and + disappointment in curses and cries of vengeance. + </p> + <p> + Cambronne's battalion stood yet unbroken, and seemed to defy every attack + that was brought against them. To the second summons to surrender they + replied as indignantly as at first; and Vivian's Brigade was ordered to + charge them. A cloud of British horse bore down on every face of the + devoted square; but firm as in their hour of victory, the heroes of + Marengo never quailed; and twice the bravest blood of Britian recoiled, + baffled and dismayed. There was a pause for some minutes, and even then, + as we surveyed our broken and blood-stained squadrons, a cry of admiration + burst from our ranks at the gallant bearing of that glorious infantry. + Suddenly the tramp of approaching cavalry was heard; I turned my head and + saw two squadrons of the Second Life Guards. The officer who led them on + was bare-headed; his long dark hair streaming wildly behind him, and upon + his pale features, to which not even the headlong enthusiasm of battle had + lent one touch of color. He rode straight to where I was standing, his + dark eyes fixed upon me with a look so fierce, so penetrating, that I + could not look away. The features, save in this respect, had almost a look + of idiocy. It was Hammersley. + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" he cried at last, "I have sought you out the entire day, but in + vain. It is not yet too late. Give me your hand, boy. You once called on + me to follow <i>you</i>, and I did not refuse; I trust you'll do the like + by <i>me</i>. Is it not so?" + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0471.jpg" alt="Death of Hammersley. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + A terrible perception of his meaning shot through my mind as I clasped his + clay-cold hand in mine, and for a moment I did not speak. + </p> + <p> + "I hoped for better than this," said he, bitterly, and as a glance of + withering scorn flashed from his eye. "I did trust that he who was + preferred before me was at least not a coward." + </p> + <p> + As the word fell from his lips I nearly leaped from my saddle, and + mechanically raised my sabre to cleave him on the spot. + </p> + <p> + "Then follow me!" shouted he, pointing with his sword to the glistening + ranks before us. + </p> + <p> + "Come on!" said I, with a voice hoarse with passion, while burying my + spurs in my horse's flanks, I sprang on a full length before him, and bore + down upon the enemy. A loud shout, a deafening volley, the agonizing cry + of the wounded and the dying, were all I heard, as my horse, rearing madly + upward, plunged twice into the air, and then fell dead upon the earth, + crushing me beneath his cumbrous weight, lifeless and insensible. + </p> + <p> + The day was breaking; the cold, gray light of morning was struggling + through the misty darkness, when I once more recovered my consciousness. + There are moments in life when memory can so suddenly conjure up the whole + past before us, that there is scarcely time for a doubt ere the disputed + reality is palpable to our senses. Such was this to me. One hurried glance + upon the wide, bleak plain before me, and every circumstance of the + battle-field was present to my recollection. The dismounted guns, the + broken wagons, the heaps of dead or dying, the straggling parties who on + foot or horseback traversed the field, and the dark litters which carried + the wounded, all betokened the sad evidences of the preceding day's + battle. + </p> + <p> + Close around me where I lay the ground was marked with the bodies of our + cavalry, intermixed with the soldiers of the Old Guard. The broad brow and + stalwart chest of the Saxon lay bleaching beside the bronzed and bearded + warrior of Gaul, while the torn-up ground attested the desperation of that + struggle which closed the day. + </p> + <p> + As my eye ranged over this harrowing spectacle, a dreadful anxiety shot + through me as I asked myself whose had been the victory. A certain + confused impression of flight and of pursuit remained in my mind; but at + the moment, the circumstances of my own position in the early part of the + day increased the difficulty of reflection, and left me in a state of + intense and agonizing uncertainty. Although not wounded, I had been so + crushed by my fall that it was not without pain I got upon my legs. I soon + perceived that the spot around me had not yet been visited by those + vultures of the battle-field who strip alike the dead and dying. The + distance of the place from where the great conflict of the battle had + occurred was probably the reason; and now, as the straggling sunbeams fell + upon the earth, I could trace the helmet of the Enniskilleners, or the + tall bearskin of the Scotch Greys, lying in thick confusion where the + steel cuirass and long sword of the French dragoons showed the fight had + been hottest. As I turned my eyes hither and thither I could see no living + thing near me. In every attitude of struggling agony they lay around; some + buried beneath their horses, some bathed in blood, some, with clinched + hands and darting eyeballs, seemed struggling even in death; but all was + still,—not a word, not a sigh, not a groan was there. I was turning + to leave the spot, and uncertain which way to direct my steps, looked once + more around, when my glance rested upon the pale and marble features of + one who, even in that moment of doubt and difficulty, there was no + mistaking. His coat, torn widely open, was grasped in either hand, while + his breast was shattered with balls and bathed in gore. Gashed and + mutilated as he lay, still the features wore no trace of suffering; cold, + pale, motionless, but with the tranquil look of sleep, his eyelids were + closed, and his half-parted lips seemed still to quiver in life. I knelt + down beside him; I took his hand in mine; I bent over and whispered his + name; I placed my hand upon his heart, where even still the life blood was + warm,—but he was dead. Poor Hammersley! His was a gallant soul; and + as I looked upon his blood-stained corpse, my tears fell fast and hot upon + his brow to think how far I had myself been the cause of a life blighted + in its hope, and a death like his. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. + </h2> + <p> + BRUSSELS. + </p> + <p> + Once more I would entreat my reader's indulgence for the prolixity of a + narrative which has grown beneath my hands to a length I had never + intended. This shall, however, be the last time for either the offence or + the apology. My story is now soon concluded. + </p> + <p> + After wandering about for some time, uncertain which way to take, I at + length reached the Charleroi road, now blocked by carriages and wagons + conveying the wounded towards Brussels. Here I learned, for the first + time, that we had gained the battle, and heard of the total annihilation + of the French army, and the downfall of the Emperor. On arriving at the + farm-house of Mont St. Jean, I found a number of officers, whose wounds + prevented their accompanying the army in its forward movement. One of + them, with whom I was slightly acquainted, informed me that General + Dashwood had spent the greater part of the night upon the field in search + of me and that my servant Mike was in a state of distraction at my absence + that bordered on insanity. While he was speaking, a burst of laughter and + the tones of a well-remembered voice behind attracted my attention. + </p> + <p> + "Made a very good thing of it, upon my life. A dressing-case,—not + gold, you know, but silver-gilt,—a dozen knives with blood-stone + handles, and a little coffee-pot, with the imperial arms,—not to + speak of three hundred Naps in a green silk purse—Lord! it reminds + me of the Peninsula. Do you know those Prussians are mere barbarians, + haven't a notion of civilized war. Bless your heart, my fellows in the + Legion would have ransacked the whole coach, from the boot to the + sword-case, in half the time they took to cut down the coachman." + </p> + <p> + "The major, as I live!" said I. "How goes it, Major?" + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Charley! when did you turn up? Delighted see you. They told me you + were badly wounded or killed or something of that kind. But I should have + paid the little debt to your executors all the same." + </p> + <p> + "All the same, no doubt, Major; but where, in Heaven's name, did you fall + upon that mine of pillage you have just been talking of?" + </p> + <p> + "In the Emperor's carriage, to be sure, boy. While the duke was watching + all day the advance of Ney's column and keeping an anxious look-out for + the Prussians, I sat in a window in this old farm-house, and never took my + eye off the garden at Planchenoit. I saw the imperial carriage there in + the morning; it was there also at noon; and they never put the horses to + it till past seven in the evening. The roads were very heavy, and the + crowd was great. I judged the pace couldn't be a fast one; and with four + of the Enniskilleners I charged it like a man. The Prussians, however, had + the start of us; and if they hadn't thought, from my seat on horseback and + my general appearance, that I was Lord Uxbridge, I should have got but a + younger son's portion. However, I got in first, filled my pockets with a + few little <i>souvenirs</i> of the Emperor, and then laying my hands upon + what was readiest, got out in time to escape being shot; for two of + Blucher's hussars, thinking I must be the Emperor, fired at me through the + window." + </p> + <p> + "What an escape you had!" + </p> + <p> + "Hadn't I though? Fortunate, too, my Enniskilleners saw the whole thing; + for I intend to make the circumstance the ground of an application for a + pension. Hark ye, Charley, don't say anything about the coffee-pot and the + knives. The duke, you know, has strange notions of his own on these + matters. But isn't that your fellow fighting his way yonder?" + </p> + <p> + "Tear and ages! don't howld me—that's himself,—devil a one + else!" + </p> + <p> + This exclamation came from Mickey Free, who, with his dress torn and + dishevelled, his eyes bloodshot and strained, was upsetting and elbowing + all before him, as he made his way towards me through the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Take that fellow to the guard-house! Lay hold of him, Sergeant! Knock him + down! Who is the scoundrel?" + </p> + <p> + Such were the greetings he met with on every side. Regardless of + everything and everybody, he burst his way through the dense mass. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, murther! oh, Mary! oh, Moses! Is he safe here after all?" + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow could say no more, but burst into a torrent of tears. A + roar of laughter around him soon, however, turned the current of his + emotions; when, dashing the scalding drops from his eyelids, he glared + fiercely like a tiger on every side. + </p> + <p> + "Ye're laughing at me, are ye," cried he, "bekase I love the hand that fed + me, and the master that stood to me? But let us see now which of us two + has the stoutest heart,—you with your grin on you, or myself with + the salt tears on my face." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he sprang upon them like a madman, striking right and left at + everything before him. Down they went beneath his blows, levelled with the + united strength of energy and passion, till at length, rushing upon him in + numbers, he was overpowered and thrown to the ground. It was with some + difficulty I accomplished his rescue; for his enemies felt by no means + assured how far his amicable propensities for the future could be relied + upon; and, indeed, Mike himself had a most constitutional antipathy to + binding himself by any pledge. With some persuasion, however, I reconciled + all parties; and having, by the kindness of a brother officer, provided + myself with a couple of troop horses, I mounted, and set out for Brussels, + followed by Mickey, who had effectually cured his auditory of any tendency + to laughter at his cost. + </p> + <p> + As I rode up to the Belle Vue, I saw Sir George Dashwood in the window. He + was speaking to the ambassador, Lord Clancarty, but the moment he caught + my eye, he hurried down to meet me. + </p> + <p> + "Charley, safe,—safe, my boy! Now am I really happy. The glorious + day had been one of sorrow to me for the rest of my life had anything + happened to you. Come up with me at once; I have more than one friend here + who longs to thank you." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he hurried me along; and before I could well remember where I + was, introduced me to a number of persons in the saloon. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, very happy to know you, sir," said Lord Clancarty. "Perhaps we had + better walk this way. My friend Dashwood has explained to me the very + pressing reasons there are for this step; and I, for my part, see no + objection." + </p> + <p> + "What, in Heaven's name, can he mean?" thought I, as he stopped short, + expecting me to say something, while, in utter confusion, I smiled, + simpered, and muttered some common-places. + </p> + <p> + "Love and war, sir," resumed the ambassador, "very admirable associates, + and you certainly have contrived to couple them most closely together. A + long attachment, I believe?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, a very long attachment," stammered I, not knowing which of us + was about to become insane. + </p> + <p> + "A very charming person, indeed; I have seen the lady," replied his + lordship, as he opened the door of a small room, and beckoned me to + follow. The table was covered with paper and materials for writing; but + before I had time to ask for any explanation of this unaccountable + mystery, he added, "Oh, I was forgetting; this must be witnessed. Wait one + moment." + </p> + <p> + With these words he left the room, while I, amazed and thunderstruck, + vacillating between fear and hope, trembling lest the delusive glimmering + of happiness should give way at every moment, and yet totally unable to + explain by any possible supposition how fortune could so far have favored + me. + </p> + <p> + While yet I stood hesitating and uncertain, the door opened, and the + senhora entered. She looked a little pale though not less beautiful than + ever; and her features wore a slight trace of seriousness, which rather + heightened than took from the character of her loveliness. + </p> + <p> + "I heard you had come, Chevalier," said she, "and so I ran down to shake + hands with you. We may not meet again for some time." + </p> + <p> + "How so, Senhora? You are not going to leave us, I trust?" + </p> + <p> + "Then you have not seen Fred. Oh, I forgot; you know nothing of our + plans." + </p> + <p> + "Here we are at last," said the ambassador, as he came in followed by Sir + George, Power, and two other officers. "Ah, <i>ma belle</i>, how fortunate + to find you here! I assure you, it is a matter of no small difficulty to + get people together at such a time as this." + </p> + <p> + "Charley, my dear friend," cried Power, "I scarcely hoped to have had a + shake hands with you ere I left." + </p> + <p> + "Do, Fred, tell me what all this means? I am in a perfect maze of doubt + and difficulty, and cannot comprehend a word I hear about me." + </p> + <p> + "Faith, my boy, I have little time for explanation. The man who was at + Waterloo yesterday, is to be married to-morrow, and to sail for India in a + week, has quite enough upon his hands." + </p> + <p> + "Colonel Power, you will please to put your signature here," said Lord + Clancarty, addressing himself to me. + </p> + <p> + "If you will allow me," said Fred, "I had rather represent myself." + </p> + <p> + "Is not this the colonel, then? Why, confound it, I have been wishing him + joy the last quarter of an hour!" + </p> + <p> + A burst of laughter from the whole party, in which it was pretty evident I + took no part, followed this announcement. + </p> + <p> + "And so you are not Colonel Power? Nor going to be married, either?" + </p> + <p> + I stammered out something, while, overwhelmed with confusion, I stooped + down to sign the paper. Scarcely had I done so, when a renewed burst of + laughter broke from the party. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing but blunders, upon my soul," said the ambassador, as he handed + the paper from one to another. + </p> + <p> + What was my confusion to discover that instead of Charles O'Malley, I had + written the name of Lucy Dashwood. I could bear no more. The laughing and + raillery of my friends came upon my wounded and irritated feelings like + the most poignant sarcasm. I seized my cap and rushed from the room. + Desirous of escaping from all that knew me, anxious to bury my agitated + and distracted thoughts in solitude and quiet, I opened the first door + before me, and seeing it an empty and unoccupied room, throw myself upon a + sofa, and buried my head within my hands. Oh, how often had the phantom of + happiness passed within my reach, but still glided from my grasp! How + often had I beheld the goal I aimed at, as it were before me, and the next + moment all the bleak reality of my evil fortune was lowering around me! + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Lucy, Lucy!" I exclaimed aloud, "but for you and a few words + carelessly spoken, I had never trod that path of ambition whose end has + been the wreck of all my happiness. But for you, I had never loved so + fondly; I had never filled my mind with one image which, excluding every + other thought, leaves no pleasure but in it alone. Yes, Lucy, but for you + I should have gone tranquilly down the stream of life with naught of grief + or care, save such as are inseparable from the passing chances of + mortality; loved, perhaps, and cared for by some one who would have deemed + it no disgrace to have linked her fortune to my own. But for you, and I + had never been—" + </p> + <p> + "A soldier, you would say," whispered a soft voice, as a light hand gently + touched my shoulder. "I had come," continued she, "to thank you for a gift + no gratitude can repay,—my father's life; but truly, I did not think + to hear the words you have spoken; nor having heard them, can I feel their + justice. No, Mr. O'Malley, deeply grateful as I am to you for the service + you once rendered myself, bound as I am by every tie of thankfulness, by + the greater one to my father, yet do I feel that in the impulse I had + given to your life, if so be that to me you owe it, I have done more to + repay my debt to you, than by all the friendship, all the esteem I owe + you; if, indeed, by my means, you became a soldier, if my few and random + words raised within your breast that fire of ambition which has been your + beacon-light to honor and to glory, then am I indeed proud." + </p> + <p> + "Alas, alas, Lucy!—Miss Dashwood, I would say,—forgive me, if + I know not the very words I utter. How has my career fulfilled the promise + that gave it birth? For you, and you only, to gain your affection, to win + your heart, I became a soldier; hardship, danger, even death itself were + courted by me, supported by the one thought that you had cared for or had + pitied me; and now, and now—" + </p> + <p> + "And now," said she, while her eyes beamed upon me with a very flood of + tenderness, "is it nothing that in my woman's heart I have glowed with + pride at triumphs I could read of, but dared not share in? Is it nothing + that you have lent to my hours of solitude and of musing the fervor of + that career, the maddening enthusiasm of that glorious path my sex denied + me? I have followed you in my thoughts across the burning plains of the + Peninsula, through the long hours of the march in the dreary nights, even + to the battle-field. I have thought of you; I have dreamed of you; I have + prayed for you." + </p> + <p> + "Alas, Lucy, but not loved me!" + </p> + <p> + The very words, as I spoke them, sank with a despairing cadence upon my + heart. Her hand, which had fallen upon mine, trembled violently; I pressed + my lips upon it, but she moved it not. I dared to look up; her head was + turned away, but her heaving bosom betrayed her emotion. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Lucy," cried I, passionately, "I will not deceive myself; I ask + for more than you can give me. Farewell!" + </p> + <p> + Now, and for the last time, I pressed her hand once more to my lips; my + hot tears fell fast upon it. I turned to go, and threw one last look upon + her. Our eyes met; I cannot say what it was, but in a moment the whole + current of my thoughts was changed; her look was bent upon me beaming with + softness and affection, her hand gently pressed my own, and her lips + murmured my name. + </p> + <p> + The door burst open at this moment, and Sir George Dashwood appeared. Lucy + turned one fleeting look upon her father, and fell fainting into my arms. + </p> + <p> + "God bless you, my boy!" said the old general, as he hurriedly wiped a + tear from his eye; "I am now, indeed, a happy father." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/0481.jpg" alt="The Welcome Home. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION. + </h2> + <hr /> + <p> + The sun had set about half an hour. Already were the dusky shadows + blending with the faint twilight, as on a lovely July evening we entered + the little village of Portumna,—we, I say; for Lucy was beside me. + For the last few miles of the way I had spoken little; thoughts of the + many times I had travelled that same road, in how many moods, occupied my + mind; and although, as we flew rapidly along, some well-known face would + every now and then present itself, I had but time for the recognition ere + we were past. Arousing myself from my revery, I was pointing out to Lucy + certain well-known spots in the landscape, and directing her attention to + places with the names of which she had been for some time familiar, when + suddenly a loud shout rent the air, and the next moment the carriage was + surrounded by hundreds of country people, some of whom brandished blazing + pine torches; others carried rude banners in their hands,—but all + testified the most fervent joy as they bade us welcome. The horses were + speedily unharnessed, and their places occupied by a crowd of every age + and sex, who hurried us along through the straggling street of the + village, now a perfect blaze of bonfires. + </p> + <p> + Mounds of turf, bog-fir, and tar-barrels sent up their ruddy blaze, while + hundreds of wild, but happy faces, flitted around and through them,—now + dancing merrily in chorus; now plunging madly into the midst of the fire, + and scattering the red embers on every side. Pipers were there too, + mounted upon cars or turf-kishes; even the very roof-tops rang out their + merry notes; the ensigns of the little fishing-craft waved in the breeze, + and seemed to feel the general joy around them; while over the door of the + village inn stood a brilliantly lighted transparency, representing the + head of the O'Malleys holding a very scantily-robed young lady by the tips + of the fingers; but whether this damsel was intended to represent the + genius of the west, or my wife, I did not venture to inquire. + </p> + <p> + If the welcome were rude, assuredly it was a hearty one. Kind wishes and + blessings poured in on every side, and even our own happiness took a + brighter coloring from the beaming looks around us. The scene was wild; + the lurid glare of the red torchlight, the frantic gestures, the maddening + shouts, the forked flames rising amidst the dark shadows of the little + hamlet, had something strange and almost unearthly in their effect; but + Lucy showed no touch of fear. It is true she grasped my hand a little + closer, but her fair cheek glowed with pleasure, and her eye brightened as + she looked; and as the rich light fell upon her beauteous features, how + many a blessing, heart-felt and deep, how many a word of fervent praise + was spoken. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then, the Lord be good to you; it's yourself has the darling blue + eyes! Look at them, Mary; ain't they like the blossoms on a peacock's + tail? Musha, may sorrow never put a crease in that beautiful cheek! The + saints watch over you, for your mouth is like a moss-rose! Be good to her, + yer honor, for she's a raal gem: devil fear you, Mr. Charles, but you'd + have a beauty!" + </p> + <p> + We wended our way slowly, the crowd ever thickening around us, until we + reached the market-place. Here the procession came to a stand, and I could + perceive, by certain efforts around me, that some endeavor was making to + enforce silence. + </p> + <p> + "Whisht, there! Hould your prate! Be still, Paddy! Tear an' ages, Molly + Blake, don't be holding me that way; let us hear his reverence. Put him up + on the barrel. Haven't you got a chair for the priest? Run, and bring a + table out of Mat Haley's. Here, Father—here, your reverence; take + care, will you,—you'll have the holy man in the blaze!" + </p> + <p> + By this time I could perceive that my worthy old friend Father Rush was in + the midst of the mob with what appeared to be a written oration, as long + as the tail of a kite, between his hands. + </p> + <p> + "Be aisy, there, ye savages! Who's tearing the back of my neck? Howld me + up straight! Steady, now—hem!" + </p> + <p> + "Take the laste taste in life to wet your lips, your riverence," said a + kind voice, while at the same moment a smoking tumbler of what seemed to + be punch appeared on the heads of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Thank ye, Judy," said the father, as he drained the cup. "Howld the light + up higher; I can't read my speech. There now, be quiet, will ye! Here + goes. Peter, stand to me now and give me the word." + </p> + <p> + This admonition was addressed to a figure on a barrel behind the priest, + who, as well as the imperfect light would permit me to descry, was the + coadjutor of the parish, Peter Nolan. Silence being perfectly established, + Father Rush began:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "When Mars, the god of war, on high, + Of battles first did think, + He girt his sword upon his thigh, + And— +</pre> + <p> + and—what is't, Peter?" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "And mixed a drop of drink." +</pre> + <p> + "And mixed a drop of drink," quoth Father Rush, with great emphasis; when + scarcely were the spoken words than a loud shout of laughter showed him + his mistake, and he overturned upon the luckless curate the full vial of + his wrath. + </p> + <p> + "What is it you mean, Father Peter? I'm ashamed of ye; faith, it's may be + yourself, not Mars, you are speaking of." + </p> + <p> + The roar of merriment around prevented me hearing what passed; but I could + see by Peter's gestures—for it was too dark to see his face—that + he was expressing deep sorrow for the mistake. After a little time, order + was again established, and Father Rush resumed:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "But love drove battles from his head, + And sick of wounds and scars, + To Venus bright he knelt, and said— +</pre> + <p> + and said—and said; what the blazes did he say?" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I'll make you Mrs. Mars," +</pre> + <p> + shouted Peter, loud enough to be heard. + </p> + <p> + "Bad luck to you, Peter Nolan, it's yourself's the ruin of me this blessed + night! Here have I come four miles with my speech in my pocket, <i>per + imbres et ignes</i>." Here the crowd crossed themselves devoutly. "Ay, + just so; and he spoiled it for me entirely." At the earnest entreaty, + however, of the crowd, Father Rush, with renewed caution to his unhappy + prompter, again returned to the charge: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Thus love compelled the god to yield + And seek for purer joys; + He laid aside his helm and shield, + And took— + took—took—" + + "And took to corduroys," +</pre> + <p> + cried Father Nolan. + </p> + <p> + This time, however, the good priest's patience could endure no more, and + he levelled a blow at his luckless colleague, which, missing his aim, lost + him his own balance, and brought him down from his eminence upon the heads + of the mob. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had I recovered the perfect convulsion of laughter into which + this scene had thrown me, when the broad brim of Father Nolan's hat + appeared at the window of the carriage. Before I had time to address him, + he took it reverently from his head, disclosing in the act the + ever-memorable features of Master Frank Webber! + </p> + <p> + "What! Eh! Can it be?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "It is surely not—" said Lucy, hesitating at the name. + </p> + <p> + "Your aunt, Miss Judy Macan, no more than the Rev. Peter Nolan, I assure + you; though, I confess, it has cost me much more to personate the latter + character than the former, and the reward by no means so tempting." + </p> + <p> + Here poor Lucy blushed deeply at the remembrance of the scene alluded to; + and anxious to turn the conversation, I asked by what stratagem he had + succeeded to the functions of the worthy Peter. + </p> + <p> + "At the cost of twelve tumblers of the strongest punch ever brewed at the + O'Malley Arms. The good father gave in only ten minutes before the oration + began, and I had barely time to change my dress and mount the barrel, + without a moment's preparation." + </p> + <p> + The procession once more resumed its march; and hurried along through the + town, we soon reached the avenue. Here fresh preparations for welcoming us + had also been made; but regardless of blazing tar-barrels and burning + logs, the reckless crowd pressed madly on, their wild cheers waking the + echoes as they went. We soon reached the house; but with a courtesy which + even the humblest and poorest native of this country is never devoid of, + the preparations of noise and festivity had not extended to the precincts + of the dwelling. With a tact which those of higher birth and older blood + might be proud of, they limited the excesses of their reckless and + careless merriment to their own village; so that as we approached the + terrace, all was peaceful, still, and quiet. + </p> + <p> + I lifted Lucy from the carriage, and passing my arm around her, was + assisting her to mount the steps, when a bright gleam of moonlight burst + forth and lit up the whole scene. It was, indeed, an impressive one. Among + the assembled hundreds there who stood bare-headed, beneath the cold + moonlight, not a word was now spoken, not a whisper heard. I turned from + the lawn, where the tall beech-trees were throwing their gigantic shadows, + to where the river, peering at intervals through the foliage, was flowing + on its silvery track, plashing amidst the tall flaggers that lined its + banks,—all were familiar, all were dear to me from childhood. How + doubly were they so now! I lifted up my eyes towards the door, and what + was my surprise at the object before them! Seated in a large chair was an + old man, whose white hair, flowing in straggling masses upon his neck and + shoulders, stirred with the night air; his hands rested upon his knees, + and his eyes, turned slightly upward, seemed to seek for some one he found + it difficult to recognize. Changed as he was by time, heavily as years had + done their work upon him, the stern features were not to be mistaken; but + as I looked, he called out in a voice whose unshaken firmness seemed to + defy the touch of time,— + </p> + <p> + "Charley O'Malley, come here, my boy! Bring her to me, till I bless you + both. Come here, Lucy,—I may call you so. Come here, my children. I + have tried to live on to see this day, when the head of an old house comes + back with honor, with fame, and with fortune, to dwell amidst his own + people in the old home of his fathers." + </p> + <p> + The old man bent above us, his white hair falling upon the fair locks of + her who knelt beside him, and pressed his cold and quivering hand within + her own. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Lucy," said I, as I led her within the house, "this is home." + </p> + <p> + Here now ends my story. The patient reader who has followed me so far + deserves at my hands that I should not trespass upon his kindness one + moment beyond the necessity; if, however, any lurking interest may remain + for some of those who have accompanied me through this my history, it may + be as well that I should say a few words farther, ere they disappear + forever. + </p> + <p> + Power went to India immediately after his marriage, distinguished himself + repeatedly in the Burmese war, and finally rose to a high command that he + this moment holds, with honor to himself and advantage to his country. + </p> + <p> + O'Shaughnessy, on half-pay, wanders about the Continent, passing his + summers on the Rhine, his winters at Florence or Geneva. Known to and by + everybody, his interest in the service keeps him <i>au courant</i> to + every change and regulation, rendering him an invaluable companion to all + to whom an army list is inaccessible. He is the same good fellow he ever + was, and adds to his many excellent qualities the additional one of being + the only man who can make a bull in French! + </p> + <p> + Monsoon, the major, when last I saw him, was standing on the pier at + Calais, endeavoring, with a cheap telescope, to make out the Dover cliffs, + from a nearer prospect of which certain little family circumstances might + possibly debar him. He recognized me in a moment, and held out his hand, + while his eye twinkled with its ancient drollery. + </p> + <p> + "Charley, my son, how goes it? Delighted to see you. What a pity I did not + meet you yesterday! Had a little dinner at Crillon's. Harding, Vivian, and + a few others. They all wished for you; 'pon my life they did." + </p> + <p> + "Civil, certainly," thought I, "as I have not the honor of being known to + them." + </p> + <p> + "You are at Meurice's," resumed he; "a very good house, but give you bad + wine, if they don't know you. They know me," added he, in a whisper; + "never try any tricks upon me. I'll just drop in upon you at six." + </p> + <p> + "It is most unfortunate, Major; I can't have the pleasure you speak of; we + start in half an hour." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Charley, never mind; another time. By-the-bye, now I think of + it, don't you remember something of a ten-pound note you owe me?" + </p> + <p> + "As well as I remember, Major, the circumstance was reversed. You are the + debtor." + </p> + <p> + "Upon my life, you are right; how droll. No matter; let me have the ten, + and I'll give you a check for the whole." + </p> + <p> + The major thrust his tongue into his cheek as he spoke, gave another leer, + pocketed the note, and sauntered down the pier, muttering something to + himself about King David and greenhorns; but how they were connected I + could not precisely overhear. + </p> + <p> + Baby Blake, or Mrs. Sparks,—to call her by her more fitting + appellation,—is as handsome as ever, and not less good-humored and + light-hearted, her severest trials being her ineffectual efforts to + convert Sparks into something like a man for Galway. + </p> + <p> + Last of all, Mickey Free. Mike remains attached to our fortune firmly, as + at first he opened his career; the same gay, rollicksome Irishman, making + songs, making love, and occasionally making punch, he spends his days and + his nights pretty much as he was wont to do some thirty years ago. He + obtains an occasional leave of absence for a week or so, but for what + precise purpose, or with what exact object, I have never been completely + able to ascertain. I have heard, it as true, that a very fascinating + companion and a most agreeable gentleman frequents a certain oyster-house + in Dublin called Burton Bindon's. I have also been told of a distinguished + foreigner, whose black mustache and broken English were the admiration of + Cheltenham for the last two winters. I greatly fear from the high tone of + the conversation in the former, and for the taste in continental + characters in the latter resort, that I could fix upon the individual + whose convivial and social gifts have won so much of their esteem and + admiration; but were I to run on thus, I should recur to every character + of my story, with each and all of whom you have, doubtless, grown well + wearied. So here for the last time, and with every kind wish, I say, + adieu! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + L'ENVOI. + </h2> + <p> + Kind friends,—It is somewhat unfortunate that the record of the + happiest portion of my friend's life should prove the saddest part of my + duty as his editor, and for this reason, that it brings me to that spot + where my acquaintance with you must close, and sounds the hour when I must + say, good-bye. + </p> + <p> + They, who have never felt the mysterious link that binds the solitary + scribe in his lonely study, to the circle of his readers, can form no + adequate estimate of what his feelings are when that chain is about to be + broken; they know not how often, in the fictitious garb of his narrative, + he has clothed the inmost workings of his heart; they know not how + frequently he has spoken aloud his secret thoughts, revealing, as though + to a dearest friend, the springs of his action, the causes of his sorrow, + the sources of his hope; they cannot believe by what a sympathy he is + bound to those who bow their heads above his pages; they do not think how + the ideal creations of his brain are like mutual friends between him and + the world, through whom he is known and felt and thought of, and by whom + he reaps in his own heart the rich harvest of flattery and kindness that + are rarely refused to any effort to please, however poor, however humble. + They know not this, nor can they feel the hopes, the fears, that stir + within him, to earn some passing word of praise; nor think they, when won, + what brightness around his humble hearth it may be shedding. These are the + rewards for nights of toil and days of thought; these are the recompenses + which pay the haggard cheek, the sunken eye, the racked and tired head. + These are the stakes for which one plays his health, his leisure, and his + life, yet not regrets the game. + </p> + <p> + Nearly three years have now elapsed since I first made my bow before you. + How many events have crowded into that brief space! How many things of + vast moment have occurred! Only think that in the last few months you've + frightened the French; terrified M. Thiers; worried the Chinese; and are, + at this very moment, putting the Yankees into a "<i>most uncommon fix</i>;" + not to mention the minor occupations of ousting the Whigs; reinstating the + Tories, and making O'Connell Lord Mayor,—and yet, with all these and + a thousand other minor cares, you have not forgotten your poor friend, the + Irish Dragoon. Now this was really kind of you, and in my heart I thank + you for it. + </p> + <p> + Do not, I entreat you, construe my gratitude into any sense of future + favors,—no such thing; for whatever may be my success with you + hereafter, I am truly deeply grateful for the past. Circumstances, into + which I need not enter, have made me for some years past a resident in a + foreign country, and as my lot has thrown me into a land where the + reputation of writing a book is pretty much on a par with that of picking + a pocket, it may readily be conceived with what warm thankfulness I have + caught at any little testimonies of your approval which chance may have + thrown in my way. + </p> + <p> + Like the reduced gentlewoman who, compelled by poverty to cry fresh eggs + through the streets, added after every call, "I hope nobody hears me;" so + I, finding it convenient, for a not very dissimilar reason, to write + books, keep my authorship as quietly to myself as need be, and comfort me + with the assurance that nobody knows me. + </p> + <p> + A word now to my critics. Never had any man more reason to be satisfied + with that class than myself. As if you knew and cared for the temperament + of the man you were reviewing; as if you were aware of the fact that it + was at any moment in your power, by a single article of severe censure, to + have extinguished in him forever all effort, all ambition for success,—you + have mercifully extended to him the mildest treatment, and meted out even + your disparagement, with a careful measure. + </p> + <p> + While I have studied your advice with attention, and read your criticisms + with care, I confess I have trembled more than once before your more + palpable praise; for I thought you might be hoaxing me. + </p> + <p> + Now and then, to be sure, I have been accused of impressing real + individuals, and compelling them to serve in my book; that this reproach + was unjust, they who know me can best vouch for, while I myself can + honestly aver, that I never took a portrait without the consent of the + sitter. + </p> + <p> + Others again have fallen foul of me, for treating of things, places, and + people with which I had no opportunity of becoming personally acquainted. + Thus one of my critics has showed that I could not have been a Trinity + College man; and another has denied my military matriculation. Now, + although both my Latin and my learning are on the peace establishment, and + if examined in the movements for cavalry, it is perfectly possible I + should be cautioned, yet as I have both a degree and a commission I might + have been spared this reproach. + </p> + <p> + "Of coorse," says Father Malachi Brennan, who leans over my shoulder while + I write,—"of coorse you ought to know all about these things as well + as the Duke of Wellington or Marshal Soult himself. UNDE DERYVATUR MILES. + Ain't you in the Derry militia?" I hope the Latin and the translation will + satisfy every objection. + </p> + <p> + While, then, I have nothing but thankfulness in my heart respecting the + entire press of my own country, I have a small grudge with my friends of + the far west; and as this is a season of complaint against the Yankees, + "Why shouldn't I roll my tub also?" A certain New York paper, called the + "Sunday Times," has thought fit for some time past to fill its columns + with a story of the Peninsular war, announcing it as "by the author of + Charles O'Malley." Heaven knows that injured individual has sins enough of + his own to answer for, without fathering a whole foundling hospital of + American balderdash; but this kidnapping spirit of brother Jonathan would + seem to be the fashion of the day! Not content with capturing Macleod, who + unhappily ventured within his frontier, he must come over to Ireland and + lay hands on Harry Lorrequer. Thus difficulties are thickening every day. + When they dispose of the colonel, then comes the boundary question; after + that there is Grogan's affair, then me. They may liberate Macleod; <a + href="#linknote-3"><small>3</small></a> they may abandon the State of + Maine,—but what recompense can be made to me for this foul attack on + my literary character? It has been suggested to me from the Foreign Office + that the editor might be hanged. I confess I should like this; but after + all it would be poor satisfaction for the injury done me. Meanwhile, as + Macleod has the <i>pas</i> of me, I'll wait patiently, and think the + matter over. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 [ I have just read that Macleod and Grogan have been liberated. May I + indulge a hope that <i>my</i> case will engage the sympathies of the world + during the Christmas holidays. H. L.] + </p> + <p> + It was my intention, before taking leave of you, to have apologized + separately for many blunders in my book; but the errors of the press are + too palpable to be attributed to me. I have written letters without end, + begged, prayed, and entreated that more care might be bestowed; but + somehow, after all, they have crept in in spite of me. Indeed, latterly I + began to think I had found out the secret of it. My publisher, excellent + man, has a kind of pride about printing in Ireland, and he thinks the + blunders, like the green cover to the volume, give the thing a national + look. I think it was a countryman of mine of whom the story is told, that + he apologized for his spelling by the badness of his pen. This excuse, a + little extended, may explain away anacronisms, and if it won't I am sorry + for it, for I have no other. + </p> + <p> + Here then I conclude: I must say, adieu! Yet can I not do so before I + again assure you that if perchance I may have lightened an hour of <i>your</i> + solitude, you, my kind friends, have made happy whole weeks and days of <i>mine</i>; + and if happily I have called up a passing smile upon <i>your</i> lip, your + favor has spoken joy and gladness to many a heart around <i>my</i> board. + Is it, then, strange that I should be grateful for the past; be sorrowful + for the present? + </p> + <p> + To one and all, then, a happy Christmas; and if before the new year, you + have not forgotten me, I shall be delighted to have your company at OUR + MESS. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile believe me most respectfully and faithfully yours, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + HARRY LORREQUER. + + BRUSSELS, November, 1841. +</pre> + <p> + THE END. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, +Volume 2 (of 2), by Charles Lever + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLES O'MALLEY, II. *** + +***** This file should be named 8674-h.htm or 8674-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/8/6/7/8674/ + +Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team. 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