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diff --git a/8720-h/8720-h.htm b/8720-h/8720-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e8de050 --- /dev/null +++ b/8720-h/8720-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,21772 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Tales and Novels, by Maria Edgeworth + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Tales And Novels, Volume 2 (of 10), by Maria Edgeworth + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Tales And Novels, Volume 2 (of 10) + Popular Tales + +Author: Maria Edgeworth + + +Release Date: September, 2005 [EBook #8720] +This file was first posted on August 4, 2003 +Last Updated: December 20, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES AND NOVELS, VOLUME 2 (OF 10) *** + + + + +Text file produced by Jonathan Ingram, David Widger, Charles Franks +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + TALES AND NOVELS + </h1> + <h4> + VOLUME II (of X) + </h4> + <h3> + POPULAR TALES + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Maria Edgeworth + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + 1857. + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>LAME JERVAS</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <b>THE WILL</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> <b>THE LIMERICK GLOVES</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> <b>OUT OF THE DEBT OUT OF DANGER</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> <b>THE LOTTERY</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> <b>ROSANNA.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> <b>MURAD THE UNLUCKY</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> <b>THE MANUFACTURERS</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> <b>THE CONTRAST</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> <b>THE GRATEFUL NEGRO.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> <b>TO-MORROW</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + Some author says, that a good book needs no apology; and, as a preface is + usually an apology, a book enters into the world with a better grace + without one. I, however, appeal to those readers who are not gluttons, but + epicures, in literature, whether they do not wish to see the bill of fare? + I appeal to monthly critics, whether a preface that gives a view of the + pretensions of the writer is not a good thing? The author may overvalue + his subject, and very naturally may overrate the manner in which it is + treated; but still he will explain his views, and facilitate the useful + and necessary art which the French call <i>reading with the thumb</i>. We + call this <i>hunting a book</i>, a term certainly invented by a sportsman. + I leave the reader to choose which he pleases, whilst I lay before him the + contents and design of these volumes. + </p> + <p> + Burke supposes that there are eighty thousand readers in Great Britain, + nearly one hundredth part of its inhabitants! Out of these we may + calculate that ten thousand are nobility, clergy, or gentlemen of the + learned professions. Of seventy thousand readers which remain, there are + many who might be amused and instructed by books which were not + professedly adapted to the classes that have been enumerated. With this + view the following volumes{1} have been composed. The title of POPULAR + TALES has been chosen, not as a presumptuous and premature claim to + popularity, but from the wish that they may be current beyond circles + which are sometimes exclusively considered as polite. + </p> + <p> + The art of printing has opened to all classes of people various new + channels of entertainment and information.—Amongst the ancients, + wisdom required austere manners and a length of beard to command + attention; but in our days, instruction, in the dress of innocent + amusement, is not denied admittance amongst the wise and good of all + ranks. It is therefore hoped that a succession of stories, adapted to + different ages, sexes, and situations in life, will not be rejected by the + public, unless they offend against morality, tire by their sameness, or + disgust by their imitation of other writers. + </p> + <h3> + RICHARD LOVELL EDGEWORTH. + </h3> + <p> + {Footnote 1: This Work was originally published in three volumes.} + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LAME JERVAS + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Some years ago, a lad of the name of William Jervas, or, as he was called + from his lameness, Lame Jervas, whose business it was to tend the horses + in one of the Cornwall tin-mines, was missing. He was left one night in a + little hut, at one end of the mine, where he always slept; but in the + morning, he could no where be found; and this his sudden disappearance + gave rise to a number of strange and ridiculous stories among the miners. + The most rational, however, concluded that the lad, tired of his + situation, had made his escape during the night. It was certainly rather + surprising that he could no where be traced; but after the neighbours had + wondered and talked for some time about it, the circumstance was by + degrees forgotten. The name of William Jervas was scarcely remembered by + any, except two or three of the oldest miners, when, twenty years + afterward, there came a party of gentlemen and ladies to see the mines! + and, as the guide was showing the curiosities of the place, one among the + company, a gentleman of about six-and-thirty years of age, pointed to some + letters that were carved on the rock, and asked, “Whose name was written + there?” “Only the name of one William Jervas,” answered the guide; “a poor + lad, who ran away from the mines a great long while ago.” “Are you sure + that he ran away?” said the gentleman. “Yes,” answered the guide, “sure + and certain I am of that.” “Not at all sure and certain of any such + thing,” cried one of the oldest of the miners, who interrupted the guide, + and then related all that he knew, all that he had heard, and all that he + imagined and believed concerning the sudden disappearance of Jervas; + concluding by positively assuring the stranger that the ghost of the said + Jervas was often seen to walk, slowly, in the long west gallery of the + mine, with a blue taper in his hand.—“I will take my Bible oath,” + added the man, “that about a month after he was missing, I saw the ghost + just as the clock struck twelve, walking slowly, with the light in one + hand, and a chain dragging after him in t’other; and he was coming + straight towards me, and I ran away into the stables to the horses; and + from that time forth I’ve taken special good care never to go late in the + evening to that there gallery, or near it: for I never was so frightened, + above or under ground, in all my born days.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger, upon hearing this story, burst into a loud fit of laughter; + and, on recovering himself, he desired the ghost-seer to look stedfastly + in his face, and to tell whether he bore any resemblance to the ghost that + walked with the blue taper in the west gallery. The miner stared for some + minutes, and answered, “No; he that walks in the gallery is clear another + guess sort of a person; in a white jacket, a leather apron, and ragged + cap, like what Jervas used to wear in his lifetime; and, moreover, he + limps in his gait, as Lame Jervas always did, I remember well.” The + gentleman walked on, and the miners observed, what had before escaped + their notice, that he limped a little; and, when he came again to the + light, the guide, after considering him very attentively, said, “If I was + not afraid of affronting the like of a gentleman such as your honour, I + should make bold for to say that you be very much—only a deal darker + complexioned—you be very much of the same sort of person as our Lame + Jervas used for to be.” “Not at all like our Lame Jervas,” cried the old + miner, who professed to have seen the ghost; “no more like to him than <i>Black + Jack to Blue John.</i>” The by-standers laughed at this comparison; and + the guide, provoked at being laughed at, sturdily maintained that not a + man that wore a head in Cornwall should laugh him out of his senses. Each + party now growing violent in support of his opinion, from words they were + just coming to blows, when the stranger at once put an end to the dispute, + by declaring that he was the very man. “Jervas!” exclaimed they all at + once, “Jervas alive!—our Lame Jervas turned gentleman!” + </p> + <p> + The miners could scarcely believe their eyes, or their ears, especially + when, upon following him out of the mine, they saw him get into a handsome + coach, and drive toward the mansion of one of the principal gentlemen of + the neighbourhood, who was a proprietor of the mine. + </p> + <p> + The next day, all the head miners were invited to dine in tents, pitched + in a field near this gentleman’s house. It was fine weather, and harvest + time; the guests assembled, and in the tents found abundance of good cheer + provided for them. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, Mr. R——, the master of the house, appeared, + accompanied by Lame Jervas, dressed in his miner’s old jacket and cap. + Even the ghost-seer acknowledged that he now looked wonderful like + himself. Mr. R——, the master of the house, filled a glass, and + drank—“Welcome home to our friend, Mr. Jervas; and may good faith + always meet with good fortune.” The toast went round, each drank, and + repeated, “Welcome home to our friend Mr. Jervas; and may good faith + always meet good fortune.” Indeed, what was meant by the good faith, or + the good fortune, none could guess; and many in whispers, and some aloud, + made bold to ask for an explanation of the toast. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jervas, on whom all eyes were fixed, after thanking the company for + their <i>welcome home</i>, took his seat at the table; and in compliance + with Mr. R——‘s request, and the wishes of all present, related + to them his story nearly in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + “Where I was born, or who were my parents, I do not well know myself; nor + can I recollect who was my nurse, or whether I was ever nursed at all: + but, luckily, these circumstances are not of much importance to the world. + The first thing which I can distinctly remember is the being set, along + with a number of children of my own age, to pick and wash loose ore of tin + mixed with the earth, which in those days we used to call <i>shoad</i>, or + <i>squad</i>—I don’t know what you call it now.” + </p> + <p> + “We call it <i>squad</i> to this day, master,” interrupted one of the + miners. + </p> + <p> + “I might be at this time, I suppose,” continued the gentleman, “about five + or six years old; and from that time till I was thirteen I worked in the + mine where we were yesterday. From the bottom of my heart I rejoice that + the times are bettered for youngsters since then; for I know I had a hard + life of it. + </p> + <p> + “My good master, here, never knew any thing of the matter but I was + cruelly used by those under him. First, the old woman—Betty Morgan, I + think, was her name—who set us our tasks of picking and washing the + <i>squad</i>, was as cross as the rheumatism could make her. She never + picked an ounce herself, but made us do her heap for her among us; and I + being the youngest, it was shoved down to me. Often and often my day’s + wages were kept back, not having done this woman’s task; and I did not + dare to tell my master the truth, lest she should beat me. But, God rest + her soul! she was an angel of light in comparison with the <i>trap-door + keeper</i>, who was my next tyrant. + </p> + <p> + “It was our business to open and shut certain doors, that were placed in + the mine for letting in air to the different galleries: but my young + tyrant left them every one to me to take care of; and I was made to run to + and fro, till I had scarcely breath in my body, while every miner in turn + was swearing at me for the idlest little fellow upon the surface of the + earth; though the surface of the earth, alas! was a place on which I had + never yet, to my knowledge, set my foot. + </p> + <p> + “In my own defence, I made all the excuses I could think of; and, from + excuses, I went on to all kinds of deceit: for tyranny and injustice + always produce cunning and falsehood. + </p> + <p> + “One day, having shut all the doors on my side of the mine, I left three + open on my companion’s side. The men, I thought, would not go to work on + that side of the mine for a day or two: but in this I was mistaken; and + about noon I was alarmed by the report of a man having been killed in one + of the galleries for want of fresh air. + </p> + <p> + “The door-keepers were summoned before the overseer; or, as you call him, + the viewer. I was the youngest, and the blame was all laid upon me. The + man, who had only swooned, recovered; but I was thrashed and thrashed for + the neglect of another person, till the viewer was tired. + </p> + <p> + “A weary life I led afterwards with my friend the door-keeper, who was + enraged against me for having told the truth. + </p> + <p> + “In process of time, as I grew stronger and bigger, I was set to other + work. First, I was employed at the barrow; and then a pick-axe and a <i>gad</i>{Footnote: + A gad is a tool used in mines; it resembles a smith’s punch.} were put + into my hands; and I thought myself a great man.—It was my fate to + fall among the idlest set in the mine. I observed that those men who + worked by task, and who had the <i>luck</i> to hit upon easy beds of the + rock, were not obliged to work more than three or four hours a day: they + got high wages with little labour; and they spent their money jollily + above-ground in the ale-houses, as I heard. I did not know that these + jolly fellows often left their wives and families starving while they were + getting drunk. + </p> + <p> + “I longed for the time when I should be a man, and do as I saw others do. + I longed for the days when I should be able to drink and be idle; and, in + the mean time, I set all my wits to work to baffle and overreach the + viewer. + </p> + <p> + “I was now about fourteen, and, had I grown up with these notions and + habits, I must have spent my life in wretchedness, and I should probably + have ended my days in a workhouse; but fortunately for me, an accident + happened, which made as great a change in my mind as in my body. + </p> + <p> + “One of my companions bribed me, with a strong dram, to go down into a + hole in the mine to search for his <i>gad</i>; which he, being half + intoxicated, had dropped. My head could not stand the strength of the dram + which he made me swallow to give me courage: and being quite insensible to + the danger, I took a leap down a precipice which I should have shuddered + to look at, if I had not lost my recollection. + </p> + <p> + “I soon came to my senses, for I broke my leg; and it is wonderful I did + not break my neck by my fall. I was drawn up by cords, and was carried to + a hut in the mine, near the stables, where I lay in great pain. + </p> + <p> + “My master was in the mine at the time the accident happened; and, hearing + where I was, he had the goodness to come directly to me himself, to let me + know that he had sent for a surgeon. + </p> + <p> + “The surgeon, who lived in the neighbourhood, was not at home; but there + was then upon a visit at my master’s a Mr. Y——, an old + gentleman who had been a surgeon; and, though he had for many years left + off practice, he no sooner heard of the accident that had happened to me + than he had the goodness to come down into the mine, to set my leg. + </p> + <p> + “After the operation was over, my master returned to tell me that I should + want for nothing. Never shall I forget the humanity with which he treated + me. I do not remember that I had ever heard him speak to me before this + time; but now his voice and manner were so full of compassion and + kindness, that I looked up to him as to a new sort of being. + </p> + <p> + “His goodness wakened and warmed me to a sense of gratitude—the + first virtuous emotion I was conscious of having ever felt. + </p> + <p> + “I was attended with the greatest care, during my illness, by the + benevolent surgeon, Mr. Y——. The circumstance of my having + been intoxicated, when I took the leap, had been concealed by the man who + gave me the dram; who declared that I had fallen by accident, as I was + looking down the hole for a <i>gad</i> that I had dropped. I did not join + in this falsehood: for, the moment my master spoke to me with so much + goodness about my mishap, my heart opened to him, and I told him just how + the thing happened. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Y—— also heard the truth from me, and I had no reason to + repent having told it, for this gave him, as he said, hopes that I might + turn out well, and was the cause of his taking some pains to instruct me. + He observed to me, that it was a pity a lad like me should so early in my + days take to dram-drinking; and he explained the consequences of + intemperance, of which I had never before heard or thought. + </p> + <p> + “While I was confined to my bed, I had leisure for many reflections. The + drunken and brutal among the miners, with whom I formerly associated, + never came near me in my illness; but the better sort used to come and see + me often, and I began to take a liking to their ways, and to wish to + imitate them. + </p> + <p> + “As they stood talking over their own affairs in my hut, I learned how + they laid out their time and their money; and I now began to desire to + have, as they had, a little garden, and property of my own, for which I + knew I must work hard. So I rose from my bed with very different views + from those which I had when I was laid down upon it; and from this time + forward I kept company with the sober and industrious as much as I could. + I saw things with different eyes: formerly I used, like my companions, to + be ready enough to take any advantage that lay in my way of my employer; + but my gratitude to him who had befriended me in my helpless state wrought + such a change in me, that I now took part with my master on all occasions, + and could not bear to see him wronged—so gratitude first made me + honest. + </p> + <p> + “My master would not let the viewer turn me out of the work, as he wanted + to do, because I was lame and weak, and not able to do much.—‘Let + him have the care of my horses in the stable,’ said my master: ‘he can do + something. I don’t want to make money of poor <i>Lame Jervas</i>. So, as + long as he is willing to work, he shall not be turned out to starve.’—These + were his very words; and when I heard them I said in my heart, ‘God bless + him!’ And, from that time forth, I could, as I thought, have fought with + the stoutest man in the mine that said a word to his disparagement. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps my feeling of attachment to him was the stronger, because he was, + I may say, the first person then in the world who had ever shown me any + tenderness, and the only one from whom I felt sure of meeting with + justice. + </p> + <p> + “About this time, as I was busied in the stable, unperceived by them, I + saw through a window a party of the miners, amongst whom were several of + my old associates, at work opposite to me. Suddenly, one of them gave a + shout—then all was hushed—they threw down their tools, huddled + together, and I judged by the keenness of their looks that they knew they + had made some valuable discovery. I further observed, that, instead of + beginning to work the vein, they covered it up immediately with rubbish, + and defaced the <i>country</i> with their pick-axes; so that, to look at, + no one could have suspected there was any <i>load</i> to be found near. I + also saw them secrete a lump of spar, in which they had reason to guess + there were Cornish diamonds, as they call them, and they carefully hid the + bits of <i>kellus</i>{Footnote: 2 <i>Kellus</i> is the miner’s name for a + substance like a white soft stone, which lies above the floor or spar, + near to a vein.}, which they had picked out, lest the viewer should notice + them and suspect the truth. + </p> + <p> + “From all this, the whispering that went on, and the pains they took to + chase or entice the overseer away from this spot, I conjectured they meant + to keep their discovery a secret, that they might turn it to their own + advantage. + </p> + <p> + “There was a passage out of the mine, known only to themselves, as they + thought, through which they intended to convey all the newly-found ore. + This passage, I should observe, led through an old gallery in the mine, + along the side of the mountain, immediately up to the surface of the + earth; so that you could by this way come in and out of the mine without + the assistance of the <i>gin</i>, by which people and ore are usually let + down or drawn up. + </p> + <p> + “I made myself sure of my facts by searching this passage, in which I + found plenty of their purloined treasure. I then went up to one of the + party, whose name was Clarke, and, drawing him aside, ventured to + expostulate with him. Clarke cursed me for a spy, and then knocked me + down, and returned to tell his associates what I had been saying, and how + he had served me. They one and all swore that they would be revenged upon + me, if I gave the least hint of what I had seen to our master. + </p> + <p> + “From this time they watched me, whenever he came down amongst us, lest I + should have an opportunity of speaking to him; and they never, on any + account, would suffer me to go out of the mine. Under pretence that the + horses must be looked after, and that no one tended them so well as I did, + they contrived to keep me prisoner night and day; hinting to me pretty + plainly, that if I ever again complained of being thus <i>shut up</i>, I + should not long be buried <i>alive</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Whether they would have gone the lengths they threatened I know not: + perhaps they threw out these hints only with a design to intimidate me, + and so to preserve their secret. I confess I was alarmed; but there was + something in the thought of showing my good master how much I was attached + to his interests, that continually prevailed over my fears; and my spirits + rose with the reflection that I, a poor insignificant lad; I, that was + often the scoff and laughing-stock of the miners; I, that went by the name + of <i>Lame Jervas</i>; I, who they thought could be bullied to any thing + by their threats, might do a nobler action than any man amongst them would + have the courage to do in my place. Then the kindness of my master, and + the words he said about me to the viewer, came into my memory; and I was + so worked up, that I resolved, let the consequence be what it might, I + would, living or dying, be faithful to my benefactor. + </p> + <p> + “I now waited anxiously for an opportunity to speak to him; and if I did + but hear the sound of his voice at a distance, my heart beat violently. + ‘You little know,’ thought I, ‘that there is one here whom perhaps you + quite forget, who is ready to hazard his life to do you a service.’ + </p> + <p> + “One day, as he was coming near the place where I was at work, rubbing + down a horse, he took notice that I fixed my eyes very earnestly upon him; + and he came closer to me, saying, ‘I am glad to see you better, Jervas:—do + you want any thing?’ ‘I want for nothing, thank you, sir,—but,’—and + as I said <i>but</i>, I looked round, to see who was near. Instantly + Clarke, one of the gang, who had his eyes upon us, called me, and + despatched me, on some errand, to a distant part of the mine. As I was + coming back, however, it was my good fortune to meet my master by himself + in one of the galleries. I told him my secret and my fears. He answered me + only with a nod, and these words, ‘Thank you—trust to me—make + haste back to those that sent you.’ + </p> + <p> + “I did so; but I fancy there was something unusual in my manner or + countenance which gave alarm; for, at the close of the day, I saw Clarke + and the gang whispering together; and I observed that they refrained from + going to their secret treasure the whole of the day. I was in great fear + that they suspected me, and that they would take immediate and perhaps + bloody revenge. + </p> + <p> + “These fears increased when I found myself left alone in my hut at night; + and, as I lay quite still, but broad awake in my bed, I listened to every + sound, and once or twice started up on hearing some noise near me; but it + was only the horses moving in the stable, which was close to my hut. I lay + down again, laughing at my own fears, and endeavoured to compose myself to + sleep, reflecting that I had never, in my life, more reason to sleep with + a safe conscience. + </p> + <p> + “I then turned round, and fell into a sweet sound sleep; but from this I + was suddenly roused by a noise at the door of my hut. ‘It is only the + horses again,’ thought I; but, opening my eyes, I saw a light under the + door. I rubbed my eyes, hoping I had been in a dream: the light + disappeared, and I thought it was my fancy. As I kept my eyes, however, + turned towards the door, I saw the light again through the key-hole, and + the latch was pulled up; the door was then softly pushed inwards, and I + saw on the wall the large shadow of a man with a pistol in his hand. My + heart sunk within me, and I gave myself up for lost. The man came in: he + was muffled up in a thick coat, his hat was slouched, and a lantern in his + hand. Which of the gang it was I did not know, but I took it for granted + that it was one of them come with intent to murder me. Terror at this + instant left me; and starting upright in my bed, I exclaimed—‘I’m + ready to die! I die in a good cause! Give me five minutes to say my + prayers!’ and I fell upon my knees. The man standing silent beside the + bed, with one hand upon me, as if afraid I should escape from him. + </p> + <p> + “When I had finished my short prayer, I looked up towards my murderer, + expecting the stroke: but, what was my surprise and joy, when, as he held + the lantern up to his face, I beheld—the countenance of my master, + smiling upon me with the most encouraging benevolence. ‘Awake, Jervas,’ + said he, ‘and try if you can find out the difference between a friend and + an enemy. Put on your clothes as fast as you can, and show me the way to + this new vein.’ + </p> + <p> + “No one ever was sooner dressed than I was. I led the way to the spot, + which was covered up with rubbish, so that I was some time clearing out an + opening, my master assisting me all the while: for, as he said, he was + impatient to get me out of the mine safe, as he did not think my + apprehensions wholly without foundation. The light of our lantern was + scarcely sufficient for our purpose; but, when we came to the vein, my + master saw enough to be certain that I was in the right. We covered up the + place as before, and he noted the situation, so that he could be sure to + find it again. Then I showed him the way to the secret passage; but this + passage he knew already, for by it he had descended into the mine this + night. + </p> + <p> + “As we passed along, I pointed out the heaps of ore which lay ready to be + carried off. ‘It is enough, Jervas,’ said he, clapping his hand upon my + shoulder; ‘you have given me proof sufficient of your fidelity. Since you + were so ready to die in a good cause, and that cause mine, it is my + business to take care you shall live by it: so follow me out of this place + directly; and I will take good care of you, my honest lad.’ + </p> + <p> + “I followed him with quick steps, and a joyful heart: he took me home with + him to his own house, where he said I might sleep for the rest of the + night secure from all fear of murderers: and so, showing me into a small + closet within his own bedchamber, he wished me a good night; desiring me, + if I waked early, not to open the window-shutters of my room, nor go to + the window, lest some of his people should see me. + </p> + <p> + “I lay down, for the first time in my life, upon a feather-bed; but, + whether it was from the unusual feeling of the soft bed, or from the hurry + of mind in which I had been kept, and the sudden change of my + circumstances, I could not sleep a wink all the remainder of the night. + </p> + <p> + “Before daybreak, my master came into my room, and bid me rise, put on the + clothes which he brought me, and follow him without making any noise. I + followed him out of the house before any body else was awake; and he took + me across the fields towards the high road. At this place we waited till + we heard the tinkling of the bells of a team of horses. ‘Here comes the + waggon,’ said he, ‘in which you are to go. I have taken every possible + precaution to prevent any of the miners or people in the neighbourhood + from tracing you; and you will be in safety at Exeter, with my friend Mr. + Y——; to whom I am going to send you. Take this,’ continued he, + putting a letter directed to Mr. Y—— into my hand; ‘and here + are five guineas for you. I shall desire Mr. Y—— to pay you an + annuity of ten guineas out of the profits of the new vein, provided it + turns out well, and you do not turn out ill. So fare you well, Jervas. I + shall hear how you go on; and I only hope you will serve your next master, + whoever he may be, as faithfully as you have served me.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I shall never find so good a master,’ was all I could say for the soul + of me; for I was quite overcome by his goodness and by sorrow at parting + with him, as I then thought, for ever.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + “The morning clouds began to clear away; I could see my master at some + distance, and I kept looking after him, as the waggon went on slowly, and + as he walked fast away over the fields; but, when I had lost sight of him, + my thoughts were forcibly turned to other things. I seemed to awake to + quite a new scene, and new feelings. Buried underground in a mine, as I + had been from my infancy, the face of nature was totally unknown to me. + </p> + <p> + “‘We shall have a brave fine day of it, I hope and trust,’ said the + waggoner, pointing with his long whip to the rising sun. + </p> + <p> + “He went on whistling, whilst I, to whom the rising sun was a spectacle + wholly surprising, started up in astonishment! I know not what + exclamations I uttered, as I gazed upon it; but I remember the waggoner + burst out into a loud laugh. ‘<i>Lud a marcy</i>,’ said he, holding his + sides, ‘to hear <i>un</i>, and look at <i>un</i>, a body would think the + oaf had never seen the sun rise afore in all his born days!’ + </p> + <p> + “Upon this hint, which was nearer the truth than he imagined, recollecting + that we were still in Cornwall, and not out of the reach of my enemies, I + drew myself back into the waggon, lest any of the miners, passing the road + to their morning’s work, might chance to spy me out. + </p> + <p> + “It was well for me that I took this precaution; for we had not gone much + farther when we met a party of the miners; and, as I sat wedged up in a + corner behind a heap of parcels, I heard the voice of Clarke, who asked + the waggoner as he passed us, ‘What o’clock it might be?’ I kept myself + quite snug till he was out of sight; nay, long afterwards, I was content + to sit within the waggon, rather than venture out; and I amused myself + with listening to the bells of the team, which jingled continually. + </p> + <p> + “On our second day’s journey, however, I ventured out of my hiding-place; + I walked with the waggoner up and down the hills, enjoying the fresh air, + the singing of the birds, and the delightful smell of the honey-suckles + and the dog-roses in the hedges. All these wild flowers, and even the + weeds on the banks by the way-side, were to me matters of wonder and + admiration. At every step, almost, I paused to observe something that was + new to me; and I could not help feeling surprised at the insensibility of + my fellow-traveller, who plodded on, seldom interrupting his whistling, + except to cry, ‘Gee, Blackbird, aw, woa;’ or, ‘How now, Smiler;’ and + certain other words or sounds of menace and encouragement, addressed to + his horses in a language which seemed intelligible to them and to him, + though utterly incomprehensible to me. + </p> + <p> + “Once, as I was in admiration of a plant, whose stem was about two feet + high, and which had a round, shining, pale purple, beautiful flower, the + waggoner, with a look of extreme scorn, exclaimed, ‘Help thee, lad, does + not thee know ‘tis a common thistle? Didst thee not know that a thistle + would prick thee?’ continued he, laughing at the face I made when I + touched the prickly leaves; ‘why my horse Dobbin has more sense by half! + he is not like an ass hunting for thistles.’ + </p> + <p> + “After this, the waggoner seemed to look upon me as very nearly an idiot. + Just as we were going into the town of Plymouth, he eyed me from head to + foot, and muttered, ‘The lad’s beside himself, sure enough.’ In truth, I + believe I was a droll figure; for my hat was stuck full of weeds, and of + all sorts of wild flowers; and both my coat and waistcoat pockets were + stuffed out with pebbles and funguses. + </p> + <p> + “Such an effect, however, had the waggoner’s contemptuous look upon me, + that I pulled the weeds out of my hat, and threw down all my treasure of + pebbles before we entered the town. Nay, so much was I overawed, and in + such dread was I of passing for an idiot, that when we came within view of + the sea, in the fine harbour of Plymouth, I did not utter a single + exclamation; although I was struck prodigiously at this, my first sight of + the ocean, as much almost as I had been at the spectacle of the rising + sun. I just ventured, however, to ask my companion some questions about + the vessels which I beheld sailing on the sea, and the shipping with which + the bay was filled. But he answered coldly, ‘They be nothing in life but + the boats and ships, man: them that see them for the first time are often + struck all on a heap, as I’ve noticed, in passing by here: but I’ve seen + it all a many and a many times.’ So he turned away, went on chewing a + straw, and seemed not a whit more moved with admiration than he had been + at the sight of my thistle. + </p> + <p> + “I conceived a high opinion of a man who had seen so much that he could + admire nothing; and he preserved and increased my respect for him by the + profound silence which he maintained, during the five succeeding days of + our journey: he seldom or never opened his lips except to inform me of the + names of the towns through which we passed. I have since reflected that it + was fortunate for me that I had such a supercilious fellow-traveller on my + first journey; for he made me at once thoroughly sensible of my own + ignorance, and extremely anxious to supply my deficiencies, and to find + one who would give some other answer to my questions than a smile of + contempt, or, ‘<i>I do na knaw, I say</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + “We arrived at Exeter at last; and, with much ado, I found my way to Mr. Y——‘s + house. It was evening when I got there; and the servant to whom I gave the + letter said he supposed Mr. Y—— would not see me that night, + as he liked to have his evenings to himself; but he took the letter, and + in a few minutes returned, desiring me to follow him up stairs. + </p> + <p> + “I found the good old gentleman and some of his friends in his study, with + his grand-children about him; one little chap on his knee, another + climbing on the arm of his chair; and two bigger lads were busy looking at + a glass tube which he was showing them when I came in. It does not become + me to repeat the handsome things he said to me, upon reading over my good + master’s letter; but he was very gracious to me, and told me that he would + look out for some place or employment that would suit me; and in the mean + time, that I should be welcome to stay in his house, where I should meet + with the good treatment (which he was pleased to say) I deserved. Then, + observing that I was overcome with bashfulness, at being looked at by so + many strangers, he kindly dismissed me. + </p> + <p> + “The next day he sent for me again to his study, when he was alone; and + asked me several questions, seeming pleased with the openness and + simplicity of my answers. He saw that I gazed with vast curiosity at + several objects in the room, which were new to me: and pointing to the + glass tube, which he had been showing the boys when I first came in, he + asked me if they had such things as that in our mines; and if I knew the + use of it? I told him I had seen something like it in our overseer’s + hands; but that I had never known its use. It was a thermometer. Mr. Y—— + took great pains to show me how, and on what occasions, this instrument + might be useful. + </p> + <p> + “I saw I had now to do with a person who was somewhat different from my + friend the waggoner; and I cannot express the surprise and gratitude I + felt, when I found that he did not think me quite a fool. Instead of + looking at me with scorn, as one <i>very nearly an idiot</i>, he answered + my questions with condescension; and sometimes was so good as to add, + ‘That’s a sensible question, my lad.’ + </p> + <p> + “While we were looking at the thermometer, he found out that I could not + read the words <i>temperate, freezing point, boiling water heat, &c.</i> + which were written upon the ivory scale, in small characters. He took that + occasion to point out to me the use and advantages of knowing how to read + and write; and he told me that, as I wished to learn, he would desire the + writing-master, who came to attend his young grandson, to teach me. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not detain you with a journal of my progress through my + spelling-book and copy-books: it is enough to say that I applied with + diligence, and soon could write my name in rather more intelligible + characters than those in which the name of Jervas is cut on the rock that + we were looking at yesterday. + </p> + <p> + “My eagerness to read the books which he put into my hands, and the + attention which I paid to his lessons, pleased my writing-master so much, + that he took a pride, as he said, ‘<i>in bringing me forward as fast as + possible</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + “And here, I must confess, he was rather imprudent in the warmth of his + commendations; my head could not stand them; as much as I was humbled and + mortified by the waggoner’s calling me <i>an idiot</i>, so much was I + elated by my writing-master’s calling me <i>a genius</i>. I wrote some + very bad lines in praise of a thistle, which I thought prodigiously fine, + because my writing-master looked surprised, when I showed them to him; and + because he told me that, having given a copy of them to some gentlemen in + Exeter, they agreed that the rhymes were <i>wonderful for me</i>. + </p> + <p> + “I was at this period very nearly spoiled for life: but fortunately my + friend Mr. Y—— saw my danger, and cured me of my conceit, + without damping my ardour to acquire knowledge. He took me to the books in + his study, and showed me many volumes of fine poems; pointing out some + passages to me that greatly diminished my admiration of my own lines on + the thistle. The vast distance which I perceived between myself and these + writers threw me into despair. Mr. Y—— seeing me thoroughly + abashed, observed that he was glad to find I saw the difference between + bad and good poetry; and pointed out to me, it was not likely, if I turned + my industry to writing verses, that I should ever either earn my bread, or + equal those who had enjoyed greater advantages of leisure and education. + ‘But, Jervas,’ continued he, ‘I commend you for your application and + quickness in learning to write and read, in so short a time: you will find + both these qualifications of great advantage to you. Now, I advise you, + turn your thoughts to something that may make you useful to other people. + You have your bread to earn, and this you can only do by making yourself + useful in some way or other. Look about you, and you will see that I tell + you truth. You may perceive that the servants in my house are all useful + to me, and that I pay them for their services. The cook who can dress my + dinner, the baker who bakes bread for me, the smith who knows how to shoe + my horses, the writing-master who undertakes to teach my children to + write, can all earn money for themselves, and make themselves independent.—And + you may remark that, of all those I have mentioned, the writing-master is + the most respected, and the best paid. There are some kinds of knowledge, + and some kinds of labour, that are more highly paid for than others. But I + have said enough to you, Jervas, for the present: I do not want to lecture + you, but to serve you.—You are a young lad, and have had no + experience; I am an old man, and have had a great deal: so perhaps my + advice may be of some use to you.’ + </p> + <p> + “His advice was indeed of the greatest use to me: every word he said sunk + into my mind. I wish those who give advice to young people, especially to + those in a lower station than themselves, would follow this gentleman’s + example; and, instead of haranguing with the haughtiness of superior + knowledge, would speak with such kindness as to persuade at the same time + that they convince. + </p> + <p> + “The very day that Mr. Y—— spoke to me in this manner, he + called me in, that I might tell his eldest grandson the names which we + miners give to certain fossils that had been sent him from Cornwall; and, + after observing to the boy that this knowledge would be useful to him, he + begged me to tell him exactly how the mine, in which I had been employed, + was worked. This I did, as well as I was able; and imperfect as my + description was, it entertained the boys so much that I determined to try + to make a sort of model of the tin-mine for their amusement. + </p> + <p> + “But this I found no easy task; my remembrance, even of the place in which + I had lived all my life, was not sufficiently exact to serve me, as to the + length, height, breadth, &c. of the different parts; and though Mr. Y—— + had a good collection of fossils, I was at a loss, for want of materials, + to represent properly the different strata and veins; or, as we call it, + <i>the country</i>. + </p> + <p> + “My temper, naturally enthusiastic, was not on this occasion to be daunted + by any difficulties. I was roused by the notion that I should be able to + complete something that would be <i>really useful</i> to my kind + benefactor’s family; and I anticipated with rapture, the moment when I + should produce my model complete, and justify Mr. Y——‘s + opinion of my diligence and capacity. I thought of nothing else from the + moment these ideas came into my head. The measures, plans, and specimens + of earths and ore which were wanting, I knew could only be obtained from + the mine; and such was my ardour to accomplish my little project, that I + determined at all hazards to return into Cornwall, and to ask my good + master’s permission to revisit the mine in the night time. + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly, without a moment’s delay, I set out upon this expedition. + Part of the journey I performed on foot; but wherever I could, I got a set + down, because I was impatient to get near the <i>Land’s End</i>. I + concluded that the wonder excited by my sudden disappearance had subsided + by this time; that I was too insignificant to make it worth while to + continue a search after me for more than a few days; and that, in all + likelihood, my master had dismissed from his work the gang who had been + concerned in the plot, and who were the only persons whose revenge I had + reason to fear. + </p> + <p> + “However, as I drew near the mine, I had the prudence not to expose myself + unnecessarily; and I watched my opportunity so well, that I contrived to + meet my master, in his walk homeward, when no one was with him. I hastily + gave him a letter from Mr. Y——, as a certificate of my good + conduct since my leaving him; then explained the reason of my return, and + asked permission to examine the mines that night. + </p> + <p> + “He expressed a good deal of surprise, but no displeasure, at my boldness + in returning: he willingly granted my request; but, at the same time, + warned me that some of my enemies were still in the neighbourhood; and + that, though he had dismissed them from his works, and though several had + left the country in search of employment elsewhere, yet he was informed + that two or three of the gang, and Clarke among the number, were seen + lurking about the country: that they had sworn vengeance against me for <i>betraying</i> + them, as they called it; and had been indefatigably active in their search + after me. + </p> + <p> + “My master consequently advised me to stay only the ensuing night, and to + depart before daybreak: he also cautioned me not to wake the man who now + slept in my hut in the mine. + </p> + <p> + “I did not like to spoil the only good suit of clothes of which I was + possessed; so, before I went down into the mine, I got from my master my + old jacket, apron, and cap, in which being equipped, and furnished with a + lantern, and rod for measuring, I descended into the mine. + </p> + <p> + “I went to work as quietly as possible, surveyed the place exactly, and + remembered what I had heard Mr. Y—— observe, ‘that people can + never make their knowledge useful, if they have not been at the pains to + make it exact.’ I was determined to give him a proof of my exactness: + accordingly I measured and minuted down every thing with the most cautious + accuracy; and, so intent was my mind upon my work, the thoughts of Clarke + and his associates never came across me for a moment. Nay, I absolutely + forgot the man in the hut, and am astonished he was not sooner waked. + </p> + <p> + “What roused him at last was, I believe, the noise I made in loosening + some earth and stones for specimens. A great stone came tumbling down, and + immediately afterwards I heard one of the horses neigh, which showed me I + had waked them at least; and I betook myself to a hiding-place, in the + western gallery, where I kept quiet, for I believe a quarter of an hour, + in order to give the horses and the man, if he were awake, time to go to + sleep again. + </p> + <p> + “I ventured out of my hiding-place too soon; for, just as I left my nook, + I saw the man at the end of the gallery. Instantly, upon the sight of me, + he put both his hands before his face, gave a loud shriek, turned his + back, and took to his heels with the greatest precipitation. I guessed + that, as he said yesterday, he took me for the ghost of myself; and that + his terror made him mistake my lantern for a blue taper. I had no chain; + but that I had a rod in my hand is most certain: and it is also true that + I took advantage of his fears, to drive him out of my way; for the moment + he began to run, I shook my rod as fast and as loud as I could against the + tin top of my lantern; and I trampled with my feet as if I was pursuing + him. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the coast was clear, I hastened back for my specimens; which I + packed up in my basket, and then decamped as fast as I could. This is the + only time I ever walked in the western gallery with a <i>blue taper</i> in + my hand, dragging a <i>chain</i> after me, whatever the ghost-seer may + report to the contrary. + </p> + <p> + “I was heartily glad to get away, and to have thus happily accomplished + the object of my journey. I carried my basket on my back for some miles, + till I got to the place where a waggon put up; and in this I travelled + safely back to Exeter. + </p> + <p> + “I determined not to show my model to Mr. Y——, or the boys, + till it should be as complete as I could make it. I got a good ingenious + carpenter, who had been in the habit of working for the toy-shops, to help + me; and laid out the best part of my worldly treasure upon this my grand + first project. I had new models made of the sieves for <i>lueing</i>, the + <i>box</i> and <i>trough</i>, the <i>buddle, wreck, and tool</i> + {Footnote: The names of vessels and machines used in the Cornish + tin-mines.}, beside some dozen of wooden workmen, wheelbarrows, &c,; + with which the carpenter, by my directions, furnished my mine. I paid a + smith and tinman, moreover, for models of our <i>stamps</i>, and <i>blowing-house</i>, + and an iron grate for my box: besides, I had a <i>lion rampant</i> + {Footnote: A lion rampant is stamped on the block tin which is brought + thence.}, and other small matters, from the pewterer; also a pair of + bellows, finished by the glover; for all which articles, as they were out + of the common way, I was charged high. + </p> + <p> + “It was some time, even when all this was ready, before we could contrive + to make our puppets do their business properly: but patience accomplishes + every thing. At last we got our wooden miners to obey us, and to perform + their several tasks at the word of command; that is to say, at the pulling + of certain strings and wires, which we fastened to their legs, arms, + heads, and shoulders: which wires, being slender and black, were at a + little distance invisible to the spectators. When the skeletons were + perfect, we fell to work to dress and paint them; and I never shall forget + the delight with which I contemplated our whole company of puppets: men, + women, and children, fresh painted and dizened out, all in their proper + colours. The carpenter could scarcely prevent me from spoiling them: I was + so impatient to set them at work that I could not wait till their clothes + were dry; and I was every half hour rubbing my fingers upon their cheeks, + to try whether the red paint was yet hard enough. + </p> + <p> + “With some pride, I announced my intended exhibition to Mr. Y——; + and he appointed that evening for seeing it, saying that none but his own + boys should be present at the first representation. It was for them alone + it was originally designed; but I was so charmed with my newly-finished + work, that I would gladly have had all Exeter present at the exhibition. + However, before night, I was convinced of my friend Mr. Y——‘s + superior prudence: the whole thing, as the carpenter said, <i>went off</i> + pretty well; but several disasters happened which I had not foreseen. + There was one stiff old fellow, whose arms, twitch them which way I would, + I could never get to bend: and an obstinate old woman, who would never do + any thing else but curtsy, when I wanted her to kneel down and to do her + work. My children sorted their heaps of rubbish and ore very dexterously; + excepting one unlucky little chap, who, from the beginning, had his head, + somehow or other, turned the wrong way upon his shoulders; and I could + never manage, all the night, to set it right again: it was in vain I + flattered myself that his wry neck would escape observation; for, as he + was one of the wheelbarrow boys, he was a conspicuous figure in the piece; + and, whenever he appeared, wheeling or emptying his barrow, I to my + mortification heard repeated peals of laughter from the spectators, in + which even my patron, notwithstanding his good-natured struggles against + it for some time, was at last compelled to join. + </p> + <p> + “I, all the while, was wiping my forehead behind my show-box; for I never + was in such a bath of heat in my life: not the hardest day’s work I ever + wrought in the mine made me one half so hot as setting these puppets to + work. + </p> + <p> + “When my exhibition was over, good Mr. Y—— came to me, and + consoled me for all disasters, by the praises he bestowed upon my patience + and ingenuity: he showed me that he knew the difficulties with which I had + to contend: and he mentioned the defects to me in the kindest manner, and + how they might be remedied. ‘I see,’ said he, smiling, ‘that you have + endeavoured to make something useful for the entertainment of my boys; and + I will take pains to make it turn out advantageously to you.’ + </p> + <p> + “The next morning I went to look at my show-box, which Mr. Y—— + had desired me to leave in his study; and I was surprised to see the front + of the box, which I had left open for the spectators, filled up with + boards, and having a circular glass in the middle. The eldest boy, who + stood by enjoying my surprise, bid me look in, and tell him what I saw. + What was my astonishment, when I first looked through this glass—‘As + large as the life!—As large as the life!’ cried I, in admiration—‘I + see the puppets, the <i>wheelbarrows</i>, every thing as large as life!’ + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Y—— then told me, that it was by his grandson’s + directions that this glass, which he said was called a magnifying-glass, + or convex-lens, was added to my show-box. ‘He makes you a present of it; + and now,’ added he, smiling, ‘get all your little performers into order, + and prepare for a second representation: I will send for a clock-maker in + this town, who is an <i>ingenious</i> man, and will show you how to manage + properly the motions of your puppets; and then we will get a good painter + to paint them for you.” + </p> + <p> + “There was at this time, in Exeter, a society of literary gentlemen, who + met once a week at each other’s houses. Mr. Y—— was one of + these; and several of the principal families in Exeter, especially those + who had children, came on the appointed evening to see the model of the + Cornwall tin-mine, which, with the assistance of the clock-maker and + painter, was now become really a show worth looking at. I made but few + blunders this time, and the company were indulgent enough to pardon these, + and to express themselves well pleased with my little exhibition. They + gave me, indeed, solid marks of their satisfaction, which were quite + unexpected: after the exhibition, Mr. Y——‘s youngest + grandchild, in the name of the rest of the company, presented me with a + purse, containing the contributions which had been made for me. + </p> + <p> + “After repaying all my expenses for my journey and machinery, I found I + had six guineas and a crown to spare. So I thought myself a rich man; and, + having never seen so much money together in my life before, as six golden + guineas and a crown, I should, most probably, like the generality of + people who come into the possession of unexpected wealth, have become + extravagant, had it not been for the timely advice of my kind monitor, Mr. + Y——. When I showed him a pair of Chinese tumblers, which I had + bought from a pedlar for twice as much as they were worth, merely because + they pleased my fancy, he shook his head, and observed that I might, + before my death, want this very money to buy a loaf of bread. ‘If you + spend your money as fast as you get it, Jervas,’ said he, ‘no matter how + ingenious or industrious you are, you will always be poor. Remember the + good proverb that says, <i>Industry is Fortune’s right hand, and Frugality + her left</i>;’ a proverb which has been worth ten times more to me than + all my little purse contained: so true it is, that those do not always + give most who give money.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + “I had soon reason to rejoice at having thrown away no more money on + baubles, as I had occasion for my whole stock to fit myself out for a new + way of life. ‘Jervas,’ said Mr. Y—— to me, ‘I have at last + found an occupation, which I hope will suit you.’—Unknown to me, he + had been, ever since he first saw my little model, intent upon turning it + to my lasting advantage. Among the gentlemen of the society which I have + before mentioned, there was one who had formed a design of sending some + well-informed lecturer through England, to exhibit models of the machines + used in manufactories: Mr. Y—— purposely invited this + gentleman the evening that I exhibited my tin-mine, and proposed to him + that I should be permitted to accompany his lecturer. To this he agreed. + Mr. Y—— told me that although the person who was fixed upon as + lecturer was not exactly the sort of man he should have chosen, yet as he + was a relation of the gentleman who set the business on foot, no objection + could well be made to him. + </p> + <p> + “I was rather daunted by the cold and haughty look with which my new + master, the lecturer, received me when I was presented to him. Mr. Y——, + observing this, whispered to me at parting. ‘Make yourself useful, and you + will soon be agreeable to him. We must not expect to find friends ready + made wherever we go in the world: we often have to make friends for + ourselves with great pains and care.’ It cost me both pains and care, I + know, to make this lecturer my friend. He was what is called <i>born a + gentleman;</i> and he began by treating me as a low-born upstart, who, + being perfectly ignorant, wanted to pass for a self-taught <i>genius.</i> + That I was low-born, I did not attempt to conceal; nor did I perceive that + I had any reason to be ashamed of my birth, or of having raised myself by + honest means to a station above that in which I was born. I was proud of + this circumstance, and therefore it was no torment to me to hear the + continual hints which my well-born master threw out upon this subject. I + moreover never pretended to any knowledge which I had not; so that, by + degrees, notwithstanding his prejudices, he began to feel that I had + neither the presumption of an upstart, nor of a self-taught genius. I kept + in mind the counsel given to me by Mr. Y——, to endeavour to + make myself useful to my employer; but it was no easy matter to do this at + first, because he had such a dread of my awkwardness that he would never + let me touch any of his apparatus. I was always left to stand like a + cipher beside him whilst he lectured; and I had regularly the + mortification of hearing him conclude his lecture with, ‘<i>Now, gentlemen + and ladies, I will not detain you any longer from what, I am sensible, is + much better worth your attention than any thing I can offer—Mr. + Jervas’s puppet-show</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + “It happened one day that he sent me with a shilling, as he thought, to + pay a hostler for the feeding of his horse; as I rubbed the money between + my finger and thumb, I perceived that the white surface came off, and the + piece looked yellow: I recollected that my master had the day before been + showing some experiments with quicksilver and gold, and that he had + covered a guinea with quicksilver: so I immediately took the money back, + and my master, for the first time in his life, thanked me very cordially; + for this was in reality a guinea, and not a shilling. He was also + surprised at my directly mentioning the experiment he had shown. + </p> + <p> + “The next day that he lectured, he omitted the offensive conclusion about + Mr. Jervas’s puppet-show. I observed, farther, to my infinite + satisfaction, that after this affair of the guinea, he was not so + suspicious of my honesty as he used to appear to be: he now yielded more + to his natural indolence, and suffered me to pack up his things for him, + and to do a hundred little services which formerly he used roughly to + refuse at my hands; saying, ‘I had rather do it myself, <i>sir</i>,’ or, + ‘I don’t like to have <i>any</i> body meddle with my things, Mr. Jervas.’ + But his tone changed, and it was now, ‘Jervas, I’ll leave you to put up + these things, whilst I go and read;’—or, ‘Jervas, will you see that + I leave none of my goods behind me, there’s a good lad?’—In truth, + he was rather apt to leave his goods behind him: he was the most absent + and forgetful man alive. During the first half year we travelled together, + whilst he attempted to take care of his own things, I counted that he lost + two pair and a half of slippers, one boot, three night-caps, one shirt, + and fifteen pocket-handkerchiefs. Many of these losses, I make no doubt, + were set down in his imagination to my account whilst he had no opinion of + my honesty; but I am satisfied that he was afterwards thoroughly convinced + of the injustice of his suspicions, as, from the time that I had the + charge of his <i>goods</i>, as he called them, to the day we parted, + including a space of above four years and a half, he never lost any thing + but one red nightcap, which, to the best of my belief, he sent in his wig + one Sunday morning to the barber’s, but which never came back again, and + an old ragged blue pocket-handkerchief, which he said he put under his + pillow, or into his boot, when he went to bed at night. He had an odd way + of sticking his pocket-handkerchief into his boot, that he might be sure + to find it in the morning.’ I suspect the handkerchief was carried down in + the boot when it was taken to be cleaned. He was, however, perfectly + certain that these two losses were not to be imputed to any carelessness + of mine. He often said he was obliged to me for the attention I paid to + his interests; he treated me now very civilly, and would sometimes + condescend to explain to me in private what I did not understand in his + public lectures. + </p> + <p> + “I was presently advanced to the dignity of his secretary. He wrote a + miserably bad hand: and his manuscripts were so scratched and interlined, + that it was with the utmost difficulty he could decipher his own writing, + when he was obliged to have recourse to his notes in lecturing. He was, + moreover, extremely near-sighted; and he had a strange trick of wrinkling + up the skin on the bridge of his nose when he was perplexed: altogether, + his look was so comical when he began to pore over these papers of his, + that few of the younger part of our audiences could resist their + inclination to laugh. This disconcerted him beyond measure; and he was + truly glad to accept my offer of copying out his scrawls fairly in a good + bold round hand. I could now write, if I may say it without vanity, an + excellent hand, and could go over his calculations as far as the first + four rules of arithmetic were concerned; so that I became quite his <i>factotum</i>: + and I thought myself rewarded for all my pains, by having opportunities of + gaining every day some fresh piece of knowledge from the perusal of the + notes which I transcribed. + </p> + <p> + “It was now that I felt most thoroughly the advantage of having learned to + read and write: stores of useful information were opened to me, and my + curiosity and desire to inform myself were insatiable. I often sat up half + the night reading and writing: I had free access now to all my + fellow-traveller’s books, and I thought I could never study them enough. + </p> + <p> + “At the commencement of my studies, my master often praised my diligence, + and would show me where to look for what I wanted in his books, or explain + difficulties: I looked up to him as a miracle of science and learning; + nay, I was actually growing fond of him, but this did not last long. In + process of time, he grew shy of explaining things to me; he scolded me for + thumbing his books, though, God knows, my thumbs were always cleaner than + his own, and he thwarted me continually upon some pretence or other. I + could not for some time conceive the cause of this change in my master’s + behaviour: indeed it was hard for me to guess or believe that he was + become jealous of the talents and knowledge of a poor lad, whose ignorance + he, but a few years before, had so much despised and derided. I was the + more surprised at this new turn of his mind, because I was conscious that, + instead of becoming more conceited, I had of late become more humble; but + this humility was, by my suspicious master, attributed to artifice, and + tended more than any thing to confirm him in his notion that I had formed + a plan to supplant him in his office of lecturer, a scheme which had never + entered into my head. I was thunderstruck when he one day said to me, ‘You + need not study so hard, Mr. Jervas; for I promise you that, even with Mr. + Y——‘s assistance, and all your <i>art</i>, you will not be + able to supplant me, clever as, with all affected humility, you think + yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + “The truth lightened upon me at once. Had he been a judge of the human + countenance, he must have seen my innocence in my looks: but he was so + fixed in his opinion, that I knew any protestations I could make of my + never having thought of the scheme he imputed to me, would serve only to + confirm him in his idea of my dissimulation. I contented myself with + returning to him his books and his manuscripts, and thenceforward withdrew + my attention from his lectures, to which I had always till now been one of + the most eager auditors; by these proceedings I hoped to quiet his + suspicions. I no longer applied myself to any studies in which he was + engaged, to show him that all competition with him was far from my + thoughts; and I have since reflected that this fit of jealousy of his, + which I at the time looked upon as a misfortune, because it stopped me + short in pursuits which were highly agreeable to my taste, was in fact of + essential service to me. My reading had been too general; and I had + endeavoured to master so many things, that I was not likely to make myself + thoroughly skilled in any. As a blacksmith said once to me, when he was + asked why he was not both blacksmith and whitesmith, ‘The smith that will + meddle with all things may go shoe the goslings;’ an old proverb, which, + from its mixture of drollery and good sense, became ever after a favourite + of mine. + </p> + <p> + “Having returned my master’s books, I had only such to read as I could + purchase or borrow for myself, and I became very careful in my choice: I + also took every opportunity of learning all I could from the conversation + of sensible people, wherever we went; and I found that one piece of + knowledge helped me to another often when I least expected it. And this I + may add, for the encouragement of others, that every thing which I learned + accurately was, at some time or other of my life, of use to me. + </p> + <p> + “After having made a progress through England, my fellow-traveller + determined to try his fortune in the metropolis, and to give lectures + there to young people during the winter season. Accordingly, we proceeded + towards London, taking Woolwich in our way, where we exhibited before the + young gentlemen of the military academy. My master, who, since he had + withdrawn his notes from my hands, had no one to copy them fairly, found + himself, during his lecture, in some perplexity; and, as he exhibited his + usual odd contortions upon this occasion, the young gentlemen could not + restrain their laughter: he also prolonged his lecture more than his + audience liked, and several yawned terribly, and made signs of an + impatient desire to see what was in my box, as a relief from their + fatigue. This my master quickly perceived, and, being extremely provoked, + he spoke to me with a degree of harshness and insolence which, as I bore + it with temper, prepossessed the young company in my favour. He concluded + his lecture with the old sentence: ‘Gentlemen, I shall no longer detain + you from what I am sure is much better worthy of your attention than any + thing I can offer, viz. Mr. Jervas’s puppet-show.’ This was an unlucky + speech on the present occasion, for it happened that every body, after + having seen what he called my puppet-show, was precisely of this opinion. + My master grew more and more impatient, and wanted to hurry me away, but + one spirited young man most warmly took me and my tin-mine under his + protection: I stood my ground, insisting upon my right to finish my + exhibition, as my master had been allowed full time to finish his. The + young gentleman who supported me was as well pleased by my present + firmness as he had been by my former patience. At parting he made a + handsome collection for me, which I refused to accept, taking only the + regular price. ‘Well,’ said he, ‘you shall be no loser by this. You are + going to town; my father is in London; here is his direction. I’ll mention + you to him the next time I write home, and you’ll not be the worse for + that.’ + </p> + <p> + “As soon as we got to London, I went according to my direction. The young + gentleman had been more punctual in writing home than young gentlemen + sometimes are. I was appointed to come with my models the next evening, + when a number of young people were collected, beside the children of the + family. The young spectators gathered round me at one end of a large + saloon, asking me innumerable questions after the exhibition was over; + whilst the master of the house, who was an East India director, was + walking up and down the room, conversing with a gentleman in an officer’s + uniform. They were, as I afterwards understood, talking about the casting + of some guns at Woolwich for the East India Company. ‘Charles,’ said the + director, coming to the place where we were standing, and tapping one of + his sons on the shoulder, ‘do you recollect what your brother told us + about the proportion of tin which is used in casting brass cannon at + Woolwich?’ The young gentleman answered that he could not recollect, but + referred his father to me; adding, that his brother told him I was the + person from whom he had the information. My memory served me exactly; and + I had reason to rejoice that I had not neglected the opportunity of + gaining this knowledge, during our short stay at Woolwich. The East India + director, pleased with my answering his first question accurately, + condescended, in compliance with his children’s entreaties, to examine my + models, and questioned me upon a variety of subjects: at length he + observed to the gentleman with whom he had been conversing, that I + explained myself well, that I knew all I did know accurately, and that I + had the art of captivating the attention of young people. ‘I do think,’ + concluded he, ‘that he would answer Dr. Bell’s description better than any + person I have seen.’ He then inquired particularly into my history and + connexions, all of which I told him exactly. He took down the direction to + Mr. Y——, and my good master (as I shall always call Mr. R——), + and to several other gentlemen, at whose houses I had been during the last + three or four years, telling me that he would write to them about me; and + that if he found my accounts of myself were as exact as my knowledge upon + other subjects, he thought he could place me in a very eligible situation. + The answers to these letters were all perfectly satisfactory: he gave me + the letter from Mr. R——, saying ‘you had better keep this + letter, and take care of it; for it will be a recommendation to you in any + part of the world where courage and fidelity are held in esteem.’ Upon + looking into this letter, I found that my good master had related, in the + handsomest manner, the whole of my conduct about the discovery of the vein + in his mine. + </p> + <p> + “The director now informed me that, if I had no objection to go to India, + I should be appointed to go out to Madras as an assistant to Dr. Bell, one + of the directors of the asylum for the instruction of orphans; an + establishment which is immediately under the auspices of the East India + Company, and which does them honour {Footnote: <i>Vide</i> a small + pamphlet, printed for Cadell and Davies, entitled, “An Experiment in + Education, made at the Male Asylum of Madras, by the Rev. Dr. A. Bell.“}. + </p> + <p> + “The salary which was offered me was munificent beyond my utmost + expectations; and the account of the institution, which was put into my + hands, charmed me. I speedily settled all my concerns with the lecturer, + who was in great astonishment that this appointment had not fallen upon + him. To console him for the last time, I showed him a passage in Dr. + Bell’s pamphlet, in which it is said that the doctor prefers to all + others, for teaching at his school, youths who have no fixed habits as + tutors, and who will implicitly follow his directions. I was at this time + but nineteen: my master was somewhat appeased by this view of the affair, + and we parted, as I wished, upon civil terms; though I could not feel much + regret at leaving him. I had no pleasure in living with one who would not + let me become attached to him; for, having early met with two excellent + friends and masters, the agreeable feelings of gratitude and affection + were in a manner necessary to my happiness. + </p> + <p> + “Before I left England, I received new proofs of Mr. R——‘s + goodness: he wrote to me to say that, as I was going to a distant country, + to which a small annuity of ten guineas a year could not easily be + remitted, he had determined to lay out a sum equal to the value of the + annuity he had promised me, in a manner which he hoped would be + advantageous: he further said, that as the vein of the mine with which I + had made him acquainted turned out better than he expected, he had added + the value of fifty guineas more than my annuity; and that if I would go to + Mr. Ramsden’s, mathematical instrument maker, in Piccadilly, I should + receive all he had ordered to be ready for me. At Mr. Ramsden’s I found + ready to be packed up for me two small globes, siphons, prisms, an air-gun + and an air-pump, a speaking trumpet, a small apparatus for showing the + gases, and an apparatus for freezing water. Mr. Ramsden informed me that + these were not all the things Mr. R—— had bespoken; that he + had ordered a small balloon, and a portable telegraph, in form of an + umbrella, which would be sent home, as he expected, in the course of the + next week. Mr. Ramsden also had directions to furnish me with a set of + mathematical instruments of his own making. ‘But,’ added he with a smile, + ‘you will be lucky if you get them soon enough out of my hands.’ In fact, + I believe I called a hundred times in the course of a fortnight upon + Ramsden, and it was only the day before the fleet sailed that they were + finished and delivered to me. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot here omit to mention an incident that happened in one of my + walks to Ramsden’s: I was rather late, and was pushing my way hastily + through a crowd that was gathered at the turning of a street, when a + hawker by accident flapped a bundle of wet hand-bills in my eyes, and at + the same instant screamed in my ears, ‘<i>The last dying speech and + confession of Jonathan Clarke, who was executed on Monday, the 11th + instant.</i>’—Jonathan Clarke! The name struck my ears suddenly, and + the words I shocked me so much that I stood fixed to the spot; and it was + I not till the hawker had passed by me some yards, and was beginning with + ‘<i>The last dying speech and confession of Jonathan Clarke, the Cornwall + miner</i>,’ that I recollected myself enough to speak: I called after the + hawker in vain: he was bawling too loud to hear me, and I was forced to + run the whole length of the street before I could overtake him, and get + one of the hand-bills. On reading it, I could have no doubt that it was + really the last dying speech of my old enemy Clarke. His birth, parentage, + and every circumstance, convinced me of the truth. Amongst other things in + his confession, I came to a plan he had laid to murder a poor lad in the + tin-mine, where he formerly worked; ‘and he thanked God that this plan was + never executed, as the boy providentially disappeared the very night on + which the murder was to have been perpetrated. He further set forth that, + after being turned away by his master, and obliged to fly from Cornwall, + he came up to London, and worked as a coal-heaver for a little while, but + soon became what is called a <i>mud-lark</i>; that is, a plunderer of the + ships’ cargoes that unload in the Thames. He plied this abominable trade + for some time, drinking every day to the value of what he stole, till, in + a quarrel at an ale-house about the division of some articles to be sold + to a receiver of stolen goods, he struck the woman of the house a blow, of + which she died; and, as it was proved that he had long-borne her malice + for some old dispute, Clarke was on his trial brought in guilty of wilful + murder, and sentenced to be hanged. + </p> + <p> + “I shuddered whilst I read all this.—To such an end, after the + utmost his cunning could do, was this villain brought at last! How + thankful I was that I did not continue his associate in my boyish days! + My gratitude to my good master increased upon the reflection that it was + his humanity which had raised me from vice and misery, to virtue and + happiness. We sailed from the Downs the 20th of March, one thousand seven + hundred and.... But why I tell you this I do not know; except it be in + compliance with the custom of all voyagers, who think that it is important + to the world to know on what day they sailed from this or that port. I + shall not, however, imitate them in giving you a journal of the wind, or a + copy of the ship’s log-book. Suffice it to say, that we arrived safely at + Madras, after a voyage of about the usual number of months and days, + during all which I am sorry that I have not for your entertainment any + escape or imminent danger of shipwreck to relate; nor even any description + of a storm or a water-spout. + </p> + <p> + “You will, I am afraid, be much disappointed to find that, upon my arrival + in India, where doubtless you expected that I should like others have + wonderful adventures, I began to live at Dr. Bell’s asylum in Madras a + quiet regular life; in which for years I may safely say, that every day in + the week was extremely like that which preceded it. This regularity was + nowise irksome to me, notwithstanding that I had for some years, in + England, been so much used to a roving way of life. I had never any taste + for rambling; and under Dr. Bell, who treated me with strict justice, as + far as the business of the asylum was concerned, and with distinguished + kindness in all other circumstances, I enjoyed as much freedom as I + desired. I never had those absurd vague notions of liberty, which render + men uneasy under the necessary restraints of all civilized society, and + which do not make them the more fit to live with savages. The young people + who were under my care gradually became attached to me, and I to them. I + obeyed Dr. Bell’s directions exactly in all things; and he was pleased to + say, after I had been with him for some time, that he never had any + assistant who was so entirely agreeable to him. When the business of the + day was over, I often amused myself, and the elder boys, with my apparatus + for preparing the gases, my speaking-trumpet, air-gun, &c. + </p> + <p> + “One day, I think it was in the fourth year of my residence at Madras, Dr. + Bell sent for me into his closet, and asked me if I had ever heard of a + scholar of his, of the name of William Smith, a youth of seventeen years + of age; who, in the year 1794, attended the embassy to Tippoo Sultan, when + the hostage princes were restored; and who went through a course of + experiments in natural philosophy, in the presence of the sultan. I + answered Dr. Bell that, before I left England, I had read, in his account + of the asylum, extracts from this William Smith’s letters, whilst he was + at the sultan’s court; and that I remembered all the experiments he had + exhibited perfectly well; and also that he was detained, by the sultan’s + order, nineteen days after the embassy had taken leave, for the purpose of + instructing two aruzbegs, or lords, in the use of an extensive and elegant + mathematical apparatus, presented to Tippoo by the government at Madras. + </p> + <p> + {Footnote: <i>Extracts from William Smith’s Letters to Dr. Bell, (vide the + Pamphlet before mentioned.)</i> + </p> + <p> + ‘Devanelli Fort, April 8, 1792. + </p> + <p> + ‘REVEREND SIR, + </p> + <p> + ‘I take the liberty of informing you that we arrived here the 28th ult. + without any particular occurrence in the way. The day after our arrival we + made our first visit to the sultan; and he entertained us at his court for + upwards of three hours. + </p> + <p> + ‘On the 1st instant Captain Dovetoun sent me an order to open the boxes, + and lay out the machines, to show them to the sultan. Accordingly, on the + third, I was sent for, and I exhibited the following experiments; viz. + head and wig; dancing images; electric stool; cotton fired; small receiver + and stand; hemispheres; Archimedes’ screw; siphon; Tantalus’s cup; + water-pump; condensing engine, &c. Captain Dovetoun was present, and + explained, as I went on, to the sultan, who has given us an instance of + his being acquainted with some of these experiments. He has shown us a + condensing engine made by himself, which spouted water higher than ours. + He desired me to teach two men, his aruzbegs. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘I can assure you that Tippoo Sultan was mightily pleased with the + electric machine. He was prepared for every experiment I exhibited, except + the firing of the inflammable air. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘It did cost me several minutes before the firing of the inflammable air + proved successful; during which time he was in a very impatient emotion; + and, when that was done, it did indeed surprise him. He desired me to go + over it three times. + </p> + <p> + ‘I take the liberty to write for your information the familiar discourse + Tippoo Sultan was pleased to enter into with me, that took place at the + close of the experiments. + </p> + <p> + ‘There were some silver trumpets, newly made, brought in to him for his + inspection, and which he desired the trumpeters to sound <i>hauw</i> and + <i>jauw</i>; i.e. come and go; after which, he asked me if they were like + those I saw at Madras. I answered, Yes; but those at Madras are made of + copper. He asked me again whether the tune was any thing like what I had + ever heard. I answered, No. How then? says he; and presently ordering the + instrument to be put into my hands, desired me to blow. I told him, very + civilly, that I could not blow. No! says he: you could; what are you + afraid of? I told him again that I spoke truth; and that I was brought up + in a school where my master informed me what lying was, and always + punished those boys that spoke untruths. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘June 11th. After this the sultan arose (five hours being elapsed) to quit + the court, and desired the present (of a hundred rupees) to be delivered + into my hands, with these words: “This is given you as a present for the + trouble you took in performing those experiments, which verily pleased + me;” and a command that I am to stay in the fort ten days; “after which,” + he continued, “I will send you to Kistnagherry, with two hircarrahs, in + order to conduct you safely through my country.” I returned the compliment + with a salam, in the manner I was instructed; saying that I thankfully + accepted his present, and am willing to obey his commands. The language + which the sultan used was the Carnatic Malabar. Mine very little differed + from his. Poornbia was the interpreter of such terms as the sultan did not + understand.‘} + </p> + <p> + “Well,’ said Dr. Bell, ‘since that time Tippoo Sultan has been at war, and + has had no leisure, I suppose, for the study of philosophy, or + mathematics; but now that he has just made peace, and wants something to + amuse him, he has sent to the government at Madras, to request that I will + permit some of my scholars to pay a second visit at his court to refresh + the memory of the aruzbegs, and, I presume, to exhibit some new wonders + for Tippoo’s entertainment.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dr. B. proposed to me to go on this embassy: accordingly, I prepared all + my apparatus, and, having carefully remarked what experiments Tippoo had + already seen, I selected such as would be new to him. I packed up my + speaking-trumpet, my apparatus for freezing water, and that for exhibiting + the gases, my balloon and telegraph, and with these and my model of the + tin-mine, which I took by Dr. Bell’s advice, I set out with two of his + eldest scholars upon our expedition. We were met on the entrance of + Tippoo’s dominions by four hircarrahs or soldiers, whom the sultan sent as + a guard to conduct us safely through his dominions. He received us at + court the day after our arrival. Unaccustomed as I was to Asiatic + magnificence, I confess that my eyes were at first so dazzled by the + display of oriental pomp that, as I prostrated myself at the foot of the + sultan’s throne, I considered him as a personage high as human veneration + could look upon. After having made my salam, or salutation, according to + the custom of his court, as I was instructed to do, the sultan commanded + me, by his interpreter, to display my knowledge of the arts and sciences, + for the instruction and amusement of his court. + </p> + <p> + “My boxes and machines had all been previously opened, and laid out: I was + prepared to show my apparatus for freezing, but Tippoo’s eye was fixed + upon the painted silk balloon; and with prodigious eagerness he + interrupted me several times with questions about that great empty bag. I + endeavoured to make him understand as well as I could, by my interpreter + and his own, that this great empty bag was to be filled with a species of + air lighter than the common air; and that, when filled, the bag which I + informed him was in our country called a balloon, would mount far above + his palace. No sooner was this repeated to him, by the interpreter, than + the sultan commanded me <i>instantly</i> to fill the balloon; and when I + replied that it could not be done instantly, and that I was not prepared + to exhibit it on this day, Tippoo gave signs of the most childish + impatience. He signified to me, that since I could not show him what he + wanted to see, the sultan would not see what I wanted to show. I replied, + through his interpreter, in the most respectful but firm manner, that no + one would be so presumptuous as to show to Tippoo Sultan, in his own + court, any thing which he did not desire to see: that it was in compliance + with his wishes that I came to his court, from which, in obedience to his + commands, I should at any time be ready to withdraw. A youth, who stood at + the right hand of Tippoo’s throne, seemed much to approve of this answer, + and the sultan, assuming a more composed and dignified aspect, signified + to me that he was satisfied to await for the sight of the filling of the + great bag till the next day; and that he should, in the mean time, be well + pleased to see what I was now prepared to show. + </p> + <p> + “The apparatus for freezing, which we then exhibited, seemed to please + him; but I observed that he was, during a great part of the time whilst I + was explaining it, intent upon something else; and no sooner had I done + speaking than he caused to be produced the condensing engines, made by + himself, which he formerly showed to William Smith, and which he said + spouted water higher than any of ours. The sultan, I perceived, was much + more intent upon displaying his small stock of mechanical knowledge than + upon increasing it; and the mixture of vanity and ignorance, which he + displayed upon this and many subsequent occasions, considerably lessened + the awe which his external magnificence at first excited in my mind. + Sometimes he would put himself in competition with me, to show his + courtiers his superiority; but failing in these attempts, he would then + treat me as a species of mechanic juggler, who was fit only to exhibit for + the amusement of his court. When he saw my speaking-trumpet, which was + made of copper, he at first looked at it with great scorn, and ordered his + trumpeters to show me theirs, which were made of silver. As he had + formerly done when my predecessor was at his court, he desired his + trumpeters to sound through these trumpets the words <i>hauw</i> and <i>jauw</i>, + i.e. come and go: but, upon trial, mine was found to be far superior to + the sultan’s: and I received intimation, through one of his courtiers, + that it would be prudent to offer it immediately to Tippoo. This I + accordingly did, and he accepted it with the eagerness of a child who has + begged and obtained a new play-thing.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + “The next day, Tippoo and his whole court assembled to see my balloon. + Tippoo was seated in a splendid pavilion, and his principal courtiers + stood in a semicircle on each side of him: the youth, whom I formerly + observed, was again on his right hand, and his eyes were immovably fixed + upon my balloon, which had been previously filled and fastened down by + cords. I had the curiosity to ask who this youth was: I was informed he + was the sultan’s eldest son, Prince Abdul Calie. I had not time to make + any farther inquiries, for Tippoo now ordered a signal to be given, as had + been previously agreed upon. I instantly cut the cords which held the + balloon, and it ascended with a rapid but graceful motion, to the + unspeakable astonishment and delight of all the spectators. Some clapped + their hands and shouted, others looked up in speechless ecstasy, and in + the general emotion all ranks for an instant were confounded: even Tippoo + Sultan seemed at this interval to be forgotten, and to forget himself, in + the admiration of this new wonder. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the balloon was out of sight, the court returned to their + usual places, the noise subsided, and the sultan, as if desirous to fix + the public attention upon himself, and to show his own superior + magnificence, issued orders immediately to his treasurer to present me, as + a token of his royal approbation, with two hundred star pagodas. When I + approached to make my salam and compliment of thanks, as I was instructed, + the sultan, who observed that some of the courtiers already began to + regard me with envy, as if my reward had been too great, determined to + divert himself with their spleen, and to astonish me with his generosity: + he took from his finger a diamond ring, which he presented to me by one of + his officers. The young prince, Abdul Calie, whispered to his father + whilst I was withdrawing, and I soon afterwards received a message from + the sultan, requesting, or, in other words, ordering me to remain some + time at his court, to instruct the young prince, his son, in the use of my + European machines, for which they had in their language no names. + </p> + <p> + “This command proved a source of real pleasure to me; for I found Prince + Abdul Calie not only a youth of quick apprehension, but of a most amiable + disposition, unlike the imperious and capricious temper which I had + remarked in his father. Prince Abdul Calie had been, when he was about + twelve years old, one of the hostage princes left with Lord Cornwallis at + Seringapatam. With that politeness which is seldom to be found in the sons + of eastern despots, this prince, after my first introduction, ordered the + magnificent palanquin, given to him by Lord Cornwallis, to be shown to me; + then pointing to the enamelled snakes which support the panels, and on + which the sun at that instant happened to shine, Prince Abdul Calie was + pleased to say, ‘The remembrance of your noble countryman’s kindness to me + is as fresh and lively in my soul as those colours now appear to my eye.’ + </p> + <p> + “Another thing gave me a good opinion of this young prince; he did not + seem to value presents merely by their costliness; whether he gave or + received, he considered the feelings of others; and I know that he often + excited in my mind more gratitude by the gift of a mere trifle, by a word + or a look, than his ostentatious father could by the most valuable + donations. Tippoo, though he ordered his treasurer to pay me fifty rupees + per day, whilst I was in his service, yet treated me with a species of + insolence; which, having some of the feelings of a free-born Briton about + me, I found it difficult to endure with patience. His son, on the + contrary, showed that he felt obliged to me for the little instruction I + was able to give him; and never appeared to think that, as a prince, he + could pay for all the kindness, as well as the service of his inferiors, + by pagodas or rupees: so true it is that attachment cannot be bought; and + those who wish to have friends, as well as servants, should keep this + truth constantly in mind. My English spirit of independence induced me to + make these and many more such reflections whilst I was at Tippoo’s court. + </p> + <p> + “Every day afforded me fresh occasion to form comparisons between the + sultan and his son; and my attachment to my pupil every day increased. My + pupil! It was with astonishment I sometimes reflected that a young prince + was actually my pupil. Thus an obscure individual, in a country like + England, where arts, sciences, and literature are open to all ranks, may + obtain a degree of knowledge which an eastern despot, in all his pride, + would gladly purchase with ingots of his purest gold. + </p> + <p> + “One evening, after the business of the day was over, Tippoo Sultan came + into his son’s apartment, whilst I was explaining to the young prince the + use of some of the mathematical instruments in my pocket-case. ‘We are + well acquainted with these things,’ said the sultan in a haughty tone: + ‘the government of Madras sent us such things as those, with others, which + are now in the possession of some of my aruzbegs, who have doubtless + explained them sufficiently to the prince my son.’ Prince Abdul Calie + modestly replied, ‘that he had never before been made to understand them; + for that the aruzbeg, who had formerly attempted to explain them, had not + the art of making things so clear to him as I had done.’ + </p> + <p> + “I felt a glow of pleasure at this compliment, and at the consciousness + that I deserved it. How little did I imagine, when I used to sit up at + nights studying my old master’s books, that one of them would be the means + of procuring me such honour. {Footnote: Jervas here alludes to a book + entitled, “A Description of Pocket and Magazine Cases of Drawing + Instruments: in which is explained the use of each instrument, and + particularly of the sector and plain scale, Gunter’s scale, &c. By J. + Barrow, private teacher of mathematics.”} + </p> + <p> + “‘What is contained in that box?’ said the sultan, pointing to the box + which held the model of the tin-mine. ‘I do not remember to have seen it + opened in my presence.’ + </p> + <p> + “I replied that it had not been opened, because I feared that it was not + worthy to be shown to him. But he commanded that it should instantly be + exhibited; and, to my great surprise, it seemed to delight him + excessively: he examined every part, moved the wires of the puppets, and + asked innumerable questions concerning our tin-mines. I was the more + astonished at this, because I had imagined he would have considered every + object of commerce as beneath the notice of a sultan. Nor could I guess + why he should be peculiarly interested in this subject: but he soon + explained this to me, by saying that he had, in his dominions, certain + mines of tin, which he had a notion would, if properly managed, bring a + considerable revenue to the royal treasury; but that at present, through + negligence or fraud, these mines were rather burdensome than profitable. + </p> + <p> + “He inquired from me how my model came into my possession; and, when his + interpreter told him that I made it myself, he caused the question and + answer to be repeated twice, before he would believe that he understood me + rightly. He next inquired whether I was acquainted with the art of mining; + and how I came by my information: in short, he commanded me to relate my + history. I replied that it was a long story, concerning only an obscure + individual, and unworthy the attention of a great monarch: but he seemed + this evening to have nothing to do but to gratify his curiosity, which my + apology only served to increase. He again commanded me to relate my + adventures, and I then told him the history of my early life. I was much + flattered by the interest which the young prince took in my escape from + the mine, and by the praises he bestowed on my fidelity to my master. + </p> + <p> + “The sultan, on the contrary, heard me at first with curiosity, but + afterwards with an air of incredulity. Upon observing this, I produced the + letter from my good master to the East India director, which gave a full + account of the whole affair. I put this letter into the hands of the + interpreter, and with some difficulty he translated it into the Carnatic + Malabar, which was the language the sultan used in speaking to me. + </p> + <p> + “The letter, which had the counter-signatures of some of the East India + Company’s servants resident at Madras, whose names were well known to + Tippoo, failed not to make a great impression in favour of my integrity: + of my knowledge he had before a high opinion. He stood musing for some + time, with his eyes fixed upon the model of the tin-mine; and, after + consulting with the young prince, as I guessed by their tones and looks, + he bade his interpreter tell me that, if I would undertake to visit the + tin-mines in his dominions, to instruct his miners how to work them, and + to manage the ore according to the English fashion, I should receive from + the royal treasury a reward more than proportioned to my services, and + suitable to the generosity of a sultan. + </p> + <p> + “Some days were given me to consider of this proposal. Though tempted by + the idea that I might realize, in a short time, a sum that would make me + independent for the rest of my life, yet my suspicions of the capricious + and tyrannical temper of Tippoo made me dread to have him for a master; + and, above all, I resolved to do nothing without the express permission of + Dr. Bell, to whom I immediately wrote. He seemed, by his answer, to think + that such an opportunity of making my fortune was not to be neglected: my + hopes, therefore, prevailed over my fears, and I accepted the proposal. + </p> + <p> + “The presents which he had made me, and the salary allowed me during six + weeks that I had attended the young prince, amounted to a considerable + sum; 500 star pagodas and 500 rupees: all which I left, together with my + ring, in the care of a great Gentoo merchant of the name of Omychund, who + had shown me many civilities. With proper guides, and full powers from the + sultan, I proceeded on my journey, and devoted myself with the greatest + ardour to my undertaking. A very laborious and difficult undertaking it + proved: for in no country are prejudices in favour of their own customs + more inveterate, amongst workmen of every description, than in India; and + although I was empowered to inflict what punishment I thought proper on + those who disobeyed, or even hesitated to fulfil my orders, yet, thank + God! I could never bring myself to have a poor slave tortured, or put to + death, because he roasted ore in a manner which I did not think so good as + my own method; nor even because he was not so well convinced as I was of + the advantages of our Cornwall smelting-furnace. + </p> + <p> + “My moderation was of more service to me, in the minds of the people, than + the utmost violence I could have employed to enforce obedience. As I got + by degrees some little knowledge of their language, I grew more and more + acceptable to them; and some few, who tried methods of my proposing, and + found that they succeeded, were, by my directions, rewarded with the + entire possession of the difference of profit between the old and new + modes. This bounty enticed others; and in time that change was + accomplished by gentle means, which I had at first almost despaired of + ever effecting. + </p> + <p> + “When the works were in proper train, I despatched a messenger to the + sultan’s court, to request that he would be pleased to appoint some + confidential person to visit the mines, in order to be an eye-witness of + what had been done; and I further begged, as I had now accomplished the + object of the sultan’s wishes, that I might be recalled, after deputing + whomsoever he should think proper to superintend and manage the mines in + my stead. I moreover offered, before I withdrew, to instruct the person + who should be appointed. My messenger, after a long delay, returned to me, + with a command from Tippoo Sultan to remain where I was till his further + orders. For these I waited three months, and then, concluding that I was + forgotten, I determined to set out to refresh Tippoo’s memory. + </p> + <p> + “I found him at Devanelli Fort, thinking of nothing less than of me or my + tin-mines: he was busily engaged in making preparations for a war with + some Soubha or other, whose name I forget, and all his ideas were bent on + conquests and vengeance. He scarcely deigned to see, much less to listen + to me: his treasurer gave me to understand that too much had already been + lavished upon me, a stranger as I was; and that Tippoo’s resources, at all + events, would be now employed in carrying on schemes of war, not petty + projects of commerce. Thus insulted, and denied all my promised reward, I + could not but reflect upon the hard fate of those who attempt to serve + capricious despots. + </p> + <p> + “I prepared as fast as possible to depart from Tippoo’s court. The Hindoo + merchant with whom I had lodged the pagodas and rupees promised to + transmit them to me at Madras; and he delivered to me the diamond ring + which Tippoo had given to me during his fit of generosity, or of + ostentation. The sultan, who cared no more what became of me, made no + opposition to my departure: but I was obliged to wait a day or two for a + guard, as the hircarrahs who formerly conducted me were now out upon some + expedition. + </p> + <p> + “Whilst I waited impatiently for their return, Prince Abdul Calie, who had + not been during all this time at Devanelli Fort, arrived; and when I went + to take leave of him, he inquired into the reason of my sudden departure. + In language as respectful as I could use, and with as much delicacy as I + thought myself bound to observe, in speaking to a son of his father, I + related the truth. The prince’s countenance showed what he felt. He + paused, and seemed to be lost in thought, for a few minutes: he then said + to me, ‘The sultan, my father, is at this time so intent upon preparations + for war, that even I should despair of being listened to on any other + subject. But you have in your possession, as I recollect, what might be + useful to him either in war or peace; and, if you desire it, I will speak + of this machine to the sultan.’ + </p> + <p> + “I did not immediately know to what machine of mine the prince alluded; + but he explained to me that he meant my portable telegraph, which would be + of infinite use to Tippoo in conveying orders of intelligence across the + deserts. I left the matter entirely to the prince, after returning him my + very sincere thanks for being thus interested in my concerns. + </p> + <p> + “A few hours after this conversation, I was summoned into the sultan’s + presence. His impatience to make trial of the telegraphs was excessive; + and I, who but the day before had been almost trampled upon by the + officers and lords of his court, instantly became a person of the greatest + importance. The trial of the telegraphs succeeded beyond even my + expectations; and the sultan was in a species of ecstasy on the occasion. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot omit to notice an instance of the violence of his temper, and + its sudden changes from joy to rage. One of his blacks, a gentle Hindoo + lad, of the name of Saheb, was set to manage a telegraph at one of the + stations, a few yards distant from the sultan. I had previously instructed + Saheb in what he was to do; but, from want of practice, he made some + mistake, which threw Tippoo into such a transport of passion, that he + instantly ordered the slave’s head to be cut off! a sentence which would + infallibly have been executed, if I had not represented that it would be + expedient to suffer his head to remain on his shoulders till the message + was delivered by his telegraph; because there was no one present who could + immediately supply his place. Saheb then read off his message without + making any new blunder; and the moment the exhibition was over, I threw + myself at the feet of the sultan, and implored him to pardon Saheb. I was + not likely at this moment to be refused such a <i>trifle</i>! Saheb was + pardoned. + </p> + <p> + “An order upon the treasurer for five hundred star pagodas, to reward my + services at the royal tin-mines, was given to me; and upon my presenting + to Tippoo Sultan the portable telegraphs, on which his ardent wishes were + fixed, he exclaimed: ‘Ask any favour in the wide-extended power of Tippoo + Sultan to confer, and it shall be granted.” + </p> + <p> + “I concluded that this was merely an oriental figure of speech; but I + resolved to run the hazard of a refusal. I did not ask for a province, + though this was in the wide-extended power of Tippoo Sultan to confer; but + as I had a great curiosity to see the diamond mines of Golconda, of which + both in Europe and in India I had heard so much, I requested the sultan’s + permission to visit those which belonged to him. He hesitated; but after + saying some words to an officer near him, he bade his interpreter tell me + that he granted my request. + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly, after lodging my pagodas and rupees along with the rest in + the hands of Omychund, the Gentoo merchant, who was a man of great wealth + and credit, I set out in company with some diamond merchants who were + going to Golconda. My curiosity was amply gratified by the sight of these + celebrated mines; and I determined that, when I returned to Europe, I + would write a description of them. This description, however, I shall + spare you for the present, and proceed with my story. + </p> + <p> + “The diamond merchants with whom I travelled had a great deal of business + to transact at various places; and this was the cause of much delay to me, + which I could scarcely bear with patience; for now that I had gratified my + curiosity, I was extremely desirous to return to Madras with my little + treasure. The five years’ salary due to me by the East India Company, + which I had never used, I had put out at interest at Madras, where + sometimes the rate was as high as twelve per cent.; and if you knew (said + Mr. Jervas, addressing himself to the miners at Mr. R——‘s + table) any thing of the nature of compound interest, you would perceive + that I was in a fair way to get rich: for, in the course of fourteen or + fifteen years, any sum that is put out at compound interest, even in + England, where the rate of legal interest is five per cent., becomes + double; that is, one hundred pounds put out at compound interest, in + fourteen years, becomes two hundred. But few people have the patience, or + the prudence, to make this use of their money. I was, however, determined + to employ all my capital in this manner; and I calculated that, in seven + years, I should have accumulated a sum fully sufficient to support me all + the rest of my life in ease and affluence. + </p> + <p> + “Full of these hopes and calculations, I pursued my journey along with the + merchants. Arrived at Devanelli Fort, I learned that the Soubha, with whom + the sultan had been going to war, had given up the territory in dispute, + and had pacified Tippoo by submissions and presents. Whether he chose + peace or war was indifferent to me: I was intent on my private affairs, + and I went immediately to Omychund, my banker, to settle them. I had taken + my diamond ring with me to the mines, that I might compare it with others, + and learn its value; and I found that it was worth nearly treble what I + had been offered for it. Omychund congratulated me upon this discovery, + and we were just going to settle our accounts, when an officer came in, + and, after asking whether I was not the young Englishman who had lately + visited the mines of Golconda, summoned me immediately to appear before + the sultan. I was terrified, for I imagined I was perhaps suspected of + having purloined some of the diamonds; but I followed the officer without + hesitation, conscious of my innocence. + </p> + <p> + “Tippoo Sultan, contrary to my expectations, received me with a smiling + countenance; and, pointing to the officer who accompanied me, asked me + whether I recollected to have ever seen his face before? I replied, No: + but the sultan then informed me that this officer, who was one of his own + guards, had attended me in disguise during my whole visit to the diamond + mines; and that he was perfectly satisfied of my honourable conduct. Then, + after making a signal to the officer and all present to withdraw, he bade + me approach nearer to him; paid some compliments to my abilities, and + proceeded to explain to me that he stood in farther need of my services; + and that, if I served him with fidelity, I should have no reason to + complain, on my return to my own country, of his want of generosity. + </p> + <p> + “All thoughts of war being now, as he told me, out of his mind, he had + leisure for other projects to enrich himself; and he was determined to + begin by reforming certain abuses, which had long tended to impoverish the + royal treasury. I was at a loss to know whither this preamble would lead: + at length, having exhausted his oriental pomp of words, he concluded by + informing me that he had reason to believe he was terribly cheated in the + management of his mines at Golconda; that they were rented from him by a + Feulinga Brahmin, as he called him, whose agreement with the adventurers + in the mines was, that all the stones they found under a pago in weight + were to be their own; and all above this weight were to be his, for the + sultan’s use. Now it seems that this agreement was never honestly + fulfilled by any of the parties: the slaves cheating the merchants, the + merchants cheating the Feulinga Brahmin, and he, in his turn, defrauding + the sultan; so that, Tippoo assured me, he had often purchased, from + diamond merchants, stones of a larger spread and finer water than any he + could get directly from his own mines; and that he had been frequently + obliged to reward these merchants with rich vests, or fine horses, in + order to encourage others to offer their diamonds {Footnote: Philosophical + Transactions, vol. ii. p.472.} for sale. + </p> + <p> + “I could not but observe, whilst Tippoo related all this, the great + agitation of his looks and voice, which showed me the strong hold the + passion for diamonds had upon his soul; on which I should perhaps have + made some wise reflections, but that people have seldom leisure or + inclination to make wise reflections when standing in the presence of a + prince as powerful and as despotic as Tippoo Sultan. + </p> + <p> + “The service that he required from me was a very dangerous one; no less + than to visit the mines secretly by night, to search those small cisterns + in which the workmen leave the diamonds mixed with the sand, gravelly + stuff, and red earth, to sink and drain off during their absence. I by no + means relished this undertaking: besides that it would expose me to + imminent danger, it was odious to my feelings to become a spy and an + informer. This I stated to the sultan, but he gave no credit to this + motive; and, attributing my reluctance wholly to fear, he promised that he + would take effectual measures to secure my safety; and that, after I had + executed this commission, he would immediately send a guard with me to + Madras. I saw that a dark frown lowered on his brow, when I persisted in + declining this office; but I fortunately bethought myself at this moment + of a method of escaping the effects of his anger, without giving up my own + principles. + </p> + <p> + “I represented to him that the seizure of the diamonds in the cisterns, + which he proposed, even should it afford him any convincing proofs of the + dishonesty of the slaves and diamond merchants, and even if he could in + future take effectual precautions to secure himself from their frauds, + would not be a source of wealth to him equal to one which I could propose. + His avarice fixed his attention, and he eagerly commanded me to proceed. I + then explained to him that one of his richest diamond-mines had been for + some time abandoned; because the workmen, having dug till they came to + water, were then forced to stop for want of engines such as are known in + Europe. Now, having observed that there was a rapid current at the foot of + the mountain, on which I could erect a water-mill, I offered to clear this + valuable mine.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + “The sultan was pleased with the proposal; but, recollecting how apt he + was to change his humour, and how ill he received me when I returned from + his tin-mines, I had the precaution to represent that, as this undertaking + would be attended with considerable expense, it would be necessary that a + year’s salary should be advanced to me before my departure for Golconda; + and that, if the payments were not in future regularly made, I should be + at liberty to resign my employment, and return to Madras. Prince Abdul + Calie was present when the sultan pledged his word to this, and gave me + full powers to employ certain of his artificers and workmen. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not trouble you with a history of all my difficulties, delays, + and disappointments, in the execution of my undertaking; however + interesting they were to me, the relation would be tiresome to those who + have no diamond-mines to drain. It is enough for you to know that at + length my engines were set a-going properly, and did their business so + effectually, that the place was by degrees cleared of water, and the + workmen were able to open fresh and valuable veins. During all this time, + including a period of three years, my salary was regularly paid to the + Gentoo merchant, Omychund, in whose hands I left all my money, upon his + promising to pay me as high interest as what I could obtain at Madras. I + drew upon him only for such small sums as were absolutely necessary; as I + was resolved to live with the utmost economy, that I might the sooner be + enabled to return in affluence to my native country. + </p> + <p> + “And here I must pause to praise myself, or rather to rejoice from the + bottom of my soul, that I did not, when power was in my hands, make use of + it for the purposes of extortion. The condition of the poor slaves, who + were employed by me, was envied by all the others: and I have reason to + know that, even in the most debased and miserable state of existence, the + human heart can be wakened by kind treatment to feelings of affection and + gratitude. These slaves became so much attached to me that, although the + governor of the mines, and certain diamond merchants, were lying in wait + continually to get rid of me some way or other, they never could effect + their purposes. I was always apprised of my danger in time by some of + these trusty slaves; who, with astonishing sagacity and fidelity, guarded + me while I lived amongst them. + </p> + <p> + “A life of daily suspicion and danger was, however, terrible; and my + influence extended but a little way in making others happy. I might, for a + short season, lessen the suffering of these slaves; but still they were + slaves, and most of them were treated scarcely as if they were human + beings, by the rapacious adventurers for whom they laboured. + </p> + <p> + “These poor wretches generally work almost naked; they dare not wear a + coat, lest the governor should say they have thriven much, are rich, and + so increase his demands upon them. The wisest, when they find a great + stone, conceal it till they have an opportunity; and then, with wife and + children, run all away into the Visiapore country, where they are secure + and well used. {Footnote: Philosophical Transactions.} + </p> + <p> + “My heart sickened at the daily sight of so much misery; and nothing but + my hopes of finally prevailing on the sultan to better their condition, by + showing him how much he would be the gainer by it, could have induced me + to remain so long in this situation. Repeatedly Tippoo promised me that + the first diamond of twenty pagos weight which I should bring to him, he + would grant me all I asked in favour of the slaves under my care. I + imparted to them this promise, which excited them to great exertions. At + last we were fortunate enough to find a diamond above the weight required. + It was a well-spread stone, of a beautiful pale rose-colour, and of an + adamantine hardness. I am sure that the sight of that famous stone, which + is known by the name of the Pitt diamond, never gave its possessor such + heartfelt joy as I experienced when I beheld this. I looked upon it as the + pledge of future happiness, not only to myself, but to hundreds of my + fellow-creatures. + </p> + <p> + “I set out immediately for Tippoo Sultan’s court. It was too late in the + evening, when I arrived, to see the sultan that night; so I went to + Omychund, the Hindoo merchant, to settle my affairs with him. He received + me with open arms, saying that he had thriven much upon my pagodas and + rupees, and that he was ready to account with me for my salary; also for + the interest which he owed me; for all which he gave me an order upon an + English merchant at Madras, with whom I was well acquainted. + </p> + <p> + “This being settled to my satisfaction, I told him the business which now + brought me to Tippoo’s court, and showed him my rose-coloured diamond. His + eyes opened at the sight with a prodigious expression of avaricious + eagerness. ‘Trust me,’ said he, ‘keep this diamond. I know Tippoo better + than you do; he will not grant those privileges to the slaves that you + talk about; and, after all, what concern are they of yours? They are used + to the life they lead. They are not Europeans. What concern are they of + yours? Once in your native country, you will dream of them no more. You + will think only of enjoying the wealth you shall have brought from India. + Trust me, keep the diamond. Fly this night towards Madras. I have a slave + who perfectly knows the road across the country: you will be in no danger + of pursuit, for the sultan will suppose you to be still at Golconda. No + one could inform him of the truth but myself; and you must see, by the + advice I now give you, that I am your firm friend.’ + </p> + <p> + “As he finished these words, he clapped his hands, to summon one of his + slaves, as he said, to give instant orders for my flight. He looked upon + me with incredulous surprise, when I coolly told him that the flight which + he proposed was far from my thoughts; and that it was my determination to + give the sultan the diamond that belonged to him. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing that I was in earnest, Omychund suddenly changed his countenance; + and in a tone of raillery, asked me whether I could believe that his + proposal was serious. Indeed I was left in doubt whether he had been in + earnest or not; and, at all events, I gave him to understand that I was + incapable of betraying him to the sultan. + </p> + <p> + “The next morning, as early as I could, I presented myself before the + sultan, who singled me from the crowd, and took me with him into the + apartment of Prince Abdul Calie. + </p> + <p> + “I proceeded cautiously: Tippoo was all impatience to hear news of his + diamond mine, and repeatedly interrupted me in my account of what had been + done there, by asking whether we had yet come to any diamonds? I produced + first one of a violet colour, which I had reserved as a present for Prince + Abdul Calie; it was a fine stone, but nothing equal to our rose-coloured + diamond. Tippoo admired this, however, so much, that I was certain he + would be in raptures with that which I had in store for him. Before I + showed it to him, in speaking of the weight of that which I had designed + to present to the prince, I reminded him of his royal promise with respect + to the slaves. ‘True,’ cried the sultan: ‘but is this diamond twenty pagos + weight? when you bring me one of that value, you may depend upon having + all you ask.’ I instantly produced the rose-coloured diamond, weighed it + in his presence, and, as the scale in which it was put descended, Tippoo + burst forth into an exclamation of joy. I seized the favourable moment; he + nodded as I knelt before him, and bade me rise, saying my request was + granted; though why I should ask favours for a parcel of mean slaves, he + observed, was incomprehensible. + </p> + <p> + “Prince Abdul Calie did not appear to be of this opinion; he at this + instant cast upon me a look full of benevolence; and whilst his father was + absorbed in the contemplation of his rose-coloured diamond, which he + weighed, I believe, a hundred times, the generous young prince presented + to me that violet-coloured diamond which I brought for him. A princely + gift made in a princely manner. + </p> + <p> + “Tippoo’s secretary made out for me the necessary order to the governor of + the mines, by which a certain share of the profits of his labour was, by + the sultan’s command, to belong to each slave; and all those who had been + employed in my service were, as a reward for their good conduct, to be + emancipated. A number of petty exactions were by this order abolished; and + the property acquired in land, dress, &c. by the slaves, was secured + to them. Most gladly did I see the sultan’s signet affixed to this paper; + and when it was delivered into my hands, my heart bounded with joy. I + resolved to be the bearer of these good tidings myself. Although my + passport was made out for Madras, and two hircarrahs, by the sultan’s + orders, were actually ready to attend me thither, yet I could not refuse + myself the pleasure of beholding the joy of the slaves, at this change in + their condition; and, to the latest hour of my life, I shall rejoice that + I returned to Golconda the messenger of happiness. Never shall I forget + the scene to which I was there a witness; never will the expressions of + joy and gratitude be effaced from my memory, which lighted up the dark + faces of these poor creatures! who, say what we will, have as much + sensibility, perhaps more, than we have ourselves. + </p> + <p> + “No sooner was I awake, the morning after my arrival, than I heard them + singing songs under my window, in which my own name was frequently + repeated. They received me with a shout of joy when I went out amongst + them; and, crowding round me, they pressed me to accept of some little + tokens of their gratitude and good-will, which I had not the heart to + refuse. The very children, by their caresses, seemed to beg me not to + reject these little offerings. I determined, if ever I reached Europe, to + give all of them to you, sir, my good master, as the best present I could + make to one of your way of thinking. + </p> + <p> + “The day after my arrival was spent in rejoicings. All the slaves, who had + worked under my inspection, had saved some little matters, with which they + had purchased for their wives and for themselves coloured cottons, and + handkerchiefs for their heads. Now that they were not in dread of being + robbed or persecuted by the governor of the mines, they ventured to + produce them in open day. These cottons of Malabar are dyed of remarkably + bright and gaudy colours; and, when the slaves appeared decked in them, it + was to me one of the gayest spectacles I ever beheld. They were dancing + with a degree of animation of which, till then, I never had an idea. + </p> + <p> + “I stood under the shade of a large banyan tree, enjoying the sight; when + suddenly I felt from behind a blow on my head which stunned me. I fell to + the ground; and when I came to my senses, found myself in the hands of + four armed soldiers, and a Hindoo, who was pulling my diamond ring from my + finger. They were carrying me away amid the cries and lamentations of the + slaves, who followed us. ‘Stand off’! it is in vain you shriek,’ said one + of the soldiers to the surrounding crowd; ‘what we do is by order of the + sultan. Thus he punishes traitors.’ + </p> + <p> + “Without further explanation, I was thrown into a dungeon belonging to the + governor of the mines, who stood by with insulting joy to see me chained + to a large stone in my horrid prison. I knew him to be my enemy: but what + was my astonishment when I recollected in the countenance of the Hindoo, + who was fastening my chains and loading me with curses, that very Saheb, + whose life I had formerly saved! To all my questions no answer was given, + but, ‘It is the will of the sultan;’ or, ‘Thus the sultan avenges himself + upon traitors.’ + </p> + <p> + “The door of my dungeon was then locked and barred, and I was left alone + in perfect darkness. Is this, thought I, the reward of all my faithful + services? Bitterly did I regret that I was not in my native country, where + no man, at the will of a sultan, can be thrown into a dungeon, without + knowing his crime or his accusers. I cannot attempt to describe to you + what I felt, during this most miserable day of my existence. Feeble at + last, for want of food, I stretched myself out, as well as my chains would + allow me, and tried to compose myself to sleep. I sunk into a state of + insensibility, in which I must have remained for several hours, for it was + midnight when I was roused by the unbarring of my prison door. It was + Saheb who entered, carrying in one hand a torch, and in the other some + food, which he set before me in silence. I cast upon him a look of scorn, + and was about to reproach him with his ingratitude, when he threw himself + at my feet, and burst into tears. ‘Is it possible,’ said he to me, ‘that + you are not sure of the heart of Saheb? You saved my life; I am come to + save yours. But eat, master,’ continued he; ‘eat whilst I speak, for we + have no time to lose. To-morrow’s sun must see us far from hence. You + cannot support the fatigues you have to undergo without taking food.’ + </p> + <p> + “I yielded to his entreaties, and, whilst I ate, Saheb informed me that my + imprisonment was owing to the treacherous Hindoo merchant, Omychund; who, + in hopes, I suppose, of possessing himself in quiet of all the wealth + which I had intrusted to his care, went to the sultan, and accused me of + having secreted certain diamonds of great value, which he pretended I had + shown to him in confidence. Tippoo, enraged at this, despatched immediate + orders to four of his soldiers to go in search of me, seize, imprison, and + torture me, till I should confess where these diamonds were concealed. + Saheb was in the sultan’s apartment when this order was given, and + immediately hastened to Prince Abdul Calie, whom he knew to be my friend, + and informed him of what had happened. The prince sent for Omychund, and, + after carefully questioning him, was convinced, by his contradictory + answers, and by his confusion, that the charge against me was wholly + unfounded: he dismissed Omychund, however, without letting him know his + opinion, and then sent Saheb for the four soldiers who were setting out in + search of me. In their presence he gave Saheb orders aloud to take charge + of me the moment I should be found, and secretly commissioned him to + favour my escape. The soldiers thought that in obeying the prince they + obeyed the sultan; and, consequently, when I was taken and lodged in my + dungeon, the keys of it were delivered to Saheb. + </p> + <p> + “When he had finished telling me all this, he restored to me my ring, + which he said he snatched from my finger, as soon as I was seized, that I + might not be robbed of it by the governor, or some of the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “The grateful Saheb now struck off my chains; and my own anxiety for my + escape was scarcely equal to his. He had swift horses belonging to the + soldiers in readiness; and we pursued our course all night without + interruption. He was well acquainted with the country, having accompanied + the sultan on several expeditions. When we thought ourselves beyond the + reach of all pursuers, Saheb permitted me to rest; but I never rested at + my ease till I was out of Tippoo Sultan’s dominions, and once more in + safety at Madras. Dr. Bell received me with great kindness, heard my + story, and congratulated me on my escape from Tippoo’s power. + </p> + <p> + “I was now rich beyond my hopes; for I had Omychund’s order upon the + Madras merchant safe in my pocket, and the whole sum was punctually paid + to me. My ring I sold to the governor of Madras for more even than I + expected. + </p> + <p> + “I had the satisfaction to learn, before I left Madras, that Omychund’s + treachery was made known to the sultan, by means of Prince Abdul Calie, + whose memory will ever be dear to me. Tippoo, as I have been informed, in + speaking of me, was heard to regret that he could not recall to his + service such an honest Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “I was eager to reward the faithful Saheb, but he absolutely refused the + money which I offered him, saying, ‘that he would not be paid for saving + the life of one who had saved his.’ He expressed a great desire to + accompany me to my native country, from the moment that I told him we had + no slaves there; and that as soon as any slave touched the English shore, + by our laws, he obtained his freedom. He pressed me so earnestly to take + him along with me as my servant, that I could not refuse; so he sailed + with me for Europe. As the wind filled the sails of our vessel, much did I + rejoice that the gales which blew me from the shores of India were not + tainted with the curses of any of my fellow-creatures. Here I am, thank + Heaven! once more in free and happy England, with a good fortune, clean + hands, and a pure conscience, not unworthy to present myself to my first + good master, to him whose humanity and generosity were the cause of—” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. R—— interrupted his own praises, by saying to those + of the miners who had not fallen fast asleep, “My good friends, you now + know the meaning of the toast which you all drank after dinner; let us + drink it again before we part ‘Welcome home to our friend, Mr. Jervas, and + may good faith always meet with good fortune!’” + </p> + <p> + <i>October</i>, 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE WILL + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Pearson, a wealthy Lincolnshire farmer, who had always been esteemed a + prudent sensible man, though something of a <i>humourist</i>, made the + following will: + </p> + <p> + “I, John Pearson, of <i>The Wold</i> in Lincolnshire, farmer, being of + sound mind and body, do make this my last will and testament, &c. + </p> + <p> + “I give and bequeath my farm of West Woldland to my eldest nephew, Grimes + Goodenough; my farm of Holland Fen to my dear nephew, John Wright, and my + farm of Clover-hill to my youngest nephew, Pierce Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “I farther will and desire that the sum of ten thousand pounds, which is + now in the hands of William Constantine, gentleman, my executor, may by + him, immediately after my decease, be put out to interest for ten years: + and I will and desire that, at the end of the said ten years, the said sum + of ten thousand pounds, and the interest so accumulated thereon, be given + to whichsoever of my aforesaid nephews shall at that time be the richest. + </p> + <p> + “And I trust that the said William Constantine, gentleman, my executor and + very good friend, being a clear-headed honest man, will understand and + execute this my last will and testament, according to the plain meaning of + my words; though it should happen that this my will should not be drawn up + in due legal form, of which I know little or nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Constantine, the executor, being, as described, a clear-headed honest + man, found no difficulty either in understanding or executing this trust: + the ten thousand pounds were, immediately upon Pearson’s decease, placed + out upon interest; and the three nephews were put into possession of their + farms. These were of very different value. Goodenough’s wanted + improvement, but would pay richly for any that should be judiciously made; + Wright’s farm was by far the worst of the three; and Marvel’s the best. + </p> + <p> + The Lincolnshire world was much divided in opinion concerning these young + men; and many bets were laid relating to the legacy. People judged + according to their own characters; the enterprising declared for Marvel, + the prudent for Wright, the timid for Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + The nephews had scarcely been in possession of their farms a week when, + one evening, as they were all supping together at Wright’s house, Marvel + suddenly turned to Goodenough, and exclaimed, “When do you begin your + improvements, cousin Goodenough?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, cousin Marvel.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you’ll never touch the ten thousand, my boy. What! will you do + nothing to your marsh? Nothing to your common? Nothing to your + plantations? Do not you mean ever to make any improvements?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean not to make any improvements.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you’ll let me make some for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I.” + </p> + <p> + “No! Won’t you let me cut down some of those trees for you, that are + spoiling one another in your wood?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a tree shall be cut down. Not a stick shall be stirred. Not a change + shall be made, I say.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a change for the better, cousin Goodenough?” said Wright. + </p> + <p> + “Not a change can be for the better, to my mind; I shall plough, and sow, + and reap, as our forefathers did, and that’s enough for me.” + </p> + <p> + “What! will you not even try the new plough?” said Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “Not I; no new ploughs for me. No plough can be so good as the old one.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know, as you never tried it, or would see it tried?” said + Wright: “I find it better than the old one.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter; the old one will do well enough for me, as it did for my + father before me.” After having repeated these words in precisely the same + tone several times, he went on slowly eating his supper, whilst Marvel, in + detestation of his obstinate stupidity, turned his back upon him, and + began to enumerate to Wright sundry of his own ingenious projects. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Wright,” said he, “you are worth talking to, and you shall hear + all my schemes.” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly; but I do not promise to approve of them all.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you will, you will, the moment you hear them; and I will let you have + a share in some of them. In the first place, there’s that fine + rabbit-warren near Clover-hill. The true silver grey rabbits—<i>silver + sprigs</i>, they call them—do you know that the skins of those <i>silver + sprigs</i> are worth any money?” + </p> + <p> + “Any money! what money?” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! I don’t know exactly: but I mean to buy that warren.” + </p> + <p> + “Before you know what it is worth! Let us consider; each dozen of skins is + worth, say, from ten to fifteen shillings.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not trouble yourself to calculate now,” interrupted Marvel, “for + I have determined to have the warren. With the money that I shall get for + my silver sprigs, I will next year make a decoy, and supply the London + market with wild-fowl. Don’t you remember the day that we met Simon + Stubbs, the carrier, loaded with game and wild-fowl, he said that a decoy + in Lincolnshire must be a fortune to any man. I’ll have the best decoy not + only in Lincolnshire but in all England. By-the-bye, there’s another thing + I must do, Wright; I’ll exchange any part of Clover-hill you please with + you, for as much land in Holland Fen.” + </p> + <p> + “Take him at his word, cousin Wright,” said Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied Wright; “I know the value of land, and the difference + between Clover-hill and Holland Fen, better than he does: I would not take + him at his word, for that would be taking him in.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not take anybody in,” said Goodenough; “but if another man is a + fool, that’s no reason I should be one. Now, if a man offers me a good + bargain, why should not I close with him, and say—Done?” “Then say + done,” cried Marvel, “and you shall have the bargain, Goodenough. You have + an undrained marsh of your own: I’ll exchange with you, and welcome, ten + acres of the marsh for five of Clover-hill.” + </p> + <p> + “Done,” said Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “Done. I shall stock it with geese, and you’ll see what the quills and + feathers alone will bring me in. I’ve engaged with one already to sell + them for me. But, Wright, here’s another scheme I have. Wildmore common, + you know, is covered with those huge thistles, which prick the noses of + the sheep so as to hinder them from feeding and fattening: I will take + that common into my own hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Goodenough; “exchange the rest of Clover-hill for it:—that’s + like you!” + </p> + <p> + “And I will mow the thistles,” pursued Marvel, without deigning to reply + to Goodenough. “I will mow the thistles; their down I can contrive to work + up into cotton, and the stalks into cordage: and, with the profit I shall + make of these thistles, and of my decoy, and of my goose-quills and + feathers, and of my silver sprig rabbits, I will buy jackets for my sheep, + for my sheep shall all have jackets after shearing. Why should not + Lincolnshire sheep, if they have jackets, become as valuable as the + Leicestershire breed? You’ll see my sheep will be the finest in the whole + county; and, with the profit I shall make of them, I will set up a fishery + in Fen-lake; and with the profits of the fishery—now comes my grand + scheme—I shall be the richest of you all! with the profits of the + fishery, and the decoy, and the sheep, and the silver sprigs, and the + quills and feathers, geese and thistles, I will purchase that fine + heronry, near Spalding.” + </p> + <p> + At these words, Goodenough laid down his knife and fork; and, sticking his + arms a-kimbo, laughed contemptuously, if not heartily. + </p> + <p> + “So, then, the end of all this turmoil is to purchase a heronry! Much good + may it do you, cousin Marvel. You understand your own affair best: you + will make great <i>improvements</i>, I grant, and no doubt will be the + richest of us all. The ten thousand pounds will be yours for certain: for, + as we all know, cousin Marvel, you are a genius!—But why a genius + should set his fancy upon a heronry, of all things in this mortal world, + is more than I can pretend to tell, being no genius myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Wright,” continued Marvel, still without vouchsafing any + direct reply to Goodenough: “here’s a description, in this last newspaper, + of the fine present that the grand seignior has made to his majesty. The + plume of herons’ feathers alone is estimated at a thousand guineas! Think + of what I shall make by my heronry! At the end of ten years, I shall be so + rich that it will hardly be worth my while,” said Marvel, laughing, “to + accept of my uncle’s legacy. I will give it to you, Wright; for you are a + generous fellow, and I am sure you will deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + In return for this liberal promise, Wright endeavoured to convince Marvel, + that if he attempted such a variety of schemes at once, they would + probably all fail; and that to ensure success, it would be necessary to + calculate, and to make himself master of the business, before he should + undertake to conduct it. Marvel, however, was of too sanguine and + presumptuous a temper to listen to this sage advice: he was piqued by the + sneers of his cousin Goodenough, and determined to prove the superiority + of his own spirit and intellect. He plunged at once into the midst of a + business which he did not understand. He took a rabbit-warren of two + hundred and fifty acres into his hands; stocked ten acres of marsh land + with geese; and exchanged some of the best part of Clover-hill for a share + in a common covered with thistles. He planted a considerable tract of + land, with a degree of expedition that astonished all the neighbourhood: + but it was remarked that the fences were not quite sufficient; especially + as the young trees were in a dangerous situation, being surrounded by land + stocked with sheep and horned cattle. Wright warned him of the danger; but + he had no time this year, he said, to complete the fences: the men who + tended his sheep might easily keep them from the plantation for this + season, and the next spring he purposed to dig such a ditch round the + whole as should secure it for ever. He was now extremely busy, making + jackets for his sheep, providing willows for his decoy, and gorse and corn + for his geese: the geese, of which he had a prodigious flock, were not yet + turned into their fen, because a new scheme had occurred to Marvel, + relative to some reeds with which a part of this fen was covered; on these + reeds myriads of starlings were accustomed to roost, who broke them down + with their weight. Now Marvel knew that such reeds would be valuable for + thatching, and with this view he determined to drive away the starlings; + but the measures necessary for this purpose would frighten his friends, + the geese, and therefore he was obliged to protect and feed them in his + farm-yard, at a considerable expense, whilst he was carrying on the war + with the starlings. He fired guns at them morning and evening, he sent up + rockets and kites with fiery tails, and at last he banished them; but half + his geese, in the mean time, died for want of food; and the women and + children, who plucked them, stole one quarter of the feathers, and one + half of the quills, whilst Marvel was absent letting up rockets in the + fen. + </p> + <p> + The rabbit-warren was, however, to make up for all other losses: a furrier + had engaged to take as many silver sprigs from him as he pleased, at + sixteen shillings a dozen, provided he should send them properly dressed, + and in time to be shipped for China, where these silver grey rabbit skins + sold to the best advantage. As winter came on, it was necessary to supply + the warren with winter food: and Marvel was much astonished at the + multitude of unforeseen expenses into which his rabbits led him. The banks + of the warren wanted repair, and the warrener’s house was not habitable in + bad weather: these appeared but slight circumstances when Marvel made the + purchase; but, alas! he had reason to change his opinion in the course of + a few months. The first week in November, there was a heavy fall of snow; + and the warren walls should have been immediately cleared of snow, to have + kept the rabbits within their bounds: but Marvel happened this week to be + on a visit in Yorkshire, and he was <i>obliged</i> to leave the care of + the warren entirely to the warrener, who was <i>obliged</i> to quit his + house during the snow, and to take shelter with a neighbour: he neglected + to clear the walls; and Marvel upon his return home, found that his silver + sprigs had strayed into a neighbouring warren. The second week in November + is the time when the rabbits are usually killed, as the skins are then in + full prime: it was in vain that Marvel raised a hue and cry after his + silver sprigs; a fortnight passed away before one-third of them could be + recovered. The season was lost, and the furrier sued him for breach of + contract; and what was worse, Goodenough laughed at his misfortunes. The + next year he expected to retrieve his loss: he repaired the warrener’s + house, new faced the banks, and capped them with furze; but the common + grey rabbit had been introduced into the warren, by the stragglers of the + preceding year; and as these grey rabbits are of a much more hardy race + than the silver sprigs, they soon obtained and kept possession of the + land. Marvel now pronounced rabbits to be the most useless and vexatious + animals upon earth; and, in one quarter of an hour, thoroughly convinced + himself that tillage was far more profitable than rabbits. He ploughed up + his warren, and sowed it with corn; but, unluckily, his attention had been + so much taken up by the fishery, the decoy, the geese, the thistles, and + the hopes of the heronry, that he totally forgot his intention of making + the best of all possible ditches round his plantation. When he went to + visit this plantation, he beheld a miserable spectacle: the rabbits which + had strayed beyond their bounds during the great snow, and those which had + been hunted from their burrows, when the warren was ploughed up, had all + taken shelter in this spot; and these refugees supported themselves, for + some months, upon the bark and roots of the finest young trees. + </p> + <p> + Marvel’s loss was great, but his mortification still greater; for his + cousin Goodenough laughed at him without mercy. Something must be done, he + saw, to retrieve his credit: ad the heronry was his resource. + </p> + <p> + “What will signify a few trees, more or less,” thought he, “or the loss of + a few silver sprigs, or the death of a few geese, or the waste of a few + quills and feathers? My sheep will sell well, my thistles will bring me up + again; and as soon as I have sold my sheep at Partney fair, and + manufactured my thistles, I will set out with my money in my pocket for + Spalding, and make my bargain for the heronry. A plume of herons’ feathers + is worth a thousand guineas! My fortune will be made when I get possession + of the Spalding heronry.” + </p> + <p> + So intent was Marvel upon the thoughts of the Spalding heronry, that he + neglected every thing else. About a week before the fair of Partney, he + bethought himself of his sheep, which he had left to the care of a + shepherd boy: he now ordered the boy to drive them home, that he might see + them. Their jackets hung upon them like bags: the poor animals had fallen + away in the most deplorable manner. Marvel could scarcely believe that + these were his sheep; or that these were the sheep which he had expected + to be the pride of Lincolnshire, and which he had hoped would set the + fashion of jackets. Behold, they were dying of the rot! + </p> + <p> + “What an unfortunate man I am!” exclaimed Marvel, turning to his cousin + Wright, whom he had summoned along with Goodenough, in the pride of his + heart, to view, value, and admire his sheep. “All your sheep, Wright, are + fat and sound: mine were finer than yours when I bought them: how comes it + that I am so unlucky?” + </p> + <p> + “Jack of all trades, and master of none!” said Goodenough, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “You forgot, I am afraid, what I told you, when first you bought these + sheep,” said Wright, “that you should always keep them in fold, every + morning, till the dew was off: if you had done so, they would now be as + well and thriving as mine. Do not you remember my telling you that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and I charged this boy always to keep them in fold till the dew was + off,” replied Marvel, turning with an angry countenance to the shepherd + boy. + </p> + <p> + “I never heard nothing of it till this minute, I am sure, master,” said + the boy. + </p> + <p> + Marvel now recollected that, at the very moment when he was going to give + this order to the boy, his attention had been drawn away by the sight of a + new decoy in the fields adjoining to his sheep pasture. In his haste to + examine the decoy, he forgot to give that order to his shepherd, on which + the safety of his fine flock of sheep depended. {Footnote: A General View + of the Agriculture of the County of Lincoln, p. 330. “It well deserves + noting that a shepherd, who, when young, was shepherd’s boy to an old man, + who lived at Netlam, near Lincoln, a place famous for the rot, told Mr. + Neve that he was persuaded sheep took the rot only of a morning, before + the dew was well off. At that time they folded, being open field: his + master’s shepherd kept his flock in fold always till the dew was gone; + and, with no other attention, his sheep were kept sound, when all the + neighbours lost their flocks.”} Such are the negligences and blunders of + those who endeavour to do half a dozen things at once. + </p> + <p> + The failure of one undertaking never discouraged Marvel from beginning + another; and it is a pity, that, with so much spirit and activity, he had + so little steadiness and prudence. His sheep died, and he set out for + Spalding full of the thoughts of the heronry. Now this heronry belonged to + Sir Plantagenet Mowbray, an elderly gentleman, who was almost distracted + with family pride: he valued himself upon never having parted with one + inch of the landed property that had descended to him, through a long line + of ancestors, from the Plantagenets. He looked down upon the whole race of + farmers and traders as beings of a different species from himself; and the + indignation with which he heard, from a Lincolnshire farmer, a proposal to + purchase his heronry, may perhaps be imagined, but cannot be described. It + was in vain that Marvel rose in his offers; it was in vain that he + declared he was ready to give any price that Sir Plantagenet would set + upon the heronry. Sir Plantagenet sent word, by his steward, that not a + feather of his birds should be touched; that he was astonished at the + insolence of such a proposal; and that he advised Marvel to keep out of + the way of <i>his people</i>, lest they should revenge the insult that had + been offered to their master. + </p> + <p> + This haughty answer, and the disappointment of all his hopes and schemes + respecting the heronry, threw Marvel into a degree of rage scarcely + inferior to what was felt by Sir Plantagenet. As he was galloping down the + avenue from Plantagenet-hall, he overtook a young man, of a shabby + appearance, who was mounted upon a very fine horse. At first Marvel took + it for granted that he was one of Sir Plantagenet’s <i>people</i>, and he + was riding past him, when he heard the stranger say, in a friendly tone, + “Your horse gallops well, sir: but have a care; there’s a carrion a little + way farther on that may startle him.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel pulled in his horse; the stranger rode up beside him, and they + entered into conversation. “That carrion, sir,” said he, pointing to the + dead horse, which had just been shot for the baronet’s son’s hounds, “that + carrion, sir, was in my opinion the best horse Sir Plantagenet, or his son + either, were possessed of. ‘Tis a shame for any man, who pretends to be a + gentleman, and who talks this way and that so high of his family, should + be so stingy in the article of horseflesh.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel was not unwilling at this instant to hear the haughty baronet + blamed and ridiculed; and his companion exactly fell in with his humour, + by telling a variety of anecdotes to prove Sir Plantagenet to be every + thing that was odious and contemptible. The history of his insolence about + the heronry was now related by Marvel; and the stranger seemed to + sympathize so much in his feelings, that, from a stranger, he began to + consider him as a friend. Insensibly the conversation returned to the + point at which it commenced; and his new friend observed that it was in + vain to expect any thing good from any gentleman, or indeed from any man, + who was stingy in the article of horseflesh. + </p> + <p> + A new sense of honour and of shame began to rise in our hero’s mind; and + he sat uneasy in his saddle, whilst he reflected that the horse upon which + he was mounted, was perhaps as deservedly an object of contempt as any of + Sir Plantagenet’s stud. His new friend, without seeming to notice his + embarrassment, continued his conversation, and drew a tempting picture of + the pleasures and glories of a horse-race: he said, “he was just training + a horse for the York races, and a finer animal never was crossed. Sir + Plantagenet’s eldest son would have been the proudest and happiest of men, + if his father would but have bought the horse for him: but he had refused, + and the youth himself had not the price, or half the price, at his + command.” + </p> + <p> + Our hero was no judge of horses, but he was ambitious to prove that his + spirit was superior to that of the haughty baronet; and that something + good might be expected from him, as he was not stingy in horseflesh. + Besides, he was worked up to a high degree of curiosity to see the York + races; and his companion assured him that he could not appear there + without being well mounted. In short, the hour was not at an end before he + had offered a hundred guineas for the finest horse that ever was crossed. + He was charmed with the idea that he should meet Sir Plantagenet Mowbray’s + son and heir at the York races, and should show him that he was able and + willing to pay for the horse, which his arrogant father could not afford + to purchase. + </p> + <p> + From the anecdote of the heronry, his companion perceived that Marvel was + a man fond of projects; and he proposed to him a scheme, which caught his + fancy so much that it consoled him for his disappointment. It was the + fault of our enterprizing hero’s character always to think the last scheme + for making a fortune the best. As soon as he reached home he was in haste + to abandon some of his old projects, which now appeared to him flat, + stale, and unprofitable. About a score of his flock, though tainted with + the rot, were not yet dead; he was eager to sell them, but no one would + buy sheep of such a wretched appearance. At last Wright took them off his + hands. “I will throw the threescore jackets into the bargain,” said + Marvel; “for you are a generous fellow, to offer so handsomely for my poor + sheep, and you deserve to be treated as you treat others. If I come in at + the end of the ten years for the legacy, I shall remember you, as I told + you before: as to my cousin Goodenough here, he thinks so much of himself, + that there is no occasion for others to think of him. I asked him to join + me in a bond, yesterday, for a hundred pounds, just to try him, and he + refused me. When I come in for the legacy, I will cut him off with a + shilling,—I will give him fair notice.” + </p> + <p> + “Cut me off with what you will,” said Goodenough, sullenly, “not a + farthing of my money shall ever be lent to one that has a project for + every day in the year. Get into what difficulties you may, I will never + join you in any bond, I promise you. It is enough for me to take care of + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t flatter yourself that I am getting into any difficulties,” replied + Marvel. “I wanted the hundred guineas only to pay for a horse; and the + friend who sold him to me will wait my convenience.” + </p> + <p> + “The <i>friend</i>” said Wright; “do you mean that man who rode home with + you from Spalding?—I advise you not to make a friend of him, for he + is a notorious jockey.” “He will not take <i>me</i> in, though,” said + Marvel; “I am as sharp as he is, and he sees that: so we understand one + another very well. To my certain knowledge, a hundred and twenty guineas + could be had to-morrow for the horse I bought from him; yet he let me have + him for a hundred.” + </p> + <p> + “And how can a man of your sense, cousin Marvel,” said Wright, “believe + that a person, who never saw you till within these three days, would be so + much your friend as to make you a present of twenty guineas?” + </p> + <p> + “A present!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; if he lets you have a horse for a hundred, which you can sell for a + hundred and twenty, does not he make you a present of twenty guineas?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but I can tell you the reason for all that: he wants me to enter + into a scheme with him, for breeding horses on the common here: and so he + would not, at first setting out, stand to higgle with me for the price of + a horse.” + </p> + <p> + “And would you for twenty guineas, cousin Marvel, run the hazard of + joining in any scheme with a man of his character? Pray inquire in the + country and in York, where you are going, what sort of a character this + man bears. Take my advice, pay him for his horse, and have nothing more to + do with him.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have not the ready cash to pay him for his horse, that’s one + thing,” said Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “Let that be no difficulty,” replied Wright; “for I have a hundred guineas + here, just brought home from Partney fair, and they are heartily at your + service.” + </p> + <p> + Goodenough twitched Wright’s elbow three times as he uttered these words: + but Wright finished his sentence, and put the money into Marvel’s hands + immediately upon his promising to pay for the horse, break off all + connexion with his friend the jockey, if he should find upon inquiry that + he was not a person of good character, and at all events to suspend any + treaty with him till after his return from York. + </p> + <p> + “Whilst you are gone,” said Wright, “I will make inquiries about the + profit of breeding of horses on the commons. I have an acquaintance, a + sensible old man, who has kept accounts of what he has done in that way + himself; and he will show us his accounts, from which we shall be able to + judge.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Wright heard nothing more of him for about a fortnight; he then received + the following letter: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR COUSIN WRIGHT, + </p> + <p> + “It is a very great pity that you could not be persuaded to come along + with me to York races, where I have seen more of life, and of the world, + in a week, than ever I did in all my life before.—York is a + surprising fine town; and has a handsome cathedral, and assembly-room: but + I am not in the humour, just now, to describe them: so I shall proceed to + what is much better worth thinking of. + </p> + <p> + “You must know, cousin Wright, that I am in love, and never was I so happy + or so miserable in my days. If I was not a farmer there would be some + hopes for me; but, to be sure, it is not to be expected that such a lady + as she is should think of a mere country booby; in which light, indeed, + she was pleased to say, as I heard from good authority, she did not + consider me; though my manners wanted polish. These were her own words. I + shall spare nothing to please her, if possible, and am not wholly without + hope, though I have a powerful rival; no less a person than the eldest son + and heir of Sir Plantagenet Mowbray, Bart. But her virtue will never, I am + persuaded, suffer her to listen to such addresses as his. Now mine are + honourable, and pure as her soul; the purity of which no one could doubt, + who had seen her last night, as I did, in the character of the Fair + Penitent. She was universally admired: and another night sung and danced + like an angel. But I can give you no idea of her by pen and ink; so I + beseech you to come and see her, and give your advice to me candidly, for + I have the highest opinion of your judgment and good-nature. + </p> + <p> + “I find you were quite right about that scoundrel who rode with me from + Spalding! He has arrested me for a hundred guineas; and is, without + exception, the shabbiest dog I ever met with: but I am out of his + clutches, and have better friends. I will tell you the whole story when we + meet, and pay you your hundred with many thanks. Pray set out as soon as + you receive this, for every moment is an age to me: and I won’t declare + myself, more than I have done, if possible, till you come; for I have a + great opinion of your judgment; yet hope you won’t put on your severe + face, nor be prejudiced against her, because of her being on the stage. + Leave such illiberality to cousin Goodenough: it would be quite beneath + you! Pray bring with you that volume of old plays that is at the top of my + bed, under the bag of thistles; or in the basket of reeds that I was + making; or in the out-house, where I keep the goose-quills and feathers. I + don’t find my memory so clear, since my head is so full of this charming + Alicia Barton. Pray make no delay, as you value the peace of mind of your + </p> + <p> + “Affectionate cousin and friend, + </p> + <p> + “PIERCE MARVEL. + </p> + <p> + “P. S. Mr. Barton, her brother, is the most generous of men, and the + cleverest. He is not averse to the match. Sir Plantagenet Mowbray’s son + and heir, who is as insolent as his father, may find that a Lincolnshire + farmer is not a person to be despised. I have thoughts of selling my farm + of Clover-hill, and of going into another way of life; for which, as Mr. + Barton said, and Alicia hinted, nay, as I am inclined to believe too, I am + much better suited than for farming. Of this more when we meet. Pray set + out as soon as you receive this. Alicia has dark eyes, and yet a fair + complexion. I am sure you will like her.” + </p> + <p> + Far from feeling sure that he should like Miss Alicia Barton, Wright was + so much alarmed for his cousin, on the perusal of this letter, that he + resolved to set out immediately for York, lest the sale of Clover-hill + should be concluded before his arrival. A new project and a new love were, + indeed, powerful temptations to one of Marvel’s character. + </p> + <p> + As Goodenough was plodding at his accustomed pace in his morning’s work, + he met Wright on horseback, who asked him if he had any commissions that + he could execute in York, whither he was going. + </p> + <p> + “None, thank Heaven!” said Goodenough. “So I see it is as I always knew it + would be! Marvel is ‘ticing you into his own ways, and will make you just + such another as <i>his</i> self. Ay, you must go to York races! Well, so + much the better for me. Much pleasure to you at the races.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going to the races; I am going to do Marvel a service.” + </p> + <p> + “Charity begins at home: that’s my maxim,” replied Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “It is quite fitting that charity should <i>begin</i> at home,” said + Wright; “but then it should not <i>end</i> at home; for those that help + nobody will find none to help them in time of need.” + </p> + <p> + “Those that help nobody will not be so apt to come to need,” replied + Goodenough. “But yonder’s my men standing idle. If I but turn my head, + that’s the way of them. Good morrow to you, cousin Wright; I can’t stand + argufying here about charity, which won’t plough my ground, nor bring me a + jot nearer to the ten thousand pounds’ legacy: so good morrow to you. My + service to cousin Marvel.” + </p> + <p> + Goodenough proceeded to his men, who were in truth standing idle, as it + was their custom to do when their master’s eye was not, as they thought, + upon them; for he kept them so hard at work, when he was present, that not + a labouring man in the country would hire himself to Goodenough, when he + could get employment elsewhere. Goodenough’s partizans, however, observed + that he got his money’s worth out of every man he employed; and that this + was the way to grow rich. The question, said they, is not which of the + three nephews will be the best beloved, but which will be the richest at + the end of ten years; and, on this ground, who can dispute that + Goodenough’s maxim is the best, “Charity begins at home?” Wright’s friends + looked rather alarmed when they heard of this journey to York; and + Marvel’s advocates, though they put a good face upon the matter, heartily + wished him safe home. + </p> + <p> + Upon Wright’s arrival in York, he found it no easy matter to discover his + cousin Marvel; for he had forgotten to date his letter, and no direction + was given to inn or lodging: at last, after inquiring at all the + public-houses without success, Wright bethought himself of asking where + Miss Alicia Barton, the actress, lodged; for there he would probably meet + her lover. Mr. Harrison, an eminent dyer, to whom he applied for + information, very civilly offered to show him to the house. Wright had + gained this dyer’s good opinion by the punctuality with which he had, for + three years past, supplied him, at the day and hour appointed, with the + quantity of woad for which he had agreed. Punctuality never fails to gain + the good opinion of men of business. + </p> + <p> + As the dyer walked with Wright to Miss Barton’s lodgings, they entered + into conversation about her; and Wright asked what character she bore. “I + know nothing of her character for my own share,” said Harrison, “not being + in that line of business; but I think I could put you into a way of seeing + her in her true colours, whatever they may be; for she is very intimate + with a milliner, whom my wife (though not with my good-will entirely) + visits. In return for which, I shall be glad that you will do my business + along with your own; and let me know if any thing is going wrong.” + </p> + <p> + The dyer introduced Wright to the milliner as a gentleman farmer, who + wanted to take home with him a fashionable cap and bonnet, or two, for + some ladies in Lincolnshire. The milliner ordered down some dusty + bandboxes, which she protested and vowed were just arrived from London + with the newest fashions; and, whilst she was displaying these, Wright + talked of the races, and the players, and Miss Alicia Barton. + </p> + <p> + “Is she as handsome as they say? I have a huge <i>cur’osity</i> to see + her,” said Wright, feigning more rusticity of manner and more simplicity + than was natural to him. “I have, truly, a woundy <i>cur’osity</i> to see + her, I’ve heard so much of her, even down in Lincolnshire.” + </p> + <p> + “If you go to see the play, sir, you can’t fail to have your curiosity + gratified, for Miss Barton plays to-night—(Jenny! reach me a + play-bill)—for her own benefit, and appears in her very best + character, the Romp.” + </p> + <p> + “The Romp!—Odds! Is that her best character? Why, now, to my notion, + bad’s the best, if that be the best of her characters. The Romp!—Odds + so! What would our grandmothers say to that?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir, times are changed, as well as fashions, since our grandmothers’ + days,” said the milliner. “Put up this bonnet for the gentleman, Jenny.—I + am sure I don’t pretend to say any thing in favour of the times, whatever + I may of the fashions. But, as to fashion, to be sure no one can be more + fashionable, here in York, than Miss Barton. All our gentlemen are dying + for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Odds my life, I’ll keep out of her way! And yet I’ve a huge cur’osity to + set my eyes upon her. Pray, now, could I any way get to the sight or + speech of her in a room, or so? for seeing a woman on the stage is one + thing, and seeing her off, as I take it, is another.” + </p> + <p> + “I take it so too, sir. Jenny, put up the cap for the gentleman, and make + out a bill.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; the bonnet’s all I want, which I’ll pay for on the nail.” + </p> + <p> + Wright took out a long purse full of guineas: then put it up again, and + opened a pocket-book full of bank-notes. The milliner’s respect for him + obviously increased. “Jenny! Do run and see who’s within there. Miss + Barton was trying on her dress, I think, half an hour ago: may be she’ll + pass through this way, and the gentleman may have a sight of her, since it + weighs so much upon his mind. Let me put up the cap too, sir: it’s quite + the fashion, you may assure the Lincolnshire ladies.—Oh! here’s Miss + Barton.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Barton made her appearance, with all her most bewitching smiles and + graces. Without seeming to notice Wright, she seated herself in a charming + attitude; and, leaning pensively on the counter, addressed her + conversation to her friend, the milliner: but, at every convenient pause, + she cast an inquiring glance at Wright, who stood with his long purse of + guineas in his hand, and his open pocket-book of bank-notes before him, as + if he had been so much astonished by the lady’s appearance, that he could + not recover his recollection. Now, Wright was a remarkably well-shaped + handsome man, and Miss Barton was in reality as much struck by his + appearance as he feigned to be by hers. No forbidding reserve condemned + him to silence; and, as if inspired by the hope of pleasing, he soon grew + talkative. + </p> + <p> + “This is the most rare town, this, your town of York.” said he: “I do not + well know how I shall ever be able to get myself out of it: so many fine + sights, my eyes be quite dazzled!” “And pray, sir, which of all the fine + sights do you like the best?” said the milliner. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the ladies be the finest of all the fine sights: and I know who I + think the finest lady I ever beheld—but will never tell—never.” + </p> + <p> + “Never, sir?” said the milliner, whilst Miss Barton modestly cast down her + eyes. “Never’s a bold word, sir. I’ve a notion you’ll live to break that + rash resolution.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Barton sighed, and involuntarily looked at the glass. + </p> + <p> + “Why, where’s the use,” pursued Wright, “of being laughed at? Where’s the + sense of being scoffed at, as a man might be, that would go for to pay a + compliment, not well knowing how, to a lady that is used to have court + made to her by the first gentlemen in all York?” + </p> + <p> + “Those that think they don’t know how to pay a compliment often pay the + best to my fancy,” said the milliner. “What says Miss Barton?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Barton sighed and blushed, or looked as if she meant to blush; and + then, raising her well-practised eyes, exclaimed, with theatrical tones + and gestures: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ye sacred pow’rs, whose gracious providence + Is watchful for our good, guard me from men, + From their deceitful tongues, their vows and flatteries; + Still let me pass neglected by their eyes: + Let my bloom wither and my form decay, + That none may think it worth their while to ruin me, + And fatal love may never be my bane.” + </pre> + <p> + Scarcely had she concluded her speech, when Pierce Marvel came breathless + into the shop. Wright was standing so as to be completely hidden by the + door: and Marvel, not seeing his friend, addressed himself, as soon as he + had breath, to his mistress.—The lady’s manner changed, and Wright + had an opportunity of seeing and admiring her powers of acting. To Marvel, + she was coy and disdainful. + </p> + <p> + “I expect my friend and relation in town every hour,” said he to her in a + low voice; “and then I shall be able to settle with your brother about the + sale of Clover-hill. You half promised that you would walk with me this + morning.” “Not without my brother: excuse me, sir,” said the coy lady, + withdrawing with the dignity of a princess. “When your friend arrives, for + whose advice I presume you wait, you will be able to decide <i>your</i> + heart. Mine cannot be influenced by base lucre, or mercenary + considerations—Unhand me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I will run immediately to the inn, to see whether my friend is come,” + cried Marvel. “Believe me, I am as much above mercenary considerations as + yourself; but I have promised not to conclude upon the sale till he comes, + and he would take it ill to be sent for, and then to be made a fool of.—I’ll + run to the Green Man again immediately, to see if he is come.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel darted out of the shop. Wright, during this parley, which lasted + but a few seconds, had kept himself snug in his hiding-place, and appeared + to the milliner to be wholly absorbed in casting up his bill, in which + there was a shilling wrong. He came from behind the door as soon as Marvel + departed; and, saying that he would call for his purchases in an hour’s + time, left the milliner’s, took a hackney coach, and drove to the Green + Man, where he was now sure of meeting his cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven! you are come at last,” cried Marvel, the moment he saw him. + “Thank Heaven! you are come! do not let us lose a moment. If you are not + tired, if you are not hungry, come along with me, and I’ll introduce you + to my charming Alicia Barton.” + </p> + <p> + “I am both tired and hungry,” replied Wright: “so let us have a hot + beef-steak, and let me sit down and rest myself.” + </p> + <p> + It was the utmost stretch of Marvel’s patience to wait for the beef-steak; + and he could scarcely conceive how any one could prefer eating it to + seeing his charming Alicia. He did not eat a morsel himself, but walked up + and down the room with quick steps. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear Wright,” cried he, “it is a sign you’ve never seen her, or + you would eat a little faster.” + </p> + <p> + “Does every body eat fast, who has seen Miss Barton?” said Wright; “then + to be sure I should; for I have seen her within this half hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Seen her! Seen Alicia! Seen her within this half hour! That’s impossible.—How + could you see her? Where could you see her?” “I saw her in your company,” + rejoined Wright, coolly. + </p> + <p> + “In my company! How could that be, without my seeing you?—You are + making a jest of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; only take care that you do not make a jest of yourself. I + assure you that I say nothing but truth: I’ve seen you and your Miss + Barton this very morning: nay, I’ll tell you what you said to her; you + told her that you could not sell Clover-hill till I came to town.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel stared, and stood in silent astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” continued Wright, “you see by this how many things may pass before a + man’s eyes and ears, when he is in love, without his seeing or hearing + them. Why, man, I was in the milliner’s shop just now, standing in the + corner behind the door; but you could see nothing but your charming Miss + Barton.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon for being so blind,” said Marvel, laughing; “but you + are too good-natured to take offence; though you don’t know what it is to + be in love.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are mistaken; for I am as much in love as yourself at this + instant.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’m undone,” cried Marvel, turning as pale as death. + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” said Wright; “will you allow nobody, man, to be in love but + yourself? I don’t see why I have not as good a right to fall in love as + you have.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure you have,” said Marvel, trying to recover himself; “and I + can’t say but what you deal fairly by me, to tell me so honestly at once. + More fool I to send for you. I might have foreseen this, blockhead as I + am! but you deal fairly by me, Wright: so I cannot complain, and will not, + happen what may. Let him who can win her, wear her. We start fair; for + though I have had the advantage of a first acquaintance, you are much the + handsomer man of the two; and that goes for a great deal with some ladies, + though not perhaps with Alicia Barton.” + </p> + <p> + “There, perhaps, you may find yourself mistaken,” replied Wright, with a + significant look. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t say so? You don’t think so?” cried Marvel, with great emotion. + “I say what I think; and, if I may trust a woman’s looks, I’ve some reason + for my thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel took up the tankard which stood on the table, and swallowed down a + hasty draught; and then said, though with an altered voice, “Cousin + Wright, let him who can win her, wear her, as I said before. I sha’n’t + quarrel with you if you deal fairly by me; so tell me honestly, did you + never see her before this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, as I am an honest man,” said Wright. + </p> + <p> + “Then, here’s my hand for you,” said Marvel. “All’s fair and handsome on + your part. Happen what may, as I said before, I will not quarrel with you. + If she was decreed to fall in love with you at first sight, why that’s no + fault of yours; and if she tells me so fairly, why no great fault of hers. + She has encouraged me a little; but still women will change their minds, + and I shall not call her a jilt if she speaks handsomely to me. It will go + a little to my heart at first, no doubt; but I shall bear it like a man, I + hope; and I shall not quarrel with you, cousin Wright, whatever else I + do.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel shook Wright’s hand heartily; but turned away directly afterwards, + to hide his agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Why now, cousin Marvel, you are a good fellow; that’s the truth of it,” + said Wright. “Trust to me: and, if the girl is what you think her, you + shall have her: that I promise you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s more than you <i>can</i> promise, being as you say as much in love + as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I say I’m more in love than you are: but what then, I ask you?” + </p> + <p> + “What then! why, we cannot both have Alicia Barton.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true. I would not have her if you would give her to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Would not have her!” cried Marvel, with a look of joyous astonishment: + “but, did not you tell me you were in love with her?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. You told it to yourself. I said I was in love; but cannot a man be + in love with any woman in this whole world but Miss Barton?” + </p> + <p> + Marvel capered about the room with the most lively expressions of delight, + shook hands with his cousin, as if he would have pulled his arm off, and + then suddenly stopping, said, “But what do you think of my Alicia? Though + you are not in love with her, I hope you think well of her?” + </p> + <p> + “I must see more of her before I am qualified to speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, no drawbacks: out with it. I must know what you think of her at + this time being.” + </p> + <p> + “At this time being, then, I think, she is what they call a—coquette.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there you are out, indeed, cousin Wright! she’s more of what they + call a prude than a coquette.” + </p> + <p> + “To you, perhaps; but not to me, cousin. Let every one speak of her as + they find,” replied Wright. + </p> + <p> + Marvel grew warm in defence of Miss Barton’s prudery; and at last ended by + saying, “that he’d stake his life upon it, she was no jilt. If she had + taken a fancy to you, Wright, she would honestly tell me so, I’m + convinced; and, when she finds you are thinking of another woman, her + pride would soon make her think no more of you. ‘Tis but little she could + have thought in the few minutes you were in her company; and it is my + opinion she never thought of you at all—no offence.” + </p> + <p> + “No offence, I promise you,” said Wright; “but let us put her to the + trial: do you keep your own counsel; go on courting her your own way, and + let me go mine. Don’t you say one word of my being here in York; but put + her off about the sale of Clover-hill, till such time as you are sure of + her heart.” + </p> + <p> + To this proposal Marvel joyfully agreed; and, as to the time of trial, + Wright asked only one week. His cousin then told him the new scheme, from + which he expected to make so much: it had been suggested by Alicia’s + brother. “I am to sell Clover-hill; and, with the money that I get for it, + Barton and I are to build and fit up a theatre in Lincoln, and be the + managers ourselves. I assure you, he says, and they all say, I should make + a figure on the stage: and Miss Barton whispered, in my hearing, that I + should make a capital Lothario,” added Marvel, throwing himself into a + stage attitude, and reciting, in a voice that made Wright start, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Earth, Heav’n, and fair Calista, judge the combat.’” + </pre> + <p> + “Very fine, no doubt,” said Wright; “but I am no judge of these matters; + only this I am sure of, that, with respect to selling Clover-hill, you had + best go slowly to work, and see what the sister is, before you trust to + the brother. It is not for my interest, I very well know, to advise you + against this scheme; because, if I wanted to make certain of your not + coming in for my uncle’s legacy, I could not take a better way than to + urge you to follow your fancy. For, say that you lay out all you have in + the world on the building of this playhouse, and say that Barton’s as + honest a man as yourself: observe, your playhouse cannot be built in less + than a couple of years, and the interest of your money must be dead all + that time; and pray how are you to bring yourself up, by the end of the + ten years? Consider, there are but seven years of the time to come.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel gave his cousin hearty thanks for his disinterested advice, but + observed that actors and managers of playhouses were, of all men, they who + were most likely to grow rich in a trice; that they often cleared many + hundreds in one night for their benefits; that even, if he should fail to + hit the public taste himself, as an actor, he was sure at least, if he + married the charming Alicia, that she would be a source of inexhaustible + wealth. “Not,” added he, “that I think of her in that light; for my soul + is as much superior to mercenary considerations as her own.” + </p> + <p> + “More, perhaps,” said Wright; but seeing fire flash in his cousin’s eyes + at this insinuation, he contented himself for the present with the promise + he had obtained, that nothing should be concluded till the end of one + week; that no mention should be made to Miss Barton, or her brother, of + his arrival in town; and that he should have free liberty to make trial of + the lady’s truth and constancy, in any way he should think proper. Back to + his friend the milliner’s he posted directly. Miss Barton was gone out + upon the race-ground in Captain Mowbray’s curricle: in her absence, Wright + was received very graciously by the milliner, who had lodgings to let, and + who readily agreed to let them to him for a week, as he offered half a + guinea more than she could get from anybody else. She fancied that he was + deeply smitten with Miss Barton’s charms, and encouraged his passion, by + pretty broad hints that it was reciprocal. Miss Barton drank tea this + evening with the milliner: Wright was of the party, and he was made to + understand that <i>others</i> had been excluded: “for Miss Barton,” her + friend observed, “was very <i>nice</i> as to her company.” + </p> + <p> + Many dexterous efforts were made to induce Wright to lay open his heart; + for the dyer’s lady had been cross-questioned as to his property in + Lincolnshire, and she being a lover of the marvellous, had indulged + herself in a little exaggeration; so that he was considered as a prize, + and Miss Barton’s imagination settled the matter so rapidly, that she had + actually agreed to make the milliner a handsome present on the + wedding-day. Upon this hint, the milliner became anxious to push forward + the affair. Marvel, she observed, hung back about the sale of his estate; + and, as to Sir Plantagenet Mowbray’s son, he was bound hand and foot by + his father, so could do nothing genteel: besides, honourable matrimony was + out of the question there. + </p> + <p> + All these things considered, the milliner’s decision was, on perfectly + prudential and virtuous motives, in favour of Wright. Miss Barton’s <i>heart</i>, + to use her own misapplied term, spoke warmly in his favour; for he was, + without any comparison, the <i>handsomest</i> of her lovers; and his + simplicity and apparent ignorance of the world were rather recommendations + than objections. + </p> + <p> + Upon her second interview with him, she had, however, some reason to + suspect that his simplicity was not so great as she had imagined. She was + surprised to observe, that, notwithstanding all their artful hints, Wright + came to nothing like a positive proposal, nor even to any declaration of + his passion. The next day she was yet more astonished; for Wright, though + he <i>knew</i> she was a full hour in the milliner’s shop, never made the + slightest attempt to see her; nay, in the evening, he met her on the + public walk, and passed without more notice than a formal bow, and without + turning his head back to look after her, though she was flirting with a + party of gentlemen, expressly for the purpose of exciting his jealousy. + </p> + <p> + Another consultation was held with her friend the milliner: “These men are + terrible creatures to deal with,” said her confidant. “Do you know, my + dear creature, this man, simple as he looks, has been very near taking us + in. Would you believe it? he is absolutely courting a Lincolnshire lady + for a wife. He wrote a letter to her, my dear Alicia, this morning, and + begged me to let my boy run with it to the post-office. I winded and + winded, saying he was mighty anxious about the letter, and so on, till, at + the last, out comes the truth. Then I touched him about you; but he said, + ‘an actress was not fit for a farmer’s wife, and that you had too many + admirers already.’ You see, my dear creature, that he has none of the + thoughts we built upon. Depend upon it he is a shrewd man, and knows what + he is about; so, as we cannot do better than Marvel, my advice—” + </p> + <p> + “Your advice!” interrupted Miss Barton: “I shall follow no advice but my + own.” She walked up and down the small parlour in great agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Do as you please, my dear; but remember I cannot afford to <i>lay</i> out + of my money to all eternity. The account between us has run up to a great + sum; the dresses were such as never were made up before in York, and must + be paid for accordingly, as you must be sensible, Miss Barton. And when + you have an opportunity of establishing yourself so handsomely, and + getting all your debts paid; and when your brother, who was here an hour + ago, presses the match with Mr. Marvel so much; it is very strange and + unaccountable of you to say, ‘you will take nobody’s advice but your own;’ + and to fall in love, ma’am, as you are doing, as fast as you can, with a + person who has no serious intentions, and is going to be married to + another woman. For shame, Miss Barton; is this behaving with proper + propriety? Besides, I’ve really great regard for that poor young man that + you have been making a fool of; I’m sure he is desperately in love with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let him show it, and sell Clover-hill,” said Miss Barton. + </p> + <p> + Her mind balanced between avarice and what she called love. She had taken + a fancy to Wright, and his present coldness rather increased than + diminished her passion: he played his part so well, that she could not + tell how to decide. In the mean time, the milliner pressed for her money; + and Alicia’s brother bullied loudly in favour of Marvel: he had engaged + the milliner, whom he was courting, to support his opinion. Marvel, though + with much difficulty, stood his ground, and refused to sell Clover-hill, + till he should be perfectly sure that Miss Barton would marry him, and + till his relation should arrive in town, and give his consent. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Barton and the milliner now agreed, that if fair means would not bring + the charming Alicia to reason, others must be used; and it was settled + that she should be arrested for her debt to the milliner, which was + upwards of fifty pounds. “She knows,” said this considerate brother, “that + I have neither the power nor the will to pay the money. Sir Plantagenet’s + son is as poor as Job; so she must have recourse to Marvel; and, if she + gives him proper encouragement, he’ll pay the money in a trice. As to this + man, who lodges with you, let her apply to him if she likes it; she will + soon see how he will answer her. By your account he is a shrewd fellow, + and not like our friend Marvel.” + </p> + <p> + On Friday morning the charming Alicia was arrested, at the suit of her + dear friend and confidant, the milliner. The arrest was made in the + milliner’s shop. Alicia would doubtless have screamed and fainted, with + every becoming spirit and grace, if any spectators had been present: but + there was no one in the shop to admire or pity. She rushed with + dishevelled hair, and all the stage show of distraction, into Wright’s + apartment; but, alas! he was not to be found. She then composed herself, + and wrote the following note to Marvel: + </p> + <p> + “TO —— MARVEL, ESQ. &C. + </p> + <p> + “At the Green Man. + </p> + <p> + “Much as it hurts the delicacy and wounds the pride of Alicia, she is + compelled, by the perfidy of a bosom friend of her own sex, to apply for + assistance and protection to one who will feel for the indignity that has + been shown her. How will his generous nature shudder, when he hears that + she is on the point of being dragged to a loathsome dungeon, for want of + the paltry sum of fifty pounds! Retrospection may convince the man of her + heart, that her soul is superior to mercenary considerations; else, she + would not now be reduced so low in the power of her enemies: she scarcely + knows what she writes—her heart bleeds—her brain is on fire! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Celestial sounds! Peace dawns upon my soul, + And every pain grows less. Oh! gentle Altamont, + Think not too hardly of me when I’m gone, + But pity me. Had I but early known + Thy wond’rous worth, thou excellent young man, + We had been happier both. Now ‘tis too late. + And yet my eyes take pleasure to behold thee! + Thou art their last dear object.—Mercy, Heav’n!’ + + “Your affectionate, + “And (shall I confess it?) + “Too affectionate, + “ALICIA.” + </pre> + <p> + Marvel was settling some accounts with Wright when this note was put into + his hands: scarcely had he glanced his eye over it, when he started up, + seized a parcel of bank notes, which lay on the table, and was rushing out + of the room. Wright caught hold of his arm, and stopped him by force. + </p> + <p> + “Where now? What now, Marvel?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Do not stop me, Wright! I will not be stopped! She has been barbarously + used. They are dragging her to prison.—They have driven her almost + out of her senses. I must go to her this instant.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, don’t go without your hat, man, for the people in the street + will take you for a lunatic. May a friend see this letter that has driven + <i>you</i> out of your senses?” + </p> + <p> + Marvel put it into Wright’s hands, who read it with wonderful composure; + and when he came to the end of it, only said—“Hum!” + </p> + <p> + “Hum,” repeated Marvel, provoked beyond measure; “you have no humanity. + You are most strangely prejudiced. You are worse than Goodenough. Why do + you follow me?” continued he, observing that Wright was coming after him + across the inn-yard into the street. + </p> + <p> + “I follow you to take care of you,” said Wright, calmly; “and though you + do stride on at such a rate, I’ll be bound to keep up with you.” + </p> + <p> + He suffered Marvel to walk on at his own pace for the length of two + streets, without saying another word; but just as they were turning the + corner into the square where the milliner lived, he again caught hold of + his cousin’s arm, and said to him: “Hark you, Marvel; will you trust me + with those bank notes that you have in your pocket? and will you let me + step on to the milliner’s, and settle this business for you? I see it will + cost you fifty pounds, but that I cannot help. You may think yourself well + off.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty pounds! What are fifty pounds?” cried Marvel, hurrying forwards. + “You see that my Alicia must be superior to mercenary considerations; for, + though she knows I have a good fortune, that could not decide her in my + favour.” + </p> + <p> + “No, because she fancies that 1 have a better fortune; and, besides (for + there are times when a man must speak plainly), I’ve a notion she would at + this minute sooner be my mistress than your wife, if the thing were fairly + tried. She’ll take your money as fast as you please; and I may take her as + fast as I please.” + </p> + <p> + Incensed at these words, Marvel could scarcely restrain his passion within + bounds: but Wright, without being, moved, continued to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then, cousin, if you don’t believe me, put it to the test!—I’ll + wait here, at this woollen-draper’s, where I am to dine: do you go on to + your milliner’s, and say what you please, only let me have my turn for + half an hour this evening; and, if I am mistaken in the lady, I’ll freely + own it, and make all due apology.” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon, Marvel came to Wright with a face full of joy and + triumph. “Go to my Alicia now, cousin Wright,” said he: “I defy you. She + is at her lodging.—She has promised to marry me! I am the happiest + man in the world!” + </p> + <p> + Wright said not a word, but departed. Now he had in his pocket an + unanswered billet-doux, which had been laid upon his table the preceding + night: the billet-doux had no name to it; but, from all he had remarked of + the lady’s manners towards him, he could not doubt that it was the + charming Alicia’s. He was determined to have positive proof, however, to + satisfy Marvel’s mind completely. The note which he had received was as + follows: + </p> + <p> + “What can be the cause of your cruel and sudden change towards one of whom + you lately appeared to think so partially? A certain female friend may + deceive you, by false representations: do not trust to her, but learn the + real sentiments of a fond heart from one who knows not how to feign. Spare + the delicacy of your victim, and guess her name.” + </p> + <p> + To this note, from one “who knew not how to feign,” Wright sent the + following reply: + </p> + <p> + “If Miss Barton knows any thing of a letter that was left at Mrs. + Stokes’s, the milliner’s, last night, she may receive an answer to her + questions from the bearer; who, being no scholar, hopes she will not take + no offence at the shortness of these lines, but satisfy him in the honour + of drinking tea with her, who waits below stairs for an answer.” + </p> + <p> + The charming Alicia allowed him the honour of drinking tea with her, and + was delighted with the thought that she had at last caught him in her + snares. The moment she had hopes of him, she resolved to break her promise + to Marvel; and by making a merit of sacrificing to Wright all his rivals, + she had no doubt that she should work so successfully upon his vanity, as + to induce him to break off his treaty with the Lincolnshire lady. + </p> + <p> + Wright quickly let her go on with the notion that she had the game in her + own hands; at length he assumed a very serious look, like one upon the + point of forming some grand resolution; and turning half away from her, + said: + </p> + <p> + “But now, look ye, Miss Barton, I am not a sort of man who would like to + be made a fool of. Here I’m told half the gentlemen of York are dying for + you; and, as your friend Mrs. Stokes informed—” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Stokes is not my friend, but the basest and most barbarous of + enemies,” cried Alicia. + </p> + <p> + “Why, now, this is strange! She was your friend yesterday; and how do I + know but a woman may change as quick, and as short, about her lovers, as + about her friends?” + </p> + <p> + “I never can change: fear nothing,” said Alicia, tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “But let me finish what I was saying about Mrs. Stokes; she told me + something about one Mr. Marvel, I think they call him; now what is all + that?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing: he is a foolish young man, who was desperately in love with me, + that’s all, and offered to marry me; but, as I told him, I am superior to + mercenary considerations.” + </p> + <p> + “And is the affair broke off, then?” said Wright, looking her full in the + face. “That’s in one word what I must be sure of: for I am not a man that + would choose to be jilted. Sit you down and pen me a farewell to that same + foolish young fellow. I am a plain-spoken man, and now you have my mind.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Barton was now persuaded that all Wright’s coldness had proceeded + from jealousy: blinded by her passions, and alarmed by the idea that this + was the moment in which she must either secure or for ever abandon Wright + and his fortune, she consented to his proposal, and wrote the following + tender adieu to Marvel: + </p> + <p> + “TO——MARVEL, ESQ. &C. At the Green Man. + </p> + <p> + “SIR, + </p> + <p> + “CIRCUMSTANCES have occurred, since I had last the honour of seeing you, + which make it impossible that I should ever think of you more. + </p> + <p> + “ALICIA BARTON.” + </p> + <p> + Wright said he was perfectly satisfied with this note; and all that he now + desired was to be himself the bearer of it to Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “He is a hot-headed young man,” said Alicia; “he will perhaps quarrel with + you: let me send the letter by a messenger of my own. You don’t know him; + you will not be able to find him out. Besides, why will you deprive me of + your company? Cannot another carry this note as well as you?” + </p> + <p> + “None shall carry it but myself,” said Wright, holding fast his prize. She + was apprehensive of losing him for ever, if she opposed what she thought + his jealous humour; so she struggled no longer to hold him, but bade him + make haste to return to his Alicia. + </p> + <p> + He returned no more; but the next morning she received from him the + following note: + </p> + <p> + “TO MISS ALICIA BARTON, &C. + </p> + <p> + “MADAM, + </p> + <p> + “Circumstances have occurred, since I had last the honour of seeing you, + which make it impossible that I should ever think of you more. + </p> + <p> + “JOHN WRIGHT. + </p> + <p> + “P.S. My cousin, Marvel, thanks you for your note. Before you receive + this, he will have left York wiser than he came into it by fifty guineas + and more.” + </p> + <p> + “Wiser by more than fifty guineas, I hope,” said Marvel, as he rode out of + town, early in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “I have been on the point of being finely taken in! I’m sure this will be + a lesson to me as long as I live. I shall never forget your good-nature, + and steadiness to me, Wright. Now, if it had not been for you, I might + have been married to this jade; and have given her and her brother every + thing I’m worth in the world. Well, well, this is a lesson I shall + remember. I’ve felt it sharply enough. Now I’ll turn my head to my + business again, if I can. How Goodenough would laugh at me if he knew this + story. But I’ll make up for all the foolish things I have done yet before + I die; and I hope, before I die, I may be able to show you, cousin Wright, + how much I am obliged to you: that would be greater joy to me even than + getting by my own ingenuity my uncle Pearson’s ten thousand pound legacy. + Do, Wright, find out something I can do for you, to make amends for all + the trouble I’ve given you, and all the time I have made you waste: do, + there’s a good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Wright, “I don’t want to saddle you with an obligation. + You shall pay me in kind directly, since you are so desirous of it. I told + you I was in love: you shall come with me and see my mistress, to give me + your opinion of her. Every man can be prudent for his neighbour: even you + no doubt can,” added Wright, laughing. Wright’s mistress was a Miss Banks, + only daughter to a gentleman who had set up an apparatus for manufacturing + woad. Mr. Banks’s house was in their way home, and they called there. They + knocked several times at the door, before any one answered: at last a boy + came to hold their horses, who told them that Mr. Banks was dead, and that + nobody could be let into the house. The boy knew nothing of the matter, + except that his master died, he believed, of a sort of a fit; and that his + young mistress was in great grief: “which I’m mortal sorry for,” added he: + “for she be’s kind hearted and civil spoken, and moreover did give me the + very shoes I have on my feet.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could see her,” said Wright; “I might be some comfort to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Might ye so, master? If that the thing be so,” said the boy, looking + earnestly in Wright’s face, “I’ll do my best endeavours.” + </p> + <p> + He ran off at full speed through the back yard, but returned to learn the + gentleman’s name, which he had forgotten to ask; and presently afterwards + he brought his answer. It was written with a pencil, and with a trembling + hand: + </p> + <p> + “My dear Mr. Wright, I cannot see you now: but you shall hear from me as + soon as I am able to give an answer to your last. + </p> + <p> + “S. BANKS.” + </p> + <p> + The words, “My dear,” were half rubbed out: but they were visible enough + to his eyes. Wright turned his horse’s head homewards, and Marvel and he + rode away. His heart was so full that he could not speak, and he did not + hear what Marvel said to comfort him. As they were thus riding on slowly, + they heard a great noise of horsemen behind them; and looking back, they + saw a number of farmers, who were riding after them. As they drew near, + Wright’s attention was roused by hearing the name of <i>Banks</i> + frequently repeated. “What news, neighbour?” said Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “The news is, that Mr. Banks is dead; he died of an apoplectic fit, and + has left his daughter a power o’ money, they say. Happy the man who gets + her! Good morrow to you, gentlemen; we’re in haste home.” After receiving + this intelligence, Wright read his mistress’s note over again, and + observed that he was not quite pleased to see the words “My dear” half + rubbed out. Marvel exclaimed, “Have nothing more to do with her; that’s my + advice to you; for I would not marry any woman for her fortune; especially + if she thought she was doing me a favour. If she loved you, she would not + have rubbed out those words at such a time as this.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay a bit,” said Wright; “we shall be better able to judge by and by.” + </p> + <p> + A week passed away, and Wright heard nothing from Miss Banks; nor did he + attempt to see her, but waited as patiently as he could for her promised + letter. At last it came. The first word was “Sir.” That was enough for + Marvel, who threw it down with indignation when his cousin showed it to + him. “Nay, but read it, at least,” said Wright. + </p> + <p> + “SIR, + </p> + <p> + “My poor father’s affairs have been left in great disorder; and instead of + the fortune which you might have expected with me, I shall have little or + nothing. The creditors have been very kind to me; and I hope in time to + pay all just debts. I have been much hurried with business, or should have + written sooner. Indeed it is no pleasant task to me to write at all, on + this occasion. I cannot unsay what I have said to you in former times, for + I think the same of you as ever I did: but I know that I am not now a fit + match for you as to fortune, and would not hold any man to his word, nor + could value any man enough to marry him, who would break it. Therefore it + will be no grief for me to break off with you if such should be your + desire. And no blame shall be thrown upon you by my friends, for I will + take the refusal upon myself. I know the terms of your uncle’s will, and + the great reason you have to wish for a good fortune with your wife; so it + is very natural—I mean very likely, you may not choose to be + burdened with a woman who has none. Pray speak your mind freely to, sir, + </p> + <p> + “Your humble servant, + </p> + <p> + “S. BANKS.” Marvel had no sooner read this letter than he advised his + friend Wright to marry Miss Banks directly. + </p> + <p> + “That is what I have determined to do,” said Wright: “for I don’t think + money the first thing in the world; and I would sooner give up my uncle + Pearson’s legacy this minute than break my word to any woman, much less to + one that I love, as I do Miss Banks, better now than ever. I have just + heard from the steward, who brought this letter, how handsomely and + prudently she has behaved to other people, as well as to myself: by which + I can judge most safely. She has paid all the debts that were justly due, + and has sold even the gig, which I know she wished to keep; but, seeing + that it was not suited to her present circumstances, her good sense has + got the better. Now, to my mind, a prudent wife, even as to money matters, + may turn out a greater treasure to a man than what they call a great + fortune.” + </p> + <p> + With these sentiments Wright married Miss Banks, who was indeed a very + prudent, amiable girl. Goodenough sneered at this match; and observed that + he had always foretold Wright would be taken in, sooner or later. + Goodenough was now in his thirty-second year, and as he had always + determined to marry precisely at this age, he began to look about for a + wife. He chose a widow, said to be of a very close saving temper: she was + neither young, handsome, nor agreeable; but then she was rich, and it was + Goodenough’s notion that the main chance should be first considered, in + matrimony as in every thing else. Now this notable dame was precisely of + his way of thinking; but she had more shrewdness than her lover, and she + overreached him in the bargain: her fortune did not turn out to be above + one half of what report had represented it; her temper was worse than even + her enemies said it was; and the time that was daily wasted in trifling + disputes between this well-matched pair was worth more than all the petty + savings made by her avaricious habits. + </p> + <p> + Goodenough cursed himself ten times a day, during the honey-moon; but as + he did not like to let the neighbours know how far he had been outwitted, + he held his tongue with the fortitude of a martyr; and his partisans all + commended him for making so prudent a match. “Ah, ay,” said they, “there’s + Wright, who might have had this very woman, has gone and married a girl + without a shilling, with all his prudence; and, as to Marvel, he will + surely be bit.” There they were mistaken. Marvel was a person capable of + learning from experience, and he never forgot the lesson that he had + received from the charming Alicia. It seemed to have sobered him + completely. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + About this time, Mr. James Harrison, an eminent dyer, uncle to Wright’s + friend of that name at York, came to settle near Clover-hill; and as + Marvel was always inclined to be hospitable, he assisted his new neighbour + with many of those little conveniences, which money cannot always command + at the moment they are wanted. The dyer was grateful; and, in return for + Marvel’s civilities, let him into many of the mysteries of the dyeing + business, which he was anxious to understand. Scarcely a day passed + without his calling on Mr. James Harrison. Now, Mr. Harrison had a + daughter, Lucy, who was young and pretty, and Marvel thought her more and + more agreeable every time he saw her; but, as he told Wright, he was + determined not to fall in love with her, until he was quite sure that she + was good for something. A few weeks after he had been acquainted with her, + he had an opportunity of seeing her tried. Mrs. Isaac Harrison, the dyer + of York’s lady, came to spend some time; Miss Millicent, or, as she was + commonly called, Milly Harrison, accompanied her mother: she, having a + more fashionable air than Lucy, and having learned to dance from a London + dancing-master, thought herself so much her superior that she ought to + direct her in all things. Miss Milly, the Sunday after her arrival, + appeared at church in a bonnet that charmed half the congregation; and a + crowd of farmers’ wives and daughters, the moment church was over, begged + the favour of Miss Milly to tell them where and how such a bonnet could be + got, and how much it would cost. It was extravagantly dear; and those + mothers who had any prudence were frightened at the price: but the + daughters were of opinion that it was the cheapest, as well as prettiest + thing that ever was seen or heard of; and Miss Milly was commissioned to + write immediately to York to bespeak fifteen bonnets exactly like her own. + This transaction was settled before they had left the churchyard; and Miss + Milly was leaning upon a tombstone to write down the names of those who + were most eager to have their bonnets before the next Sunday, when Wright + and Marvel came up to the place where the crowd was gathered, and they saw + what was going forward. + </p> + <p> + Miss Barber, Miss Cotton, Miss Lamb, Miss Dishley, Miss Trotter, Miss + Hull, Miss Parker, Miss Bury, Miss Oxley, &c. &c. &c. &c. + &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. &c., all, in + their turn, peeped anxiously over Miss Milly’s shoulder, to make + themselves sure that their names were in the happy list. Lucy Harrison, + alone, stood with a composed countenance in the midst of the agitated + group. “Well, cousin Lucy, what say you now? Shall I bespeak a bonnet for + you, hey?—Do you know,” cried Miss Milly, turning to the admirers of + her bonnet, “do you know that I offered to bespeak one yesterday for Lucy; + and she was so stingy she would not let me, because it was <i>too dear</i>?” + “<i>Too dear!</i> Could ye conceive it?” repeated the young ladies, + joining in a scornful titter. All eyes were now fixed upon Lucy, who + blushed deeply, but answered, with gentle steadiness, that she really + could not afford to lay out so much money upon a bonnet, and that she + would rather not have her name put down in the list. + </p> + <p> + “She’s a good prudent girl,” whispered Wright to Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “And very pretty, I am sure; I never saw her look so pretty as at this + instant,” replied Marvel in a low voice, + </p> + <p> + “Please yourself, child,” said Miss Milly, throwing back her head with + much disdain; “but I’m sure you’ll please nobody else with such a dowdy + thing as that you have on. Lord! I should like to see her walk the streets + of York on a Sunday that figure. Lord! how Mrs. Stokes would laugh!” + </p> + <p> + Here she paused, and several of her fair audience were struck with the + terrible idea of being laughed at by a person whom they had never seen, + and whom they were never likely to see; and transporting themselves in + imagination into the streets of York, felt all the horror of being stared + at, in an unfashionable bonnet, by Mrs. Stokes. “Gracious me! Miss Milly, + do pray be sure to have mine sent from York afore next Sunday,” cried one + of the country belles: “and, gracious me! don’t forget mine, Miss Mill,” + was reiterated by every voice but Lucy’s, as the crowd followed Miss + Harrison out of the churchyard. Great was the contempt felt for her by the + company; but she was proof against their ridicule, and calmly ended, as + she began, with saying, “I cannot afford it.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a very prudent girl,” repeated Wright, in a low voice, to Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “But I hope this is not stinginess,” whispered Marvel. “I would not marry + such a stingy animal as Goodenough has taken to wife for all the world. Do + you know she has half starved the servant boy that lived with them? There + he is, yonder, getting over the stile: did you ever see such a + miserable-looking creature?—He can tell you fifty stories of dame + Goodenough’s stinginess. I would not marry a stingy woman for the whole + world. I hope Lucy Harrison is not stingy.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, Mrs. Wright,” said Marvel’s friend, turning to his wife, who had + been standing beside him, and who had not yet said one word, “what may + your opinion be?” + </p> + <p> + “My opinion is, that she is as generous a girl as any upon earth,” said + Mrs. Wright, “and I have good reason to say so.” + </p> + <p> + “How? What?” said Marvel, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Her father lent my poor father five hundred pounds; and at the meeting of + the creditors after his death, Mr. Harrison was very earnest to have the + money paid, because it was his daughter’s fortune. When he found that it + could not be had immediately, he grew extremely angry; but Lucy pacified + him, and told him that she was sure I should pay the money honestly, as + soon as I could; and that she would willingly wait to have it paid at a + hundred pounds a year, for my convenience. I am more obliged to her for + the handsome way in which she trusted to me, than if she had given me half + the money. I shall never forget it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you forgive her for not buying the bonnet,” said Wright to Marvel. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive her! ay; now I love her for it,” said Marvel; “now I know that + she is not stingy.” + </p> + <p> + From this day forward, Marvel’s attachment to Lucy rapidly increased. One + evening he was walking in the fields with Lucy and Miss Milly, who played + off her finest York airs to attract his admiration, when the following + dialogue passed between them: “La! cousin Lucy,” said Miss Millicent, + “when shall we get you to York? I long to show you a little of the world, + and to introduce you to my friend, Mrs. Stokes, the milliner.” + </p> + <p> + “My father says that he does not wish that I should be acquainted with + Mrs. Stokes,” said Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “Your father! Nonsense, child. Your father has lived all his life in the + country, the Lord knows where; he has not lived in York, as I have; so how + can he know any thing upon earth of the world?—what we call the + world, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, cousin Milly, what you call the world; but I think that he + knows more of Mrs. Stokes than I do; and I shall trust to his opinion, for + I never knew him speak ill of any body without having good reason for it. + Besides, it is my duty to obey my father.” + </p> + <p> + “Duty! La! Gracious me! She talks as if she was a baby in + leading-strings,” cried Miss Milly, laughing; but she was mortified at + observing that Marvel did not join, as she had expected, in the laugh: so + she added, in a scornful tone, “Perhaps I’m in the wrong box; and that Mr. + Marvel is one of them that admires pretty babes in leading-strings.” + </p> + <p> + “I am one of those that admire a good daughter, I confess,” said Marvel; + “and,” said he, lowering his voice, “that love her too.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Milly coloured with anger, and Lucy with an emotion that she had + never felt before. As they returned home, they met Mr. Harrison, and the + moment Marvel espied him he quitted the ladies. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve something to say to you, Mr. Harrison. I should be glad to speak a + few words to you in private, if you please,” cried he, seizing his arm, + and leading him down a by-lane. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harrison was all attention; but Marvel began to gather primroses, + instead of speaking. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Harrison, “did you bring me here to see you gather + primroses?” + </p> + <p> + After smelling the flowers twenty times, and placing them in twenty + different forms, Marvel at last threw them on the bank, and, with a sudden + effort, exclaimed, “You have a daughter, Mr. James Harrison.” + </p> + <p> + “I know I have; and I thank God for it.” + </p> + <p> + “So you have reason to do; for a more lovely girl and a better, in my + opinion, never existed.” + </p> + <p> + “One must not praise one’s own, or I should agree with you,” said the + proud father. + </p> + <p> + Again there was silence. And again Marvel picked up his primroses. + </p> + <p> + “In short,” said he, “Mr. Harrison, would you like me for a son-in-law?” + </p> + <p> + “Would Lucy like you for a husband? I must know that first,” said the good + father. + </p> + <p> + “That is what I do not know,” replied Marvel; “but, if I was to ask her, + she would ask you, I am sure, whether you would like me for a son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “At this rate, we shall never get forwards,” said Harrison. “Go you back + to Miss Milly, and send my Lucy here to me.” + </p> + <p> + We shall not tell how Lucy picked up the flowers, which had been her + lover’s grand resource; nor how often she blushed upon the occasion: she + acknowledged that she thought Mr. Marvel <i>very agreeable</i>, but that + she was afraid to marry a person who had so little steadiness. That she + had heard of a great number of schemes, undertaken by him, which had + failed; or which he had given up as hastily as he had begun them. + “Besides,” said she, “may be he might change his mind about me as well as + about other things; for I’ve heard from my cousin Milly—I’ve heard—that—he + was in love, not very long since, with an actress in York. Do you think + this is all true?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know it is all true,” said Mr. Harrison, “for he told me so + himself. He is an honest, open-hearted young man; but I think as you do, + child, that we cannot be sure of his steadiness.” + </p> + <p> + When Marvel heard from Mr. Harrison the result of this conversation, he + was inspired with the strongest desire to convince Lucy that he was + capable of perseverance. To the astonishment of all who knew him, or who + thought that they knew him, he settled steadily to business; and, for a + whole twelvemonth, no one heard him speak of any new scheme. At the end of + this time he renewed his proposal to Lucy; saying that he hoped she would + now have some dependence upon his constancy to her, since she had seen the + power she had over his mind. Lucy was artless and affectionate, as well as + prudent: now that her only real objection to the match was lessened, she + did not torment him, to try her power; but acknowledged her attachment to + him, and they were married. + </p> + <p> + Sir Plantagenet Mowbray’s agent was much astonished that Lucy did not + prefer him, because he was a much richer man than Pierce Marvel; and Miss + Milly Harrison was also astonished that Mr. Marvel did not prefer her to + such a country girl as Lucy, especially when she had a thousand pounds + more <i>to</i> her fortune. But, notwithstanding all this astonishment, + Marvel and his wife were perfectly happy. + </p> + <p> + It was now the fifth year after old Mr. Pearson’s death. Wright was at + this time the richest of the three nephews; for the money that he had laid + out in draining Holland fen began to bring him in twenty per cent. As to + Marvel, he had exchanged some of his finest acres for the warren of silver + sprigs, the common full of thistles, and the marsh full of reeds: he had + lost many guineas by his sheep and their jackets, and many more by his + ill-fenced plantations: so that counting all the losses from the failure + of his schemes and the waste of his time, he was a thousand pounds poorer + than when he first came into possession of Clover-hill. + </p> + <p> + Goodenough was not, according to the most accurate calculations, one + shilling richer or poorer than when he first began the world. “Slow and + sure,” said his friends: “fair and softly goes far in a day. What he has + he’ll hold fast; that’s more than Marvel ever did, and may be more than + Wright will do in the end. He dabbles a little in <i>experiments</i>, as + he calls them: this he has learned from his friend Marvel; and this will + come to no good.” + </p> + <p> + About this time there was some appearance of a scarcity in England; and + many farmers set an unusual quantity of potatoes, in hopes that they would + bear a high price the ensuing season. Goodenough, who feared and hated + every thing that was called a speculation, declared that, for his part, he + would not set a drill more than he used to do. What had always done for + him and his should do for him still. With this resolution, he began to set + his potatoes: Marvel said to him, whilst he was at work, “Cousin + Goodenough, I would advise you not to set the shoots that are at the + bottom of these potatoes; for, if you do, they won’t be good for any + thing. This is a secret I learned last harvest home, from one of my Irish + haymakers. I made the experiment last year, and found the poor fellow was + quite right. I have given him a guinea for his information; and it will be + worth a great deal more to me and my neighbours.” + </p> + <p> + “May be so,” said Goodenough; “but I shall set my own potatoes my own way, + I thank you, cousin Marvel; for I take it the old way’s best, and I’ll + never follow any other.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel saw that it was in vain to attempt to convince Goodenough: + therefore he left him to his old ways. The consequence was, that + Goodenongh and his family ate the worst potatoes in the whole country this + year; and Marvel cleared <i>above two hundred pounds</i> by twenty acres + of potatoes, set according to his friend the Irishman’s directions. + </p> + <p> + This was the first speculation of Marvel’s which succeeded; because it was + the first which had been begun with prudence, and pursued with steadiness. + His information, in the first instance, was good: it came from a person + who had actually tried the experiment, and who had seen it made by others; + and when he was convinced of the fact, he applied his knowledge at the + proper time, boldly extended his experiment, and succeeded. This success + raised him in the opinion even of his enemies. His friend, Wright, + heartily rejoiced at it; but Goodenough sneered, and said to Wright, “What + Marvel has gained this year he’ll lose by some scheme the next. I dare to + say, now, he has some new scheme or another brewing in his brains at this + very moment. Ay—look, here he comes, with two bits of rags in his + hand.—Now for it!” + </p> + <p> + Marvel came up to them with great eagerness in his looks; and showing two + freshly-dyed patterns of cloth, said, “Which of these two blues is the + brightest?” + </p> + <p> + “That in your left hand,” said Wright; “it is a beautiful blue.” + </p> + <p> + “Marvel rubbed his hands with an air of triumph; but restraining his joy, + he addressed himself to Wright in a composed voice. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Wright, I have many obligations to you; and, if I have any good + fortune, you shall be the first to share it with me. As for you, cousin + Goodenough, I don’t bear malice against you for laughing at me and my + herons’ feathers, and my silver sprigs, and my sheep’s jackets, and my + thistles: shake hands, man; you shall have a share in our scheme, if you + please.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t please to have no share at all in none of your schemes, cousin + Marvel: I thank you kindly,” said Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “Had not you better hear what it is, before you decide against it?” said + Wright. + </p> + <p> + Marvel explained himself further: “Some time ago,” said he, “I was with my + father-in-law, who was dyeing some cloth with woad. I observed that one + corner of the cloth was of much brighter blue than any of the rest; and + upon examining what could be the cause of this, I found that the corner of + the cloth had fallen upon the ground, as it was taken out of the dyeing + vat, and had trailed through a mixture of colours, which I had + accidentally spilled on the floor. I carefully recollected of what this + mixture was composed: I found that woad was the principal ingredient; the + other——is a secret. I have repeated my experiments several + times, and I find that they have always succeeded: I was determined not to + speak of my discovery till I was sure of the facts. Now I’m sure of them, + my father-in-law tells me that he and his brother at York could ensure to + me an advantageous sale for as much blue cloth as I can prepare; and he + advised me to take out a patent for the dye.” + </p> + <p> + Goodenough had not patience to listen any longer, but exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Join in a patent! that’s more than I would do, I’m sure, cousin Marvel; + so don’t think to take me in: I’ll end as I began, without having any + thing to do with any of your new-fangled schemes—Good morning to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Wright,” said Marvel, proudly, “that you do not suspect me of any + design to take you in; and that you will have some confidence in this + scheme, when you find that my experiments have been accurately tried.” + </p> + <p> + Wright assured Marvel that he had the utmost confidence in his integrity; + and that he would carefully go over with him any experiments he chose to + show him. “I do not want to worm your secret from you,” said he; “but we + must make ourselves sure of success before we go to take out a patent, + which will be an expensive business.” + </p> + <p> + “You are exactly the sort of man I should wish to have for my partner,” + cried Marvel, “for you have all the coolness and prudence that I want.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have all the quickness and ingenuity that I want,” replied + Wright; “so, between us, we should indeed, as you say, make good + partners.” + </p> + <p> + A partnership was soon established between Wright and Marvel. The woad + apparatus, which belonged to Wright’s father-in-law, was given up to the + creditors to pay the debts; but none of these creditors understood the + management of it, or were willing to engage in it, lest they should ruin + themselves. Marvel prevailed upon Wright to keep it in his own hands: and + the creditors, who had been well satisfied by his wife’s conduct towards + them, and who had great confidence in his character for prudence, + relinquished their claims upon the property, and trusted to Wright’s + promise, that they should be gradually paid by instalments. + </p> + <p> + “See what it is to have chosen a good wife,” said Wright. “Good character + is often better than good fortune.” + </p> + <p> + The wife returned the husband’s compliment; but we must pass over such + unfashionable conversation, and proceed with our story. + </p> + <p> + The reader may recollect our mentioning a little boy, who carried a + message from Wright to Miss Banks the day that he called upon her, on his + return from York. She had been very good to this boy, and he was of a + grateful temper. After he left her father’s service, he was hired by a + gentleman, who lived near Spalding, and for some time she had heard + nothing of him: but, about a year after she was married, his master paid a + visit in Lincolnshire, and the lad early one morning came to see his “<i>old + young mistress</i>.” He came so very early that none of the family were + stirring, except Marvel, who had risen by daybreak to finish some repairs + that he was making in the woad apparatus. He recognized the boy the moment + he saw him, and welcomed him with his usual good-nature. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir!” said the lad, “I be’s glad to see things going on here again. I + be’s main glad to hear how young mistress is happy! But I must be back + afore my own present master be’s up; so will you be pleased to give my + sarvice and duty, and here’s a little sort of a tea-chest for her, that I + made with the help of a fellow-sarvant of mine. If so be she’ll think well + of taking it, I should be very proud: it has a lock and key and all.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel was astonished at the workmanship of this tea-chest; and when he + expressed his admiration, the boy said, “Oh, sir! all the difficult<i>est</i> + parts were done by my fellow-sarvant, who is more handy like than I am, + ten to one, though he is a Frenchman. He was one of them French prisoners, + and is a curious man. He would have liked of all things to have come here + along with me this morning, to get a sight of what’s going on here; + because that they have woad mills and the like in his own country, he + says; but then he would not come spying without leave, being a civil + honest man.” + </p> + <p> + Marvel told the boy that his fellow-servant should be heartily welcome to + satisfy his curiosity; and the next morning the Frenchman came. He was a + native of Languedoc, where woad is cultivated: he had been engaged in the + manufacture of it, and Marvel soon found, by his conversation, that he was + a well-informed, intelligent man. He told Marvel that there were many + natives of Languedoc, at this time, prisoners in England, who understood + the business as well as he did, and would be glad to be employed, or to + sell their knowledge at a reasonable price. Marvel was not too proud to + learn, even from a Frenchman. With Wright’s consent, he employed several + of these workmen; and he carried, by their means, the manufacture of woad + to a high pitch of perfection. How success changes the opinion of men! The + Lincolnshire farmers, who had formerly sneered at Marvel as a genius and a + projector, began to look up to him as to a very wise and knowing man, when + they saw this manufactory continue to thrive; and those who had blamed + Wright, for entering into partnership with him, now changed their minds. + Neither of them could have done separately what they both effected by + their union. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the ten years, Goodenough was precisely where he was when he + began; neither richer nor poorer; neither wiser nor happier; all that he + had added to his stock was a cross wife and two cross children. He, to the + very last moment, persisted in the belief that he should be the richest of + the three, and that Wright and Marvel would finish by being bankrupts. He + was in unutterable astonishment, when, upon the appointed day, they + produced their account-books to Mr. Constantine, the executor, and it was + found that they were many thousand pounds better in the world than + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Now, gentlemen,” said Mr. Constantine, “to which of you am I to give your + uncle’s legacy? I must know which of the partners has the greatest share + in the manufactory.” + </p> + <p> + “Wright has the greatest share,” cried Marvel; “for without his prudence I + should have been ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “Marvel has the greatest share,” cried Wright: “for without his ingenuity + I should never have succeeded in the business, nor indeed should I have + undertaken it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, gentlemen, you must divide the legacy between you,” said Mr. + Constantine, “and I give you joy of your happy partnership. What can be + more advantageous than a partnership between prudence and justice on the + one side, and generosity and abilities on the other?” + </p> + <p> + <i>June, 1800</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIMERICK GLOVES. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + It was Sunday morning, and a fine day in autumn; the bells of Hereford + cathedral rang, and all the world smartly dressed were flocking to church. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Hill! Mrs. Hill!—Phoebe! Phoebe! There’s the cathedral bell, I + say, and neither of you ready for church, and I a verger;” cried Mr. Hill, + the tanner, as he stood at the bottom of his own staircase. “I’m ready, + papa,” replied Phoebe; and down she came, looking so clean, so fresh, and + so gay, that her stern father’s brows unbent, and he could only say to + her, as she was drawing on a new pair of gloves, “Child, you ought to have + had those gloves on before this time of day.” + </p> + <p> + “Before this time of day!” cried Mrs. Hill, who was now coming down stairs + completely equipped, “before this time of day! she should know better, I + say, than to put on those gloves at all: more especially when going to the + cathedral.” + </p> + <p> + “The gloves are very good gloves, as far as I see,” replied Mr. Hill. “But + no matter now. It is more fitting that we should be in proper time in our + pew, to set an example, as becomes us, than to stand here talking of + gloves and nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + He offered his wife and daughter each an arm, and set out for the + cathedral; but Phoebe was too busy in drawing on her new gloves, and her + mother was too angry at the sight of them, to accept of Mr. Hill’s + courtesy: “What I say is always nonsense, I know, Mr. Hill,” resumed the + matron: “but I can see as far into a millstone as other folks. Was it not + I that first gave you a hint of what became of the great dog, that we lost + out of our tan-yard last winter? And was it not I who first took notice to + you, Mr. Hill, verger as you are, of the hole under the foundation of the + cathedral? Was it not, I ask you, Mr. Hill?” “But, my dear Mrs. Hill, what + has all this to do with Phoebe’s gloves?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you blind, Mr. Hill? Don’t you see that they are Limerick gloves?” + </p> + <p> + “What of that?” said Mr. Hill; still preserving his composure, as it was + his custom to do as long as he could, when he saw his wife was ruffled. + </p> + <p> + “What of that, Mr. Hill! why don’t you know that Limerick is in Ireland, + Mr. Hill?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and with all your heart, I suppose, Mr. Hill, you would see our + cathedral blown up, some fair day or other, and your own daughter married + to the person that did it; and you a verger, Mr. Hill.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid!” cried Mr. Hill; and he stopped short and settled his wig. + Presently recovering himself, he added, “But, Mrs. Hill, the cathedral is + not yet blown up; and our Phoebe is not yet married.” + </p> + <p> + “No: but what of that, Mr. Hill? Forewarned is forearmed, as I told you + before your dog was gone; but you would not believe me, and you see how it + turned out in that case; and so it will in this case, you’ll see, Mr. + Hill.” + </p> + <p> + “But you puzzle and frighten me out of my wits, Mrs. Hill,” said the + verger, again settling his wig. “<i>In that case and in this case!</i> I + can’t understand a syllable of what you’ve been saying to me this half + hour. In plain English, what is there the matter about Phoebe’s gloves?” + </p> + <p> + “In plain English, then, Mr. Hill, since you can understand nothing else, + please to ask your daughter Phoebe who gave her those gloves. Phoebe, who + gave you those gloves?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish they were burnt,” said the husband, whose patience could endure no + longer. “Who gave you those cursed gloves, Phoebe?” + </p> + <p> + “Papa,” answered Phoebe, in a low voice, “they were a present from Mr. + Brian O’Neill.” + </p> + <p> + “The Irish glover,” cried Mr. Hill, with a look of terror. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” resumed the mother; “very true, Mr. Hill, I assure you. Now, you + see, I had my reasons.” + </p> + <p> + “Take off the gloves directly: I order you, Phoebe,” said her father, in + his most peremptory tone. “I took a mortal dislike to that Mr. Brian + O’Neill the first time I ever saw him. He’s an Irishman, and that’s + enough, and too much for me. Off with the gloves, Phoebe! When I order a + thing, it must be done.” + </p> + <p> + Phoebe seemed to find some difficulty in getting off the gloves, and + gently urged that she could not well go into the cathedral without them. + This objection was immediately removed, by her mother’s pulling from her + pocket a pair of mittens, which had once been brown, and once been whole, + but which were now rent in sundry places; and which, having been long + stretched by one who was twice the size of Phoebe, now hung in huge + wrinkles upon her well-turned arms. + </p> + <p> + “But, papa,” said Phoebe, “why should we take a dislike to him because he + is an Irishman? Cannot an Irishman be a good man?” + </p> + <p> + The verger made no answer to this question, but a few seconds after it was + put to him, observed that the cathedral bell had just done ringing; and, + as they were now got to the church door, Mrs. Hill, with a significant + look at Phoebe, remarked that it was no proper time to talk or think of + good men, or bad men, or Irishmen, or any men, especially for a verger’s + daughter. + </p> + <p> + We pass over in silence the many conjectures that were made by several of + the congregation, concerning the reason why Miss Phoebe Hill should appear + in such a shameful shabby pair of gloves on a Sunday. After service was + ended, the verger went, with great mystery, to examine the hole under the + foundation of the cathedral; and Mrs. Hill repaired, with the grocer’s and + the stationer’s ladies, to take a walk in the Close; where she boasted to + all her female acquaintance, whom she called her friends, of her maternal + discretion in prevailing upon Mr. Hill to forbid her daughter Phoebe to + wear the Limerick gloves. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, Phoebe walked pensively homewards; endeavouring to + discover why her father should take a mortal dislike to a man, at first + sight, merely because he was an Irishman; and why her mother had talked so + much of the great dog, which had been lost last year out of the tan-yard; + and of the hole under the foundation of the cathedral! What has all this + to do with my Limerick gloves? thought she. The more she thought, the less + connexion she could perceive between these things: for as she had not + taken a dislike to Mr. Brian O’Neill at first sight, because he was an + Irishman, she could not think it quite reasonable to suspect him of making + away with her father’s dog; nor yet of a design to blow up Hereford + cathedral. As she was pondering upon these matters, she came within sight + of the ruins of a poor woman’s house, which a few months before this time + had been burnt down. She recollected that her first acquaintance with her + lover began at the time of this fire; and she thought that the courage and + humanity he showed, in exerting himself to save this unfortunate woman and + her children, justified her notion of the possibility that an Irishman + might be a good man. + </p> + <p> + The name of the poor woman, whose house had been burnt down, was Smith: + she was a widow, and she now lived at the extremity of a narrow lane in a + wretched habitation. Why Phoebe thought of her with more concern than + usual at this instant we need not examine, but she did; and, reproaching + herself for having neglected it for some weeks past, she resolved to go + directly to see the widow Smith, and to give her a crown which she had + long had in her pocket, with which she had intended to have bought play + tickets. + </p> + <p> + It happened that the first person she saw in the poor widow’s kitchen was + the identical Mr. O’Neill. “I did not expect to see any body here but you, + Mrs. Smith,” said Phoebe, blushing. + </p> + <p> + “So much the greater the pleasure of the meeting; to me, I mean, Miss + Hill,” said O’Neill, rising, and putting down a little boy, with whom he + had been playing. Phoebe went on talking to the poor woman; and, after + slipping the crown into her hand, said she would call again. O’Neill, + surprised at the change in her manner, followed her when she left the + house, and said, “It would be a great misfortune to me to have done any + thing to offend Miss Hill; especially if I could not conceive how or what + it was, which is my case at this present speaking.” And, as the spruce + glover spoke, he fixed his eyes upon Phoebe’s ragged gloves. She drew them + up in vain; and then said, with her natural simplicity and gentleness, + “You have not done any thing to offend me, Mr. O’Neill; but you are some + way or other displeasing to my father and mother, and they have forbid me + to wear the Limerick gloves.” + </p> + <p> + “And sure Miss Hill would not be after changing her opinion of her humble + servant for no reason in life, but because her father and mother, who have + taken a prejudice against him, are a little contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Phoebe; “I should not change my opinion without any reason; + but I have not yet had time to fix my opinion of you, Mr. O’Neill.” + </p> + <p> + “To let you know a piece of my mind, then, my dear Miss Hill,” resumed he, + “the more contrary they are, the more pride and joy it would give me to + win and wear you, in spite of ‘em all; and if without a farthing in your + pocket, so much the more I should rejoice in the opportunity of proving to + your dear self, and all else whom it may consarn, that Brian O’Neill is no + fortune-hunter, and scorns them that are so narrow-minded as to think that + no other kind of cattle but them there fortune-hunters can come out of all + Ireland. So, my dear Phoebe, now we understand one another, I hope you + will not be paining my eyes any longer with the sight of these odious + brown bags, which are not fit to be worn by any Christian arms, to say + nothing of Miss Hill’s, which are the handsomest, without any compliment, + that ever I saw; and, to my mind, would become a pair of Limerick gloves + beyond any thing: and I expect she’ll show her generosity and proper + spirit by putting them on immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “You expect, sir!” repeated Miss Hill, with a look of more indignation + than her gentle countenance had ever before been seen to assume. “Expect!” + If he had said hope, thought she, it would have been another thing: but + expect! what right has he to expect? + </p> + <p> + Now Miss Hill, unfortunately, was not sufficiently acquainted with the + Irish idiom, to know, that to expect, in Ireland, is the same thing as to + hope in England; and, when her Irish admirer said I expect, he meant only + in plain English, I hope. But thus it is that a poor Irishman, often, for + want of understanding the niceties of the English language, says the + rudest when he means to say the civillest things imaginable. + </p> + <p> + Miss Hill’s feelings were so much hurt by this unlucky “I expect,” that + the whole of his speech, which had before made some favourable impression + upon her, now lost its effect; and she replied with proper spirit, as she + thought, “You expect a great deal too much, Mr. O’Neill; and more than + ever I gave you reason to do. It would be neither pleasure nor pride to me + to be won and worn, as you were pleased to say, in spite of them all; and + to be thrown, without a farthing in my pocket, upon the protection of one + who expects so much at first setting out.—So I assure you, sir, + whatever you may expect, I shall not put on the Limerick gloves.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. O’Neill was not without his share of pride and proper spirit; nay, he + had, it must be confessed, in common with some others of his countrymen, + an improper share of pride and spirit. Fired by the lady’s coldness, he + poured forth a volley of reproaches; and ended by wishing, as he said, a + good morning, for ever and ever, to one who could change her opinion, + point blank, like the weathercock. “I am, miss, your most obedient; and I + expect you’ll never think no more of poor Brian O’Neill, and the Limerick + gloves.” + </p> + <p> + If he had not been in too great a passion to observe any thing, poor Brian + O’Neill would have found out that Phoebe was not a weathercock: but he + left her abruptly, and hurried away, imagining all the while that it was + Phoebe, and not himself, who was in a rage. Thus, to the horseman, who is + galloping at full speed, the hedges, trees, and houses, seem rapidly to + recede; whilst, in reality, they never move from their places. It is he + that flies from them, and not they from him. + </p> + <p> + On Monday morning Miss Jenny Brown, the perfumer’s daughter, came to pay + Phoebe a morning visit, with face of busy joy. + </p> + <p> + “So, my dear!” said she: “fine doings in Hereford! but what makes you look + so downcast? To be sure you are invited, as well as the rest of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Invited where?” cried Mrs. Hill, who was present, and who could never + endure to hear of an invitation in which she was not included. “Invited + where, pray, Miss Jenny?” + </p> + <p> + “La! have not you heard? Why, we all took it for granted that you and Miss + Phoebe would have been the first and foremost to have been asked to Mr. + O’Neill’s ball.” + </p> + <p> + “Ball!” cried Mrs. Hill; and luckily saved Phoebe, who was in some + agitation, the trouble of speaking. “Why, this is a mighty sudden thing: I + never heard a tittle of it before.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is really extraordinary! And, Phoebe, have you not received a + pair of Limerick gloves?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have,” said Phoebe, “but what then? What have my Limerick gloves + to do with the ball?” + </p> + <p> + “A great deal,” replied Jenny. “Don’t you know, that a pair of Limerick + gloves is, as one may say, a ticket to this ball? for every lady that has + been asked has had a pair sent to her along with the card; and I believe + as many as twenty, besides myself, have been asked this morning.” + </p> + <p> + Jenny then produced her new pair of Limerick gloves; and as she tried them + on, and showed how well they fitted, she counted up the names of the + ladies who, to her knowledge, were to be at this ball. When she had + finished the catalogue, she expatiated upon the grand preparations which + it was said the widow O’Neill, Mr. O’Neill’s mother, was making for the + supper; and concluded by condoling with Mrs. Hill for her misfortune in + not having been invited. Jenny took her leave, to get her dress in + readiness: “for,” added she, “Mr. O’Neill has engaged me to open the ball, + in case Phoebe does not go: but I suppose she will cheer up and go, as she + has a pair of Limerick gloves as well as the rest of us.” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence for some minutes after Jenny’s departure, which was + broken by Phoebe, who told her mother that, early in the morning, a note + had been brought to her, which she had returned unopened; because she + knew, from the hand-writing of the direction, that it came from Mr. + O’Neill. + </p> + <p> + We must observe that Phoebe had already told her mother of her meeting + with this gentleman at the poor widow’s, and of all that had passed + between them afterwards. This openness, on her part, had softened the + heart of Mrs. Hill; who was really inclined to be good-natured, provided + people would allow that she had more penetration than any one else in + Hereford. She was moreover a good deal piqued and alarmed by the idea that + the perfumer’s daughter might rival and outshine her own. Whilst she had + thought herself sure of Mr. O’Neill’s attachment to Phoebe, she had looked + higher; especially as she was persuaded, by the perfumer’s lady, to think + that an Irishman could not be a bad match: but now she began to suspect + that the perfumer’s lady had changed her opinion of Irishmen, since she + did not object to her own Jenny’s leading up the ball at Mr. O’Neill’s. + </p> + <p> + All these thoughts passed rapidly in the mother’s mind; and, with her fear + of losing an admirer for her Phoebe, the value of that admirer suddenly + rose in her estimation. Thus, at an auction, if a lot is going to be + knocked down to a lady, who is the only person that has bid for it, even + she feels discontented, and despises that which nobody covets; but if, as + the hammer is falling, many voices answer to the question, Who bids more? + then her anxiety to secure the prize suddenly rises; and, rather than be + outbid, she will give far beyond its value. + </p> + <p> + “Why, child,” said Mrs. Hill, “since you have a pair of Limerick gloves; + and since certainly that note was an invitation to us to this ball; and + since it is much more fitting that you should open the ball than Jenny + Brown; and since, after all, it was very handsome and genteel of the young + man to say he would take you without a farthing in your pocket, which + shows that those were misinformed who talked of him as an Irish + adventurer; and since we are not certain ‘twas he made away with the dog, + although he said its barking was a great nuisance; there is no great + reason to suppose he was the person who made the hole under the foundation + of the cathedral, or that he could have such a wicked thought as to blow + it up; and since he must be in a very good way of business to be able to + afford giving away four or five guineas’ worth of Limerick gloves, and + balls and suppers; and since, after all, it is no fault of his to be an + Irishman; I give it as my vote and opinion, my dear, that you put on your + Limerick gloves and go to this ball; and I’ll go and speak to your father, + and bring him round to our opinion; and then I’ll pay the morning visit I + owe to the widow O’Neill, and make up your quarrel with Brian. Love + quarrels are easy to make up, you know; and then we shall have things all + upon velvet again; and Jenny Brown need not come with her hypocritical + condoling face to us anymore.” + </p> + <p> + After running this speech glibly off, Mrs. Hill, without waiting to hear a + syllable from poor Phoebe, trotted off in search of her consort. It was + not, however, quite so easy a task as his wife expected to bring Mr. Hill + round to her opinion. He was slow in declaring himself of any opinion; + but, when once he had said a thing, there was but little chance of + altering his notions. On this occasion, Mr. Hill was doubly bound to his + prejudice against our unlucky Irishman; for he had mentioned with great + solemnity at the club which he frequented, the grand affair of the hole + under the foundation of the cathedral; and his suspicions that there was a + design to blow it up. Several of the club had laughed at this idea; + others, who supposed that Mr. O’Neill was a Roman Catholic, and who had a + confused notion that a Roman Catholic <i>must</i> be a very wicked, + dangerous being, thought that there might be a great deal in the verger’s + suggestions; and observed that a very watchful eye ought to be kept upon + this Irish glover, who had come to settle at Hereford nobody knew why, and + who seemed to have money at command nobody knew how. + </p> + <p> + The news of this ball sounded to Mr. Hill’s prejudiced imagination like + the news of a conspiracy. Ay! ay! thought he; the Irishman is cunning + enough! But we shall be too many for him: he wants to throw all the good + sober folks of Hereford off their guard, by feasting, and dancing, and + carousing, I take it; and so to perpetrate his evil designs when it is + least suspected; but we shall be prepared for him, fools as he takes us + plain Englishmen to be, I warrant. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of these most shrewd cogitations, our verger silenced his + wife with a peremptory nod, when she came to persuade him to let Phoebe + put on the Limerick gloves, and go to the ball. “To this ball she shall + not go; and I charge her not to put on those Limerick gloves, as she + values my blessing,” said Mr. Hill. “Please to tell her so, Mrs. Hill, and + trust to my judgment and discretion in all things, Mrs. Hill. Strange work + may be in Hereford yet: but I’ll say no more; I must go and consult with + knowing men, who are of my opinion.” + </p> + <p> + He sallied forth, and Mrs. Hill was left in a state which only those who + are troubled with the disease of excessive curiosity can rightly + comprehend or compassionate. She hied her back to Phoebe, to whom she + announced her father’s answer; and then went gossipping to all her female + acquaintance in Hereford, to tell them all that she knew, and all that she + did not know; and to endeavour to find out a secret where there was none + to be found. + </p> + <p> + There are trials of temper in all conditions: and no lady, in high or low + life, could endure them with a better grace than Phoebe. Whilst Mr. and + Mrs. Hill were busied abroad, there came to see Phoebe one of the widow + Smith’s children. With artless expressions of gratitude to Phoebe, this + little girl mixed the praises of O’Neill, who, she said, had been the + constant friend of her mother, and had given her money every week since + the fire happened. “Mammy loves him dearly, for being so good-natured,” + continued the child: “and he has been good to other people as well as to + us.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom?” said Phoebe. + </p> + <p> + “To a poor man who has lodged for these few days past next door to us,” + replied the child; “I don’t know his name rightly, but he is an Irishman; + and he goes out a-haymaking in the day-time, along with a number of + others. He knew Mr. O’Neill in his own country, and he told mammy a great + deal about his goodness.” + </p> + <p> + As the child finished these words, Phoebe took out of a drawer some + clothes, which she had made for the poor woman’s children, and gave them + to the little girl. It happened that the Limerick gloves had been thrown + into this drawer; and Phoebe’s favourable sentiments of the giver of those + gloves were revived by what she had just heard, and by the confession Mrs. + Hill had made, that she had no reasons, and but vague suspicions, for + thinking ill of him. She laid the gloves perfectly smooth, and strewed + over them, whilst the little girl went on talking of Mr. O’Neill, the + leaves of a rose which she had worn on Sunday. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hill was all this time in deep conference with those prudent men of + Hereford, who were of his own opinion, about the perilous hole under the + cathedral. The ominous circumstance of this ball was also considered, the + great expense at which the Irish glover lived, and his giving away gloves; + which was a sure sign he was not under any necessity to sell them; and + consequently a proof that, though he pretended to be a glover, he was + something wrong in disguise. Upon putting all these things together, it + was resolved, by these over-wise politicians, that the best thing that + could be done for Hereford, and the only possible means of preventing the + immediate destruction of its cathedral, would be to take Mr. O’Neill into + custody. Upon recollection, however, it was perceived that there was no + legal ground on which he could be attacked. At length, after consulting an + attorney, they devised what they thought an admirable mode of proceeding. + </p> + <p> + Our Irish hero had not that punctuality which English tradesmen usually + observe in the payment of bills: he had, the preceding year, run up a long + bill with a grocer in Hereford; and, as he had not at Christmas cash in + hand to pay it, he had given a note, payable six months after date. The + grocer, at Mr. Hill’s request, made over the note to him; and it was + determined that the money should be demanded, as it was now due, and that, + if it was not paid directly, O’Neill should be that night arrested. How + Mr. Hill made the discovery of this debt to the grocer agree with his + former notion that the Irish glover had always money at command, we cannot + well conceive; but anger and prejudice will swallow down the grossest + contradictions without difficulty. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Hill’s clerk went to demand payment of the note, O’Neill’s head + was full of the ball which he was to give that evening. He was much + surprised at the unexpected appearance of the note: he had not ready money + by him to pay it; and, after swearing a good deal at the clerk, and + complaining of this ungenerous and ungentleman-like behaviour in the + grocer and the tanner, he told the clerk to be gone, and not to be + bothering him at such an unseasonable time; that he could not have the + money then, and did not deserve to have it at all. + </p> + <p> + This language and conduct were rather new to the English clerk’s + mercantile ears: we cannot wonder that it should seem to him, as he said + to his master, more the language of a madman than a man of business. This + want of punctuality in money transactions, and this mode of treating + contracts as matters of favour and affection, might not have damned the + fame of our hero in his own country, where such conduct is, alas! too + common; but he was now in a kingdom where the manners and customs are so + directly opposite, that he could meet with no allowance for his national + faults. It would be well for his countrymen if they were made, even by a + few mortifications, somewhat sensible of this important difference in the + habits of Irish and English traders, before they come to settle in + England. + </p> + <p> + But, to proceed with our story. On the night of Mr. O’Neill’s grand ball, + as he was seeing his fair partner, the perfumer’s daughter, safe home, he + felt himself tapped on the shoulder by no friendly hand. When he was told + that he was the king’s prisoner, he vociferated with sundry strange oaths, + which we forbear to repeat, “No, I am not the king’s prisoner! I am the + prisoner of that shabby rascally tanner, Jonathan Hill. None but he would + arrest a gentleman, in this way, for a trifle not worth mentioning.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Brown screamed when she found herself under the protection of a + man who was arrested; and, what between her screams and his oaths, there + was such a disturbance that a mob gathered. + </p> + <p> + Among this mob there was a party of Irish haymakers, who, after returning + late from a hard day’s work, had been drinking in a neighbouring + ale-house. With one accord they took part with their countryman, and would + have rescued him from the civil officers with all the pleasure in life, if + he had not fortunately possessed just sufficient sense and command of + himself, to restrain their party spirit, and to forbid them, as they + valued his life and reputation, to interfere, by word or deed, in his + defence. + </p> + <p> + He then despatched one of the haymakers home to his mother, to inform her + of what had happened; and to request that she would get somebody to be + bail for him as soon as possible, as the officers said they could not let + him out of their sight till he was bailed by substantial people, or till + the debt was discharged. + </p> + <p> + The widow O’Neill was just putting out the candles in the ball-room when + this news of her son’s arrest was brought to her. We pass over Hibernian + exclamations: she consoled her pride by reflecting that it would certainly + be the most easy thing imaginable to procure bail for Mr. O’Neill in + Hereford, where he had so many friends who had just been dancing at his + house, but to dance at his house she found was one thing, and to be bail + for him quite another. Each guest sent excuses; and the widow O’Neill was + astonished at what never fails to astonish every body when it happens to + themselves. “Rather than let my son be detained in this manner for a + paltry debt,” cried she, “I’d sell all I have within half an hour to a + pawnbroker.” It was well no pawnbroker heard this declaration: she was too + warm to consider economy. She sent for a pawnbroker, who lived in the same + street, and, after pledging goods to treble the amount of the debt, she + obtained ready money for her son’s release. + </p> + <p> + O’Neill, after being in custody for about an hour and a half, was set at + liberty upon the payment of his debt. As he passed by the cathedral in his + way home, he heard the clock strike; and he called to a man, who was + walking backwards and forwards in the churchyard, to ask whether it was + two or three that the clock struck. “Three,” answered the man; “and, as + yet, all is safe.” + </p> + <p> + O’Neill, whose head was full of other things, did not stop to inquire the + meaning of these last words. He little suspected that this man was a + watchman, whom the over-vigilant verger had stationed there to guard the + Hereford cathedral from his attacks. O’Neill little guessed that he had + been arrested merely to keep him from blowing up the cathedral this night. + The arrest had an excellent effect upon his mind, for he was a young man + of good sense: it made him resolve to retrench his expenses in time, to + live more like a glover and less like a gentleman; and to aim more at + establishing credit, and less at gaining popularity. He found, from + experience, that good friends will not pay bad debts. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + On Thursday morning, our verger rose in unusually good spirits, + congratulating himself upon the eminent service he had done to the city of + Hereford, by his sagacity in discovering the foreign plot to blow up the + cathedral, and by his dexterity in having the enemy held in custody, at + the very hour when the dreadful deed was to have been perpetrated. Mr. + Hill’s knowing friends farther agreed it would be necessary to have a + guard that should sit up every night in the churchyard; and that as soon + as they could, by constantly watching the enemy’s motions, procure any + information which the attorney should deem sufficient grounds for a legal + proceeding, they should lay the whole business before the mayor. + </p> + <p> + After arranging all this most judiciously and mysteriously with friends + who were exactly of his own opinion, Mr. Hill laid aside his dignity of + verger; and assuming his other character of a tanner proceeded to his + tan-yard. What was his surprise and consternation, when he beheld his + great rick of oak bark levelled to the ground; the pieces of bark were + scattered far and wide, some over the close, some over the fields, and + some were seen swimming upon the water! No tongue, no pen, no muse can + describe the feelings of our tanner at this spectacle! feelings which + became the more violent from the absolute silence which he imposed on + himself upon this occasion. He instantly decided in his own mind, that + this injury was perpetrated by O’Neill, in revenge for his arrest; and + went privately to the attorney to inquire what was to be done, on his + part, to secure legal vengeance. + </p> + <p> + The attorney unluckily, or at least as Mr. Hill thought, unluckily, had + been sent for, half an hour before, by a gentleman at some distance from + Hereford, to draw up a will; so that our tanner was obliged to postpone + his legal operations. + </p> + <p> + We forbear to recount his return, and how many times he walked up and down + the close to view his scattered bark, and to estimate the damage that had + been done to him. At length that hour came which usually suspends all + passions by the more imperious power of appetite—the hour of dinner; + an hour of which it was never needful to remind Mr. Hill by watch, clock, + or dial; for he was blessed with a punctual appetite, and powerful as + punctual: so powerful, indeed, that it often excited the spleen of his + more genteel, or less hungry wife.—“Bless my stars, Mr. Hill,” she + would oftentimes say, “I am really downright ashamed to see you eat so + much; and when company is to dine with us, I do wish you would take a + snack by way of a damper before dinner, that you may not look so + prodigious famishing and ungenteel.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this hint, Mr. Hill commenced a practice, to which he ever afterwards + religiously adhered, of going, whether there was to be company or no + company, into the kitchen regularly every day, half an hour before dinner, + to take a slice from the roast or the boiled before it went up to table. + As he was this day, according to his custom, in the kitchen, taking his + snack by way of a damper, he heard the housemaid and the cook talking + about some wonderful fortune-teller, whom the housemaid had been + consulting. This fortune-teller was no less a personage than the successor + to Bampfylde Moore Carew, king of the gipsies, whose life and adventures + are probably in many, too many, of our readers’ hands. Bampfylde, the + second king of the gipsies, assumed this title, in hopes of becoming as + famous, or as infamous, as his predecessor: he was now holding his court + in a wood near the town of Hereford, and numbers of servant-maids and + ‘prentices went to consult him—nay, it was whispered that he was + resorted to, secretly, by some whose education might have taught them + better sense. + </p> + <p> + Numberless were the instances which our verger heard in his kitchen of the + supernatural skill of this cunning man; and whilst Mr. Hill ate his snack + with his wonted gravity, he revolved great designs in his secret soul. + Mrs. Hill was surprised, several times during dinner, to see her consort + put down his knife and fork, and meditate. “Gracious me, Mr. Hill, what + can have happened to you this day? What can you be thinking of, Mr. Hill, + that can make you forget what you have upon your plate?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Hill,” replied the thoughtful verger, “our grand-mother Eve had too + much curiosity; and we all know it did not lead to good. What I am + thinking of will be known to you in due time, but not now, Mrs. Hill; + therefore, pray, no questions, or teasing, or pumping. What I think, I + think; what I say, I say; what I know, I know; and that is enough for you + to know at present: only this, Phoebe, you did very well not to put on the + Limerick gloves, child. What I know, I know. Things will turn out just as + I said from the first. What I say, I say; and what I think, I think; and + this is enough for you to know at present.” + </p> + <p> + Having finished dinner with this solemn speech, Mr. Hill settled himself + in his arm-chair, to take his after-dinner’s nap; and he dreamed of + blowing up cathedrals, and of oak bark floating upon the waters; and the + cathedral was, he thought, blown up by a man dressed in a pair of woman’s + Limerick gloves, and the oak bark turned into mutton steaks, after which + his great dog Jowler was swimming; when, all on a sudden, as he was going + to beat Jowler for eating the bark transformed into mutton steaks, Jowler + became Bampfylde the second, king of the gipsies; and putting a horsewhip + with a silver handle into Hill’s hand, commanded him three times, in a + voice as loud as the town crier’s, to have O’Neill whipped through the + market-place of Hereford: but, just as he was going to the window to see + this whipping, his wig fell off, and he awoke. + </p> + <p> + It was difficult, even for Mr. Hill’s sagacity, to make sense of this + dream: but he had the wise art of always finding in his dreams something + that confirmed his waking determinations. Before he went to sleep, he had + half resolved to consult the king of the gipsies, in the absence of the + attorney; and his dream made him now wholly determined upon this prudent + step. From Bampfylde the second, thought he, I shall learn for certain who + made the hole under the cathedral, who pulled down my rick of bark, and + who made away with my dog Jowler; and then I shall swear examinations + against O’Neill without waiting for attorneys. I will follow my own way in + this business: I have always found my own way best. + </p> + <p> + So, when the dusk of the evening increased, our wise man set out towards + the wood to consult the cunning man. Bampfylde the second, king of the + gipsies, resided in a sort of hut made of the branches of trees: the + verger stooped, but did not stoop low enough, as he entered this temporary + palace; and, whilst his body was almost bent double, his peruke was caught + upon a twig. From this awkward situation he was relieved by the consort of + the king; and he now beheld, by the light of some embers, the person of + his gipsy majesty, to whose sublime appearance this dim light was so + favourable that it struck a secret awe into our wise man’s soul; and, + forgetting Hereford cathedral, and oak bark, and Limerick gloves, he stood + for some seconds speechless. During this time, the queen very dexterously + disencumbered his pocket of all superfluous articles. When he recovered + his recollection, he put with great solemnity the following queries to the + king of the gipsies, and received the following answers: + </p> + <p> + “Do you know a dangerous Irishman, of the name of O’Neill, who has come, + for purposes best known to himself, to settle at Hereford?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we know him well.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! And what do you know of him?” + </p> + <p> + “That he is a dangerous Irishman.” + </p> + <p> + “Right! And it was he, was it not, that pulled down, or caused to be + pulled down, my rick of oak bark?” + </p> + <p> + “It was.” + </p> + <p> + “And who was it that made away with my dog Jowler, that used to guard the + tan-yard?” + </p> + <p> + “It was the person that you suspect.” + </p> + <p> + “And was it the person whom I suspect that made the hole under the + foundation of our cathedral?” + </p> + <p> + “The same, and no other.” + </p> + <p> + “And for what purpose did he make that hole?” + </p> + <p> + “For a purpose that must not be named,” replied the king of the gipsies; + nodding his head in a mysterious manner. + </p> + <p> + “But it may be named to me,” cried the verger, “for I have found it out, + and I am one of the vergers; and is it not fit that a plot to blow up the + Hereford cathedral should be known <i>to</i> me, and <i>through</i> me?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Now, take my word, + Wise men of Hereford, + None in safety may be, + Till the <i>bad man</i> doth flee.” + </pre> + <p> + These oracular verses, pronounced by Bampfylde with all the enthusiasm of + one who was inspired, had the desired effect upon our wise man; and he + left the presence of the king of the gipsies with a prodigiously high + opinion of his majesty’s judgment and of his own, fully resolved to + impart, the next morning, to the mayor of Hereford, his important + discoveries. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened that, during the time Mr. Hill was putting the foregoing + queries to Bampfylde the second, there came to the door or entrance of the + audience chamber, an Irish haymaker, who wanted to consult the cunning man + about a little leathern purse which he had lost, whilst he was making hay, + in a field near Hereford. This haymaker was the same person who, as we + have related, spoke so advantageously of our hero, O’Neill, to the widow + Smith. As this man, whose name was Paddy M’Cormack, stood at the entrance + of the gipsies’ hut, his attention was caught by the name of O’Neill; and + he lost not a word of all that passed. He had reason to be somewhat + surprised at hearing Bampfylde assert it was O’Neill who had pulled down + the rick of bark. “By the holy poker,” said he to himself, “the old fellow + now is out there. I know more o’ that matter than he does—no offence + to his majesty: he knows no more of my purse, I’ll engage now, than he + does of this man’s rick of bark and his dog: so I’ll keep my tester in my + pocket, and not be giving it to this king o’ the gipsies, as they call + him; who, as near as I can guess, is no better than a cheat. But there is + one secret which I can be telling this conjuror himself; he shall not find + it such an easy matter to do all what he thinks; he shall not be after + ruining an innocent countryman of my own, whilst Paddy M’Cormack has a + tongue and brains.” + </p> + <p> + Now Paddy M’Cormack had the best reason possible for knowing that Mr. + O’Neill did not pull down Mr. Hill’s rick of bark; it was M’Cormack + himself, who, in the heat of his resentment for the insulting arrest of + his countryman in the streets of Hereford, had instigated his fellow + haymakers to this mischief; he headed them, and thought he was doing a + clever, spirited action. + </p> + <p> + There is a strange mixture of virtue and vice in the minds of the lower + class of Irish; or rather a strange confusion in their ideas of right and + wrong, from want of proper education. As soon as poor Paddy found out that + his spirited action of pulling down the rick of bark was likely to be the + ruin of his countryman, he resolved to make all the amends in his power + for his folly: he went to collect his fellow haymakers and persuaded them + to assist him this night in rebuilding what they had pulled down. + </p> + <p> + They went to this work when every body except themselves, as they thought, + was asleep in Hereford. They had just completed the stack, and were all + going away except Paddy, who was seated at the very top, finishing the + pile, when they heard a loud voice cry out, “Here they are, Watch! Watch!” + </p> + <p> + Immediately, all the haymakers, who could, ran off as fast as possible. It + was the watch who had been sitting up at the cathedral who gave the alarm. + Paddy was taken from the top of the rick, and lodged in the watchhouse + till morning. “Since I’m to be rewarded this way for doing a good action, + sorrow take me,” said he, “if they catch me doing another the longest day + ever I live.” + </p> + <p> + Happy they who have in their neighbourhood such a magistrate as Mr. + Marshal! He was a man who, to an exact knowledge of the duties of his + office, joined the power of discovering truth from the midst of + contradictory evidence; and the happy art of soothing, or laughing, the + angry passions into good-humour. It was a common saying in Hereford—that + no one ever came out of Justice Marshal’s house as angry as he went into + it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marshal had scarcely breakfasted when he was informed that Mr. Hill, + the verger, wanted to speak to him on business of the utmost importance. + Mr. Hill, the verger, was ushered in; and, with gloomy solemnity, took a + seat opposite to Mr. Marshal. + </p> + <p> + “Sad doings in Hereford, Mr. Marshal! Sad doings, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Sad doings? Why, I was told we had merry doings in Hereford. A ball the + night before last, as I heard.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the worse, Mr. Marshal; so much the worse; as those think with + reason that see as far into things as I do.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better, Mr. Hill,” said Mr. Marshal, laughing; “so much the + better; as those think with reason that see no farther into things than I + do.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir,” said the verger, still more solemnly, “this is no laughing + matter, nor time for laughing; begging your pardon. Why, sir, the night of + that there diabolical ball, our Hereford cathedral, sir, would have been + blown up—blown up from the foundation, if it had not been for me, + sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Mr. Verger! And pray how, and by whom, was the cathedral to be + blown up? and what was there diabolical in this ball?” + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. Hill let Mr. Marshal into the whole history of his early dislike + to O’Neill, and his shrewd suspicions of him the first moment he saw him + in Hereford; related in the most prolix manner all that the reader knows + already, and concluded by saying that, as he was now certain of his facts, + he was come to swear examinations against this villanous Irishman, who, he + hoped, would be speedily brought to justice, as he deserved. + </p> + <p> + “To justice he shall be brought, as he deserves,” said Mr. Marshal; “but, + before I write, and before you swear, will you have the goodness to inform + me how you have made yourself as certain, as you evidently are, of what + you call your facts?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, that is a secret,” replied our wise man, “which I shall trust to you + alone;” and he whispered into Mr. Marshal’s ear that his information came + from Bampfylde the second, king of the gipsies. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marshal instantly burst into laughter; then composing himself said, + “My good sir, I am really glad that you have proceeded no farther in this + business; and that no one in Hereford, beside myself, knows that you were + on the point of swearing examinations against a man on the evidence of + Bampfylde the second, king of the gipsies{1}. My dear sir, it would be a + standing joke against you to the end of your days. A grave man, like Mr. + Hill; and a verger too! Why, you would be the laughing-stock of Hereford!” + </p> + <p> + Now Mr. Marshal well knew the character of the man to whom he was talking, + who, above all things on earth, dreaded to be laughed at. Mr. Hill + coloured all over his face, and, pushing back his wig by way of settling + it, showed that he blushed not only all over his face but all over his + head. + </p> + <p> + {Footnote 1: The following passage is an extract from Colquhoun, On the + Police of the Metropolis, page 69:—“An instance of mischievous + credulity, occasioned by consulting this impostor” (<i>a man calling + himself an astrologer, who practised long in the Curtain-road, Shoreditch, + London; and who is said, in conjunction with his associates, to have made + near 300£. a year by practising on the credulity of the lower order of the + people</i>), “fell lately under the review of a police magistrate. A + person, having property stolen from him, went to consult the conjuror + respecting the thief; who having described something like the person of a + man whom he suspected, his credulity and folly so far got the better of + his reason and reflection, as to induce him, upon the authority of this + impostor, actually to charge his neighbour with a felony, and to cause him + to be apprehended. The magistrate settled the matter by discharging the + prisoner, reprimanding the accuser severely, and ordering the conjuror to + be taken into custody, according to law, as a rogue and a vagabond.”} + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mr. Marshal, sir,” said he, “as to my being laughed at, it is what I + did not look for, being as there are some men in Hereford to whom I have + mentioned that hole in the cathedral, who have thought it no laughing + matter, and who have been precisely of my own opinion thereupon.” + </p> + <p> + “But did you tell these gentlemen that you had been consulting the king of + the gipsies?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, no: I can’t say that I did.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I advise you, keep your own counsel, as I will.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hill, whose imagination wavered between the hole in the cathedral and + his rick of bark on one side, and between his rick of bark and his dog + Jowler on the other, now began to talk of the dog, and now of the rick of + bark; and when he had exhausted all he had to say upon these subjects, Mr. + Marshal gently pulled him towards the window, and putting a spy-glass into + his hand, bid him look towards his own tan-yard, and tell him what he saw. + To his great surprise, Mr. Hill saw his rick of bark rebuilt. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it was not there last night,” exclaimed he, rubbing his eyes. “Why, + some conjuror must have done this.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Mr. Marshal, “no conjuror did it: but your friend Bampfylde + the second, king of the gipsies, was the cause of its being rebuilt; and + here is the man who actually pulled it down, and who actually rebuilt it.” + </p> + <p> + As he said these words, Mr. Marshal opened the door of an adjoining room, + and beckoned to the Irish haymaker, who had been taken into custody about + an hour before this time. The watch who took Paddy had called at Mr. + Hill’s house to tell him what had happened, but Mr. Hill was not then at + home. + </p> + <p> + It was with much surprise that the verger heard the simple truth from this + poor fellow; but no sooner was he convinced that O’Neill was innocent as + to this affair, than he recurred to his other ground of suspicion, the + loss of his dog. + </p> + <p> + The Irish haymaker now stepped forward, and, with a peculiar twist of the + hips and shoulders, which those only who have seen it can picture to + themselves, said, “Plase your honour’s honour, I have a little word to say + too about the dog.” “Say it then,” said Mr. Marshal. + </p> + <p> + “Plase your honour, if I might expect to be forgiven, and let off for + pulling down the jontleman’s stack, I might be able to tell him what I + know about the dog.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can tell me any thing about my dog,” said the tanner, “I will + freely forgive you for pulling down the rick: especially as you have built + it up again. Speak the truth now: did not O’Neill make away with the dog?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all at all, plase your honour,” replied the haymaker: “and the + truth of the matter is, I know nothing of the dog, good or bad; but I know + something of his collar, if your name, plase your honour, is Hill, as I + take it to be?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Hill: proceed,” said the tanner, with great eagerness. “You + know something about the collar of my dog Jowler?” + </p> + <p> + “Plase your honour, this much I know any way, that it is now or was the + night before last, at the pawnbroker’s there, below in town; for, plase + your honour, I was sent late at night (that night that Mr. O’Neill, long + life to him! was arrested) to the pawnbroker’s for a Jew, by Mrs. O’Neill, + poor creature! she was in great trouble that same time.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” interrupted Mr. Hill: “but go on to the collar; what of the + collar?” + </p> + <p> + “She sent me,—I’ll tell you the story, plase your honour, <i>out of + the face</i>—she sent me to the pawnbroker’s for the Jew; and, it + being so late at night, the shop was shut, and it was with all the trouble + in life that I got into the house any way: and, when I got in, there was + none but a slip of a boy up; and he set down the light that he had in his + hand, and ran up the stairs to waken his master: and, whilst he was gone, + I just made bold to look round at what sort of a place I was in, and at + the old clothes and rags and scraps; there was a sort of a frieze trusty.” + </p> + <p> + “A trusty!” said Mr. Hill; “what is that pray?” + </p> + <p> + “A big coat, sure, plase your honour: there was a frieze big coat lying in + a corner, which I had my eye upon, to trate myself to; I having, as I then + thought, money in my little purse enough for it. Well, I won’t trouble + your honour’s honour with telling of you now how I lost my purse in the + field, as I found after; but about the big coat, as I was saying, I just + lifted it off the ground, to see would it fit me; and, as I swung it + round, something, plase your honour, hit me a great knock on the shins: it + was in the pocket of the coat, whatever it was, I knew; so I looks into + the pocket, to see what was it, plase your honour, and out I pulls a + hammer and a dog-collar; it was a wonder, both together, they did not + break my shins entirely: but it’s no matter for my shins now: so, before + the boy came down, I just out of idleness spelt out to myself the name + that was upon the collar: there were two names, plase your honour; and out + of the first there were so many letters hammered out I could make nothing + of it, at all at all; but the other name was plain enough to read any way, + and it was Hill, plase your honour’s honour, as sure as life: Hill, now.” + </p> + <p> + This story was related in tones and gestures which were so new and strange + to English ears and eyes, that even the solemnity of our verger gave way + to laughter.—Mr. Marshal sent a summons for the pawnbroker, that he + might learn from him how he came by the dog-collar. The pawnbroker, when + he found from Mr. Marshal that he could by no other means save himself + from being committed to prison, confessed that the collar had been sold to + him by Bampfylde the second, king of the gipsies. + </p> + <p> + A warrant was immediately despatched for his majesty: and Mr. Hill was a + good deal alarmed, by the fear of its being known in Hereford that he was + on the point of swearing examinations against an innocent man, upon the + evidence of a dog-stealer and a gipsy. + </p> + <p> + Bampfylde the second made no sublime appearance, when he was brought + before Mr. Marshal; nor could all his astrology avail upon this occasion: + the evidence of the pawnbroker was so positive, as to the fact of his + having sold to him the dog-collar, that there was no resource left for + Bampfylde but an appeal to Mr. Hill’s mercy. He fell on his knees, and + confessed that it was he who stole the dog; which used to bark at him at + night so furiously that he could not commit certain petty depredations, by + which, as much as by telling fortunes, he made his livelihood. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said Mr. Marshal, with a sternness of manner which till now he + had never shown, “to screen yourself, you accused an innocent man; and by + your vile arts would have driven him from Hereford, and have set two + families for ever at variance, to conceal that you had stolen a dog.” + </p> + <p> + The king of the gipsies was, without farther ceremony, committed to the + house of correction. We should not omit to mention, that, on searching his + hut, the Irish haymaker’s purse was found, which some of his majesty’s + train had emptied. The whole set of gipsies decamped, upon the news of the + apprehension of their monarch. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hill stood in profound silence, leaning upon his walking-stick, whilst + the committal was making out for Bampfylde the second. The fear of + ridicule was struggling with the natural positiveness of his temper: he + was dreadfully afraid that the story of his being taken in by the king of + the gipsies would get abroad; and, at the same time, he was unwilling to + give up his prejudice against the Irish glover. + </p> + <p> + “But, Mr. Marshal,” cried he, after a long silence, “the hole under the + foundation of the cathedral has never been accounted for: that is, was, + and ever will be, an ugly mystery to me; and I never can have a good + opinion of this Irishman, till it is cleared up; nor can I think the + cathedral in safety.” + </p> + <p> + “What,” said Mr. Marshal, with an arch smile, “I suppose the verses of the + oracle still work upon your imagination, Mr. Hill. They are excellent in + their kind. I must have them by heart that, when I am asked the reason why + Mr. Hill has taken an aversion to an Irish glover, I may be able to repeat + them: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Now, take my word, + Wise men of Hereford, + None in safety may be, + Till the bad man doth flee.’” + </pre> + <p> + “You’ll oblige me, sir,” said the verger, “if you would never repeat those + verses, sir; nor mention, in any company, the affair of the king of the + gipsies.” + </p> + <p> + “I will oblige you,” replied Mr. Marshal, “if you will oblige me. Will you + tell me honestly whether now that you find this Mr. O’Neill is neither a + dog-killer nor a puller down of bark ricks, you feel that you could + forgive him for being an Irishman, if the mystery, as you call it, of the + hole under the cathedral was cleared up?” “But that is not cleared up, I + say, sir,” cried Mr. Hill, striking his walking-stick forcibly upon the + ground, with both his hands. “As to the matter of his being an Irishman, I + have nothing to say to it: I am not saying any thing about that, for I + know we all are born where it pleases God; and an Irishman may be as good + as another. I know that much, Mr. Marshal; and I am not one of those + illiberal-minded ignorant people that cannot abide a man that was not born + in England. Ireland is now in his majesty’s dominions, I know very well, + Mr. Marshal; and I have no manner of doubt, as I said before, that an + Irishman born may be as good, almost, as an Englishman born.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” said Mr. Marshal, “to hear you speak, almost, as reasonably + as an Englishman born and every man ought to speak; and I am convinced + that you have too much English hospitality to persecute an inoffensive + stranger, who comes amongst us trusting to our justice and good nature.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not persecute a stranger, God forbid!” replied the verger, “if he + was, as you say, inoffensive.” + </p> + <p> + “And if he was not only inoffensive, but ready to do every service in his + power to those who are in want of his assistance, we should not return + evil for good, should we?” + </p> + <p> + “That would be uncharitable, to be sure; and moreover a scandal,” said the + verger. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Mr. Marshal, “will you walk with me as far as the widow + Smith’s, the poor woman whose house was burnt last winter! This haymaker, + who lodged near her, can show us the way to her present abode.” + </p> + <p> + During his examination of Paddy M’Cormack, who would tell his whole + history, as he called it, <i>out of the face</i>, Mr. Marshal heard + several instances of the humanity and goodness of O’Neill, which Paddy + related to excuse himself for that warmth of attachment to his cause, that + had been manifested so injudiciously by pulling down the rick of bark in + revenge for the arrest. Amongst other things, Paddy mentioned his + countryman’s goodness to the widow Smith: Mr. Marshal was determined, + therefore, to see whether he had, in this instance, spoken the truth; and + he took Mr. Hill with him, in hopes of being able to show him the + favourable side of O’Neill’s character. Things turned out just as Mr. + Marshal expected. The poor widow and her family, in the most simple and + affecting manner, described the distress from which they had been relieved + by the good gentleman and lady, the lady was Phoebe Hill; and the praises + that were bestowed upon Phoebe were delightful to her father’s ear, whose + angry passions had now all subsided. + </p> + <p> + The benevolent Mr. Marshal seized the moment when he saw Mr. Hill’s heart + was touched, and exclaimed, “I must be acquainted with this Mr. O’Neill. I + am sure we people of Hereford ought to show some hospitality to a + stranger, who has so much humanity. Mr. Hill, will you dine with him + to-morrow at my house?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hill was just going to accept of this invitation, when the + recollection of all he had said to his club about the hole under the + cathedral came across him; and, drawing Mr. Marshal aside, he whispered, + “But sir, sir, that affair of the hole under the cathedral has not been + cleared up yet.” + </p> + <p> + At this instant, the widow Smith exclaimed, “Oh! here comes my little + Mary” (one of her children, who came running in): “this is the little + girl, sir, to whom the lady has been so good. Make your curtsy, child. + Where have you been all this while?” + </p> + <p> + “Mammy,” said the child, “I’ve been showing the lady my rat.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless her! Gentlemen, the child has been wanting me this many a day + to go to see this tame rat of hers; but I could never get time, never: and + I wondered too at the child’s liking such a creature. Tell the gentlemen, + dear, about your rat. All I know is, that, let her have but never such a + tiny bit of bread, for breakfast or supper, she saves a little of that + little for this rat of hers: she and her brothers have found it out + somewhere by the cathedral.” + </p> + <p> + “It comes out of a hole under the wall of the cathedral,” said one of the + elder boys; “and we have diverted ourselves watching it, and sometimes we + have put victuals for it, so it has grown, in a manner, tame like.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hill and Mr. Marshal looked at one another during this speech; and the + dread of ridicule again seized on Mr. Hill, when he apprehended that, + after all he had said, the mountain might, at last, bring forth—a + rat. Mr. Marshal, who instantly saw what passed in the verger’s mind, + relieved him from this fear, by refraining even from a smile on this + occasion. He only said to the child, in a grave manner, “I am afraid, my + dear, we shall be obliged to spoil your diversion. Mr. Verger, here, + cannot suffer rat-holes in the cathedral: but, to make you amends for the + loss of your favourite, I will give you a very pretty little dog, if you + have a mind.” + </p> + <p> + The child was well pleased with this promise; and, at Mr. Marshal’s + desire, she then went along with him and Mr. Hill to the cathedral, and + they placed themselves at a little distance from that hole which had + created so much disturbance. The child soon brought the dreadful enemy to + light; and Mr. Hill, with a faint laugh, said, “I’m glad it’s no worse: + but there were many in our club who were of my opinion; and, if they had + not suspected O’Neill too, I am sure I should never have given you so much + trouble, sir, as I have done this morning. But, I hope, as the club know + nothing about that vagabond, that king of the gipsies, you will not let + any one know any thing about the prophecy, and all that? I am sure, I am + very sorry to have given you so much trouble, Mr. Marshal.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marshal assured him that he did not regret the time which he had spent + in endeavouring to clear up all these mysteries and suspicions; and Mr. + Hill gladly accepted his invitation to meet O’Neill at his house the next + day. No sooner had Mr. Marshal brought one of the parties to reason and + good-humour, than he went to prepare the other for a reconciliation. + O’Neill and his mother were both people of warm but forgiving tempers: the + arrest was fresh in their minds; but when Mr. Marshal represented to them + the whole affair, and the verger’s prejudices, in a humorous light, they + joined in the good-natured laugh, and O’Neill declared that, for his part, + he was ready to forgive and to forget every thing, if he could but see + Miss Phoebe in the Limerick gloves. + </p> + <p> + Phosbe appeared the next day, at Mr. Marshal’s, in the Limerick gloves; + and no perfume ever was so delightful to her lover as the smell of the + rose leaves, in which they had been kept. Mr. Marshal had the benevolent + pleasure of reconciling the two families. The tanner and the glover of + Hereford became, from bitter enemies, useful friends to each other; and + they were convinced, by experience, that nothing could be more for their + mutual advantage than to live in union. + </p> + <p> + <i>Nov</i>. 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + OUT OF THE DEBT OUT OF DANGER + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Leonard Ludgate was the only son and heir of a London haberdasher, who had + made some money by constant attendance to his shop. “Out of debt out of + danger,” was the father’s old-fashioned saying. The son’s more liberal + maxim was, “Spend to-day, and spare to-morrow.” Whilst he was under his + father’s eye, it was not in his power to live up to his principles; and he + longed for the time when he should be relieved from his post behind the + counter: a situation which he deemed highly unworthy a youth of his parts + and spirit. To imprison his elegant person behind a counter in + Cranbourne-alley was, to be sure, in a cruel father’s power; but his + tyranny could not extend to his mind; and, whilst he was weighing minikin + pins, or measuring out penny ribbon, his soul, leaving all these meaner + things, was expatiating in Bond-street or Hyde-park. Whilst his fingers + mechanically adjusted the scales, or carelessly slipped the yard, his + imagination was galloping a fine bay with Tom Lewis, or driving Miss Belle + Perkins in a gig. + </p> + <p> + Now Tom Lewis was a dashing young citizen, whom old Ludgate could not + endure; and Miss Belle Perkins a would-be fine lady, whom he advised his + son never to think of for a wife. But the happy moment at length arrived, + when our hero could safely show how much he despised both the advice and + the character of his father; when he could quit his nook behind the + counter, throw aside the yard, assume the whip, and affect the fine + gentleman. In short, the happy moment came when his father died. + </p> + <p> + Leonard now shone forth in all the glory which the united powers of + tailor, hatter, and hosier, could spread around lug person. Miss Belle + Perkins, who had hitherto looked down upon our hero as a reptile of + Cranbourne-alley, beheld his metamorphosis with surprise and admiration. + And she, who had formerly been heard to say, “she would not touch him with + a pair of tongs,” now unreluctantly gave him her envied hand at a ball at + Bagnigge Wells. Report farther adds that, at tea, Miss Belle whispered + loud enough to be heard, that since his queer father’s death, Leonard + Ludgate had turned out quite a genteeler sort of person than could have + been expected. + </p> + <p> + “Upon this hint he spake.” His fair one, after assuming all proper and + becoming airs upon the occasion, suffered herself to be prevailed upon to + call, with her mother and a friend, at Mr. Ludgate’s house in + Cranbourne-alley, to see whether it could be possibly inhabited by a lady + of her taste and consequence. + </p> + <p> + As Leonard handed her out of her hackney-coach, she exclaimed, “Bless us, + and be we to go up this paved lane, and through the shop, before we can + get to the more creditabler apartments?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m going to cut a passage off the shop, which I’ve long had in + contemplation,” replied our hero; “only I can’t get light into it + cleverly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a lamp in the style of a <i>chandaleer</i> will do vastly well by + night, which is the time one wants one’s house to put the best foot + foremost, for company; and by day we can make a shift, somehow or other, I + dare say. Any thing’s better than <i>trapesing</i> through a shop; which + is a thing I’ve never been used to, and cannot reconcile myself to by any + means.” + </p> + <p> + Leonard immediately acceded to this scheme of the dark passage by day, and + the <i>chandaleer</i> by night; and he hurried his fair one through the + odious shop to the <i>more creditabler</i> apartments. She was handed + above, about, and underneath. She found every particle of the house wanted + modernizing immensely, and was altogether smaller than she could ever have + conceived beforehand. Our hero, ambitious at once to show his gallantry, + spirit, and taste, incessantly protested he would adopt every improvement + Miss Belle Perkins could suggest; and he declared that the identical same + ideas had occurred to him a hundred and a hundred times, during his poor + father’s lifetime: but he could never make the old gentleman enter into + any thing of the sort, his notions of life being utterly limited, to say + no worse. “He had one old saw, for ever grating in my ears, as an answer + to everything that bore the stamp of gentility, or carried with it an air + of spirit: hey, Allen!” continued our hero, looking over his shoulder at a + young man who was casting up accounts; “hey, Allen—you remember the + old saw?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” replied the young man, “if you mean, ‘Out of debt out of + danger:’ I hope I shall never forget it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so too; as you have your fortune to make, it is very proper for + you: but for one that has a fortune ready made to spend, I am free to + confess I think my principle worth a million of it: and my maxim is, + ‘Spend to-day, and spare to-morrow:’ hey, ladies?” concluded Leonard, + appealing with an air secure of approbation to his fair mistress and her + young companion. + </p> + <p> + “Why that suits my notions, I must own candidly,” said Belle; “but here’s + one beside me, or behind me—Where are you, Lucy?” pursued the young + lady, addressing herself to her humble companion: “here’s one, who is more + of your shop-man’s way of thinking than yours, I fancy. ‘Out of debt out + of danger’ is just a sober saying to your mind, an’t it, Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + Lucy did not deny the charge. “Well, child,” said Miss Perkins, “it’s very + proper, for you have no fortune of your own to spend.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, indeed,” said Lucy, with modest firmness; “for as I have none of + my own, if it were my maxim to spend to-day and spare to-morrow, I should + be obliged to spend other people’s money, which I never will do as long as + I can maintain myself independently.” + </p> + <p> + “How proud we are!” cried Miss Perkins, sarcastically. Leonard assented to + the sarcasm by his looks; but Allen declared he liked proper pride, and + seemed to think that Lucy’s was of this species. + </p> + <p> + An argument might have ensued, if a collation, as Mr. Ludgate called it, + had not appeared at this critical moment. Of what it consisted, and how + genteelly and gallantly our hero did the honours of his collation, we + forbear to relate; but one material circumstance we must not omit, as on + this, perhaps more than even on his gentility and gallantry, depended the + fortune of the day. In rummaging over a desk to find a corkscrew, young + Ludgate took occasion to open and shake a pocket-book, from which fell a + shower of bank notes. What effect they produced upon his fair one, and on + her mother, can be best judged of by the event. Miss Belle Perkins, after + this domiciliary visit, consented to go with our hero on Sunday to + Kensington Gardens, Monday to Sadler’s Wells, Tuesday on the water, + Wednesday to the play, Thursday the Lord knows to what ball, Friday to + Vauxhall, and on Saturday to—the altar! + </p> + <p> + Some people thought the young lady and gentleman rather precipitate; but + these were persons who, as the bride justly observed, did not understand + any thing in nature of a love match. Those who have more liberal notions, + and a more extensive knowledge of the human heart, can readily comprehend + how a lady may think a man so odious at one minute, that she could not + touch him with a pair of tongs, and so charming the next, that she would + die a thousand deaths for him, and him alone. Immediately after the + ceremony was performed, Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate went down in the hoy to + Margate, to spend their honeymoon in style. Their honeymoon, alas! could + not be prolonged beyond the usual bounds. Even the joys of Margate could + not be eternal, and the day came too soon when our happy pair were obliged + to think of returning home. Home! With what different sensations different + people pronounce and hear that word pronounced! Mrs. Leonard Ludgate’s + home in Cranbourne-alley appeared to her, as she scrupled not to declare, + an intolerable low place, after Margate. The stipulated alterations, her + husband observed, had been made in the house, but none of them had been + executed to her satisfaction. The expedient of the dark passage was not + found to succeed: a thorough wind, from the front and back doors, ran + along it when either or both were left open to admit light; and this + wicked wind, not content with running along the passage, forced its way up + and down stairs, made the kitchen chimney smoke, and rendered even the <i>more + creditabler</i> apartments scarcely habitable. Chimney doctors were in + vain consulted: the favourite dark passage was at length abandoned, and + the lady, to her utter discomfiture, was obliged to pass through the shop. + </p> + <p> + To make herself amends for this mortification, she insisted upon throwing + down the partition between the dining-room and her own bedchamber, that + she might have one decent apartment at least fit for a rout. It was to no + purpose that her friend Lucy, who was called in to assist in making up + furniture, represented that this scheme of throwing bedchamber and + dining-room into one would be attended with some inconveniences; for + instance, that Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate would be obliged, in consequence of + this improvement, to sleep in half of the maid’s garret, or to sit up all + night. This objection was overruled by Mrs. Ludgate, whose genius, fertile + in expedients, made every thing easy, by the introduction of a bed in the + dining-room, in the shape of a sofa. The newly-enlarged apartment, she + observed, would thus answer the double purposes of show and utility; and, + as soon as the supper and card tables should be removed, the sofa-bed + might be let down. She asserted that the first people in London manage in + this way. Leonard could not contradict his lady, because she had a ready + method of silencing him, by asking how he could possibly know any thing of + life who had lived all his days, except Sundays, in Cranbourne-alley? + Then, if any one of his father’s old notions of economy by chance twinged + his conscience, Belle very judiciously asked how he ever came to think of + her for a wife? “Since you have got a genteel wife,” said she, “it becomes + you to live up to her notions, and to treat her as she and her friends + have a right to expect. Before I married you, sir, none of the Perkins’s + were in trade themselves, either directly or indirectly; and many’s the + slights and reproaches I’ve met with from my own relations and former + acquaintances, since my marriage, on account of the Ludgates being all + tradesfolks; to which I always answer, that my Leonard is going to wash + his hands of trade himself, and to make over all concern in the + haberdashery line and shop to the young man below stairs, who is much + better suited to such things.” + </p> + <p> + By such speeches as these, alternately piquing and soothing the vanity of + her Leonard, our accomplished wife worked him to her purposes. She had a + rout once a week; and her room was so crowded, that there was scarcely a + possibility of breathing. Yet, notwithstanding all this, she one morning + declared, with a burst of tears, she was the most miserable woman in the + world. And why? Because her friend, Mrs. Pimlico, Miss Coxeater that was, + had a house in Weymouth-street; whilst she was forced to keep on being + buried in Cranbourne-alley. Mr. Ludgate was moved by his wife’s tears, and + by his own ambition, and took a house in Weymouth-street. But before they + had been there six weeks, the fair one was again found bathed in tears. + And why? “Because,” said Belle, “because, Mr. Ludgate, the furniture of + this house is as old as Methusalem’s; and my friend, Mrs. Pimlico, said + yesterday that it was a shame to be seen: and so to be sure it is, + compared with her own, which is spick and span new. Yet why should she + pretend to look down upon me in point of furniture, or any thing? Who was + she, before she was married? Little Kitty Coxeater, as we always called + her at the dancing school; and nobody ever thought of comparing her, in + point of gentility, with Belle Perkins! Why, she is as ugly as sin! though + she is my friend, I must acknowledge <i>that</i>; and, if she had all the + clothes in the world, she would never know how to put any of them on; + that’s one comfort. And, as every body says, to be sure she never would + have got a husband but for her money. And, after all, what sort of a + husband has she got? A perfumer, indeed! a man with a face like one of his + own wash-balls, all manner of colours. I declare, I would rather have gone + without to the end of my days than have married Mr. Pimlico.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot blame you there, my dear,” said Mr. Ludgate; “for to be sure Mr. + Pimlico, much as he thinks of himself and his country house, has as little + the air of—the air of fashion as can be well conceived.” + </p> + <p> + Leonard Ludgate made an emphatic pause in this speech; and surveyed + himself in a looking-glass with much complacency, whilst he pronounced the + word fashion. He, indeed, approved so much of his wife’s taste and + discernment, in preferring him to Mr. Pimlico, that he could not at this + moment help inclining to follow her judgment respecting the furniture. He + acceded to her position, that the Ludgates ought to appear at least no + shabbier than the Pimlicos. The conclusion was inevitable: Leonard, + according to his favourite maxim of “Spend to-day, and spare to-morrow,” + agreed that they might new furnish the house this year, and pay for it the + next. This was immediately done; and the same principle was extended + through all their household affairs, as far as the tradesmen concerned + would admit of its being carried into practice. + </p> + <p> + By this means, Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate were not for some time sensible of the + difficulties they were preparing for themselves. They went on vying with + the Pimlicos, and with all their new acquaintance, who were many of them + much richer than themselves; and of this vain competition there was no + end. Those who estimate happiness not by the real comforts or luxuries + which they enjoy, but by comparison between themselves and their + neighbours, must be subject to continual mortification and discontent. Far + from being happier than they were formerly, Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate were much + more miserable after their removal to Weymouth-street. Was it not better + to be the first person in Cranbourne-alley than the last in + Weymouth-street? New wants and wishes continually arose in their new + situation. They must live like other people. Everybody, that is, everybody + in Weymouth-street, did so and so; and, therefore, they must do the same. + They must go to such a place, or they must have such a thing, not because + it was in itself necessary or desirable, but because everybody, that is, + everybody of their acquaintance, did or had the same. Even to be upon a + footing with their new neighbours was a matter of some difficulty; and + then merely to be upon an equality, merely to be admitted and suffered at + parties, is awkward and humiliating. Noble ambition prompted them + continually to aim at distinction. The desire to attain <i>il poco piu—the + little more</i>, stimulates to excellence, or betrays to ruin, according + to the objects of our ambition. No artist ever took more pains to surpass + Raphael or Correggio than was taken by Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate to outshine + Mr. and Mrs. Pimlico. And still what they had done seemed nothing: what + they were to do occupied all their thoughts. No timid economical fears + could stop or even startle them in the road to ruin. Faithful to his + maxim, our hero denied himself nothing. If, for a moment, the idea that + any thing was too expensive suggested itself, his wife banished care by + observing, “We need not pay for it now. What signifies it, since we need + not think of paying for it till next year?” She had abundance of arguments + of similar solidity, adapted to all occasions. Sometimes the thing in + question was such a trifle it could not ruin anybody. “‘Tis but a guinea! + ‘<i>Tis but</i> a few shillings!” Sometimes it was a sort of thing that + could not ruin anybody, because “‘Tis but for once and away!” ‘<i>Tis but</i> + is a most dangerous thing! How many guineas may be spent upon ‘<i>tis but</i>, + in the course of one year, in such a city as London! + </p> + <p> + Bargains! excellent bargains! were also with our heroine admirable pleas + for expense. “We positively must buy this, my dear; for it would be a sin + to let such a bargain slip through one’s fingers. Mrs. Pimlico paid twice + as much for what is not half as good. ‘Twould be quite a shame to one’s + good sense to miss such a bargain!” Mrs. Ludgate was one of those ladies + who think it is more reasonable to buy a thing because it is a bargain + than because they want it: she farther argued, “If we don’t want it, we + may want it:” and this was a satisfactory plea. + </p> + <p> + Under the head bargains we must not forget <i>cheap days</i>. Messrs. Run + and Raffle advertised a sale of old shop goods, with the catching words—<i>cheap + days</i>! Everybody crowded to throw away their money on cheap days; and, + amongst the rest, Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + One circumstance was rather disagreeable in these cheap days: ready money + was required; and this did not suit those who lived by the favourite maxim + of the family. Yet there was a reason that counterbalanced their objection + in Mrs. Ludgate’s mind: “Mrs. Pimlico was going to Messrs. Run and + Raffle’s and what would she think, if I wasn’t to be there? She’d think, + to be sure, that we were as poor as Job.” So, to demonstrate that she had + ready money to throw away, Mrs. Ludgate must go on the cheap days. + </p> + <p> + “Belle,” said her husband, “ready money’s a serious thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Leonard, but, when nothing else will be taken, you know, one can’t + do without it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if one has not it, I tell you, one must do without it,” said Leonard + peevishly. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Mr. Ludgate, if you have not it about you, can’t you send to + Cranbourne-alley, to Mr. Allen, for some for me? ‘Tis but a few guineas I + want; and ‘twould be a shame to miss such bargains as are to be had for + nothing, at Run and Raffle’s. And these cheap days are extraordinary + things. It can’t ruin any body to spend a guinea or two, once and away, + like other people.” + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of her eloquent speech, Mrs. Ludgate rang the bell; and, + without waiting for any assent from her husband but silence, bade the + footman run to <i>the shop</i>, and desire Allen to send her ten guineas + immediately. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ludgate looked sullen, whistled, and then posted himself at the + parlour window to watch for the ambassador’s return. “I wonder,” continued + Mrs. Ludgate, “I wonder, Leonard, that you let Allen leave you so bare of + cash of late! It is very disagreeable to be always sending out of the + house, this way, for odd guineas. Allen, I think, uses you very ill; but I + am sure I would not let him cheat me, if I was you. Pray, when you gave up + the business of the shop to him, was not you to have half the profits for + your good-will, and name, and all that!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And little enough! But why don’t you look after Allen, then, and make him + pay us what he owes us?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll see about it to-morrow, child.” + </p> + <p> + “About how much do you think is owing to us?” pursued Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t tell, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish then you’d settle accounts to-morrow, that I might have some ready + money.” + </p> + <p> + The lady seemed to take it for granted that her having ready money would + be the necessary and immediate consequence of settling accounts with + Allen; her husband could have set her right in this particular, and could + have informed her that not a farthing was due to him; that, on the + contrary, he had taken up money in advance, on the next half year’s + expected profits; but Mr. Ludgate was ashamed to let his wife know the + real state of his affairs: indeed, he was afraid to look them in the face + himself. “Here’s the boy coming back!” cried he, after watching for some + time in silence at the window. + </p> + <p> + Leonard went to the street-door to meet him; and Belle followed close, + crying, “Well! I hope Allen has sent me the money?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said the breathless boy. “I have a letter for my master, + here, that was written ready, by good luck, afore I got there.” + </p> + <p> + Leonard snatched the letter; and his wife waited to see whether the money + was enclosed. + </p> + <p> + “The rascal has sent me no money, I see, but a letter, and an account as + long as my arm.” + </p> + <p> + “No money!” cried Belle; “that’s using us very oddly and ill, indeed; and + I wonder you submit to such conduct! I declare I won’t bear it! Go back, I + say, Jack; go, run this minute, and tell Allen he must come up himself; + for <i>I, Mrs. Ludgate, wants</i> to speak with him.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear, no; nonsense! don’t go, Jack. What signifies your sending to + speak with Allen? What can you do? How can you settle accounts with him? + What should women know of business? I wish women would never meddle with + things they don’t understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Women can understand well enough when they want money,” cried the sharp + lady; “and the short and the long of it is, Mr. Ludgate, that I will see + and settle accounts with Allen myself; and bring him to reason, if you + won’t; and this minute, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless me! upon my faith, Allen’s better than we thought: here’s + bank-notes within the account,” said Mr. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I thought he could not be so very impertinent as to refuse when <i>I</i> + sent to him myself. But this is only one five pound note: I sent for ten. + Where is the other?” + </p> + <p> + “I want the other myself,” said her husband. + </p> + <p> + The tone was so peremptory, that she dared not tempt him further; and away + she went to Messrs. Run and Raffle’s, where she had the pleasure of buying + a bargain of things that were of no manner of use to her, and for which + she paid twice as much as they were worth. These cheap days proved dear + days to many. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Mrs. Ludgate spent the morning at Messrs. Run and Raffle’s, her + husband was with Tom Lewis, lounging up and down Bond-street. Tom Lewis + being just one step above him in gentility, was invited to parties where + Ludgate could not gain admittance, was bowed to by people who never bowed + to Leonard Ludgate, could tell to whom this livery or that carriage + belonged, knew who everybody was, and could point out my lord this, and my + lady that, in the park or at the play. All these things made him a + personage of prodigious consequence in the eyes of our hero, who looked + upon him as the mirror of fashion. Tom knew how to take advantage of this + admiration, and borrowed many a guinea from him in their morning walks: in + return, he introduced Mr. Ludgate to some of his friends, and to his club. + </p> + <p> + New occasions, or rather new necessities, for expense occurred every day, + in consequence of his connexion with Lewis. Whilst he aimed at being + thought a young man of spirit, he could not avoid doing as other people + did. He could not think of economy! That would be shabby! On his fortune + rested his claims to respect from his present associates; and, therefore, + it was his constant aim to raise their opinion of his riches. For some + time, extravagance was not immediately checked by the want of money, + because he put off the evil day of payment. At last, when bills poured in + upon him, and the frequent calls of tradesmen began to be troublesome, he + got rid of the present difficulty by referring them to Allen. “Go to + Allen; he must settle with you: he does all my business.” + </p> + <p> + Allen sent him account after account, stating the sums he paid by his + order. Ludgate thrust the unread accounts into his escritoire, and thought + no more of the matter. Allen called upon him, to beg he would come to some + settlement, as he was getting more and more, every day, into his debt. + Leonard desired to have an account, stated in full, and promised to look + over it on Monday: but Monday came, and then it was put off till Tuesday; + and so on, day after day. + </p> + <p> + The more reason he had to know that his affairs were deranged, the more + carefully he concealed all knowledge of them from his wife. Her ignorance + of the truth not only led her daily into fresh extravagance, but was, at + last, the cause of bringing things to a premature explanation. After + spending the morning at Messrs. Run and Raffle’s, she returned home with a + hackney-coach full of bargains. As she came into the parlour, loaded with + things that she did not want, she was surprised by the sight of an old + friend, whom she had lately treated entirely as a stranger. It was Lucy, + who had in former days been her favourite companion. But Lucy had chosen + to work, to support herself independently, rather than to be a burden to + her friends; and Mrs. Ludgate could not take notice of a person who had + degraded herself so far as to become a workwoman at an upholsterer’s. She + had consequently never seen Lucy since this event took place, except when + she went to Mr. Beech the upholsterer’s, to order her new furniture. She + then was in company with Mrs. Pimlico: and, when she saw Lucy at work in a + back parlour with two or three other young women, she pretended not to + know her. Lucy could scarcely believe that this was done on purpose; and, + at all events, she was not mortified by the insult. She was now come to + speak to Mrs. Ludgate about the upholsterer’s bill. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! Lucy, is it you?” said Mrs. Ludgate, as soon as she entered. “I’ve + never seen you in Weymouth-street before! How comes it you never called, + if it was only to see our new house? I’m sure I should always be very + happy to have you here—when we’ve nobody with us; and I’m quite + sorry <i>as</i> I can’t ask you to stay and take a bit of mutton with us + to-day, because I’m engaged to dine in Bond-street, with Mrs. Pimlico’s + cousin, pretty Mrs. Paget, the bride whom you’ve heard talk of, no doubt. + So you’ll excuse me if I run away from you, to make myself a little + decent; for it’s horrid late!” + </p> + <p> + After running off this speech, with an air and a volubility worthy of her + betters, she set before Lucy some of her bargains, and was then retreating + to make herself decent; but Lucy stopped her, by saying, “My dear Mrs. + Ludgate, I am sorry to detain you, but Mr. Beech, the upholsterer, knowing + I have been acquainted with you, has sent me to speak to you about his + bill. He is in immediate want of money, because he is fitting out one of + his sons for the East Indies.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! but his son’s nothing to me! I sha’n’t think of paying the bill + yet, I can assure him; and you may take it back, and tell him so.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Lucy, “if I take back such an answer, I am afraid Mr. Beech + will send the bill to Mr. Ludgate; and that was what you particularly + desired should not be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, no; that’s what I can’t say I should particularly wish, just at + present,” said Mrs. Ludgate, lowering her tone “because, to tell you a bit + of a secret, Lucy, I’ve run up rather an <i>unconsciable</i> bill, this + year, with my milliner and mantua-maker; and I would not have all <i>them</i> + bills come upon him all in a lump, and on a sudden, as it were; especially + as I laid out more on the furniture than he counts. So, my dear Lucy, I’ll + tell you what you must do: you must use your influence with Beech to make + him wait a little longer. I’m sure he may wait well enough; and he shall + be paid next month.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy declared that her influence, on the present occasion, would be of no + avail; but she had the good-nature to add, “If you are sure the bill can + be paid next month, I will leave my two years’ salary in Mr. Beech’s hands + till then; and this will perhaps satisfy him, if he can get bills from + other people paid, to make up the money for his son. He said thirty + guineas from you on account would do, for the present; and that sum is due + to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, my dearest Lucy, for Heaven’s sake, do leave it in his hands! You + were a good creature to think of it; but you always were a good creature.” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother used to be kind to me, when I was a child; and I am sure I + ought not to forget it,” said Lucy, the tears starting into her eyes: “and + you were once kind to me; I do not forget that,” continued Lucy, wiping + the tears from her cheeks.—“But do not let me detain you; you are in + a hurry to dress to go to Mrs. Pimlico’s.” + </p> + <p> + “No—pray—I am not in a hurry now,” said Mrs. Ludgate, who had + the grace to blush at this instant. “But, if you must go, do take this hat + along with you. I assure you it’s quite <i>the rage</i>: I got it this + morning at Run and Raffle’s, and Mrs. Pimlico and Mrs. Paget have got the + same.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy declined accepting the hat, notwithstanding this strong and, as Mrs. + Ludgate would have thought it, irresistible recommendation. “Now you must + have it: it will become you a thousand times better than that you have + on,” cried Mrs. Ludgate, insisting the more the more Lucy withdrew; “and, + besides, you must wear it for my sake. You won’t? Then I take it very ill + of you that you are so positive; for I assure you, whatever you may think, + I wish to be as kind to you now as ever. Only, you know, one can’t always, + when one lives in another style, be at home as often as one wishes.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy relieved her <i>ci-devant</i> friend from the necessity of making any + more awkward apologies, by moving quickly towards the door. “Then you + won’t forget,” continued Mrs. Ludgate, following her into the passage, + “you won’t forget the job you are to do for me with Beech?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I shall not. I will do what I have promised: but I hope you + will be punctual about the payment next month,” said Lucy, “because I + believe I shall be in want of my money at that time. It is best to tell + you exactly the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! certainly! you shall have your money before you want it, long + and long; and my only reason for borrowing it from you at all is, that I + don’t like to trouble Mr. Ludgate, till he has settled accounts with + Allen, who keeps all our money from us in a strange way; and, in my + opinion, uses Leonard exceedingly ill and unfairly.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen!” cried Lucy, stopping short. “Oh, Belle! how can you say so? How + can you think so? But you know nothing of him, else you could not suspect + him of using any one ill, or unfairly; much less your husband, the son of + his old friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless me! how she runs on! and how she colours! I am sure I didn’t know I + was upon such tender ground! I did not know Allen was such a prodigious + favourite!” + </p> + <p> + “I only do him justice in saying that I am certain he could not do an + unfair or unhandsome action.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of the matter, I protest; only this—that short + accounts, they say, make long friends; and I hope I sha’n’t affront any + body by saying, it would be very convenient if he could be got to settle + with Mr. Ludgate, who, I am sure, is too much the gentleman to ask any + thing from him but his own; which, indeed, if it was not for me, he’d be + too genteel to mention. But, as I said before, short accounts make long + friends; and, as you are so much Allen’s friend, you can hint that to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not hint, but say it to him as plainly as possible,” replied + Lucy; “and you may be certain that he will come to settle accounts with + Mr. Ludgate before night.” “I am sure I shall be mighty glad of it; and so + will Mr. Ludgate,” said Belle; and thus they parted. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate with triumph announced to her husband, upon his return home, + that she had brought affairs to a crisis with Allen; and that he would + come to settle his accounts this evening. The surprise and consternation + which appeared in Mr. Ludgate’s countenance, convinced the lady that her + interference was highly disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Allen came punctually in the evening to settle his accounts. When he and + Leonard were by themselves, he could not help expressing some + astonishment, mixed with indignation, at the hints which had been thrown + out by Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + “Why, she knows nothing of the matter,” said Ludgate. “I’ve no notion of + talking of such things to one’s wife; it would only make her uneasy; and + we shall be able to go on some way or other. So let us have another bottle + of wine, and talk no more of business for this night.” + </p> + <p> + Allen would by no means consent to put off the settlement of accounts, + after what had passed. “Short accounts,” said he, “as Mrs. Ludgate + observed, make long friends.” + </p> + <p> + It appeared, when the statement of affairs was completed, that Allen had + advanced above three hundred pounds for Leonard; and bills to a large + amount still remained unpaid. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened that Jack, the footboy, contrived to go in and out of the + room several times, whilst Mr. Ludgate and Allen were talking; and he, + finding it more for his interest to serve his master’s tradesmen than his + master, sent immediate notice to all whom it might concern, that Mr. + Ludgate’s affairs were in a bad way, and that now or never must be the + word with his creditors. The next morning bills came showering in upon + Leonard whilst he was at breakfast, and amongst them came sundry bills of + Mrs. Ludgate’s. They could not possibly have come at a more inauspicious + moment. People bespeak goods with one species of enthusiasm, and look over + their bills with another. We should rather have said people spend with one + enthusiasm, and pay with another; but this observation would not apply to + our present purpose, for Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate had never yet experienced + the pleasure or the pain of paying their debts; they had hitherto been + faithful to their maxim of “Spend to-day, and pay to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + They agreed well in the beginning of their career of extravagance; but the + very similarity of their tastes and habits proved ultimately the cause of + the most violent quarrels. As they both were expensive, selfish, and + self-willed, neither would, from regard to the other, forbear. Comparisons + between their different degrees of extravagance commenced; and, once + begun, they never ended. It was impossible to settle, to the satisfaction + of either party, which of them was most to blame. Recrimination and + reproaches were hourly and daily repeated; and the lady usually ended by + bursting into tears, and the gentleman by taking his hat and walking out + of the house. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the bills must be paid. Mr. Ludgate was obliged to sell + the whole of his interest in the shop in Cranbourne-alley; and the ready + money he received from Allen was to clear him from all difficulties. Allen + came to pay him this sum. “Do not think me impertinent, Mr. Ludgate,” said + he, “but I cannot for the soul of me help fearing for you. What <i>will</i> + you do, when this money is gone? and go it must, at the rate you live, in + a very short time.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good, sir,” replied Leonard, coldly, “to interest yourself + so much in my concerns; but I shall live at what rate I please. Every man + is the best judge of his own affairs.” + </p> + <p> + After this repulse Allen could interfere no further. But when two months + had elapsed from the date of Mrs. Ludgate’s promised payment of the + upholsterer’s bill, Lucy resolved to call again upon Mrs. Ludgate. Lucy + had now a particular occasion for the money: she was going to be married + to Allen, and she wished to put into her husband’s hands the little + fortune which she had so hardly earned by her own industry. From the time + that Allen heard her conversation, when Belle came to view the house in + Cranbourne-alley, he had been of opinion that she would make an excellent + wife: and the circumstances which sunk Lucy below Mrs. Ludgate’s notice + raised her in the esteem and affection of this prudent and sensible young + man. He did not despise—he admired her for going into a creditable + business, to make herself independent, instead of living as an humble + companion with Mrs. Ludgate, of whose conduct and character she could not + approve. + </p> + <p> + When Lucy called again upon Mrs. Ludgate to remind her of her promise, she + was received with evident confusion. She was employed in directing Mr. + Green, a builder, to throw out a bow in her dining-room, and to add a + balcony to the windows; for Mrs. Pimlico had a bow and a balcony, and how + could Mrs. Ludgate live without them? + </p> + <p> + “Surely, my dear Mrs. Ludgate,” said Lucy, drawing her aside, so that the + man who was measuring the windows could not hear what she said, “surely + you will think of paying Mr. Beech’s bill, as you promised, before you go + into any new expense?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush! don’t speak so loud. Leonard is in the next room; and I would + not have him hear any thing of Beech’s bill, just when the man’s here + about the balcony, for any thing in the world!” + </p> + <p> + Lucy, though she was good-natured, was not so weak as to yield to airs and + capricious extravagance; and Mrs. Ludgate at last, though with a bad + grace, paid her the money which she had intended to lay out in a very + different manner. But no sooner had she paid this debt than she considered + how she could prevail upon Mr. Green to throw out the bow, and finish the + balcony, without paying him for certain alterations he had made in the + house in Cranbourne-alley, for which he had never yet received one + farthing. It was rather a difficult business, for Mr. Green was a sturdy + man, and used to regular payments. He resisted all persuasion, and Mrs. + Ludgate was forced again to have recourse to Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “Do, my dear girl,” said she, “lend me only twenty guineas for this + positive man; else, you see, I cannot have my balcony.” This did not + appear to Lucy the greatest of all misfortunes. “But is it not much more + disagreeable to be always in debt and danger, than to live in a room + without a balcony?” said Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “Why it is disagreeable, certainly, to be in debt, because of being dunned + continually; but the reason I’m so anxious about the balcony, is that Mrs. + Pimlico has one, and that’s the only thing in which her house is better + than mine. Look just over the way: do you see Mrs. Pimlico’s beautiful + balcony?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate who had thrust her head far out of the window, pulling Lucy + along with her, now suddenly drew back, exclaiming, “Lord, if here is not + that odious woman; I hope Jack won’t let her in.”—She shut the + window hastily, ran to the top of the stairs, and called out, “Jack! I + say, Jack; don’t let nurse in for your life.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if she has the child with her, ma’am?” said Jack. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I say!” + </p> + <p> + “Then that’s a sin and a shame,” muttered Jack, “to shut the door upon + your own child.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate did not hear this reflection, because she had gone back to + the man who was waiting for directions about the balcony; but Lucy heard + it distinctly. “Ma’am, nurse would come in, for she says she saw you at + the window; and here she is, coming up the stairs,” cried the footboy. + </p> + <p> + The nurse came in, with Mrs. Ludgate’s child in her arms. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, madam,” said she, “the truth of the matter is, I can’t and won’t + be denied my own any longer: and it is not for my own sake I speak up so + bold, but for the dear babe that I have here in my arms, that can’t speak + for itself, but only smile in your face, and stretch out its arms to you. + I, that am only its nurse, can’t bear it; but I have little ones of my + own, and can’t see them want. I can’t do for them all: if I’m not paid my + lawful due, how can I? And is it not fit I should think of my own flesh + and blood first? So I must give up this one. I must!—I must!”—cried + the nurse, kissing the child repeatedly, “I must leave her to her mother.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman laid the child down on the sofa, then turned her back upon + it, and, hiding her face in her apron, sobbed as if her heart would break. + Lucy was touched with compassion; the mother stood abashed; shame + struggled for a few instants with pride; pride got the victory. “The + woman’s out of her wits, I believe,” cried Mrs. Ludgate. “Mr. Green, if + you’ll please to call again to-morrow, we’ll talk about the balcony. Lucy, + give me the child, and don’t you fall a crying without knowing why or + wherefore. Nurse, I’m surprised at you! Did not I tell you I’d send you + your money next week?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, madam; but you have said so this many a week; and things are + come to such a pass now, that husband says I shall not bring back the + child without the money.” + </p> + <p> + “What can I do?” said Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + Lucy immediately took her purse out of her pocket, and whispered, “I will + lend you whatever you want to pay the nurse, upon condition that you will + give up the scheme of the balcony.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate submitted to this condition; but she was not half so much + obliged to Lucy for doing her this real service as she would have been if + her friend had assisted in gratifying her vanity and extravagance. Lucy + saw what passed in Mrs. Ludgate’s mind, and nothing but the sense of the + obligations she lay under to Belle’s mother could have prevented her from + breaking off all connexion with her. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Ludgate was now much inclined to court Lucy’s acquaintance, as + her approaching marriage with Mr. Allen, who was in good circumstances, + made her appear quite a different person. Mrs. Allen would be able, and + she hoped willing, to assist her from time to time with money. With this + view, Belle showed Lucy a degree of attention and civility which she had + disdained to bestow upon her friend whilst she was in an inferior + situation. It was in vain, however, that this would-be fine lady + endeavoured to draw the prudent Lucy out of her own sphere of life: though + Lucy was extremely pretty, she had no desire to be admired; she was + perfectly satisfied and happy at home, and she and her husband lived + according to old Ludgate’s excellent maxim, “Out of debt out of danger.” + </p> + <p> + We shall not weary our readers with the history of all the petty + difficulties into which Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate’s foolish extravagance led + them. The life of the <i>shabby genteel</i> is most miserable. Servants’ + wages unpaid, duns continually besieging the door, perpetual excuses, + falsehoods to be invented, melancholy at home, and forced gaiety abroad! + Who would live such a life? Yet all this Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate endured, for + the sake of outshining Mr. and Mrs. Pimlico. + </p> + <p> + It happened that one night, at a party, Mrs. Ludgate caught a violent + cold, and her face became inflamed and disfigured by red spots. Being to + go to a ball in a few days, she was very impatient to get rid of the + eruption; and in this exigency she applied to Mr. Pimlico, the perfumer, + who had often supplied her with cosmetics, and who now recommended a + beautifying lotion. This quickly cleared her complexion; but she soon felt + the effects of her imprudence: she was taken dangerously ill, and the + physician who was consulted attributed her disease entirely to the + preparation she had applied to her face. Whilst she was ill, an execution + was brought against Mr. Ludgate’s goods. Threatened with a jail, and + incapable of taking any vigorous measures to avoid distress, he went to + consult his friend, Tom Lewis. How this Mr. Lewis lived was matter of + astonishment to all his acquaintance: he had neither estate, business, or + any obvious means of supporting the expense in which he indulged. + </p> + <p> + “What a happy dog you are, Lewis!” said our hero: “how is it that you live + better than I do?” + </p> + <p> + “You might live as well as I, if you were inclined,” said Lewis. + </p> + <p> + Our hero was all curiosity; and Lewis exacted from him an oath of secrecy. + A long pause ensued. + </p> + <p> + “Have you the courage,” said Lewis, “to extricate yourself from all your + difficulties at once?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I have; since I must either go to jail this night, or raise + two hundred guineas for these cursed fellows!” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have it in half an hour,” said Lewis, “if you will follow my + advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me at once what I am to do, and I will do it,” cried Leonard. “I + will do any thing to save myself from disgrace, and from a jail.” + </p> + <p> + Lewis, who now perceived his friend was worked up to the pitch he wanted, + revealed the whole mystery. He was connected with a set of gentlemen, + ingenious in the arts of forgery, from whom he purchased counterfeit + bank-notes at a very cheap rate. The difficulty and risk of passing them + was extreme; therefore the confederates were anxious to throw this part of + the business off their hands. Struck with horror at the idea of becoming + an accomplice in such a scheme of villany, Leonard stood pale and silent, + incapable of even thinking distinctly. Lewis was sorry that he had opened + his mind so fully. “Remember your oath of secrecy!” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I do,” replied Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + “And remember that you must become one of us before night, or go to jail.” + </p> + <p> + Ludgate said he would take an hour to consider of the business, and here + they parted; Lewis promising to call at his house before evening, to learn + his final decision. + </p> + <p> + “And am I come to this?” thought the wretched man. “Would to Heaven I had + followed my poor father’s maxim! but it is now too late.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ludgate, when he arrived at home, shut himself up in his own room, and + continued walking backwards and forwards, for nearly an hour, in a state + of mind more dreadful than can be described. Whilst he was in this + situation, some one knocked at the door. He thought it was Lewis, and + trembled from head to foot. It was only a servant with a parcel of bills, + which several tradesmen, hearing that an execution was in the house, had + hastened to present for payment. Among them were those of Mr. Beech, the + upholsterer, and Mrs. Ludgate’s milliner and mantua-maker, which having + been let to run on for above two years and a half, now amounted to a sum + that astonished and shocked Mr. Ludgate. He could not remonstrate with his + wife, or even vent his anger in reproaches, for she was lying senseless in + her bed. + </p> + <p> + Before he had recovered from this shock, and whilst the tradesmen who + brought the bills were still waiting for their money, Lewis and one of his + companions arrived. He came to the point immediately. He produced + bank-notes sufficient to discharge all his debts, and proposed to lend him + this money on condition that he would enter into the confederacy as he had + proposed. “All that we ask of you is to pass a certain number of notes for + us every week. You will find this to your advantage; for we will allow you + a considerable percentage, besides freeing you from your present + embarrassments.” + </p> + <p> + The sight of the bank-notes, the pressure of immediate distress, and the + hopes of being able to support the style of life in which he had of late + appeared, all conspired to tempt Ludgate. When he had, early in life, + vaunted to his young companions that he despised his father’s old maxim, + while he repeated his own, they applauded his spirit. They were not + present, at this instant, to pity the wretched state into which that + spirit had betrayed him. But our hero has yet much greater misery to + endure. It is true his debts were now paid, and he was able to support an + external appearance of affluence; but not one day, not one night, could he + pass without suffering the horrors of a guilty conscience, and all the + terrors which haunt the man who sees himself in hourly danger of + detection. He determined to keep his secret cautiously from his wife: he + was glad that she was confined to her bed at this time, lest her prying + curiosity should discover what was going forward. The species of affection + which he had once felt for her had not survived the first six months of + their marriage; and their late disputes had rendered this husband and wife + absolutely odious to each other. Each believed, and indeed pretty plainly + asserted, that they could live more handsomely asunder: but, alas! they + were united for better and for worse. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate’s illness terminated in another eruption on her face. She was + extremely mortified by the loss of her beauty, especially as Mrs. Pimlico + frequently contrasted her face with that of Mrs. Paget, who was now + acknowledged to be the handsomest woman of Mrs. Pimlico’s acquaintance. + She endeavoured to make herself of consequence by fresh expense. Mr. + Ludgate, to account for the sudden payment of his debts, and the affluence + in which he now appeared to live, spread a report of his having had a + considerable legacy left to him by a relation, who had died in a distant + part of England. The truth of the report was not questioned; and for some + time Mr. and Mrs. Ludgate were the envy of their acquaintance. How little + the world, as it is called, can judge, by external appearances, of the + happiness of those who excite admiration or envy! + </p> + <p> + “What lucky people the Ludgates are!” cried Mrs. Pimlico. The exclamation + was echoed by a crowded card party, assembled at her house. “But then,” + continued Mrs. Pimlico, “it is a pity poor Belle is so disfigured by that + scurvy, or whatever it is, in her face. I remember the time when she was + as pretty a woman as you could see: nay, would you believe it, she had + once as fine a complexion as young Mrs. Paget!” + </p> + <p> + These observations circulated quickly, and did not escape Mrs. Ludgate’s + ear. Her vanity was deeply wounded; and her health appeared to her but a + secondary consideration, in comparison with the chance of recovering her + lost complexion. Mr. Pimlico, who was an eloquent perfumer, persuaded her + that her former illness had nothing to do with the beautifying lotion she + had purchased at his shop; and to support his assertions, he quoted + examples of innumerable ladies, of high rank and fashion, who were in the + constant habit of using this admirable preparation. The vain and foolish + woman, notwithstanding the warnings which she had received from the + physician who attended her during her illness, listened to the oratory of + the perfumer, and bought half a dozen bottles of another kind of + beautifying lotion. The eruption vanished from her face, after she had + used the cosmetic; and, as she did not feel any immediate bad effects upon + her health, she persisted in the practice for some months. The consequence + was at last dreadful. She was found one morning speechless in her bed, + with one side of her face distorted and motionless. During the night, she + had been seized with a paralytic stroke: in a few days she recovered her + speech; but her face continued totally disfigured. + </p> + <p> + This was the severest punishment that could have been inflicted on a woman + of her character. She was now ashamed to show herself abroad, and + incapable of being contented at home. She had not the friendship of a + husband, or the affection of children, to afford her consolation and + support. Her eldest child was a boy of about five years old, her youngest + four. They were as fretful and troublesome as children usually are, whose + education has been totally neglected; and the quarrels between them and + Jack the footboy were endless, for Jack was alternately their tutor and + their playfellow. + </p> + <p> + Beside the disorder created in this family by mischievous children, the + servants were daily plagues. Nothing was ever done by them well or + regularly; and though the master and mistress scolded without mercy, and + perpetually threatened to turn Jack or Sukey away, yet no reformation in + their manners was produced; for Jack and Sukey’s wages were not paid, and + they felt that they had the power in their own hands; so that they were + rather the tyrants than the servants of the house. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate’s temper, which never was sweet, was soured to such a degree, + by these accumulated evils, that she was insufferable. Her husband kept + out of the way as much as possible: he dined and supped at his club, or at + the tavern: and, during the evenings and mornings, he was visible at home + but for a few minutes. Yet, though his time was passed entirely away from + his wife, his children, and his home, he was not happy. His life was a + life of perpetual fraud and fear. He was bound by his engagements with + Lewis to pass for the confederates a certain number of forged notes every + day. This was a perilous task! His utmost exertions and ingenuity were + continually necessary to escape detection; and, after all, he was barely + able to wrest from the hard hands of his <i>friends</i> a sufficient + profit upon his labour to maintain himself. How often did he look back, + with regret, to the days when he stood behind the counter, in his father’s + shop! Then he had in Allen a real friend; but now he had in Lewis only a + profligate and unfeeling associate. Lewis cared for no one but himself; + and he was as avaricious as he was extravagant; “greedy of what belonged + to others, prodigal of his own.” + </p> + <p> + One night, Leonard went to the house where the confederates met, to settle + with them for the last parcel of notes that he had passed. Lewis insisted + upon being paid for his services before Ludgate should touch a farthing. + Words ran high between them: Lewis, having the most influence with his + associates, carried his point; and Leonard, who was in want of ready + money, could supply himself only by engaging to pass double the usual + quantity of forged notes during the ensuing month. Upon this condition, he + obtained the supply for which he solicited. Upon his return home, he + locked up the forged notes as usual in his escritoir. It happened the very + next morning that Mrs. la Mode, the milliner, called upon Mrs. Ludgate. + The ruling passion still prevailed, notwithstanding the miserable state to + which this lady was reduced. Even palsy could not deaden her personal + vanity: her love of dress survived the total loss of her beauty; she + became accustomed to the sight of her distorted features, and was still + anxious to wear what was most genteel and becoming. Mrs. la Mode had not a + more constant visitor. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Mrs. Ludgate, this morning?” said she. “But I need not ask, + for you look <i>surprising</i> well. I just called to tell you a bit of a + secret, that I have told to nobody else; but you being such a friend and a + favourite, have a right to know it. You must know, I am going next week to + bring out a new spring hat; and I have made one of my girls bring it up, + to consult with you before any body else, having a great opinion of your + taste and judgment: though it is a thing that must not be mentioned, + because it would ruin me with Mrs. Pimlico, who made me swear she should + have the first sight.” + </p> + <p> + Flattered by having the first sight of the spring hat, Mrs. Ludgate was + prepossessed in its favour; and, when she tried it on, she thought it made + her look ten years younger. In short, it was impossible not to take one of + the hats, though it cost three guineas, and was not worth ten shillings. + </p> + <p> + “Positively, ma’am, you must <i>patronize</i> my spring hat,” said the + milliner. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ludgate was decided by the word patronize: she took the hat, and + desired that it should be set down in her bill: but Mrs. la Mode was + extremely concerned that she had made a rule, nay a vow, not to take any + thing but ready money for the spring hats; and she could not break her + vow, even for her favourite Mrs. Ludgate. This was at least a prudent + resolution in the milliner, who had lately received notice, from Mr. + Ludgate, not to give his wife any goods upon credit, for that he was + determined to refuse payment of her bills. The wife, who was now in a weak + state of health, was not able as formerly to fight her battles with her + husband upon equal terms. To cunning, the refuge of weakness, she had + recourse; and she considered that, though she could no longer outscold, + she could still outwit her adversary. She could not have the pleasure and + honour of patronizing the spring hat, without ready money to pay for it; + her husband, she knew, had always bank-notes in his escritoir; and she + argued with herself that it was better to act without his consent than + against it. She went and tried, with certain keys of her own, to open + Leonard’s desk; and open it came. She seized from a parcel of bank-notes + as many as she wanted, and paid Mrs. la Mode with three of them for the + spring hat. When her husband came home the next day, he did not observe + that he had lost any of the notes; and, as he went out of the house again + without once coming into the parlour where his wife was sitting, she + excused herself to her conscience, for not telling him of the freedom she + had taken, by thinking—It will do as well to tell him of it + to-morrow: a few notes, out of such a parcel as he has in his desk locked + up from me, can’t signify; and he’ll only bluster and bully when I do tell + him of it; so let him find it out when he pleases. + </p> + <p> + The scheme of acting without her husband’s consent in all cases, where she + was morally certain that if she asked she could not obtain it, Mrs. + Ludgate had often pursued with much success. A few days after she had + bought the spring hat, she invited Mrs. Pimlico, Mrs. Paget, and all her + genteel friends, to tea and cards. Her husband, she knew, would be out of + the way, at his club, or at the tavern. Mrs. Pimlico, and Mrs. Paget, and + all their genteel friends, did Mrs. Ludgate the honour to wait upon her on + the appointed evening, and she had the satisfaction to appear upon this + occasion in the new spring hat; while her friend, Mrs. Pimlico, whispered + to young Mrs. Paget, “She patronize the new spring hat! What a fool Mrs. + la Mode makes of her! A death’s head in a wreath of roses! How frightfully + ridiculous!” + </p> + <p> + Unconscious that she was an object of ridicule to the whole company, Mrs. + Ludgate sat down to cards in unusually good spirits, firmly believing Mrs. + la Mode’s comfortable assertion, “that the spring hat made her look ten + years younger.” She was in the midst of a panegyric upon Mrs. la Mode’s + taste, when Jack, the footboy, came behind her chair, and whispered that + three men were below, who desired to speak to her immediately. + </p> + <p> + “Men! gentlemen, do you mean?” said Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + “No, ma’am, not gentlemen.” “Then send them away about their business, + dunce,” said the lady. “Some tradesfolk, I suppose; tell them I’m engaged + with company.” + </p> + <p> + “But, ma’am, they will not leave the house without seeing you, or Mr. + Ludgate.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them wait, then, till Mr. Ludgate comes in. I have nothing to say to + them. What’s their business, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “It is something about a note, ma’am, that you gave to Mrs. la Mode, the + other day.” + </p> + <p> + “What about it?” said Mrs. Ludgate, putting down her cards. + </p> + <p> + “They say it is a bad note.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’ll change it; bid them send it up.” + </p> + <p> + “They won’t part with it, ma’am: they would not let it out of their hands, + even to let me look at it for an instant.” + </p> + <p> + “What a riot about a pound note,” said Mrs. Ludgate, rising from the + card-table: “I’ll speak to the fellows myself.” + </p> + <p> + She had recourse again to her husband’s desk; and, armed with a whole + handful of fresh bank-notes, she went to the strangers. They told her that + they did not want, and would not receive, any note in exchange for that + which they produced; but that, as it was a forgery, they must insist upon + knowing from whom she had it. There was an air of mystery and authority + about the strangers which alarmed Mrs. Ludgate; and, without attempting + any evasion, she said that she took the note from her husband’s desk, and + that she could not tell from whom he received it. The strangers declared + that they must wait till Mr. Ludgate should return home. She offered to + give them a guinea to drink, if they would go away quietly; but this they + refused. Jack, the footboy, whispered that they had pistols, and that he + believed they were Bow-street officers. + </p> + <p> + They went into the back parlour to wait for Mr. Ludgate; and the lady, in + extreme perturbation, returned to her company and her cards. In vain she + attempted to resume her conversation about the spring hat, and to conceal + the agitation of her spirits. It was observed by all her <i>friends</i>, + and especially by Mrs. Pimlico, whose curiosity was strongly excited, to + know the cause of her alarm. Mrs. Ludgate looked frequently at her watch, + and even yawned without ceremony, more than once, to manifest her desire + that the company should depart; but no hints availed. The card players + resolutely kept their seats, and even the smell of extinguishing candles + had no effect upon their callous senses. + </p> + <p> + The time appeared insupportably long to the wretched mistress of the + house; and the contrast between her fantastic headdress and her agonizing + countenance every minute became more striking. + </p> + <p> + Twelve o’clock struck. “It is growing very late,” said Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + “But we must have another rubber,” said Mrs. Pimlico. + </p> + <p> + She began to deal; a knock was heard at the door. “There’s Mr. Ludgate, I + do suppose,” said Mrs. Pimlico, continuing her deal. Mrs. Ludgate left her + cards, and went out of the room without speaking. She stopped at the head + of the staircase, for she heard a scuffle and loud voices below. Presently + all was silent, and she ventured down when she heard the parlour door + shut. The footman met her in the passage. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know; but I must be paid my wages,” said he, “or must pay + myself.” + </p> + <p> + He passed on rudely. She half opened the parlour door, and looked in: her + husband was lying back on the sofa, seemingly stupefied by despair: one of + the Bow-street officers was chafing his temples, another was rummaging his + desk, and the third was closely examining certain notes, which he had just + taken from the prisoner’s pockets. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” cried Mrs. Ludgate, advancing. Her husband lifted up + his eyes, saw her, started up, and, stamping furiously, exclaimed, + “Cursed, cursed woman! you have brought me to the gallows, and all for + this trumpery!” cried he, snatching her gaudy hat from her head, and + trampling it under his feet. “For this—for this! you vain, you ugly + creature, you have brought your husband to the gallows!” + </p> + <p> + One of the Bow-street officers caught hold of his uplifted arm, which + trembled with rage. His wife sank to the ground; a second paralytic stroke + deprived her of the power of speech. As they were carrying her up stairs, + Mrs. Pimlico and the rest of the company came out of the dining-room, some + of them with cards in their hands, all eagerly asking what was the matter? + When they learnt that the Bow-street officers were in the house, and that + Mr. Ludgate was taken into custody for uttering forged bank-notes, there + was a general uproar. Some declared it was shocking! others protested it + was no more than might have been expected! The Ludgates lived so much + above their circumstances! Then he was such a coxcomb; and she such a poor + vain creature! Better for people to do like their neighbours—to make + no show, and live honestly! + </p> + <p> + In the midst of these effusions of long suppressed envy, some few of the + company attempted a slight word or two of apology for their host and + hostess; and the most humane went up to the wretched woman’s bedchamber, + to offer assistance and advice. But the greater number were occupied in + tucking up their white gowns, finding their clogs, or calling for hackney + coaches. In less than a quarter of an hour the house was clear of all Mrs. + Ludgate’s <i>friends</i>. And it is to please such friends that whole + families ruin themselves by unsuitable expense. + </p> + <p> + Lucy and Allen were not, however, of this class of friends. A confused + report of what had passed the preceding night was spread the next morning + in Cranbourne-alley, by a young lady, who had been at Mrs. Ludgate’s rout. + The moment the news reached Allen’s shop, he and Lucy set out immediately + to offer their assistance to the unfortunate family. When they got to + Weymouth-street, they gave only a single knock at the door, that they + might not create any alarm. They were kept waiting a considerable time, + and at last the door was opened by a slip-shod cook-maid, who seemed to be + just up, though it was near eleven o’clock. She showed them into the + parlour, which was quite dark; and, whilst she was opening the shutters, + told them that the house had been up all night, what with the Bow-street + officers and her mistress’s fits. Her master, she added, was carried off + to prison, she believed. Lucy asked who was with Mrs. Ludgate, and whether + she could go up to her room? + </p> + <p> + “There’s nobody with her, ma’am, but nurse, that called by chance, early + this morning, to see the children, and had the good-nature to stay to + help, and has been sitting in mistress’s room, whilst I went to my bed. + I’ll step up and see if you can go in, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + They waited for some time in the parlour, where every thing looked + desolate and in disorder. The ashes covered the hearth; the poker lay upon + the table, near Mr. Ludgate’s desk, the lock of which had been broken + open; a brass flat candlestick, covered with tallow, was upon the + window-seat, and beside it a broken cruet of vinegar; a cravat, and red + silk handkerchief, which had been taken from Mr. Ludgate’s neck when he + swooned, lay under the table. Lucy and her husband looked at one another + for some moments without speaking. At last Allen said, “We had better lock + up this press, where there are silver spoons and china, for there is + nobody now left to take care of any thing, and the creditors will be here + soon to seize all they can.” Lucy said that she would go up into the + dining-room, and take an inventory of the furniture. In the dining-room + she found Jack the footboy collecting shillings from beneath the + candlesticks on the card-tables: the two little children were sitting on + the floor, the girl playing with a pack of cards, the boy drinking the + dregs of a decanter of white wine.—“Poor children! Poor creatures!” + said Lucy; “is there nobody to take care of you?” + </p> + <p> + “No; nobody but Jack,” said the boy, “and he’s going away. Papa’s gone I + don’t know where; and mama’s not up yet, so we have had no breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + The cook-maid came in to say that Mrs. Ludgate was awake, and sensible + now, and would be glad to see Mrs. Allen, if she’d be so good as to walk + up. Lucy told the children, who clung to her, that she would take them + home with her, and give them some breakfast, and then hastened up stairs. + She found her wretched friend humbled indeed to the lowest state of + imbecile despair. Her speech had returned; but she spoke with difficulty, + and scarcely so as to be intelligible. The good-natured nurse supported + her in the bed, saying repeatedly, “Keep a good heart, madam; keep a good + heart! Don’t let your spirits sink so as this, and all may be well yet.” + </p> + <p> + “O Lucy! Lucy! What will become of me now? What a change is here! And + nobody to help or advise me! Nobody upon earth! I am forsaken by all the + world!” + </p> + <p> + “Not forsaken by me,” said Lucy, in a soothing voice. + </p> + <p> + “What noise is that below?” cried Mrs. Ludgate. + </p> + <p> + Lucy went downstairs to inquire, and found that, as Allen had foretold, + the creditors were come to seize all they could find. Allen undertook to + remain with them, and to bring them to some settlement, whilst Lucy had + her unfortunate friend and the two children removed immediately to her own + house. + </p> + <p> + As to Mr. Ludgate, there was no hope for him; the proofs of his guilt were + manifest and incontrovertible. The forged note, which his wife had taken + from his desk and given to the milliner, was one which had not gone + through certain mysterious preparations. It was a bungling forgery. The + plate would doubtless have been retouched, had not this bill been + prematurely circulated by Mrs. Ludgate: thus her vanity led to a discovery + of her husband’s guilt. All the associates in Lewis’s iniquitous + confederacy suffered the just punishment of their crimes. Many + applications were made to obtain a pardon for Leonard Ludgate: but the + executive power preserved that firmness which has not, upon any similar + occasion, ever been relaxed. + </p> + <p> + Lucy and Allen, those real friends, who would not encourage Mrs. Ludgate + in extravagance, now, in the hour of adversity and repentance, treated her + with the utmost tenderness and generosity. They were economical, and + therefore could afford to be generous. All the wants of this destitute + widow were supplied from the profits of their industry: they nursed her + with daily humanity, bore with the peevishness of disease, and did all in + their power to soothe the anguish of unavailing remorse. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be saved from the wreck of Mr. Ludgate’s fortune for the + widow; but Allen, in looking over old Ludgate’s books, had found and + recovered some old debts, which Leonard, after his father’s death, thought + not worth looking after. The sum amounted to about three hundred and + twenty pounds. As the whole concern had been made over to him, he could + lawfully have appropriated this money to his own use, but he reserved it + for his friend’s children. He put it out to interest; and in the mean time + he and Lucy not only clothed and fed, but educated these orphans, with + their own children, in habits of economy and industry. The orphans repaid, + by their affection and gratitude, the care that was bestowed upon them; + and, when they grew up, they retrieved the credit of their family, by + living according to their grandfather’s useful maxim—“Out of debt + out of danger.” + </p> + <p> + <i>Nov. 1801.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LOTTERY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Near Derby, on the way towards Darley-grove, there is a cottage which + formerly belonged to one Maurice Robinson. The jessamine which now covers + the porch was planted by Ellen, his wife: she was an industrious, prudent, + young woman; liked by all her neighbours, because she was ready to assist + and serve them, and the delight of her husband’s heart; for she was + sweet-tempered, affectionate, constantly clean and neat, and made his + house so cheerful that he was always in haste to come home to her, after + his day’s work. He was one of the manufacturers employed in the cotton + works at Derby; and he was remarkable for his good conduct and regular + attendance at his work. + </p> + <p> + Things went on very well in every respect, till a relation of his, Mrs. + Dolly Robinson, came to live with him. Mrs. Dolly had been laundry-maid in + a great family, where she learned to love gossiping, and tea-drinkings, + and where she acquired some taste for shawls and cherry-brandy. She + thought that she did her young relations a great favour by coming to take + up her abode with them, because, as she observed, they were young and + inexperienced; and she, knowing a great deal of the world, was able and + willing to advise them; and besides, she had had a legacy of some hundred + pounds left to her, and she had saved some little matters while in + service, which might make it worth her relations’ while to take her advice + with proper respect, and to make her comfortable for the rest of her days. + </p> + <p> + Ellen treated her with all due deference, and endeavoured to make her as + comfortable as possible; but Mrs. Dolly could not be comfortable unless, + besides drinking a large spoonful of brandy in every dish of tea, she + could make each person in the house do just what she pleased. She began by + being dissatisfied because she could not persuade Ellen that brandy was + wholesome, in tea, for the nerves; next she was affronted because Ellen + did not admire her shawl; and, above all, she was grievously offended + because Ellen endeavoured to prevent her from spoiling little George. + </p> + <p> + George was, at this time, between five and six years old; and his mother + took a great deal of pains to bring him up well: she endeavoured to teach + him to be honest, to speak the truth, to do whatever she and his father + bid him, and to dislike being idle. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly, on the contrary, coaxed and flattered him, without caring + whether he was obedient or disobedient, honest or dishonest. She was + continually telling him that he was the finest little fellow in the world; + and that she would do great things for him, some time or another. + </p> + <p> + What these great things were to be the boy seemed neither to know nor + care; and, except at the moments when she was stuffing gingerbread into + his mouth, he seemed never to desire to be near her: he preferred being + with William Deane, his father’s friend, who was a very ingenious man, and + whom he liked to see at work. + </p> + <p> + William gave him a slate, and a slate pencil; and taught him how to make + figures, and to cast up sums; and made a little wheel-barrow for him, of + which George was very fond, so that George called him in play “<i>King + Deane</i>.” All these things tended to make Mrs. Dolly dislike William + Deane, whom she considered as her rival in power. + </p> + <p> + One day, it was George’s birthday, Mrs. Dolly invited a party, as she + called it, to drink tea with her; and, at tea-time, she was entertaining + the neighbours with stories of what she had seen in the great world. + Amongst others, she had a favourite story of a butler, in the family where + she had lived, who bought a ticket in the lottery when he was drunk, which + ticket came up a ten thousand pound prize when he was sober; and the + butler turned gentleman, and kept his coach directly. + </p> + <p> + One evening, Maurice Robinson and William came home, after their day’s + work, just in time to hear the end of this story; and Mrs. Dolly concluded + it by turning to Maurice, and assuring him that he must put into the + lottery and try his luck: for why should not he be as lucky as another? + “Here,” said she, “a man is working and drudging all the days of his life + to get a decent coat to put on, and a bit of bread to put into his child’s + mouth; and, after all, may be he can’t do it; though all the while, for + five guineas, or a guinea, or half-a-guinea even, if he has but the spirit + to lay out his money properly, he has the chance of making a fortune + without any trouble. Surely a man should try his luck, if not for his own, + at least for his children’s sake,” continued Mrs. Dolly, drawing little + George towards her, and hugging him in her arms. “Who knows what might + turn up! Make your papa buy a ticket in the lottery, love; there’s my + darling; and I’ll be bound he’ll have good luck. Tell him, I’ll be bound + we shall have a ten thousand pound prize at least; and all for a few + guineas. I’m sure I think none but a miser would grudge the money, if he + had it to give.” + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Dolly finished her speech, she looked at William Deane, whose + countenance did not seem to please her. Maurice was whistling, and Ellen + knitting as fast as possible. Little George was counting William Deane’s + buttons. “Pray, Mr. Deane,” cried Mrs. Dolly, turning full upon him, “what + may your advice and opinion be? since nothing’s to be done here without + your leave and word of command, forsooth. Now, as you know so much and + have seen so much of the world, would you be pleased to tell this good + company, and myself into the bargain, what harm it can do anybody, but a + miser, to lay out a small sum to get a good chance of a round thousand, or + five thousand, or ten thousand, or twenty thousand pounds, without more + ado?” + </p> + <p> + As she pronounced the words five thousand, ten thousand, twenty thousand + pounds, in a triumphant voice, all the company, except Ellen and William, + seemed to feel the force of her oratory. + </p> + <p> + William coolly answered that he was no miser, but that he thought money + might be better laid out than in the lottery; for that there was more + chance of a man’s getting nothing for his money than of his getting a + prize; that when a man worked for fair wages every day, he was sure of + getting something for his pains, and with honest industry, and saving, + might get rich enough in time, and have to thank himself for it, which + would be a pleasant thing: but that if a man, as he had known many, set + his heart upon the turning of the lottery wheel, he would leave off + putting his hand to any thing the whole year round, and so grow idle, and + may be, drunken; “and then,” said William, “at the year’s end, if he have + a blank, what is he to do for his rent, or for his wife and children, that + have nothing to depend upon but him and his industry?” + </p> + <p> + Here Maurice sighed, and so did Ellen, whilst William went on and told + many a true story of honest servants, and tradesmen, whom he had known, + who had ruined themselves by gaming and lotteries. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Maurice, who now broke silence, “putting into the lottery, + William, is not gaming, like dice or cards, or such things. Putting into + the lottery is not gaming, as I take it.” + </p> + <p> + “As I take it, though,” replied William, “it is gaming. For what is gaming + but trusting one’s money, or somewhat, to luck and hap-hazard? And is + there not as much hap-hazard in the turning of the wheel as in the coming + up of the dice, or the dealing of the cards?” + </p> + <p> + “True enough; but somebody must get a prize,” argued Maurice. + </p> + <p> + “And somebody must win at dice or cards,” said William, “but a many more + must lose; and a many more, I take it, must lose by the lottery than by + any other game; else how would they that keep the lottery gain by it, as + they do? Put a case. If you and I, Maurice, were this minute to play at + dice, we stake our money down on the table here, and one or t’other takes + all up. But, in the lottery, it is another affair; for the whole of what + is put in does never come out.” + </p> + <p> + This statement of the case made some impression upon Maurice, who was no + fool; but Mrs. Dolly’s desire that he should buy a lottery ticket, was not + to be conquered by reason: it grew stronger and stronger the more she was + opposed. She was silent and cross during the remainder of the evening; and + the next morning, at breakfast, she was so low that even her accustomed + dose of brandy, in her tea, had no effect. + </p> + <p> + Now Maurice, besides his confused hopes that Mrs. Dolly would leave + something handsome to him or his family, thought himself obliged to her + for having given a helping hand to his father, when he was in distress; + and therefore he wished to bear with her humours, and to make her happy in + his house. He knew that the lottery ticket was uppermost in her mind, and + the moment he touched upon that subject she brightened up. She told him + she had had a dream; and she had great faith in dreams: and she had + dreamed, three times over, that he had bought number 339 in the lottery, + and that it had come up a ten thousand pound prize! + </p> + <p> + “Well, Ellen,” said Maurice, “I’ve half a mind to try my luck; and it can + do us no harm, for I’ll only put off buying the cow this year.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Mrs. Dolly, “why so? may be you don’t know what I know, that + Ellen’s as rich as a Jew? She has a cunning little cupboard, in the wall + yonder, that I see her putting money into every day of her life, and none + goes out.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen immediately went and drew back a small sliding oak door in the + wainscot, and took out a glove, in which some money was wrapped; she put + it altogether in her husband’s hand, saying, with a good-humoured smile, + “There is my year’s spinning, Maurice: I only thought to have made more of + it before I gave it you. Do what you please with it.” + </p> + <p> + Maurice was so much moved by his wife’s kindness, that he at the moment + determined to give up his lottery scheme, of which, he knew, she did not + approve. But, though a good-natured, well-meaning man, he was of an + irresolute character; and even when he saw what was best to be done, had + not courage to persist. As he was coming home from work, a few days after + Ellen had given him the money, he saw, in one of the streets of Derby, a + house with large windows finely illuminated, and read the words: + </p> + <p> + “Lottery-office of Fortunatus, Gould, and Co.” At this office was sold the + fortunate ticket, which came up on Monday last a twenty thousand pound + prize. Ready money paid for prizes immediately on demand. The + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 15,000<i>l</i>. + 10,000<i>l</i>. + 5,000<i>l</i>. +</pre> + <p> + still in the wheel. None but the brave deserve a prize.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst Maurice was gazing at this and other similar advertisements, which + were exhibited in various bright colours in this tempting window, his + desire to try his fortune in the lottery returned; and he was just going + into the office to purchase a ticket, when luckily he found that he had + not his leathern purse in his pocket. He walked on, and presently brushed + by some one; it was William Deane, who was looking very eagerly over some + old books, at a bookseller’s stall. “I wish I had but money to treat + myself with some of these,” said William: “but I cannot; they cost such a + deal of money, having all these prints in them.” + </p> + <p> + “We can lend you,—no, we can’t neither,” cried Maurice, stopping + himself short; for he recollected that he could not both lend his friend + money to buy the books and buy a lottery ticket. He was in great doubt + which he should do; and walked on with William, in silence. “So, then,” + cried he at last, “you would not advise me to put into the lottery?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said William laughing, “it is not for me to advise you about it, + now; for I know you are considering whether you had best put it into the + lottery or lend me the money to buy these books. Now, I hope you don’t + think I was looking to my own interest in what I said the other day; for I + can assure you, I had no thoughts of meeting with these books at that + time, and did not know that you had any money to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “Say no more about it,” replied Maurice. “Don’t I know you are an honest + fellow, and would lend me the money if I wanted it? You shall have it as + soon as ever we get home. Only mind and stand by me stoutly, if Mrs. Dolly + begins any more about the lottery.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly did not fail to renew her attacks; and she was both provoked + and astonished when she found that the contents of the leathern purse were + put into the hands of William Deane. + </p> + <p> + “Books, indeed! To buy books forsooth! What business had such a one as he + with books?” She had seen a deal of life, she said, and never saw no good + come of bookish bodies; and she was sorry to see that her own darling, + George, was taking to the bookish line, and that his mother encouraged him + in it. She would lay her best shawl, she said, to a gauze handkerchief, + that William Deane would, sooner or later, beggar himself, and all that + belonged to him, by his books and his gimcracks; “and if George were my + son,” continued she, raising her voice, “I’d soon cure him of prying and + poring into that man’s picture-books, and following him up and down with + wheels and mechanic machines, which will never come to no good, nor never + make a gentleman of him, as a ticket in the lottery might and would.” + </p> + <p> + All mouths were open at once to defend William. Maurice declared he was + the most industrious man in the parish; that his books never kept him from + his work, but always kept him from the alehouse and bad company; and that, + as to his gimcracks and machines, he never laid out a farthing upon them + but what he got by working on holidays, and odd times, when other folks + were idling or tippling. His master, who understood the like of those + things, said, before all the workmen at the mills, that William Deane’s + machines were main clever, and might come to bring in a deal of money for + him and his. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” continued Maurice, “there was Mr. Arkwright, the man that first set + a going all our cotton frames here, was no better than William Deane, and + yet came at last to make a power of money. It stands to reason, any how, + that William Deane is hurting nobody, nor himself neither; and, moreover, + he may divert himself his own way, without being taken to task by man, + woman, or child. As to children, he’s very good to my child; there’s one + loves him,” pointing to George, “and I’m glad of it: for I should be + ashamed, so I should, that my flesh and blood should be in any ways + disregardful or ungracious to those that be kind and good to them.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly, swelling with anger, repeated in a scornful voice, + “Disregardful, ungracious! I wonder folks can talk so to me! But this is + all the gratitude one meets with, in this world, for all one does. Well, + well! I’m an old woman, and shall soon be out of people’s way; and then + they will be sorry they did not use me better; and then they’ll bethink + them that it is not so easy to gain a friend as to lose a friend; and then—” + </p> + <p> + Here Mrs. Dolly’s voice was stopped by her sobs; and Maurice, who was a + very good-natured man, and much disposed to gratitude, said he begged her + pardon a thousand times, if he had done any thing to offend her; and + declared his only wish was to please and satisfy her, if she would but + tell him how. She continued sobbing, without making any answer, for some + time: but at last she cried, “My ad—my ad—my ad-vice is never + taken in any thing!” + </p> + <p> + Maurice declared he was ready to take her advice, if that was the only way + to make her easy in her mind. “I know what you mean, now,” added he: “you + are still harping upon the lottery ticket. Well, I’ll buy a ticket this + day week, after I’ve sold the cow I bought at the fair. Will you have done + sobbing, now, cousin Dolly?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, cousin Maurice, it is only for your own sake I speak,” said she, + wiping her eyes. “You know you was always a favourite of mine from your + childhood up; I nursed you, and had you on my knee, and foretold often and + often you would make a fortune, so I did. And will you buy the ticket I + dreamed about, hey?” + </p> + <p> + Maurice assured her that, if it was to be had, he would. The cow was + accordingly sold the following week, and the ticket in the lottery was + bought. It was not, however, the number about which Mrs. Dolly had + dreamed, for that was already purchased by some other person. The ticket + Maurice bought was number 80; and, after he had got it, his cousin Dolly + continually deplored that it was not the very number of which she dreamed. + It would have been better not to have taken her advice at all than to have + taken it when it was too late. + </p> + <p> + Maurice was an easy-tempered man, and loved quiet; and when he found that + he was reproached for something or other whenever he came into his own + house, he began to dislike the thought of going home after his day’s work, + and loitered at public-houses sometimes, but more frequently at the + lottery-office. As the lottery was now drawing, his whole thoughts were + fixed upon his ticket; and he neglected his work at the manufactory. “What + signify a few shillings wages, more or less?” said he to himself. “If my + ticket should come up a prize, it makes a rich man of me at once.” + </p> + <p> + His ticket at last was drawn a prize of five thousand pounds! He was + almost out of his senses with joy! He ran home to tell the news. “A prize! + a prize, Dolly!” cried he, as soon as he had breath to speak. + </p> + <p> + “That comes of taking my advice!” said Dolly. + </p> + <p> + “A five thousand pound prize! my dear Ellen,” cried he, and down he kicked + her spinning-wheel. + </p> + <p> + “I wish we may be as happy with it as we have been without it, Maurice,” + said Ellen; and calmly lifted her spinning-wheel up again. + </p> + <p> + “No more spinning-wheels!” cried Maurice; “no more spinning! no more work! + We have nothing to do now but to be as happy as the day is long. Wife, I + say, put by that wheel.” + </p> + <p> + “You’re a lady now; and ought to look and behave like a lady,” added Mrs. + Dolly, stretching up her head, “and not stand moping over an old + spinning-wheel.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know how to look and behave like a lady,” said Ellen, and sighed: + “but I hopes Maurice won’t love me the less for that.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly was for some time wholly taken up with the pleasure of laying + out money, and “preparing,” as she said, “to look like somebody.” She had + many acquaintances at Paddington, she said, and she knew of a very snug + house there, where they could all live very genteel. + </p> + <p> + She was impatient to go thither, for two reasons; that she might make a + figure in the eyes of these acquaintances, and that she might get Maurice + and little George away from William Deane, who was now become more than + ever the object of her aversion and contempt; for he actually advised his + friend not to think of living in idleness, though he had five thousand + pounds. William moreover recommended it to him to put his money out to + interest, or to dispose of a good part of it in stocking a farm, or in + fitting out a shop. Ellen, being a farmer’s daughter, knew well the + management of a dairy; and, when a girl, had also assisted in a + haberdasher’s shop, that was kept in Derby by her uncle; so she was able + and willing, she said, to assist her husband in whichever of these ways of + life he should take to. + </p> + <p> + Maurice, irresolute and desirous of pleasing all parties, at last said, it + would be as well, seeing they were now rich enough not to mind such a + journey, just to go to Paddington and look about ‘em; and if so be they + could not settle there in comfort, why still they might see a bit of + London town, and take their pleasure for a month or so; and he hoped + William Deane would come along with them, and it should not be a farthing + out of his pocket. + </p> + <p> + Little George said every thing he could think of to persuade his <i>King + Deane</i> to go with them, and almost pulled him to the coach door, when + they were setting off; but William could not leave his master and his + business. The child clung with his legs and arms so fast to him that they + were forced to drag him into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll find plenty of friends at Paddington, who’ll give you many pretty + things. Dry your eyes, and see! you’re in a coach!” said Mrs. Dolly. + </p> + <p> + George dried his eyes directly, for he was ashamed of crying; but he + answered, “I don’t care for your pretty things. I shall not find my good + dear King Deane any where;” and, leaning upon his mother’s lap, he twirled + round the wheel of a little cart, which William Deane had given him, and + which he carried under his arm as his greatest treasure. + </p> + <p> + Ellen was delighted to see signs of such a grateful and affectionate + disposition in her son, and all her thoughts were bent upon him; whilst + Mrs. Dolly chattered on about her acquaintance at Paddington, and her + satisfaction at finding herself in a coach once again. Her satisfaction + was not, however, of long continuance; for she grew so sick that she was + obliged, or thought herself obliged, every quarter of an hour, to have + recourse to her cordial bottle. Her spirits were at last raised so much, + that she became extremely communicative, and she laid open to Maurice and + Ellen all her plans of future pleasure and expense. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place,” said she, “I am heartily glad now I have got you + away from that cottage that was not fit to live in; and from certain folks + that shall be nameless, that would have one live all one’s life like + scrubs, like themselves. You must know that when we get to Paddington, the + first thing I shall do shall be to buy a handsome coach.” “A coach!” + exclaimed Maurice and Ellen, with extreme astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “A coach, to be sure,” said Mrs. Dolly. “I say a coach.” + </p> + <p> + “I say we shall be ruined, then,” said Maurice; “and laughed at into the + bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “La! you don’t know what money is,” said Mrs. Dolly. “Why haven’t you five + thousand pounds, man? You don’t know what can be done with five thousand + pounds, cousin Maurice.” + </p> + <p> + “No, nor you neither, cousin Dolly; or you’d never talk of setting up your + coach.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, pray? I know what a coach costs as well as another. I know we + can have a second-hand coach, and we need not tell nobody that it’s + second-hand, for about a hundred pounds. And what’s a hundred pounds out + of five thousand?” + </p> + <p> + “But if we’ve a coach, we must have horses, must not we?” said Ellen, “and + they’ll cost a hundred more.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we can have job horses, that will cost us little or nothing,” said + Mrs. Dolly. + </p> + <p> + “Say £150. a-year,” replied Maurice; “for I heard my master’s coachman + telling that the livery-keeper in London declared as how he made nothing + by letting him have job horses for £150. a-year.” + </p> + <p> + “We are to have our own coach,” said Dolly, “and that will be cheaper, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + “But the coach won’t last for ever,” said Ellen; “it must be mended, and + that will cost something.” + </p> + <p> + “It is time enough to think of that when the coach wants mending,” said + Mrs. Dolly; who, without giving herself the trouble of calculating, seemed + to be convinced that every thing might be done for five thousand pounds. + “I must let you know a little secret,” continued she. “I have written, + that is, got a friend to write, to have the house at Paddington taken for + a year; for I know it’s quite the thing for us, and we are only to give + fifty pounds a-year for it: and you know that one thousand pounds would + pay that rent for twenty years to come.” + </p> + <p> + “But then,” said Ellen, “you will want to do a great many other things + with that thousand pounds. There’s the coach you mentioned; and you said + we must keep a footboy, and must see a deal of company, and must not + grudge to buy clothes, and that we could not follow any trade, nor have a + farm, nor do any thing to make money; so we must live on upon what we + have. Now let us count, and see how we shall do it. You know, Maurice, + that William Deane inquired about what we could get for our five thousand + pounds, if we put it out to interest?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; two hundred a-year, he said.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we pay fifty pounds a-year for the rent of the house, and a hundred + a-year we three and the boy must have to live upon, and there is but fifty + pounds a-year left.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly, with some reluctance, gave up the notion of the coach; and + Ellen proposed that five hundred pounds should be laid out in furnishing a + haberdasher’s shop, and that the rest of their money should be put out to + interest, till it was wanted. “Maurice and I can take care of the shop + very well; and we can live well enough upon what we make by it,” said + Ellen. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly opposed the idea of keeping a shop; and observed that they + should not, in that case, be gentlefolks. Besides, she said, she was sure + the people of the house she had taken would never let it be turned into a + shop. + </p> + <p> + What Mrs. Dolly had said was indeed true. When they got to Paddington, + they found that the house was by no means fit for a shop; and as the + bargain was made for a year, and they could not get it off their hands + without considerable loss, Ellen was forced to put off her prudent scheme. + In the mean time she determined to learn how to keep accounts properly. + </p> + <p> + There was a small garden belonging to the house, in which George set to + work; and though he could do little more than pull up the weeds, yet this + kept him out of mischief and idleness; and she sent him to a day-school, + where he would learn to read, write, and cast accounts. When he came home + in the evenings, he used to show her his copy-book, and read his lesson, + and say his spelling to her, while she was at work. His master said it was + a pleasure to teach him, he was so eager to learn; and Ellen was glad that + she had money enough to pay for having her boy well taught. Mrs. Dolly, + all this time, was sitting and gossiping amongst her acquaintance in + Paddington. These acquaintance were people whom she had seen when they + visited the housekeeper in the great family where she was laundry-maid; + and she was very proud to show them that she was now a finer person than + even the housekeeper, who was formerly the object of her envy. She had + tea-drinking parties, and sometimes dinner parties, two or three in a + week; and hired a footboy, and laughed at Ellen for her low notions, and + dissuaded Maurice from all industrious schemes; still saying to him, “Oh, + you’ll have time enough to think of going to work when you have spent all + your money.” + </p> + <p> + Maurice, who had been accustomed to be at work for several hours in the + day, at first thought it would be a fine thing to walk about, as Mrs. + Dolly said, like a gentleman, without having any thing to do; but when he + came to try it, he found himself more tired by this way of life than he + had ever felt himself in the cotton-mills at Derby. He gaped and gaped, + and lounged about every morning, and looked a hundred times at his new + watch, and put it to his ear to listen whether it was going, the time + seemed to him to pass so slowly. Sometimes he sauntered through the town, + came back again, and stood at his own door looking at dogs fighting for a + bone; at others, he went into the kitchen, to learn what there was to be + for dinner, and to watch the maid cooking, or the boy cleaning knives. It + was a great relief for him to go into the room where his wife was at work: + but he never would have been able to get through a year in this way + without the assistance of a pretty little black horse, for which he paid + thirty guineas. During a month he was very happy in riding backwards and + forwards on the Edgeware-road: but presently the horse fell lame; it was + discovered that he was spavined and broken-winded; and the jockey from + whom Maurice bought him was no where to be found. Maurice sold the horse + for five guineas, and bought a fine bay for forty, which he was certain + would turn out well, seeing he paid such a good price for him; but the bay + scarcely proved better than the black. How he managed it we do not know, + but it seems he was not so skilful in horses as in cotton-weaving; for at + the end of the year he had no horse, and had lost fifty guineas by his + bargains. + </p> + <p> + Another hundred guineas were gone, nobody in the family but himself knew + how: but he resolved to waste no more money and began the new year well, + by opening a haberdasher’s shop in Paddington. The fitting up this shop + cost them five hundred pounds; it was tolerably stocked, and Ellen was so + active, and so attentive to all customers, that she brought numbers to + Maurice Robinson’s new shop. They made full twelve per cent, upon all they + sold; and, in six months, had turned three hundred pounds twice, and had + gained the profit of seventy-two pounds. Maurice, however, had got such a + habit of lounging, during his year of idleness, that he could not relish + steady attendance in the shop: he was often out, frequently came home late + at night, and Ellen observed that he sometimes looked extremely + melancholy; but when she asked him whether he was ill, or what ailed him, + he always turned away, answering, “Nothing—nothing ails me. Why do + ye fancy any thing ails me?” + </p> + <p> + Alas! it was no fancy. Ellen saw too plainly, that something was going + wrong: but as her husband persisted in silence, she could not tell how to + assist or comfort him. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly in the mean time was going on spending her money in junketing. + She was, besides, no longer satisfied with taking her spoonful of brandy + in every dish of tea; she found herself uncomfortable, she said, unless + she took every morning fasting a full glass of the good cordial + recommended to her by her friend, Mrs. Joddrell, the apothecary’s wife. + Now this good cordial, in plain English, was a strong dram. Ellen, in the + gentlest manner she could, represented to Mrs. Dolly that she was hurting + her health, and was exposing herself, by this increasing habit of + drinking; but she replied with anger, that what she <i>took</i> was for + the good of her health; that everybody knew best what agreed with them; + that she should trust to her own feelings; and that nobody need talk, when + all she took came out of the apothecary’s shop, and was paid for honestly + with her own money. + </p> + <p> + Besides what came out of the apothecary’s shop, Mrs. Dolly found it agreed + with her constantly to drink a pot of porter at dinner, and another at + supper; and always when she had a cold, and she had often a cold, she + drank large basins full of white wine whey, “to throw off her cold,” as + she said. + </p> + <p> + Then by degrees, she lost her appetite, and found she could eat nothing, + unless she had a glass of brandy at dinner. Small beer, she discovered, + did not agree with her; so at luncheon time she always had a tumbler full + of brandy and water. This she carefully mixed herself, and put less and + less water in every day, because brandy, she was convinced, was more + wholesome for some constitutions than water; and brandy and peppermint, + taken together, was an infallible remedy for all complaints, low spirits + included. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly never found herself comfortable, moreover, unless she dined + abroad two or three days in the week, at a public-house, near Paddington, + where she said she was more at home than she was any where else. There was + a bowling-green at this public-house, and it was a place to which + tea-drinking parties resorted. Now Mrs. Dolly often wanted to take little + George out with her to these parties, and said, “It is a pity and shame to + keep the poor thing always mewed up at home, without ever letting him have + any pleasure! Would not you like to go with me, George dear, in the + one-horse chaise? and would not you be glad to have cakes, and tea, and + all the good things that are to be had?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to go in the one-horse chaise, to be sure, and to have + cakes and tea; but I should not like to go with you, because mother does + not choose it,” answered George, in his usual plain way of speaking. + Ellen, who had often seen Mrs. Dolly offer him wine and punch to drink, by + way of a treat, was afraid he might gradually learn to love spirituous + liquors; and that if he acquired a habit of drinking such when he was a + boy, he would become a drunkard when he should grow to be a man. George + was now almost nine years old; and he could understand the reason why his + mother desired that he would not drink spirituous liquors. She once + pointed out to him a drunken man, who was reeling along the street, and + bawling ridiculous nonsense: he had quite lost his senses, and as he did + not attend to the noise of a carriage coming fast behind him, he could not + get out of the way time enough, and the coachman could not stop his + horses; so the drunken man was thrown down, and the wheel of the carriage + went over his leg, and broke it in a shocking manner. George saw him + carried towards his home, writhing and groaning with pain. + </p> + <p> + “See what comes of drunkenness!” said Ellen. + </p> + <p> + She stopped the people, who were carrying the hurt man past her door, and + had him brought in and laid upon a bed, whilst a surgeon was sent for. + George stood beside the bed in silence; and the words “See what comes of + drunkenness!” sounded in his ears. + </p> + <p> + Another time, his mother pointed out to him a man with terribly swollen + legs, and a red face blotched all over, lifted out of a fine coach by two + footmen in fine liveries. The man leaned upon a gold-headed cane, after he + was lifted from his carriage, and tried with his other hand to take off + his hat to a lady, who asked him how he did; but his hand shook so much + that, when he had got his hat off, he could not put it rightly upon his + head, and his footman put it on for him. The boys in the street laughed at + him. “Poor man!” said Ellen; “that is Squire L——, who, as you + heard the apothecary say, has drunk harder in his day than any man that + ever he knew; and this is what he has brought himself to by drinking! All + the physic in the apothecary’s shop cannot make him well again! No; nor + can his fine coach and fine footmen any more make him easy or happy, poor + man!” + </p> + <p> + George exclaimed, “I wonder how people can be such fools as to be + drunkards! I will never be a drunkard, mother; and now I know the reason + why you desired me not to drink the wine, when Mrs. Dolly used to say to + me, ‘Down with it, George dear, it will do ye no harm.’” + </p> + <p> + These circumstances made such an impression upon George that there was no + further occasion to watch him; he always pushed away the glass when Mrs. + Dolly filled it for him. + </p> + <p> + One day his mother said to him, “Now I can trust you to take care of + yourself, George, I shall not watch you. Mrs. Dolly is going to a + bowling-green tea-party this evening, and has asked you to go with her; + and I have told her you shall.” + </p> + <p> + George accordingly went with Mrs. Dolly to the bowling-green. The company + drank tea out of doors, in summer-houses. After tea, Mrs. Dolly bid George + go and look at the bowling-green; and George was very well entertained + with seeing the people playing at bowls; but when it grew late in the + evening, and when the company began to go away, George looked about for + Mrs. Dolly. She was not in the summer-house, where they had drunk tea, nor + was she any where upon the terrace round the bowling-green; so he went to + the public-house in search of her, and at last found her standing at the + bar with the landlady. Her face was very red, and she had a large glass of + brandy in her hand, into which the landlady was pouring some drops, which + she said were excellent for the stomach. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly started so when she saw George, that she threw down half her + glass of brandy. “Bless us, child! I thought you were safe at the + bowling-green,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I saw every body going away,” answered George; “so I thought it was time + to look for you, and to go home.” + </p> + <p> + “But before you go, my dear little gentleman,” said the landlady, “you + must eat one of these tarts, for my sake.” As she spoke, she gave George a + little tart: “and here,” added she, “you must drink my health too in + something good. Don’t be afraid, love; it’s nothing that will hurt you: + it’s very sweet and nice.” + </p> + <p> + “It is wine, or spirits of some sort or other, I know by the smell,” said + George; “and I will not drink it, thank you, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “The boy’s a fool!” said Mrs. Dolly; “but it’s his mother’s fault. She + won’t let him taste any thing stronger than water. But now your mother’s + not by, you know,” said Mrs. Dolly, winking at the landlady; “now your + mother’s not by—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and nobody will tell of you,” added the landlady; “so do what you + like: drink it down, love.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” cried George, pushing away the glass which Mrs. Dolly held to his + lips. “No! no! no! I say. I will not do any thing now my mother’s not by, + that I would not do if she was here in this room.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; hush, hush; and don’t bawl so loud though,” said Mrs. Dolly, who + saw, what George did not see, a gentleman that was standing at the door of + the parlour opposite to them, and who could hear every thing that was + saying at the bar. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” continued George, in a loud voice, “mother told me she could + trust me to take care of myself; and so I will take care of myself; and I + am not a fool, no more is mother, I know; for she told me the reasons why + it is not good to drink spirituous—.” Mrs. Dolly pushed him away, + without giving him time to finish his sentence, bidding him go and see + whether the gig was ready; for it was time to be going home. + </p> + <p> + As George was standing in the yard, looking at the mechanism of the + one-horse chaise and observing how the horse was put to, somebody tapped + him upon the shoulder, and looking up, he saw a gentleman with a very + good-natured countenance, who smiled upon him, and asked him whether he + was the little boy who had just been talking so loud in the bar? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” says George. “You seem to be a good little boy,” added he; + “and I liked what I heard you say very much. So you will not do any thing + when your mother is not by, that you would not do if she was here—was + not that what you said?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; as well as I remember.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is your mother?” continued the gentleman. “Where does she live?” + </p> + <p> + George told him his mother’s name, and where she lived; and the gentleman + said, “I will call at your mother’s house as I go home, and tell her what + I heard you say; and I will ask her to let you come to my house, where you + will see a little boy of your own age, whom I should be very glad to have + seen behave as well as you did just now.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Belton, for that was the name of the gentleman who took notice of + George, was a rich carpet manufacturer. He had a country-house near + Paddington; and the acquaintance which was thus begun became a source of + great happiness to George. Mr. Belton lent him several entertaining books, + and took him to see many curious things in London. Ellen was rejoiced to + hear from him the praises of her son. All the pleasure of Ellen’s life + had, for some months past, depended upon this boy; for her husband was + seldom at home, and the gloom that was spread over his countenance alarmed + her, whenever she saw him. As for Mrs. Dolly, she was no companion for + Ellen: her love of drinking had increased to such a degree that she could + love nothing else; and when she was not half intoxicated, she was in such + low spirits that she sat (either on the side of her bed, or in her + arm-chair, wrapped in a shawl) sighing and crying, and see-sawing herself; + and sometimes she complained to Maurice that Ellen did not care whether + she was dead or alive; and at others that George had always something or + other to do, and never liked to sit in her room and keep her company. + Besides all this, she got into a hundred petty quarrels with the + neighbours, who had a knack of remembering what she said when she was + drunk, and appealing to her for satisfaction when she was sober. Mrs. + Dolly regularly expected that Ellen should, as she called it, stand her + friend in these altercations; to which Ellen could not always in justice + consent. Ah! said Ellen to herself one night, as she was sitting up late + waiting for her husband’s return home, it is not the having five thousand + pounds that makes people happy! When Maurice loved to come home after his + day’s work to our little cottage, and when our George was his delight, as + he is mine, then I was light of heart; but now it is quite otherwise. + However, there is no use in complaining, nor in sitting down to think upon + melancholy things; and Ellen started up and went to work, to mend one of + her husband’s waistcoats. + </p> + <p> + Whilst she was at this employment, she listened continually for the return + of Maurice. The clock struck twelve, and one, and no husband came! She + heard no noise in the street when she opened her window, for every body + but herself was in bed and asleep. At last she heard the sound of + footsteps; but it was so dark that she could not see who the person was, + who continued walking backwards and forwards, just underneath the window. + </p> + <p> + “Is it you, Maurice? Are you there, Maurice?” said Ellen. The noise of the + footsteps ceased, and Ellen again said, “Is it you, Maurice? Are you + there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Maurice; “it is I. Why are you not abed and asleep, at + this time of night?” + </p> + <p> + “I am waiting for you,” replied Ellen. “You need not wait for me; I have + the key of the house door in my pocket, and can let myself in whenever I + choose it.” + </p> + <p> + “And don’t you choose it now?” said Ellen. + </p> + <p> + “No. Shut down the window.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen shut the window, and went and sat down upon the side of her boy’s + bed. He was sleeping. Ellen, who could not sleep, took up her work again, + and resolved to wait till her husband should come in. At last, the key + turned in the house door, and presently she heard her husband’s steps + coming softly towards the room where she was sitting. He opened the door + gently, as if he expected to find her asleep, and was afraid of awakening + her. He started when he saw her; and slouching his hat over his face, + threw himself into a chair without speaking a single word. Something + terrible has happened to him, surely! thought Ellen; and her hand trembled + so that she could scarcely hold her needle, when she tried to go on + working. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing there, Ellen?” said he, suddenly pushing back his hat. + </p> + <p> + “I’m only mending your waistcoat, love,” said Ellen, in a faltering voice. + </p> + <p> + “I am a wretch! a fool! a miserable wretch!” exclaimed Maurice, starting + up and striking his forehead with violence as he walked up and down the + room. + </p> + <p> + “What can be the matter?” said Ellen. “It is worse to me to see you in + this way, than to hear whatever misfortune has befallen you. Don’t turn + away from me, husband! Who in the world loves you so well as I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Ellen,” said he, letting her take his hand, but still turning away, + “you will hate me when you know what I have done.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot hate you, I believe,” said Ellen. + </p> + <p> + “We have not sixpence left in the world!” continued Maurice, vehemently. + “We must leave this house to-morrow; we must sell all we have; I must go + to jail, Ellen! You must work all the rest of your days harder than ever + you did; and so must that poor boy, who lies sleeping yonder. He little + thinks that his father has made a beggar of him; and that, whilst his + mother was the best of mothers to him, his father was ruining him, her, + and himself, with a pack of rascals at the gaming-table. Ellen, I have + lost every shilling of our money!” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” said Ellen. “That’s bad; but I am glad that you have done + nothing wicked. We can work hard, and be happy again. Only promise me now, + dear husband, that you will never game any more.” + </p> + <p> + Maurice threw himself upon his knees, and swore that he never, to the last + hour of his life, would go to any gaming-table again, or play at any game + of chance. Ellen then said all she could to soothe and console him; she + persuaded him to take some rest, of which he was much in need, for his + looks were haggard, and he seemed quite exhausted. He declared that he had + not had a night’s good sleep for many months, since he had got into these + difficulties by gaming. His mind had been kept in a continual flurry, and + he seemed as if he had been living in a fever. “The worst of it was, + Ellen,” said he, “I could not bear to see you or the boy when I had been + losing; so I went on, gaming deeper and deeper, in hopes of winning back + what I had lost; and I now and then won, and they coaxed me and told me I + was getting a run of luck, and it would be a sin to turn my back on good + fortune. This way I was ‘ticed to go on playing, till, when I betted + higher and higher, my luck left me; or, as I shrewdly suspect, the rascals + did not play fair, and they won stake after stake, till they made me half + mad, and I risked all I had left upon one throw, and lost it! And when I + found I had lost all, and thought of coming home to you and our boy, I was + ready to hang myself. Oh, Ellen, if you knew all I have felt! I would not + live over again the last two years for this room full of gold!” + </p> + <p> + Such are the miserable feelings, and such the life, of a gamester! + </p> + <p> + Maurice slept for a few hours, or rather dozed, starting now and then, and + talking of cards and dice, and sometimes grinding his teeth and clenching + his hand, till he wakened himself by the violence with which he struck the + side of the bed. + </p> + <p> + “I have had a terrible dream, wife,” said he, when he opened his eyes, and + saw Ellen sitting beside him on the bed. At first he did not recollect + what had really happened; but as Ellen looked at him with sorrow and + compassion in her countenance, he gradually remembered all the truth; and, + hiding his head under the bed-clothes, he said he wished he could sleep + again, if it could be without dreaming such dreadful things. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that he tried to sleep; so he got up, resolving to try + whether he could borrow twenty guineas from any of his friends, to pay the + most pressing of his gaming companions. The first person he asked was Mrs. + Dolly: she fell into an hysteric fit when she heard of his losses; and it + was not till after she had swallowed a double dram of brandy that she was + able to speak, and to tell him that she was the worst person in the world + he could have applied to; for that she was in the greatest distress + herself, and all her dependance in this world was upon him. + </p> + <p> + Maurice stood in silent astonishment. “Why, cousin,” said he, “I thought, + and always believed, that you had a power of money! You know, when you + came to live with us, you told me so.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter what I told you,” said Mrs. Dolly. “Folks can’t live upon air. + Yesterday the landlady of the public-house at the bowling-green, whom I’m + sure I looked upon as my friend,—but there’s no knowing one’s + friends,—sent me in a bill as long as my arm; and the apothecary + here has another against me worse again; and the man at the + livery-stables, for one-horse chays, and jobs that I’m sure I forgot ever + having, comes and charges me the Lord knows what! and then the grocer for + tea and sugar, which I have been giving to folks from whom I have got no + thanks. And then I have an account with the linen-draper of I don’t know + how much! hut he has over-charged me, I know, scandalously, for my last + three shawls. And then I have never paid for my set of tea china; and half + of the cups are broke, and the silver spoons, and I can’t tell what + besides.” + </p> + <p> + In short, Mrs. Dolly, who had never kept any account of what she spent, + had no idea how far she was getting into a tradesman’s debt till his bill + was brought home: and was in great astonishment to find, when all her + bills were sent in, that she had spent four hundred and fifty pounds in + her private expenses, drinking included, in the course of three years and + eight months. She had now nothing left to live upon but one hundred + pounds, so that she was more likely to be a burden to Maurice than any + assistance. He, however, was determined to go to a friend, who had + frequently offered to lend him any sum of money he might want, and who had + often been his partner at the gaming-table. + </p> + <p> + In his absence, Ellen and George began to take a list of all the furniture + in the house, that it might be ready for a sale, and Mrs. Dolly sat in her + arm-chair, weeping and wailing. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! laud! laud! that I should live to see all this!” cried she. “Ah, + lack-a-daisy! lack-a-daisy! lack-a-day! what will become of me? Oh, la! + la! la! la!” Her lamentations were interrupted by a knock at the door. + “Hark! a knock, a double knock at the door,” cried Mrs. Dolly. “Who is it? + Ah, lack-a-day, when people come to know what has happened, it will be + long enough before we have any more visitors; long enough before we hear + any more double knocks at the door. Oh, laud! laud! See who it is, + George.” + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Belton, who was come to ask George to go with him and his + little nephew to see some wild beasts at Exeter-’change: he was much + surprised at the sorrowful faces of George and Ellen, whom he had always + been used to see so cheerful, and inquired what misfortune had befallen + them? Mrs. Dolly thought she could tell the story best, so she detailed + the whole, with many piteous ejaculations; but the silent resignation of + Ellen’s countenance had much more effect upon Mr. Belton. “George,” said + he, “must stay to finish the inventory he is writing for his mother.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Belton was inquiring more particularly into the amount of Maurice’s + debts, and the names of the persons to whom he had lost his money at the + gaming-table, when the unfortunate man himself came home. “No hope, + Ellen!” cried he. “No hope from any of those rascals that I thought my + friends. No hope!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped short, seeing a stranger in the room, for Mr. Belton was a + stranger to him. “My husband can tell you the names of all the people,” + said Ellen, “who have been the ruin of us.” Mr. Belton then wrote them + down from Maurice’s information; and learned from him that he had lost to + these sharpers upwards of three thousand eight hundred pounds in the + course of three years; that the last night he played, he had staked the + goods in his shop, valued at 350<i>l</i>, and lost them; that afterwards + he staked the furniture of his house, valued at 160<i>l</i>.; this also he + lost; and so left the gaming-table without a farthing in the world. + </p> + <p> + “It is not my intention,” said Mr. Belton, “to add to your present + suffering, Mr. Robinson, by pointing out that it has arisen entirely from + your own imprudence. Nor yet can I say that I feel much compassion for + you; for I have always considered a gamester as a most selfish being, who + should be suffered to feel the terrible consequences of his own avaricious + folly, as a warning to others.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir! Oh, Mr. Belton!” cried Ellen, bursting now, for the first time, + into tears, “do not speak so harshly to Maurice.” + </p> + <p> + “To you I shall not speak harshly,” said Mr. Belton, his voice and looks + changing; “for I have the greatest compassion for such an excellent wife + and mother. And I shall take care that neither you nor your son, whom you + have taken such successful pains to educate, shall suffer by the folly and + imprudence in which you had no share. As to the ready money which your + husband has lost and paid to these sharpers, it is, I fear, irrecoverable; + but the goods in your shop, and the furniture in your house, I will take + care shall not be touched. I will go immediately to my attorney, and + direct him to inquire into the truth of all I have been told, and to + prosecute these villains for keeping a gaming-table, and playing at + unlawful games. Finish that inventory which you are making out, George, + and give it to me; I will have the furniture in your house, Ellen, valued + by an appraiser, and will advance you money to the amount, on which you + may continue to live in comfort and credit, trusting to your industry and + integrity to repay me in small sums, as you find it convenient, out of the + profits of your shop.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir!” cried Maurice, clasping his hands with a strong expression of + joy, “thank you! thank you from the bottom of my soul! Save her from + misery, save the boy, and let me suffer as I ought for my folly.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Belton, in spite of his contempt for gamesters, was touched by + Maurice’s repentance; but, keeping a steady countenance, replied in a firm + tone, “Suffering for folly does nobody any good, unless it makes them + wiser in future.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly, who had been unaccountably awed to silence by Mr. Belton’s + manner of speaking and looking, broke forth the moment he had left the + house. “Very genteel, indeed; though he might have taken more notice of + me. See what, it is, George, to have the luck of meeting with good + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “See what it is to deserve good friends, George,” said Ellen. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll all remember, I hope,” said Mrs. Dolly, raising her voice, “that + it was I who was the first and foremost cause of all this, by taking + George along with me to the tea-drinking at the bowling-green, where he + first got acquainted with Mr. Belton.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Belton would never have troubled his head about such a little boy as + George,” said Ellen, “if it had not been for—you know what I mean, + Mrs. Dolly. All I wish to say is, that George’s own good behaviour was the + cause of our getting acquainted with this good friend.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am sure you were the cause, mother,” said George, “of what you call + my good behaviour.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly, somewhat vexed at this turn, changed the conversation saying, + “Well, ‘tis no matter how we made such a good acquaintance; let us make + the most of him, and drink his health, as becomes us, after dinner. And + now, I suppose, all will go on as usual: none of our acquaintance in + Paddington need know any thing of what has happened.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen, who was very little solicitous about what Mrs. Dolly’s acquaintance + in Paddington might think, observed that, so far from going on as usual, + now they were living on borrowed money, it was fit they should retrench + all their expenses, and give up the drawing-room and parlour of the house + to lodgers. + </p> + <p> + “So, then, we are to live like shabby wretches for the rest of our days!” + cried Mrs. Dolly. “Better live like what we are, poor but industrious + people,” replied Ellen, “and then we shall never be forced to do any thing + shabby.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Ellen, you are, as you always are, in the right; and all I desire + now, in this world, is to make up for the past, and to fall to work in + some way or other; for idleness was what first led me to the + gaming-table.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dolly opposed these good resolutions, and urged Maurice to send + George to Mr. Belton, to beg him to lend them some more money. “Since he + is in the humour to be generous, and since he has taken a fancy to us,” + said she, “why not take him at his word, and make punch whilst the water’s + hot?” + </p> + <p> + But all that Mrs. Dolly said was lost upon Ellen, who declared that she + would never be so mean as to encroach upon such a generous friend; and + Maurice protested that nothing that man, woman, or devil, could say, + should persuade him to live in idleness another year. He sent George the + next morning to Mr. Belton with a letter, requesting that he would procure + employment for him, and stating what he thought himself fit for. Amongst + other things, he mentioned that he could keep accounts. That he could + write a good hand was evident, from his letter. Mr. Belton, at this time, + wanted a clerk in his manufactory; and, upon Maurice’s repeating his + promise never more to frequent the gaming-table, Mr. Belton, after a + trial, engaged him as his clerk, at a salary of 50<i>1</i>. per annum. + </p> + <p> + Every thing now went on well for some months. Maurice, on whom his wife’s + kindness had made a deep impression, became thoroughly intent upon his + business, and anxious to make her some amends for his past follies. His + heart was now at ease: he came home, after his day’s work at the + counting-house, with an open, cheerful countenance; and Ellen was + perfectly happy. They sold all the furniture that was too fine for their + present way of life to the new lodgers, who took the drawing-room and + front parlour of their house; and lived on the profits of their shop, + which, being well attended, was never in want of customers. + </p> + <p> + One night, at about ten o’clock, as little George was sitting, reading the + history of Sandford and Merton, in which he was much interested, he was + roused by a loud knocking at the house door. He ran to open it: but how + much was he shocked at the sight he beheld! It was Mrs. Dolly! her leg + broken, and her skull fractured! + </p> + <p> + Ellen had her brought in, and laid upon a bed, and a surgeon was + immediately sent for. When Maurice inquired how this terrible accident + befel Mrs. Dolly, the account he received was, that she was riding home + from the bowling-green public-house, much intoxicated; that she insisted + upon stopping to get a glass of peppermint and brandy for her stomach; + that, seeing she had drunk too much already, every thing possible was done + to prevent her from taking any more; but she would not be advised: she + said she knew best what agreed with her constitution; so she alighted and + took the brandy and peppermint; and when she was to get upon her horse + again, not being in her right senses, she insisted upon climbing up by a + gate that was on the road-side, instead of going, as she was advised, to a + bank that was a little further on. The gate was not steady, the horse + being pushed moved, she fell, broke her leg, and fractured her skull. + </p> + <p> + She was a most shocking spectacle when she was brought home. At first she + was in great agony; but she afterwards fell into a sort of stupor, and lay + speechless. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon arrived: he set her leg; and during this operation, she came + to her senses, but it was only the sensibility of pain. She was then + trepanned; but all was to no purpose—she died that night; and of all + the friends, as she called them, who used to partake in her tea-drinkings + and merry-makings, not one said more when they heard of her death than + “Ah, poor Mrs. Dolly! she was always fond of a comfortable glass: ‘twas a + pity it was the death of her at last.” + </p> + <p> + Several tradesmen, to whom she died in debt, were very loud in their + complaints; and the landlady at the bowling-green did not spare her + memory. She went so far as to say, that <i>it was a shame such a drunken + quean should have a Christian burial.</i> What little clothes Mrs. Dolly + left at her death were given up to her creditors. She had owed Maurice ten + guineas ever since the first month of their coming to Paddington; and when + she was on her death-bed, during one of the intervals that she was in her + senses, she beckoned to Maurice, and told him, in a voice scarcely + intelligible, he would find in her left-hand pocket what she hoped would + pay him the ten guineas he had lent to her. However, upon searching this + pocket, no money was to be found, except sixpence in halfpence; nor was + there any thing of value about her. They turned the pocket inside out, and + shook it; they opened every paper that came out of it, but these were all + old bills. Ellen at last examined a new shawl which had been thrust into + this pocket, and which was all crumpled up: she observed that one of the + corners was doubled down, and pinned; and upon taking out the yellow + crooked pin, she discovered, under the corner of the shawl, a bit of + paper, much soiled with snuff, and stained with liquor. “How it smells of + brandy!” said Ellen, as she opened it. “What is it, Maurice?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not a bank note. It is a lottery ticket, I do believe!” cried + Maurice. “Ay, that it is! She put into the lottery without letting us know + any thing of the matter. Well, as she said, perhaps this may pay me my ten + guineas, and overpay me, who knows? We were lucky with our last ticket; + and why should not we be as lucky with this, or luckier, hey, Ellen? We + might have ten thousand pounds or twenty thousand pounds this time, + instead of five, why not, hey, Ellen?” But Maurice observing that Ellen + looked grave, and was not much charmed with the lottery ticket, suddenly + changed his tone, and said, “Now don’t you, Ellen, go to think that my + head will run on nothing but this here lottery ticket. It will make no + difference on earth in me: I shall mind my business just as well as if + there was no such thing, I promise you. If it come up a prize, well and + good: and if it come up a blank, why well and good too. So do you keep the + ticket, and I shall never think more about it, Ellen. Only, before you put + it by, just let me look at the number. What makes you smile?” + </p> + <p> + “I smiled only because I think I know you better than you, know yourself. + But, perhaps, that should not make me smile,” said Ellen: and she gave a + deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + “Now, wife, why will you sigh? I can’t bear to hear you sigh,” said + Maurice, angrily. “I tell you I know myself, and have a right to know + myself, I say, a great deal better than you do; and so none of your sighs, + wife.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen rejoiced to see that his pride worked upon him in this manner; and + mildly told him she was very glad to find he thought so much about her + sighs. “Why,” said Maurice, “you are not one of those wives that are + always taunting and scolding their husbands; and that’s the reason, I take + it, why a look or a word from you goes so far with me.” He paused for a + few moments, keeping his eyes fixed upon the lottery ticket; then, + snatching it up, he continued: “This lottery ticket may tempt me to game + again: for, as William Deane said, putting into the lottery is gaming, and + the worst sort of gaming. So, Ellen, I’ll show you that though I was a + fool once, I’ll never be a fool again. All your goodness was not thrown + away upon me. I’ll go and sell this lottery ticket immediately at the + office, for whatever it is worth: and you’ll give me a kiss when I come + home again, I know, Ellen.” + </p> + <p> + Maurice, pleased with his own resolution, went directly to the lottery + office to sell his ticket. He was obliged to wait some time, for the place + was crowded with persons who came to inquire after tickets which they had + insured. + </p> + <p> + Many of these ignorant imprudent poor people had hazarded guinea after + guinea, till they found themselves overwhelmed with debt; and their + liberty, character, and existence, depending on the turning of the wheel. + What anxious faces did Maurice behold! How many he heard, as they went out + of the office, curse their folly for having put into the lottery! + </p> + <p> + He pressed forward to sell his ticket. How rejoiced he was when he had + parted with this dangerous temptation, and when he had received seventeen + guineas in hand, instead of anxious hopes! How different were his feelings + at this instant from those of many that were near him! He stood to + contemplate the scene. Here he saw a poor maid-servant, with scarcely + clothes to cover her, who was stretching her thin neck across the counter, + and asking the clerk, in a voice of agony, whether <i>her</i> ticket, + number 45, was come up yet. + </p> + <p> + “Number 45?” answered the clerk, with the most careless air imaginable. + “Yes” (turning over the leaves of his book): “Number 45, you say—Yes: + it was drawn yesterday—a blank.” The wretched woman clasped her + hands, and burst into tears, exclaiming, “Then I’m undone!” + </p> + <p> + Nobody seemed to have time to attend to her. A man servant, in livery, + pushed her away, saying, “You have your answer, and have no more business + here, stopping the way. Pray, sir, is number 336, the ticket I’ve insured + {Footnote: This was written before the act of parliament against insuring + in lotteries.} so high, come up to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir—blank.” At the word blank, the disappointed footman poured + forth a volley of oaths, declaring that he should be in jail before night; + to all which the lottery-office keeper only answered, “I can’t help it, + sir; I can’t help it. It is not my fault. Nobody is forced to put into the + lottery, sir. Nobody’s obliged to insure, sir. ‘Twas your own choice, sir. + Don’t blame me.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, a person behind the footman, repeating the words he had + addressed to the poor woman, cried, “You have your answer, sir; don’t stop + the way.” + </p> + <p> + Maurice was particularly struck with the agitated countenance of one man, + who seemed as if the suspense of his mind had entirely bereaved him of all + recollection. When he was pressed forward by the crowd, and found himself + opposite to the clerk, he was asked twice, “What’s your business, sir?” + before he could speak; and then could only utter the words—number 7? + “Still in the wheel,” was the answer. “Our messenger is not yet returned + from Guildhall, with news of what has been drawn this last hour. If you + will call again at three, we can answer you.” The man seemed to feel this + as a reprieve; but as he was retiring, there came one with a slip of paper + in his hand. This was the messenger from Guildhall, who handed the paper + to the clerk. He read aloud, “Number 7. Were you not inquiring for 7, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the pale trembling man. + </p> + <p> + “Number 7 is just come up, sir,—a blank.” + </p> + <p> + At the fatal word blank, the man fell flat upon his face in a swoon. Those + near him lifted him out into the street, for air. + </p> + <p> + “Here, sir; you are going without your change, after waiting for it so + long,” cried the clerk to Maurice; who, touched with compassion for the + man who had just fallen, was following those who were carrying him out. + When he got into the street, Maurice saw the poor creature sitting on a + stone, supported by a hackney-coachman, who held some vinegar to his nose, + at the same time asking him if he did not want a coach? + </p> + <p> + “A coach! Oh, no,” said the man, as he opened his eyes. “I have not a + farthing of money in the world.” The hackney-coachman swore that was a sad + case, and ran across the street to offer his services where they could be + paid for: “A coach, if you want one, sir. Heavy rain coming on,” said he, + looking at the silver which he saw through the half-closed fingers of + Maurice’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I want a coach,” said Maurice: and bade the coachman draw up to the + stone, where the poor man who had swooned was sitting. Maurice was really + a good-natured fellow; and he had peculiar pity for the anguish this man + seemed to feel, because he recollected what he had suffered himself, when + he had been ruined at the gaming-table. + </p> + <p> + “You are not able to walk: here is a coach; I will go your way and set you + down, sir,” said Maurice. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate man accepted this offer. As they went along he sighed + bitterly, and once said, with great vehemence, “Curse these lotteries! + Curse these lotteries!” Maurice now rejoiced, more than ever, at having + conquered his propensity to gaming, and at having sold his ticket. + </p> + <p> + When they came opposite to a hosier’s shop, in Oxford-street, the stranger + thanked him, and desired to be set down. “This is my home,” said he; “or + this was my home, I ought to say,” pointing to his shop as he let down the + coach-glass. “A sad warning example I am! But I am troubling you, sir, + with what no way concerns you. I thank you, sir, for your civility,” added + he, turning away from Maurice, to hide the tears which stood in his eyes: + “good day to you.” + </p> + <p> + He then prepared to get out of the coach; but whilst the coachman was + letting down the step, a gentleman came out of the hosier’s shop to the + door, and cried, “Mr. Fulham, I am glad you are come at last. I have been + waiting for you this half-hour, and was just going away.” Maurice pulled + aside the flap of the hosier’s coat, as he was getting out, that he might + peep at the gentleman who spoke; the voice was so like William Deane’s, + that he was quite astonished.—“It is—it is William Deane,” + cried Maurice, jumping out of the coach and shaking hands with his friend. + </p> + <p> + William Deane, though now higher in the world than Robinson, was heartily + glad to see him again, and to renew their old intimacy. “Mr. Fulham,” said + he, turning to the hosier, “excuse me to-day; I’ll come and settle + accounts with you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + On their way to Paddington, Maurice related to his friend all that had + passed since they parted; how his good luck in the lottery tempted him to + try his fortune at the gaming-table; how he was cheated by sharpers, and + reduced to the brink of utter ruin; how kind Ellen was towards him in this + distress; how he was relieved by Mr. Belton, who was induced to assist him + from regard to Ellen and little George; how Mrs. Dolly drank herself into + ill health, which would soon have killed her if she had not, in a drunken + fit, shortened the business by fracturing her skull; and, lastly, how she + left him a lottery ticket, which he had just sold, lest it should be the + cause of fresh imprudence. “You see,” added Maurice, “I do not forget all + you said to me about lotteries.—Better take good advice late than + never. But now, tell me your history.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied William Deane; “that I shall keep till we are all at dinner; + Ellen and you, I and my friend George, who, I hope, has not forgotten me.” + He was soon convinced that George had not forgotten him, by the joy he + showed at seeing him again. + </p> + <p> + At dinner, William Deane informed them that he was become a rich man, by + having made an improvement in the machinery of the cotton-mills, which, + after a great deal of perseverance, he had brought to succeed in practice. + “When I say that I am a rich man,” continued he, “I mean richer than ever + I expected to be. I have a share in the cotton-mill, and am worth about + two thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Maurice, “you have trusted to your own sense and industry, and + not to gaming and lotteries.” + </p> + <p> + “I am heartily rejoiced you have nothing more to do with them,” said + William Deane: “but all this time you forget that I am your debtor. You + lent me five guineas at a season when I had nothing. The books I bought + with your money helped me to knowledge, without which I should never have + got forward. Now I have a scheme for my little friend George, that will, I + hope, turn out to your liking. You say he is an intelligent, honest, + industrious lad; and that he understands book-keeping, and writes a good + hand: I am sure he is much obliged to you for giving him a good + education.” + </p> + <p> + “To his mother, there, he’s obliged for it all,” said Maurice. + </p> + <p> + “Without it,” continued William Deane, “I might wish him very well; but I + could do little or nothing for him. But, as I was going to tell you, that + unfortunate man whom you brought to his own door in the hackney-coach + to-day, Maurice, is a hosier, who had as good a business as most in the + city; but he has ruined himself entirely by gaming. He is considerably in + our debt for cotton, and I am to settle accounts with him to-morrow, when + he is to give up all his concerns into my hands, in behalf of his brother, + who has commissioned me to manage the business, and dissolve the + partnership; as he cannot hazard himself, even out of friendship for a + brother, with one that has taken to gaming. Now my friend, the elder + Fulham, is a steady man, and is in want of a good lad for an apprentice. + With your leave, I will speak to him, and get him to take George; and as + to the fee, I will take care and settle that for you. I am glad I have + found you all out at last. No thanks, pray. Recollect, I am only paying my + old debts.” + </p> + <p> + As William Deane desired to have no thanks, we shall omit the recital of + those which he received, both in words and looks. We have only to inform + our readers, further, that George was bound apprentice to the hosier; that + he behaved as well as might be expected from his excellent education; that + Maurice continued, in Mr. Belton’s service, to conduct himself so as to + secure the confidence and esteem of his master; and that he grew fonder + and fonder of home, and of Ellen, who enjoyed the delightful reflection + that she had effected the happiness of her husband and her son. + </p> + <p> + May equal happiness attend every such good wife and mother! And may every + man, who, like Maurice, is tempted to be a gamester, reflect that a good + character, and domestic happiness, which cannot be won in any lottery, are + worth more than the five thousand, or even the ten thousand pounds prize, + let any Mrs. Dolly in Christendom say what she will to the contrary. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sept. 1799.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ROSANNA. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + There are two sorts of content: one is connected with exertion, the other + with habits of indolence; the first is a virtue, the second a vice. + Examples of both may be found in abundance in Ireland. There you may + sometimes see a man in sound health submitting day after day to evils + which a few hours’ labour would remedy; and you are provoked to hear him + say, “It will do well enough for me. Didn’t it do for my father before me? + I can make a shift with things for my time: any how, I’m content.” + </p> + <p> + This kind of content is indeed the bane of industry. But instances of a + different sort may be found, in various of the Irish peasantry. Amongst + them we may behold men struggling with adversity with all the strongest + powers of mind and body; and supporting irremediable evils with a degree + of cheerful fortitude which must excite at once our pity and admiration. + </p> + <p> + In a pleasant village in the province of Leinster there lives a family of + the name of Gray. Whether or not they are any way related to Old Robin + Gray, history does not determine; but it is very possible that they are, + because they came, it is said, originally from the north of Ireland, and + one of the sons is actually called Robin. Leaving this point, however, in + the obscurity which involves the early history of the most ancient and + illustrious families, we proceed to less disputable and perhaps more + useful facts. It is well known, that is, by all his neighbours, that + farmer Gray began life with no very encouraging prospects: he was the + youngest of a large family, and the portion of his father’s property that + fell to his share was but just sufficient to maintain his wife and three + children. At his father’s death, he had but 100<i>l</i>. in ready money, + and he was obliged to go into a poor mud-walled cabin, facing the door of + which there was a green pool of stagnant water; and before the window, of + one pane, a dunghill that, reaching to the thatch of the roof, shut out + the light, and filled the house with the most noisome smell. The ground + sloped towards the house door; so that in rainy weather, when the pond was + full, the kitchen was overflowed; and at all times the floor was so damp + and soft, that the print of the nails of brogues was left in it wherever + the wearer set down his foot. To be sure these nail-marks could scarcely + be seen, except just near the door or where the light of the fire + immediately shone; because, elsewhere, the smoke was so thick, that the + pig might have been within a foot of you without your seeing him. The + former inhabitants of this mansion had, it seems, been content without a + chimney: and, indeed, almost without a roof; the couples and purlins of + the roof having once given way, had never been repaired, and swagged down + by the weight of the thatch, so that the ends threatened the wigs of the + unwary. + </p> + <p> + The prospect without doors was scarcely more encouraging to our hero than + the scene within: the farm consisted of about forty acres; and the fences + of the grazing-land were so bad, that the neighbours’ cattle took + possession of it frequently by day, and always by night. The + tillage-ground had been so ill managed by his predecessor, that the land + was what is called quite out of heart. + </p> + <p> + If farmer Gray had also been out of heart, he and his family might at this + hour have been beggars. His situation was thought desperate by many of his + neighbours; and a few days after his father’s decease, many came to + condole with him. Amongst the rest was “easy Simon;” or, as some called + him, “soft Simon,” on account of his unresisting disposition, and + contented, or, as we should rather name it, reckless temper. He was a sort + of a half or a half quarter gentleman, had a small patrimony of a hundred + or a hundred and fifty pounds a year, a place in the excise worth fifty + more, and a mill, which might have been worth another hundred annually, + had it not been suffered to stand still for many a year. + </p> + <p> + “Wheugh! Wheugh! What a bustle we are in! and what a world of trouble is + here!” cried Simon, when he came to Gray’s house, and found him on the + ladder taking off the decayed thatch; whilst one of his sons, a lad of + about fourteen, was hard at work filling a cart from the dunghill, which + blockaded the window. His youngest son, a boy of twelve, with a face and + neck red with heat, was making a drain to carry off the water from the + green pond; and Rose, the sister, a girl of ten years old, was collecting + the ducks, which her mother was going to carry to her landlord’s to sell. + </p> + <p> + “Wheugh! Wheugh! Wheugh! Why what a world of bustle and trouble is here! + Troth, Jemmy Gray, you’re in a bad way, sure enough! Poor cratur! Poor + cratur!” + </p> + <p> + “No man,” replied Gray, “deserves to be called poor, that has his health, + and the use of his limbs. Besides,” continued he, “have not I a good wife + and good children: and, with those blessings, has not a man sufficient + reason to be content?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to be sure: that’s the only way to get through this world,” said + Simon; “whatever comes, just to take it easy, and be content. Content and + a warm chimney corner is all in all, according to my notion.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Simon,” said Gray, laughing; “but your kind of content would never + do for me. Content, that sits down in the chimney corner, and does nothing + but smoke his pipe, will soon have the house about his ears; and then what + will become of Content?” + </p> + <p> + “Time enough to think of that when it comes,” said Simon: “fretting never + propped a house yet; and if it did, I would rather see it fall than fret.” + </p> + <p> + “But could not you prop the house,” said Gray, “without fretting?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it by putting my shoulders to it?” said Simon. “My shoulders have + never been used to hard work, and don’t like it any way. As long as I can + eat, drink, and sleep, and have a coat to my back, what matter for the + rest? Let the world go as it will, I’m content. Shoo! Shoo! The button is + off the neck of this great coat of mine, and how <i>will</i> I keep it on? + A pin sure will do as well as a button, and better. Mrs. Gray, or Miss + Rose, I’ll thank you kindly for a pin.” + </p> + <p> + He stuck the pin in the place of the button, to fasten the great coat + round his throat, and walked off: it pricked his chin about a dozen times + before the day was over; but he forgot the next day, and the next, and the + next, to have the button sewed on. He was content to make shift, as he + called it, with the pin. This is precisely the species of content which + leads to beggary. + </p> + <p> + Not such the temper of our friend Gray. Not an inconvenience that he could + remedy, by industry or ingenuity, was he content to endure; but necessary + evils he bore with unshaken patience and fortitude. His house was soon new + roofed and new thatched; the dunghill was removed, and spread over that + part of his land which most wanted manure; the putrescent water of the + standing pool was drained off, and fertilized a meadow; and the kitchen + was never again overflowed in rainy weather, because the labour of half a + day made a narrow trench which carried off the water. The prints of the + shoe-nails were no longer visible in the floor; for the two boys trod dry + mill seeds into the clay, and beat the floor well, till they rendered it + quite hard and even. The rooms also were cleared of smoke, for Gray built + a chimney; and the kitchen window, which had formerly been stuffed up, + when the wind blew too hard, with an old or new hat, was glazed. There was + now light in the house. Light! the great friend of cleanliness and order. + The pig could now no longer walk in and out, unseen and unreproved; he + ceased to be an inmate of the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + The kitchen was indeed so altered from what it had been during the reign + of the last master, that he did not know it again. It was not in the least + like a pig-sty. The walls were whitewashed; and shelves were put up, on + which clean wooden and pewter utensils were ranged. There were no heaps of + forlorn rubbish in the corners of the room; nor even an old basket, or a + blanket, or a cloak, or a great coat thrown down, just for a minute, out + of the girl’s way. No: Rose was a girl who always put every thing in its + place; and she found it almost as easy to hang a coat, or a cloak, upon a + peg, as to throw it down on the floor. She thought it as convenient to put + the basket and turf-kish out of her way, when her brothers had brought in + the potatoes and fuel, as to let them lie in the middle of the kitchen, to + be stumbled over by herself and her mother, or to be gnawed and clawed by + a cat and dog. These may seem trifles unworthy the notice of the + historian; but trifles such as these contribute much to the comfort of a + poor family, and therefore deserve a place in their simple annals. + </p> + <p> + It was a matter of surprise and censure to some of farmer Gray’s + neighbours, that he began by laying out it could not be less than ten + pounds (a great sum for him!) on his house and garden at the first setting + out; when, to be sure, the land would have paid him better if the money + had been laid out there. And why could not he make a shift to live on in + the old cabin, for a while, as others had done before his time well + enough? A poor man should be <i>contented</i> with a poor house. Where was + the use, said they, of laying out the good ready penny in a way that would + bring nothing in? + </p> + <p> + Farmer Gray calculated that he could not have laid out his money to better + advantage; for by these ten pounds he had probably saved his wife, his + children, and himself, from a putrid fever, or from the rheumatism. The + former inhabitants of this house, who had been content to live with the + dunghill close to the window, and the green pool overflowing the kitchen, + and the sharp wind blowing in through the broken panes, had in the course + of a few years lost their health. The father of the family had been + crippled by the rheumatism, two children died of the fever, and the mother + had such an inflammation in her eyes that she could not see to work, spin, + or do anything. Now the whole that was lost by the family sickness, the + doctor’s bill, and the burying of the two children, all together, came in + three years to nearly three times ten pounds. Therefore Mr. Gray was, if + we only consider money, a very prudent man. What could he or any body do + without health? Money is not the first thing to be thought of in this + world; for there are many things that money cannot buy, and health is one + of them. “Health can make money, but money cannot make health,” said our + wise farmer. “And then, for the value of a few shillings, say pounds, we + have light to see what we are doing, and shelves, and a press to hold our + clothes in. Why now, this will be all so much saved to us, by and by; for + the clothes will last the longer, and the things about us will not go to + wreck; and when I and the boys can come home after our day’s work to a + house like this, we may be content.” + </p> + <p> + Having thus ensured, as far as it was in his power, health, cleanliness, + and comfort in his house, our hero and his sons turned their attention to + the farm. They set about to repair all the fences; for the boys, though + they were young, were able to help their father in the farm: they were + willing to work, and happy to work with him. John, the eldest lad, could + set potatoes, and Robin was able to hold the plough: so that Gray did not + hire any servant-boy to help him; nor did Mrs. Gray hire a maid. “Rose and + I,” said she, “can manage very well to look after the two cows, and milk + them, and make the butter, and get something too by our spinning. We must + do without servants, and may be happy and content to serve ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Times will grow better; that is, we shall make them better every year: we + must have the roughest first,” said Gray. + </p> + <p> + The first year, to be sure, it was rough enough; and, do what they could, + they could not do more than make the rent of the farm, which rent amounted + to forty pounds. The landlord was a Mr. Hopkins, agent to a gentleman who + resided in England. Mr. Hopkins insisted upon having the rent paid up to + the day, and so it was. Gray contented himself by thinking that this was + perhaps for the best. “When the rent is once paid,” said he, “it cannot be + called for again, and I am in no man’s power; that’s a great comfort. To + be sure, if the half year’s rent was left in my hands for a few months, it + might have been of service: but it is better not to be under an obligation + to such a man as Mr. Hopkins, who would make us pay for it in some shape + or other, when we least expected it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hopkins was what is called in Ireland a middle-man; one that takes + land from great proprietors, to set it again at an advanced, and often an + exorbitant, price, to the poor. Gray had his land at a fair rent, because + it was not from Mr. Hopkins his father had taken the lease, but from the + gentleman to whom this man was agent. Mr. Hopkins designed to buy the land + which Gray farmed, and he therefore wished to make it appear as + unprofitable as possible to his landlord, who, living in England, knew but + little of his own estate. “If these Grays don’t pay the rent,” said he to + his <i>driver</i>, “pound their cattle, and sell at the end of eight days. + If they break and run away, I shall have the land clear, and may make a + compliment of it to tenants and friends of my own, after it comes into my + hands.” He was rather disappointed, when the rent was paid to the day. + “But,” said he, “it won’t be so next year; the man is laying out his money + on the ground, on draining and fencing, and that won’t pay suddenly. We’ll + leave the rent in his hands for a year or so, and bring down an ejectment + upon him, if he once gets into our power, as he surely will. Then, all + that he has done to the house will be so much in my way. What a fool he + was to lay out his money so!” + </p> + <p> + It happened, however, that the money which Gray had laid out in making his + house comfortable and neat was of the greatest advantage to him, and at a + time and in a way which he least expected. His cottage was within sight of + the high road, that led to a town from which it was about a mile distant. + A regiment of English arrived, to be quartered in the town; and the wives + of some of the soldiers came a few hours after their husbands. One of + these women, a sergeant’s wife, was taken suddenly in labour, before they + reached the town; and the soldier who conducted the baggage-cart in which + she was, drew up to the first amongst a row of miserable cabins that were + by the road-side, to ask the people if they would give her lodging: but + the sick woman was shocked at the sight of the smoke and dirt of this + cabin, and begged to be carried on to the neat whitewashed cottage that + she saw at a little distance. This was Gray’s house. + </p> + <p> + His wife received the stranger with the greatest kindness and hospitality; + she was able to offer her a neat bed, and a room that was perfectly dry + and clean. The sergeant’s wife was brought to bed soon after her arrival, + and remained with Mrs. Gray till she recovered her strength. She was + grateful for the kindness that was shown to her by Mrs. Gray; and so was + her husband, the sergeant. He came one evening to the cottage, and in his + blunt English fashion said, “Mr. Gray, you know I, or my wife, which is + the same thing, have cause to be obliged to you, or your wife, which comes + also to the same thing: now one good turn deserves another. Our colonel + has ordered me, I being quarter-master, to sell off by auction some of the + cast horses belonging to the regiment: now I have bought in the best for a + trifle, and have brought him here, with me, to beg you’ll accept of him, + by way some sort of a return for the civilities you and your wife, that + being, as I said, the same thing, showed me and mine.” + </p> + <p> + Gray replied he was obliged to him for this offer of the horse, but that + he could not think of accepting it; that he was very glad his wife had + been able to show any kindness or hospitality to a stranger; but that, as + they did not keep a public-house, they could not take any thing in the way + of payment. + </p> + <p> + The sergeant was more and more pleased by farmer Gray’s generosity. + “Well,” said he, “I heard, before I came to Ireland, that the Irish were + the most hospitable people on the face of the earth; and so I find it come + true, and I shall always say so, wherever I’m quartered hereafter. And now + do pray answer me, is there any the least thing I can ever do to oblige + you? for, if the truth must be told of me, I don’t like to lie. under an + obligation, any more than another, where I can help it.” + </p> + <p> + “To show you that I do not want to lay you under one,” said Gray, “I’ll + tell you how you can do as much for me, and ten times as much, as I have + done for you; and this without hurting yourself or any of your employers a + penny.” + </p> + <p> + “Say how, and it shall be done.” + </p> + <p> + “By letting me have the dung of the barracks, which will make my land and + me rich, without making you poorer; for I’ll give you the fair price, + whatever it is. I don’t ask you to wrong your employers of a farthing.” + </p> + <p> + The sergeant promised this should be done, and rejoiced that he had found + some means of serving his friend. Gray covered ten acres with the manure + brought from the barracks; and the next year these acres were in excellent + heart. This was sufficient for the grazing of ten cows: he had three, and + he bought seven more; and with what remained of his hundred pounds, after + paying for the cows, he built a shed and a cow-house. His wife, and + daughter Rose, who was now about fourteen, were excellent managers of the + dairy. They made, by butter and butter-milk, about four pounds each cow + within the year. The butter they salted and took to market, at the + neighbouring town; the butter-milk they sold to the country people, who, + according to the custom of the neighbourhood, came to the house for it. + Besides this, they reared five calves, which, at a year old, they sold for + fifteen guineas and a half. The dairy did not, however, employ all the + time of this industrious mother and daughter; they had time for spinning, + and by this cleared six guineas. They also made some little matter by + poultry; but that was only during the first year: afterwards Mr. Hopkins + sent notice that they must pay all the <i>duty-fowl</i>, and <i>duty-geese</i>, + and <i>turkeys</i>, {Footnote: See a very curious anecdote in the + Statistical Survey of the Queen’s County.} charged in the lease, or + compound with him by paying two guineas a year. This gentleman had many + methods of squeezing money out of poor tenants; and he was not inclined to + spare the Grays, whose farm he now more than ever wished to possess, + because its value had been considerably increased, by the judicious + industry of the farmer and his sons. + </p> + <p> + Young as they were, both farmer Gray’s sons had a share in these + improvements. The eldest had drained a small field, which used to be + called the rushy field, from its having been quite covered with rushes. + Now there was not a rush to be found upon it, and his father gave him the + profits of the field, and said that it should be called by his name. + Robin, the youngest son, had, by his father’s advice, tried a little + experiment, which many of his neighbours ridiculed at first, and admired + at last. The spring, which used to supply the duck-pond, that often + flooded the house, was at the head of a meadow, that sloped with a fall + sufficient to let the water run off. Robin flooded the meadow at the + proper season of the year, and it produced afterwards a crop such as never + had been seen there before. His father called this meadow Robin’s meadow, + and gave him the value of the hay that was made upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my dear boys,” said this good father, “you have made a few guineas + for yourselves; and here are a few more for you, all that I can spare: let + us see what you can do with this money. I shall take a pride in seeing you + get forward by your own industry and cleverness; I don’t want you to slave + for me all your best days; but shall always be ready, as a father should + be, to give you a helping hand.” + </p> + <p> + The sons had scarcely a word in answer to this, for their hearts were + full; but that night, when they were by themselves, one said to the other, + “Brother, did you see Jack Reel’s letter to his father? They say he has + sent home ten guineas to him. Is there any truth in it, think you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I saw the letter, and a kinder never was written from son to father. + {Footnote: This is fact.} The ten guineas I saw paid into the old man’s + hand; and, at that same minute, I wished it was I that was doing the same + by my own father.” + </p> + <p> + “That was just what I was thinking of, when I asked you if you saw the + letter. Why, Jack Reel had nothing, when he went abroad with the army to + Egypt, last year. Well, I never had a liking myself to follow the drum: + but it’s almost enough to tempt one to it. If I thought I could send home + ten guineas to my father, I would ‘list to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “That would not be well done of you, Robin,” said John; “for my father + would rather have <i>you</i>, a great deal, than the ten guineas, I am + sure: to say nothing of my poor mother, and Rose, and myself, who would be + sorry enough to hear of your being knocked on the head, as is the fate, + sooner or later, of them that follow the army. I would rather be any of + the trades that hurt nobody, and do good to a many along with myself, as + father said t’other day. Then, what a man makes so, he makes with a safe + conscience, and he can enjoy it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, John, and I was wrong to talk of <i>‘listing</i>,” said + Robin; “but it was only Jack Reel’s letter, and the ten guineas sent to + his father, that put it into my head. I may make as much for my father by + staying at home, and minding my business. So now, good night to you; I’ll + go to sleep, and we can talk more about it all to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + The next morning, as these two youths were setting potatoes for the + family, and considering to what they should turn their hands when the + potatoes were all set, they were interrupted by a little <i>gossoon</i>, + who came running up as hard as he could, crying, “Murder! murder! Simon + O’Dougherty wants you. For the love of God, cross the bog in all haste, to + help pull out his horse, that has tumbled into the old tan-pit, there + beyond, in the night!” + </p> + <p> + The two brothers immediately followed the boy, carrying with them a rope + and a halter, as they guessed that <i>soft Simon</i> would not have + either. They found him wringing his hands beside the tan-pit, in which his + horse lay smothering. A little ragged boy was tugging at the horse’s head, + with a short bit of hay-rope. “Oh, murder! murder! What <i>will</i> I do + for a halter? Sure the horse will be lost, for want of a halter; and where + in the wide world <i>will</i> I look for one?” cried Simon, without + stirring one inch from the spot. “Oh, the blessing of Heaven be with you, + lads,” continued he, turning at the sight of the Grays; “you’ve brought us + a halter. But see! it’s just over with the poor beast. All the world put + together will not get him alive out of that. I must put up with the loss, + and be content. He cost me fifteen good guineas, and he could leap better + than any horse in the county. Oh, what a pity on him! what a pity! But, + take it easy; that’s all we have for it! <i>Poor cratur! Poor cratur!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Without listening to Simon’s lamentations, the active lads, by the help of + Simon and the two boys, pulled the horse out of the pit. The poor animal + was nearly exhausted by struggling: but, after some time, he stretched + himself, and, by degrees, recovered sufficiently to stand. One of his + legs, however, was so much hurt that he could scarcely walk; and Simon + said he would surely go lame for life. + </p> + <p> + “Who now would ever have thought of his straying into such an ugly place + of all others?” continued he. “I know, for my share, the spot is so + overgrown with grass and rubbish, of one kind or other, and it’s so long + since any of the tanning business was going on here, in my uncle + O’Haggarty’s time, that I quite forgot there were such things as tan-pits, + or any manner of pits, in my possession; and I wish these had been far + enough off before my own little famous Sir Hyacinth O’Brien had strayed + into them, laming himself for life, like a blockhead. For the case was + this: I came home late last night, not as sober as a judge, and, finding + no one up but the girl, I gave her the horse to put into the stable, and + she forgot the door after her, which wants a lock; and there being but a + scanty feed of oats, owing to the boy’s negligence, and no halter to + secure the beast, my poor Sir Hyacinth strayed out here, as ill luck would + have it, into the tan-pit. Bad luck to my uncle O’Haggarty, that had the + tan-yard here at all! He might have lived as became him, without dirtying + his hands with the tanning of dirty hides.” + </p> + <p> + “I was just going,” said John Gray, “to comfort you, Simon, for the laming + of your horse, by observing that, if you had your tan-yard in order again, + you could soon make up the price of another horse.” + </p> + <p> + “Ohoo! I would not be bothered with anything of the kind. There’s the mill + of Rosanna there, beyond, was the plague of my life, till it stopped; and + I was glad to have fairly done with it. Them that come after me may set it + a-going again, and welcome. I have enough just to serve my time, and am + content any way.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if you could get a fair rent for the tan-yard, would you let it?” + said John. + </p> + <p> + “To that I should make no objection in life; provided I had no trouble + with it,” replied Simon. + </p> + <p> + “And if you could get somebody to keep the mill of Rosanna going, without + giving you any trouble, you would not object to that, would you?” said + Robin. + </p> + <p> + “Not I, to be sure,” replied Simon, laughing. “Whatever God sends, be it + more or less, I am content. But I would not have you think me a fool, for + all I talk so easy about the matter; I know very well what I might have + got for the mill some years ago, when first it stopped, if I would have + let it to the man that proposed for it; but though he was as substantial a + tenant as you could see, yet he affronted me once, at the last election, + by calling a freeholder of mine over the coals; and so I was proud of an + opportunity to show him I did not forget. So I refused to let him the mill + on any terms; and I made him a speech for his pride to digest at the same + time. ‘Mr. Hopkins,’ said I, ‘the lands of Rosanna have been in my family + these two hundred years and upwards; and though, now-a-days, many men + think that every thing is to be done for money, and though you, Mr. + Hopkins, have made as much money as most men could in the same time,—all + which I don’t envy you,—yet I must make bold to tell you, that the + lands of Rosanna, or any part or parcel thereof, is what you’ll never have + whilst I’m alive, Mr. Hopkins, for love or money.’ The spirit of the + O’Doughertys was up within me; and though all the world calls me easy + Simon, I have my own share of proper spirit. These mushroom money-makers, + that start up from the very dirt under one’s feet, I can’t for my part + swallow them. Now I should be happy to give you a lease of the mill of + Rosanna, after refusing Hopkins; for you and your father before you, lads, + have been always very civil to me. My tan-pits and all I am ready to talk + to you about, and thank you for pulling my horse out for me this morning. + Will you walk up and look at the mill? I would attend you myself, but must + go to the farrier about Sir Hyacinth’s leg, instead of standing talking + here any longer. Good morning to you kindly. The girl will give you the + key of the mill, and show you everything, the same as myself.” + </p> + <p> + Simon gathered his great coat about him, and walked away to the farrier, + whilst the two brothers rejoiced that they should see the mill without + hearing him talk the whole time. Simon, having nothing to do all day long + but to talk, was an indefatigable gossip. When the lands of Rosanna were + in question, or when his pride was touched, he was terribly fluent. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Upon examining the mill, which was a common oat-mill, John Gray found that + the upper mill-stone was lodged upon the lower; and that this was all + which prevented the mill from going. No other part of it was damaged or + out of repair. As to the tan-yard, it was in great disorder; but it was + very conveniently situated; was abundantly supplied with water on one + side, and had an oak copse at the back, so that tan could readily be + procured. It is true that the bark of these oak trees, which had been + planted by his careful uncle O’Haggarty, had been much damaged since Simon + came into possession; for he had, with his customary negligence, suffered + cattle to get amongst them. He had also, to supply himself with ready + money, occasionally cut down a great deal of the best timber before it + arrived at its full growth; and at this time the Grays found every tree of + tolerable size marked for destruction with the initials of Simon + O’Dougherty’s name. + </p> + <p> + Before they said anything more about the mill or the tan-yard to Simon, + these prudent brothers consulted their father: he advised them to begin + cautiously, by offering to manage the mill and the tan-yard, during the + ensuing season, for Simon, for a certain share in the profits; and then, + if they should find the business likely to succeed, they might take a + lease of the whole. Simon willingly made this agreement; and there was no + danger in dealing with him, because, though careless and indolent, he was + honest, and would keep his engagements. It was settled that John and Robin + should have the power, at the end of the year, either to hold or give up + all concern in the mill and tan-yard; and, in the mean time, they were to + manage the business for Simon, and to have such a share in the profits as + would pay them reasonably for their time and labour. + </p> + <p> + They succeeded beyond their expectations in the management of the mill and + tan-yard during their year of probation; and Simon, at the end of that + time, was extremely glad to give them a long lease of the premises, upon + their paying him down, by way of fine, the sum of 150l. This sum their + father, who had good credit, and who could give excellent security upon + his farm, which was now in a flourishing condition, raised for them; and + they determined to repay him the money by regular yearly portions out of + their profits. + </p> + <p> + Success did not render these young men presumptuous or negligent: they + went on steadily with business, were contented to live frugally and work + hard for some years. Many of the sons of neighbouring tradesmen and + farmers, who were able perhaps to buy a horse or two, or three good coats + in a year, and who set up for gentlemen, and spent their days in hunting, + shooting, or cock-fighting, thought that the Grays were poor-spirited + fellows for sticking so close to business. They prophesied that, even when + these brothers should have made a fortune, they would not have the + liberality to spend or enjoy it; but this prediction was not verified. The + Grays had not been brought up to place their happiness merely in the + scraping together pounds, shillings, and pence; they valued money for + money’s worth, not for money’s sake; and, amongst the pleasures it could + purchase, they thought that of contributing to the happiness of their + parents and friends the greatest. When they had paid their father the + hundred and fifty pounds he had advanced, their next object was to build a + neat cottage for him, near the wood and mill of Rosanna, on a beautiful + spot, upon which they had once heard him say that he should like to have a + house. + </p> + <p> + We mentioned that Mr. Hopkins, the agent, had a view to this farm; and + that he was desirous of getting rid of the Grays: but this he found no + easy matter to accomplish, because the rent was always punctually paid. + There was no pretence for <i>driving</i>, even for the duty-fowls; Mrs. + Gray always had them ready at the proper time. Mr. Hopkins was farther + provoked by seeing the rich improvements which our farmer made every year + on his land: his envy, which could be moved by the meanest objects of + gain, was continually excited by his neighbour’s successful industry. + To-day he envied him his green meadows, and to-morrow the crocks of + butter, packed on the car for Dublin. Farmer Gray’s ten cows, which + regularly passed by Mr. Hopkins’s window morning and evening, were a sight + that often spoiled his breakfast and supper: but that which grieved this + envious man the most was the barrack manure; he would stand at his window, + and, with a heavy heart, count the car loads that went by to Gray’s farm. + </p> + <p> + Once he made an attempt to ruin Gray’s friend, the sergeant, by accusing + him secretly of being bribed to sell the barrack manure to Gray for less + than he had been offered for it by others: but the officer to whom Mr. + Hopkins made this complaint was fortunately a man who did not like secret + informations: he publicly inquired into the truth of the matter, and the + sergeant’s honesty and Mr. Hopkins’s meanness were clearly proved and + contrasted. The consequence of this malicious interference was beneficial + to Gray; for the officer told the story to the colonel of the regiment + which was next quartered in the town, and he to the officer who succeeded + him; so that year after year Mr. Hopkins applied in vain for the barrack + manure. Farmer Gray had always the preference, and the hatred of Mr. + Hopkins knew no bounds; that is, no bounds but the letter of the law, of + which he was ever mindful, because lawsuits are expensive. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, he devised a legal mode of <i>annoying</i> his enemy. + Some land belonging to Mr. Hopkins lay between Gray’s farm and the only + bog in the neighbourhood: now he would not permit Mr. Gray, or any body + belonging to him, to draw turf upon his bog-road; and he absolutely + forbade his own wretched tenants to sell turf to the object of his envy. + By these means, he flattered himself he should literally starve the enemy + out of house and home. + </p> + <p> + Things were in this situation when John and Robin Gray determined to build + a house for their father at Rosanna. They made no secret to him of their + intentions; for they did not want to surprise but to please him, and to do + every thing in the manner that would be most convenient to him and their + mother. Their sister, Rose, was in all their counsels; and it had been for + the last three years one of her chief delights to go, after her day’s work + was done, to the mill at Rosanna, to see how her brothers were going on. + How happy are those families where there is no envy or jealousy; but in + which each individual takes an interest in the prosperity of the whole! + Farmer Gray was heartily pleased with the gratitude and generosity of his + boys, as he still continued to call them; though, by-the-bye, John was now + three-and-twenty, and his brother only two years younger. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boys,” said he, “nothing could be more agreeable to me and your + mother than to have a snug cottage near you both, on the very spot which + you say I pitched upon two years ago. This cabin that we now live in, + after all I have tried to do to prop it up, and notwithstanding all Rose + does to keep it neat and clean withinside, is but a crazy sort of a place. + We are able now to have a better house, and I shall be glad to be out of + the reach of Mr. Hopkins’s persecution. Therefore, let us set about and + build the new house. You shall contribute your share, my boys; but only a + share: mind, I say only a share. And I hope next year to contribute my + share towards building a house for each of you: it is time you should + think of marrying, and settling: it is no bad thing to have a house ready + for a bride. We shall have quite a little colony of our own at Rosanna. + Who knows but I may live to see my grand-children, ay, and my + great-grand-children, settled there all round me, industrious and + contented?” + </p> + <p> + Good-will is almost as expeditious and effectual as Aladdin’s lamp:—the + new cottage for farmer Gray was built at Rosanna, and he took possession + of it the ensuing spring. They next made a garden, and furnished it with + all sorts of useful vegetables and some pretty flowers. Rose had great + pleasure in taking care of this garden. Her brothers also laid out a small + green lawn before the door; and planted the boundaries with white-thorn, + crab-trees, lilacs, and laburnums. The lawn sloped down to the water-side; + and the mill and copse behind it were seen from the parlour windows. A + prettier cottage, indeed so pretty a one, was never before seen in this + county. + </p> + <p> + But what was better far than the pretty cottage, or the neat garden, or + the green lawn, or the white-thorn, the crab-trees, the lilacs, and the + laburnums, was the content that smiled amongst them. + </p> + <p> + Many who have hundreds and thousands are miserable, because they still + desire more; or rather because they know not what they would have. For + instance, Mr. Hopkins, the rich Mr. Hopkins, who had scraped together in + about fifteen years above twenty thousand, some said thirty thousand + pounds, had never been happy for a single day, either whilst he was making + this fortune or when he had made it; for he was of an avaricious, + discontented temper. The more he had, the more he desired. He could not + bear the prosperity of his neighbours; and if his envy made him + industrious, yet it at the same time rendered him miserable. Though he was + what the world calls a remarkably fortunate man, yet the feelings of his + own mind prevented him from enjoying his success. He had no wife, no + children, to share his wealth. He would not marry, because a wife is + expensive; and children are worse than taxes. His whole soul was absorbed + in the love of gain. He denied himself not only the comforts but the + common necessaries of life. He was alone in the world. He was conscious + that no human being loved him. He read his history in the eyes of all his + neighbours. + </p> + <p> + It was known that he had risen upon the ruin of others; and the higher he + had risen, the more conspicuous became the faults of his character. + Whenever any man grew negligent of his affairs, or by misfortune was + reduced to distress, Hopkins was at hand to take advantage of his + necessities. His first approaches were always made under the semblance of + friendship; but his victims soon repented their imprudent confidence when + they felt themselves in his power. Unrestrained by a sense of honour or + the feelings of humanity, he felt no scruple in pursuing his interest to + the very verge of what the law would call fraud. Even his own relations + complained that he duped them without scruple; and none but strangers to + his character, or persons compelled by necessity, would have any dealings + with this man. Of what advantage to him, or to any one else, were the + thousands he had accumulated? + </p> + <p> + It may be said that such beings are necessary in society; that their + industry is productive; and that, therefore, they ought to be preferred to + the idle, unproductive members of the community: but wealth and happiness + are not the same things. Perhaps, at some future period, enlightened + politicians may think the happiness of nations more important than their + wealth. In this point of view, they would consider all the members of + society, who are productive of happiness, as neither useless nor + despicable; and, on the contrary, they would contemn and discourage those + who merely accumulate money, without enjoying or dispensing happiness. But + some centuries must probably elapse before such a philosophic race of + politicians can arise. In the mean time, let us go on with our story. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Hopkins was enraged when he found that his expected victim escaped his + snares. He saw the pretty cottage rise, and the mill of Rosanna work, in + despite of his malevolence. He long brooded over his malice in silence. As + he stood one day on the top of a high mount on his own estate, from which + he had a view of the surrounding country, his eyes fixed upon the little + paradise in the possession of his enemies. He always called those his + enemies of whom he was the enemy: this is no uncommon mistake, in the + language of the passions. + </p> + <p> + “The Rosanna mill shall be stopped before this day twelvemonth, or my name + is not Hopkins,” said he to himself. “I have sworn vengeance against those + Grays; but I will humble them to the dust, before I have done with them. I + shall never sleep in peace till I have driven those people from the + country.” + </p> + <p> + It was, however, no easy matter to drive from the country such inoffensive + inhabitants. The first thing Mr. Hopkins resolved upon was to purchase + from Simon O’Dougherty the field adjoining to that in which the mill + stood. The brook flowed through this field, and Mr. Hopkins saw, with + malicious satisfaction, that he could at a small expense turn the course + of the stream, and cut off the water from the mill. + </p> + <p> + Poor Simon by this time had reduced himself to a situation in which his + pride was compelled to yield to pecuniary considerations. Within the last + three years, his circumstances had been materially changed. Whilst he was + a bachelor, his income had been sufficient to maintain him in idleness. + Soft Simon, however, at last, took it into his head to marry; or rather a + cunning damsel, who had been his mistress for some years, took it into her + head to make him marry. She was skilled in the arts both of wheedling and + scolding: to resist these united powers was too much to be expected from a + man of Simon’s easy temper. + </p> + <p> + He argued thus with himself:—“She has cost me more as she is than if + she had been my wife twice over; for she has no interest in looking after + any thing belonging to me, but only just living on from day to day, and + making the most for herself and her children. And the children, too, all + in the same way, snatching what they could make sure of for themselves. + Now, if I make her my lawful wife, as she desires, the property will be + hers, as well as mine; and it will be her interest to look after all. She + is a stirring, notable woman, and will save me a world of trouble, and + make the best of every thing for her children’s sake; and they, being then + all acknowledged by me, will make my interest their own, as she says; and, + besides, this is the only way left me to have peace.” + </p> + <p> + To avoid the cares and plagues of matrimony, and that worst of plagues a + wife’s tongue, Simon first was induced to keep a mistress, and now to + silence his mistress, he made her his wife. She assured him, that, till + she was his lawful lady, she never should have peace or quietness; nor + could she, in conscience, suffer him to have a moment’s rest. + </p> + <p> + Simon married her, to use his own phrase, out of hand: but the marriage + was only the beginning of new troubles. The bride had hordes and clans of + relations, who came pouring in from all quarters to pay their respects to + Mrs. O’Dougherty. Her good easy man could not shut his doors against any + one: the O’Doughertys were above a hundred years, ay, two hundred years + ago, famous for hospitality; and it was incumbent upon Simon O’Dougherty + to keep up the honour of the family. His four children were now to be + maintained in idleness; for they, like their father, had an insurmountable + aversion to business. The public opinion of Simon suddenly changed. Those + who were any way related to the O’Doughertys, and who dreaded that he and + his children should apply to them for pecuniary assistance, began the cry + against him of, “What a shame it is {Footnote: Essay on Charity Schools.} + that the man does not do something for himself and his family! How can + those expect to be helped who won’t help themselves? He is contented, + indeed! Yes, and he must soon be contented to sell the lands that have + been in the family so long; and then, by and by, he must be content, if he + does not bestir himself, to be carried to jail. It is a sin for any one to + be content to eat the bread of idleness!” + </p> + <p> + These and similar reproaches were uttered often, in our idle hero’s + presence. They would perhaps have excited him to some sort of exertion, if + his friend, Sir Hyacinth O’Brien, had not, in consequence of certain + electioneering services, and in consideration of his being one of the best + sportsmen in the county, and of Simon’s having named a horse after him, + procured for him a place of about fifty pounds a year in the revenue. Upon + the profits of this place Simon contrived to live, in a shambling sort of + way. + </p> + <p> + How long he might have shuffled on is a problem which must now for ever + remain unsolved; for his indolence was not permitted to take its natural + course; his ruin was accelerated by the secret operation of an active and + malignant power. Mr. Hopkins, who had determined to get that field which + joined to Gray’s mill, and who well knew that the pride of the + O’Doughertys would resist the idea of selling to him any part or parcel of + the lands of Rosanna, devised a scheme to reduce Simon to immediate and + inextricable distress. Simon was, as it might have been foreseen, + negligent in discharging the duties of his office, which was that of a + supervisor. + </p> + <p> + He either did not know, or connived at the practices, of sundry illegal + distillers in his neighbourhood. Malicious tongues did not scruple to say + that he took money, upon some occasions, from the delinquents; but this he + positively denied. Possibly his wife and sons knew more of this matter + than he did. They sold certain scraps of paper, called protections, to + several petty distillers, whose safest protection would have been Simon’s + indolence. One of the scraps of paper, to which there was O’Dougherty’s + signature, fell into the hands of Mr. Hopkins. + </p> + <p> + That nothing might be omitted to ensure his disgrace, Hopkins sent a + person, on whom he could depend, to give Simon notice that there was an + illegal still at such a house, naming the house for which the protection + was granted. Soft Simon received the information with his customary + carelessness, said it was too late to think of going to seize the still + that evening, and declared he would have it seized the next day: but the + next day he put it off, and the day afterwards he forgot it, and the day + after that, he received a letter from the collector of excise, summoning + him to answer to an information which had been laid against him for + misconduct. In this emergency, he resolved to have recourse to his friend + Sir Hyacinth O’Brien, who, he thought, could make interest to screen him + from justice. Sir Hyacinth gave him a letter to the collector, who + happened to be in the country. Away he went with the letter: he was met on + the road by a friend, who advised him to ride as hard after the collector + as he could, to overtake him before he should reach Counsellor Quin’s, + where he was engaged to dine. Counsellor Quin was candidate for the county + in opposition to Sir Hyacinth O’Brien; and it was well understood that + whomsoever the one favoured the other hated. It behoved Simon, therefore, + to overtake the collector before he should be within the enemy’s gates. + Simon whipped and spurred, and puffed and fretted, but all in vain, for he + was mounted upon the horse which, as the reader may remember, fell into + the tan-pit. The collector reached Counsellor Quin’s long before Simon + arrived; and, when he presented Sir Hyacinth’s letter, it was received in + a manner that showed it came too late. Simon lost his place and his fifty + pounds a year: but what he found most trying to his temper were the + reproaches of his wife, which were loud, bitter, and unceasing. He knew, + from experience, that nothing could silence her but letting her “have all + the plea;” so he suffered her to rail till she was quite out of breath, + and he very nearly asleep, and then said, “What you have been observing is + all very just, no doubt; but since a thing past can’t be recalled, and + those that are upon the ground, as our proverb says, can go no lower, + that’s a great comfort; so we may be content.” + </p> + <p> + “Content, in truth! Is it content to live upon potatoes and salt? I, that + am your lawful wife! And you, that are an O’Dougherty too, to let your + lady be demeaned and looked down upon, as she will be now, even by them + that are sprung up from nothing since yesterday. There’s Mrs. Gray, over + yonder at Rosanna, living on your own land: look at her and look at me! + and see what a difference there is!” + </p> + <p> + “Some difference there surely is,” said Simon. + </p> + <p> + “Some difference there surely is,” repeated Mrs. O’Dougherty, raising her + voice to the shrillest note of objurgation; for she was provoked by a sigh + that escaped Simon, as he pronounced his reply, or rather his acceding + sentence. Nothing, in some cases, provokes a female so much as agreeing + with her. + </p> + <p> + “And if there is some difference betwixt me and Mrs. Gray, should be glad + to know whose fault that is?” + </p> + <p> + “So should I, Mrs. O’Dougherty.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll tell you, instantly, whose fault it is, Mr. O’Dougherty: the + fault is your own, Mr. O’Dougherty. No, the fault is mine, Mr. + O’Dougherty, for marrying you, or consorting with you at all. If I had + been matched to an active, industrious man, like Mr. Gray, I might have + been as well in the world and better than Mrs. Gray; for I should become a + fortune better than she, or any of her seed, breed, or generation; and + it’s a scandal in the face of the world, and all the world says so, it’s a + scandal to see them Grays flourishing and settling a colony, there at + Rosanna, at our expense!” + </p> + <p> + “Not at our expense, my dear, for you know we made nothing of either + tan-yard or mill; and now they pay us 30<i>l</i>. a year, and that + punctually too. What should we do without it, now we have lost the place + in the revenue? I am sure, I think we were very lucky to get such tenants + as the Grays.” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, I think no such thing; for if you had been blessed with the + sense of a midge, you might have done all they have done yourself: and + then what a different way your lawful wife and family would have been in! + I am sure I wish it had pleased the saints above to have married me, when + they were about it, to such a man as farmer Gray or his sons.” + </p> + <p> + “As for the sons,” said Simon, “they are a little out of the way in point + of age, but to farmer Gray I see no objection in life: and if he sees + none, and will change wives, I’m sure, Ally, I shall be content.” + </p> + <p> + The sort of composure and dry humour with which Simon made this last + speech overcame the small remains of Mrs. O’Dougherty’s patience: she + burst into a passion of tears; and from this hour, it being now past + eleven o’clock at night, from this hour till six in the morning she never + ceased weeping, wailing, and upbraiding. + </p> + <p> + Simon rose from his sleepless bed, saying, “The saints above, as you call + them, must take care of you now, Ally, any how; for I’m fairly tired out: + so I must go a-hunting or a-shooting with my friend, Sir Hyacinth O’Brien, + to recruit my spirits.” + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate Simon found, to his mortification, that his horse was so + lame he could scarcely walk. Whilst he was considering where he could + borrow a horse, just for the day’s hunt, Mr. Hopkins rode into his yard, + mounted upon a fine hunter. Though naturally supercilious, this gentleman + could stoop to conquer: he was well aware of Simon’s dislike to him, but + he also knew that Simon was in distress for money. Even the strongest + passions of those who involve themselves in pecuniary difficulties must + yield to the exigencies of the moment. Easy Simon’s indolence had now + reduced him to a situation in which his pride was obliged to bend to his + interest. Mr. Hopkins had once been repulsed with haughtiness by the + representative of the O’Dougherty family, when he offered to purchase some + of the family estate; but his proposal was now better timed, and was made + with all the address of which he was master. He began by begging Simon to + give him his opinion of the horse on which he was mounted, as he knew Mr. + O’Dougherty was a particularly good judge of a hunter; and he would not + buy it, from Counsellor Quin’s groom, without having a skilful friend’s + advice. Then he asked whether it was true that Simon and the collector had + quarrelled, exclaimed against the malice and officiousness of the + informer, whoever he might be, and finished by observing that, if the loss + of his place put Simon to any inconvenience, there was a ready way of + supplying himself with money, by the sale of any of the lands of Rosanna. + The immediate want of a horse, and the comparison he made, at this moment, + between the lame animal on which he was leaning and the fine hunter upon + which Hopkins was mounted, had more effect upon Simon than all the rest. + Before they parted, Mr. Hopkins concluded a bargain for the field on which + he had set his heart: he obtained it for less than its value by three + years’ purchase. The hunter was part of the valuable consideration he gave + to Simon. + </p> + <p> + The moment that Hopkins was in possession of this field adjoining to + Gray’s mill, he began to execute a malignant project which he had long + been contriving. + </p> + <p> + We shall leave him to his operations; matters of higher import claim our + attention. One morning, as Rose was on the little lawn before the house + door, gathering the first snowdrops of the year, a servant in a handsome + livery rode up, and asked if Mr. Gray or any of the family were at home. + Her father and brothers were out in the fields, at some distance; but she + said she would run and call them. “There is no occasion, Miss,” said the + servant; “for the business is only to leave these cards for the ladies of + the family.” + </p> + <p> + He put two cards into Rose’s hand, and galloped off with the air of a man + who had a vast deal of business of importance to transact. The cards + contained an invitation to an election ball, which Sir Hyacinth O’Brien + was going to give to the secondary class of gentry in the county. Rose + took the cards to her mother; and whilst they were reading them over for + the second time, in came farmer Gray to breakfast. “What have we here, + child?” said he, taking up one of the cards. He looked at his wife and + daughter with some anxiety for a moment; and then, as if he did not wish + to restrain them, turned the conversation to another subject, and nothing + was said of the ball till breakfast was over. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Gray then bade Rose go and put her flowers into water; and as soon as + she was out of the room, said, “My dear, I see you don’t like that we + should go to this ball; so I am glad I did not say what I thought of it to + Rose before you came in: for you must know, I had a mother’s foolish + vanity about me; and the minute I saw the card, I pictured to myself our + Rose dressed like any of the best of the ladies, and looking handsomer + than most of them, and every body admiring her! But perhaps the girl is + better as she is, having not been bred to be a lady. And yet, now we are + as well in the world as many that set up for and are reckoned gentlefolks, + why should not our girl take this opportunity of rising a step in life?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Gray spoke with some confusion and hesitation. “My dear,” replied + farmer Gray, in a gentle yet firm tone, “it is very natural that you, + being the mother of such a girl as our Rose, should be proud of her, and + eager to show her to the best advantage; but the main point is to make her + happy, not to do just what will please our own vanity for the minute. Now + I am not at all sure that raising her a step in life, even if we could do + it by sending her to this ball, would be for her happiness. Are not we + happy as we are—Come in, Rose, love; come in; I should be glad for + you to hear what we are saying, and judge for yourself; you are old + enough, and wise enough, I am sure. I was going to ask, are not we all + happy in the way we live together now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! Oh yes! That we are, indeed,” said both the wife and daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Then should not we be content, and not wish to alter our condition?” + </p> + <p> + “But to go to only one ball, father, would not alter our condition, would + it?” said Rose, timidly. + </p> + <p> + “If we begin once to set up for gentry, we shall not like to go back again + to be what we are now: so, before we begin, we had best consider what we + have to gain by a change. We have meat, drink, clothes, and fire: what + more could we have, if we were gentry? We have enough to do, and not too + much; we are all well pleased with ourselves, and with one another; we + have health and good consciences: what more could we have, if we were to + set up to be gentry? Or rather, to put the question closer, could we in + that case have all these comforts? No, I think not: for, in the first + place, we should be straitened for want of money; because a world of + baubles, that we don’t feel the want of now, would become as necessary to + us as our daily bread. We should be ashamed not to have all the things + that gentlefolks have; though these don’t signify a straw, nor half a + straw, in point of any real pleasure they give, still they must be had. + Then we should be ashamed of the work by which we must make money to pay + for all these nicknacks. John and Robin would blush up to the eyes, then, + if they were to be caught by the genteel folks in their mill, heaving up + sacks of flour, and covered all over with meal; or if they were to be + found, with their arms bare beyond the elbows, in the tan-yard. And you, + Rose, would hurry your spinning-wheel out of sight, and be afraid to be + caught cooking my dinner. Yet there is no shame in any of these things, + and now we are all proud of doing them.” + </p> + <p> + “And long may we be so!” cried Mrs. Gray. “You are right, and I spoke like + a foolish woman. Rose, my child, throw these cards into the fire. We are + happy, and contented: and if we change, we shall be discontented and + unhappy, as so many of what they call our betters are. There! the cards + are burnt; now let us think no more about them.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose, I hope, is not disappointed about this ball; are you, my little + Rose?” said her father, drawing her towards him, and seating her on his + knee. + </p> + <p> + “There was one reason, father,” said Rose, blushing, “there was one + reason, and only one, why I wished to have gone to this ball.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let us hear it. You shall do as you please, I promise you + beforehand. But tell us the reason. I believe you have found it somewhere + at the bottom of that snow-drop, which you have been examining this last + quarter of an hour. Come, let me have a peep,” added he, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “The only reason, papa, <i>is—was</i>, I mean,” said Rose.—“But + look! Oh, I can’t tell you now. See who is coming.” + </p> + <p> + It was Sir Hyacinth O’Brien, in his gig; and with him his English servant, + Stafford, whose staid and sober demeanour was a perfect contrast to the + dash and bustle of his master’s appearance. This was an electioneering + visit. Sir Hyacinth was canvassing the county—a business in which he + took great delight, and in which he was said to excel. He possessed all + the requisite qualifications, and was certainly excited by a sufficiently + strong motive; for he knew that, if he should lose his election, he should + at the same time lose his liberty, as the privilege of a member of + parliament was necessary to protect him from being arrested. He had a + large estate, yet he was one of the poorest men in the county; for no + matter what a person’s fortune may be, if he spend more than his income, + he must be poor. Sir Hyacinth O’Brien not only spent more than his income, + but desired that his rent-roll should be thought to be at least double + what it really was: of course he was obliged to live up to the fortune + which he affected to possess; and this idle vanity early in life entangled + him in difficulties from which he had never sufficient strength of mind to + extricate himself. He was ambitious to be the leading man in his county, + studied all the arts of popularity, and found them extremely expensive, + and stood a contested election. He succeeded; but his success cost him + several thousands. All was to be set to rights by his talents as a public + speaker, and these were considerable. He had eloquence, wit, humour, and + sufficient assurance to place them all in the fullest light. His speeches + in parliament were much admired, and the passion of ambition was now + kindled in his mind: he determined to be a leading man in the senate; and + whilst he pursued this object with enthusiasm, his private affairs were + entirely neglected. Ambition and economy never can agree. Sir Hyacinth, + however, found it necessary to the happiness, that is, to the splendour, + of his existence, to supply, by some means or other, the want of what he + called the paltry, selfish, counterfeit virtue—economy. Nothing less + would do than the sacrifice of that which had been once in his estimation + the most noble and generous of human virtues,—patriotism. The + sacrifice was painful, but he could not avoid making it; because, after + living upon five thousand a-year, he could not live upon five hundred. So, + from a flaming patriot, he sunk into a pensioned placeman. + </p> + <p> + He then employed all his powers of wit and sophistry to ridicule the + principles which he had abandoned. In short, he affected to glory in a + species of political profligacy; and laughed or sneered at public virtue, + as if it could only be the madness of enthusiasm, or the meanness of + hypocrisy. By the brilliancy of his conversation, and the gaiety of his + manners, Sir Hyacinth sometimes succeeded in persuading others that he was + in the right; but, alas! there was one person whom he could never deceive, + and that was himself. He despised himself, and nothing could make him + amends for the self-complacency that he had lost. Without + self-approbation, all the luxuries of life are tasteless. + </p> + <p> + Sir Hyacinth O’Brien, however, was for some years thought, by those who + could see only the outward man, to be happy; and it was not till the + derangement of his affairs became public that the world began at once to + pity and blame him. He had a lucrative place, but he was, or thought + himself, obliged to live in a style suited to it; and he was not one + shilling the richer for his place. He endeavoured to repair his shattered + fortunes by marrying a rich heiress, but the heiress was, or thought + herself, obliged to live up to her fortune; and, of course, her husband + was not one shilling the richer for his marriage. When Sir Hyacinth was + occasionally distressed for money, his agent, who managed all affairs in + his absence, borrowed money with as much expedition as possible; and + expedition, in matters of business, must, as every body knows, be paid for + exorbitantly. There are men who, upon such terms, will be as expeditious + in lending money as extravagance and ambition united can desire. Mr. + Hopkins was one of these: and he was the money-lender who supplied the + baronet’s real and imaginary wants. Sir Hyacinth did not know the extreme + disorder of his own affairs, till a sudden dissolution of parliament + obliged him to prepare for the expense of a new election. When he went + into the country, he was at once beset with duns and constituents who + claimed from him favours and promises. Miserable is the man who courts + popularity, if he be not rich enough to purchase what he covets. + </p> + <p> + Our baronet endeavoured to laugh off with a good grace his apostasy from + the popular party; and whilst he could laugh at the head of a plentiful + table, he could not fail to find many who would laugh with him; but there + was a strong party formed against him in the county. Two other candidates + were his competitors; one of them was Counsellor Quin, a man of vulgar + manners and mean abilities, but yet one who could drink and cajole + electors full as well as Sir Hyacinth, with all his wit and elegance. The + other candidate, Mr. Molyneux, was still more formidable; not as an + electioneerer, but as a man of talents and unimpeached integrity, which + had been successfully exerted in the service of his country. He was no + demagogue, but the friend of justice and of the poor, whom he would not + suffer to be oppressed by the hand of power, or persecuted by the malice + of party spirit. A large number of grateful independent constituents + united to support this gentleman. Sir Hyacinth O’Brien had reason to + tremble for his fate; it was to him a desperate game. He canvassed the + county with the most keen activity; and took care to engage in his + interest all those <i>underlings</i> who delight in galloping round the + country to electioneer, and who think themselves paid by the momentary + consequence they enjoy, and the bustle they create. + </p> + <p> + Amongst these busy-bodies was Simon O’Dougherty: indolent in all his own + concerns, he was remarkably active in managing the affairs of others. His + home being now insufferable to him, he was glad to stroll about the + country; and to him Sir Hyacinth O’Brien left all the dirty work of the + canvass. Soft Simon had reduced himself to the lowest class of <i>stalkoes</i> + or <i>walking gentlemen</i>, as they are termed; men who have nothing to + do, and no fortune to support them, but who style themselves esquire; and + who, to use their own mode of expression, are jealous of that title, and + of their claims to family antiquity. Sir Hyacinth O’Brien knew at once how + to flatter Simon’s pride, and to lure him on by promises. Soft Simon + believed that the baronet, if he gained his election, would procure him + some place equivalent to that of which he had been lately deprived. Upon + the faith of this promise, Simon worked harder for his patron than he ever + was known to do upon any previous occasion; and he was not deficient in + that essential characteristic of an electioneerer, boasting. He carried + this habit sometimes rather too far, for he not only boasted so as to + bully the opposite party, but so as to deceive his friends: over his + bottle, he often persuaded his patron that he could command voters, with + whom he had no manner of influence. For instance: he told Sir Hyacinth + O’Brien that he was certain all the Grays would vote for him; and it was + in consequence of this assurance that the cards of invitation to the ball + had been sent to Rose and her mother, and that the baronet was now come in + person to pay his respects at Rosanna. + </p> + <p> + We have kept him waiting an unconscionable time at the cottage door; we + must now show him in. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + The beauty of Rose was the first thing that struck him upon his entrance. + The impression was so sudden, and so lively, that, for a few minutes, the + election, and all that belonged to it, vanished from his memory. The + politeness of a county candidate made him appear, in other houses, charmed + with father, mother, son, and daughter; but in this cottage there was no + occasion for dissimulation; he was really pleased with each individual of + the family. The natural feelings of the heart were touched. The ambitious + man forgot all his schemes, and all his cares, in the contemplation of + this humble picture of happiness and content; and the baronet conversed a + full quarter of an hour with farmer Gray, before he relapsed into himself. + </p> + <p> + “How much happier,” thought he, “are these people than I am, or than I + ever have been! They are contented in obscurity; I was discontented even + in the full blaze of celebrity. But my fate is fixed. I embarked on the + sea of politics as thoughtlessly as if it were only on a party of + pleasure: now I am chained to the oar, and a galley-slave cannot be more + wretched.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the beauty of Rose had some share in exciting Sir Hyacinth’s + sudden taste for rural felicity. It is certain he at first expressed more + disappointment at hearing she would not go to the ball, than at being told + her father and brothers could not vote for him. Farmer Gray, who was as + independent in his principles as in his circumstances, honestly answered + the baronet, that he thought Mr. Molyneux the fittest man to represent the + county; and that it was for him he should therefore vote. Sir Hyacinth + tried all his powers of persuasion in vain, and he left the cottage + mortified and melancholy. + </p> + <p> + He met Simon O’Dougherty when he had driven a few miles from the door; + and, in a tone of much pique and displeasure, reproached him for having + deceived him into a belief that the Grays were his friends. Simon was + rather embarrassed; but the genius of gossiping had luckily just supplied + him with a hint, by which he could extricate himself from this difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “The fault is all your own, if I may make so free as to tell you so. Sir + Hyacinth O’Brien,” said he, “as capital an electioneerer as you are, I’ll + engage I’ll find one that shall outdo you here. Send me and Stafford back + again this minute to Rosanna, and we’ll bring you the three votes as dead + as crows in an hour’s time, or my name is not O’Dougherty now.” + </p> + <p> + “I protest, Mr. O’Dougherty, I do not understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me whisper half a word in your ear, Sir Hyacinth, and I’ll make + you sensible I’m right.” Simon winked most significantly, and looked + wondrous wise; then stretching himself half off his horse into the gig to + gain Sir Hyacinth’s ear, he whispered that he knew, from the best + authority, Stafford was in love with Gray’s pretty daughter, Rose, and + that Rose had no dislike to him; that she was all in all to her father and + brothers, and of course could and would secure their votes, if properly + spoken to. + </p> + <p> + This intelligence did not immediately produce the pleasing change of + countenance which might have been expected. Sir Hyacinth coldly replied, + he could not spare Stafford at present, and drove on. The genius of + gossiping, according to her usual custom, had exaggerated considerably in + her report. Stafford was attached to Rose, but had never yet told her so; + and as to Rose, we might perhaps have known all her mind, if Sir + Hyacinth’s gig had not appeared just as she was seated on her father’s + knee, and going to tell him her reasons for wishing to go to the ball. + </p> + <p> + Stafford acted in the capacity of house-steward to the baronet; and had + the management of all his master’s unmanageable servants. He had brought + with him, from England, ideas of order and punctuality, which were + somewhat new, and extremely troublesome to the domestics at Hyacinth-hall: + consequently he was much disliked by them; and not only by them but by + most of the country people in the neighbourhood, who imagined he had a + strong predilection in favour of every thing that was English, and an + undisguised contempt for all that was Irish. They, however, perceived that + this prejudice against the Irish admitted of exceptions: the family of the + Grays, Stafford acknowledged, were almost as orderly, punctual, + industrious, and agreeable, as if they had been born in England. This was + matter of so much surprise to him, that he could not forbear going at + every leisure hour to the mill or the cottage of Rosanna, to convince + himself that such things could actually be in Ireland. He bought all the + flour for the hall at Rosanna-mill; and Rose supplied the housekeeper + constantly with poultry; so that his master’s business continually obliged + Stafford to repeat his visits; and every time he went to Gray’s cottage, + he thought it more and more like an English farm-house, and imagined Rose + every day looked more like an Englishwoman than any thing else. What a + pity she was not born the other side of the water; for then his mother and + friends, in Warwickshire, could never have made any objection to her. But, + she being an Irishwoman, they would for certain never fancy her. He had + oftentimes heard them as good as say, that it would break their hearts if + he was to marry and settle amongst the bogs and the wild Irish. + </p> + <p> + This recollection of his friends’ prejudices at first deterred Stafford + from thinking of marrying Rose; but it sometimes happens that reflection + upon the prejudices of others shows us the folly of our own, and so it was + in the present instance. Stafford wrote frequently to his friends in + Warwickshire, to assure them that they had quite wrong notions of Ireland; + that all Ireland was not a bog; that there were several well-grown trees + in the parts he had visited; that there were some as pretty villages as + you could wish to see any where, only that they called them towns; that + the men, though some of them still wear brogues, were more hospitable to + strangers than the English; and that the women, when not smoke-dried, were + some of the handsomest he had seen, especially one Rose or Rosamond Gray, + who was also the best and most agreeable girl he had ever known; though it + was almost a sin to say so much of one who was not an Englishwoman born. + </p> + <p> + Much more in the same strain Stafford wrote to his mother; who, in reply + to these letters, “besought him to consider well what he was about, before + he suffered himself to begin falling desperately in love with this Rose or + Rosamond Gray, or any Irishwoman whatsoever; who, having been bred in a + mud-walled cabin, could never be expected to turn out at the long run + equal to a true-born Englishwoman, bred in a slated house.” + </p> + <p> + Stafford’s notions had been so much enlarged by his travel, that he could + not avoid smiling at some passages in his mother’s epistle; yet he so far + agreed with her in opinion as to think it prudent not to begin falling + desperately in love with any woman, whether Irish or English, till he was + thoroughly acquainted with her temper and disposition. He therefore + prudently forbore, that is to say, as much as he could forbear, to show + any signs of his attachment to Rose, till he had full opportunity of + forming a decisive judgment of her character. + </p> + <p> + This he had now in his power. He saw that his master was struck with the + fair Rosamond’s charms; and he knew that Sir Hyacinth would pursue his + purpose with no common perseverance. His heart beat with joy, when the + card which brought her refusal arrived. He read it over and over again; + and at last put it into his bosom, close to his heart. “Rose is a good + daughter,” said he to himself; “and that is a sign that she will make a + good wife. She is too innocent to see or suspect that master has taken a + fancy to her, but she is right to do as her prudent, affectionate father + advises. I never loved that farmer Gray so well, in all my whole life, as + at this instant.” + </p> + <p> + Stafford was interrupted in his reverie by his master; who, in an angry + voice, called for him to inquire why he had not, according to his orders, + served out some oats for his horses the preceding day. The truth was, that + anxiety about Rose and the ball had made him totally forget the oats. + Stafford coloured a good deal, confessed that he had done very wrong to + forget the oats, but that he would go to the granary immediately, and + serve them out to the groom. Perhaps Stafford’s usual exactness might have + rendered his omission pardonable to any less irritable and peremptory + master than Sir H. O’Brien. + </p> + <p> + When Sterne once heard a master severely reprimanding a servant for some + trifling fault, he said to the gentleman, “My dear sir, we should not + expect to have every virtue under the sun for 20<i>l</i>. a-year.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Hyacinth O’Brien expected to have them for merely the promise of 20<i>l</i>. + a-year. Though he never punctually paid his servants’ wages, he abused + them most insolently whenever he was in a passion. Upon the present + occasion, his ill-humour was heightened by jealousy. + </p> + <p> + “I wish, sir,” cried he to Stafford, after pouring forth a volley of + oaths, “you would mind your business, and not run after objects that are + not fit for you. You are become good for nothing of late; careless, + insolent, and not fit to be trusted.” + </p> + <p> + Stafford bore all that his master said till he came to the words not fit + to be trusted; but the moment those were uttered, he could no longer + command himself; he threw down the great key of the granary, which he held + in his hand, and exclaimed, “Not fit to be trusted! Is this the reward of + all my services? Not fit to be trusted! Then I have no business here.” + </p> + <p> + “The sooner you go the better, sir,” cried the angry baronet, who, at this + instant, desired nothing more than to get him out of his way. “You had + best set off for England directly: I have no farther occasion for your + services.” + </p> + <p> + Stafford said not a word more, but retired from his master’s presence to + conceal his emotion; and, when he was alone, burst into tears, repeating + to himself, “So this is the reward of all my services!” + </p> + <p> + When Sir Hyacinth’s passion cooled, he reflected that seven years’ wages + were due to Stafford; and as it was not convenient to him at this election + time to part with so much ready money, he resolved to compromise. It was + not from any sense of justice; therefore it must be said he had the + meanness to apologize to his steward, and to hint that he was welcome to + remain, if he pleased, in his service. + </p> + <p> + Satisfied by this explanation, and by the condescension with which it was + given, Stafford’s affection for his master returned with all its wonted + force: and he resumed his former occupations about the house with + redoubled activity. He waited only till he could be spared for a day to go + to Rosanna, and make his proposal for Rose. Her behaviour concerning the + ball convinced him that his mother’s prejudices against Irishwomen were + ill-founded. Whilst his mind was in this state, his master one morning + sent for him, and told him that it was absolutely necessary he should go + to a neighbouring county, to some persons who were freeholders, and whose + votes might turn the election. The business would only occupy a few days, + Sir Hyacinth said; and Stafford willingly undertook it. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen to whom Stafford had letters were not at home, and he was + detained above a fortnight. When he returned, he took a road which led by + Rosanna, that he might at least have the pleasure of seeing Rose for a few + minutes; but when he called at the cottage, to his utter surprise, he was + refused admittance. Being naturally of a warm temper, and not deficient in + pride, his first impulse was to turn his horse’s head, and gallop off: + but, checking his emotion, he determined not to leave the place till he + should discover the cause of this change of conduct. He considered that + none of this family had formerly treated him with caprice or duplicity; it + was therefore improbable they should suddenly alter their conduct towards + him, unless they had reason to believe that they had some sufficient + cause. He rode immediately to a field where he saw some labourers at work. + Farmer Gray was with them. Stafford leaped from his horse, and, with an + air of friendly honesty, held out his hand, saying, “I can’t believe you + mean to affront me: tell me what is the reason I am not to be let into + your house, my good friend?” + </p> + <p> + Gray leaned upon his stick, and, after looking at him for a moment, + replied, “We have been too hasty, I see: we have had no cause of quarrel + with you, Stafford: you could never look at me with that honest + countenance, if you had any hand in this business.” + </p> + <p> + “What business?” cried Stafford. + </p> + <p> + “Walk home with me, out of the hearing of these people, and you shall + know.” + </p> + <p> + As they walked towards his cottage, Gray took out his great leather + pocket-book, and searched for a letter. “Pray, Stafford,” said he, “did + you, about ten days ago, send my girl a melon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; one of my own raising. I left it with the gardener, to be sent to + her with my best respects and services; and a message intimating to say + that I was sorry my master’s business required I should take a journey, + and could not see her for a few days, or something that way.” + </p> + <p> + “No such message came; only your services, the melon, and this note. I + declare,” continued Gray, looking at Stafford whilst he read the letter, + “he turns as pale as my wife herself did when I showed it to her!” + </p> + <p> + Stafford, indeed, grew pale with anger. It was a billet-doux from his + master to Rose, which Sir Hyacinth entreated might be kept secret, + promising to make her fortune and marry her well, if she would only have + compassion upon a man who adored and was dying for her, &c. + </p> + <p> + “I will never see my master again,” exclaimed Stafford. “I could not see + him without the danger of doing something that I might not forgive myself. + He a gentleman! He a gentleman! I’ll gallop off and leave his letters, and + his horse, with some of his people. I’ll never see him again. If he does + not pay me a farthing of my seven years’ wages, I don’t care; I will not + sleep in his house another night. He a gentleman!” + </p> + <p> + Farmer Gray was delighted by Stafford’s generous indignation; which + appeared the more striking, as his manner was usually sober, and + remarkably civil. + </p> + <p> + All this happened at two o’clock in the afternoon; and the evening of the + same day he returned to Rosanna. Rose was sitting at work, in the seat of + the cottage window. When she saw him at the little white gate, her colour + gave notice to her brothers who was coming, and they ran out to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to shut your doors against me now, instead of running out to + meet me,” said he; “for I am not clear that I have a farthing in the + world, except what is in this portmanteau. I have been fool enough to + leave all I have earned in the hands of <i>a gentleman</i>, who can give + me only his bond for my wages. But I am glad I am out of his house, at any + rate.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am glad you are in mine,” said farmer Gray, receiving him with a + warmth of hospitality which brought tears of gratitude into Stafford’s + eyes. Rose smiled upon her father, and said nothing; but set him his + arm-chair, and was very busy arranging the tea-table. Mrs. Gray beckoned + to her guest, and made him sit down beside her; telling him he should have + as good tea at Rosanna as ever he had in Warwickshire; “and out of + Staffordshire ware, too,” said she, taking her best Wedgwood teacups and + saucers out of a cupboard. + </p> + <p> + Robin, who was naturally gay and fond of rallying his friends, could not + forbear affecting to express his surprise at Stafford’s preferring an + Irishwoman, of all women in the world. “Are you quite sure, Stafford,” + said he, “that you are not mistaken? Are you sure my sister has not wings + on her shoulders?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you done now, Robin?” said his mother; who saw that Stafford was a + good deal abashed, and had no answer ready. “If Mr. Stafford had a + prejudice against us Irish, so much the more honourable for my Rose to + have conquered it; and, as to wings, they would have been no shame to us + natives, supposing we had them; and of course it was no affront to + attribute them to us. Have not the angels themselves wings?” + </p> + <p> + A timely joke is sometimes a real blessing; and so Stafford felt it at + this instant: his bashfulness vanished by degrees, and Robin rallied him + no more. “I had no idea,” said he, “how easy it is to put an Englishman + out of countenance in the company of his mistress.” + </p> + <p> + This was a most happy evening at Rosanna. After Rose retired, which she + soon did, to see after the household affairs, her father spoke in the + kindest manner to Stafford. “Mr. Stafford,” said he, “if you tell me that + you are able to maintain my girl in the way of life she is in now, you + shall have her: this, in my opinion and in hers, is the happiest life for + those who have been bred to it. I would rather see Rose matched to an + honest, industrious, good-humoured man, like yourself, whom she can love, + than see her the wife of a man as grand as Sir Hyacinth O’Brien. For, to + the best of my opinion, it is not the being born to a great estate that + can make a man content or even rich: I think myself a richer man this + minute than Sir Hyacinth; for I owe no man any thing, am my own master, + and can give a little matter both to child and stranger. But your head is + very naturally running upon Rose, and not upon my moralizing. All I have + to say is, win her and wear her; and, as to the rest, even if Sir Hyacinth + never pays you your own, that shall not stop your wedding. My sons are + good lads, and you and Rose shall never want, whilst the mill of Rosanna + is going.” + </p> + <p> + This generosity quite overpowered Stafford. Generosity is one of the + characteristics of the Irish. It not only touched but surprised the + Englishman; who, amongst the same rank of his own countrymen, had been + accustomed to strict honesty in their dealings, but seldom to this warmth + of friendship and forgetfulness of all selfish considerations. It was some + minutes before he could articulate a syllable; but, after shaking his + intended father-in-law’s hand with that violence which expresses so much + to English feelings, he said, “I thank you heartily; and, if I live to the + age of Methusalem, shall never forget this. A friend in need is a friend + indeed. But I will not live upon yours or your good sons’ earnings; that + would not be fair dealing, or like what I’ve been bred up to think + handsome. It is a sad thing for me that this master of mine can give me + nothing, for my seven years’ service, but this scrap of paper (taking out + of his pocket-book a bond of Sir Hyacinth’s). But my mother, though she + has her prejudices, and is very stiff about them, being an elderly woman, + and never going out of England, or even beyond the parish in which she was + born, yet she is kind-hearted; and I cannot think will refuse to help me, + or that she will cross me in marriage, when she knows the thing is + determined; so I shall write to her before I sleep, and wish I could but + enclose in the cover of my letter the picture of Rose, which would be + better than all I could say. But no picture would do her justice. I don’t + mean a compliment, like those Sir Hyacinth paid to her face, but only the + plain truth. I mean that a picture could never make my mother understand + how good, and sweet-tempered, and modest, Rose is. Mother has a world of + prejudices; but she is a good woman, and will prove herself so to me, I + make no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + Stafford wrote to his mother a long letter, and received, in a fortnight + afterwards, this short answer: + </p> + <p> + “Son George, I warned you not to fall in love with an Irishwoman, to which + I told you I could never give my consent. + </p> + <p> + “As you bake, so you must brew. Your sister Dolly is marrying too, and + setting up a shop in Warwick, by my advice and consent: all the money I + can spare I must give, as in reason, to her who is a dutiful child; and + mean, with her and grand-children, if God please, to pass my latter days, + as fitting, in this parish of Little Sonchy, in Old England, where I was + born and bred. Wishing you may not repent, or starve, or so forth, which + please to let me know, + </p> + <p> + “I am your affectionate mother, + </p> + <p> + “DOROTHY STAFFORD.” + </p> + <p> + All Stafford’s hopes were confounded by this letter: he put it into farmer + Gray’s hands, without saying a word; then drew his chair away from Rose, + hid his face in his hands, and never spoke or heard one word that was + saying round about him for full half an hour; till, at last, he was roused + by his friend Robin, who, clapping him on his back, said, “Come, Stafford, + English pride won’t do with us; this is all to punish you for refusing to + share and share alike with us in the mill of Rosanna, which is what you + must and shall do now, for Rose’s sake, if not for ours or your own. Come, + say done.” + </p> + <p> + Stafford could not help being moved. All the family, except Rose, joined + in these generous entreaties; and her silence said even more than their + words. Dinner was on the table before this amicable contest was settled, + and Robin insisted upon his drinking a toast with him, in Irish ale; which + was, “Rose Gray, and Rosanna-mill.” + </p> + <p> + The glass was just filled and the toast pronounced, when in came one of + Gray’s workmen, in an indescribable perspiration and rage. + </p> + <p> + “Master Robin, master John! Master,” cried he, “we are all ruined! The + mill and all—” + </p> + <p> + “The mill!” exclaimed every body starting up. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, the mill: it’s all over with it, and with us: not a turn more will + Rosanna-mill ever take for me or you; not a turn,” continued he, wiping + his forehead with his arm, and hiding by the same motion his eyes, which + ran over with tears. + </p> + <p> + “It’s all that thief Hopkins’s doing. May every guinea he touches, and + every shilling, and tester, and penny itself, blister his fingers, from + this day forward and for evermore!” + </p> + <p> + “But what has he done to the mill?” + </p> + <p> + “May every guinea, shilling, tester, and penny he looks upon, from this + day forth for evermore, be a blight to his eyes, and a canker to his + heart! But I can’t wish him a worse canker than what he has there already. + Yes, he has a canker at heart! Is not he eaten up with envy? as all who + look at him may read in that evil eye. Bad luck to the hour when it fixed + on the mill of Rosanna!” + </p> + <p> + “But what has he done to the mill? Take it patiently, and tell us + quietly,” said farmer Gray, “and do not curse the man any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Not curse the man! Take it quietly, master! Is it the time to take it + quietly, when he is at the present minute carrying off every drop of water + from our mill-course? so he is the villain!” + </p> + <p> + At these words, Stafford seized his oak stick, and sprang towards the + door. Robin and John eagerly followed: but, as they passed their father, + he laid a hand on each, and called to Stafford to stop. At his respected + voice they all paused. “My children,” said he, “what are you going to do? + No violence. No violence. You shall have justice, boys, depend upon it; we + will not let ourselves be oppressed. If Mr. Hopkins were ten times as + great, and twenty times as tyrannical as he is, we shall have justice; the + law will reach him: but we must take care and do nothing in anger. + Therefore, I charge you, let me speak to him, and do you keep your tempers + whatever passes. May be, all this is only a mistake: perhaps Mr. Hopkins + is only making drains for his own meadow; or, may be, is going to flood + it, and does not know, till we tell him, that he is emptying our + water-course.” + </p> + <p> + “He can’t but know it! He can’t but know it! He’s’ cute enough, and too + ‘cute,” muttered Paddy, as he led the way to the mill. Stafford and the + two brothers followed their father respectfully; admiring his moderation, + and resolving to imitate it if they possibly could. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hopkins was stationed cautiously on the boundary of his own land. + “There he is, mounted on the back of the ditch, enjoying the mischief all + he can!” cried Paddy. “And hark! He is whistling, whilst our stream is + running away from us. May I never cross myself again, if I would not, + rather than the best shirt ever I had to my back, push him into the mud, + as he deserves, this very minute! And, if it wasn’t for my master here, + it’s what I’d do, before I drew breath again.” + </p> + <p> + Farmer Gray restrained Paddy’s indignation with some difficulty; and + advancing calmly towards Mr. Hopkins, he remonstrated with him in a mild + tone. “Surely, Mr. Hopkins,” said he, “you cannot mean to do us such an + injury as to stop our mill?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not laid a finger on your mill,” replied Hopkins, with a malicious + smile. “If your man there,” pointing to Paddy, “could prove my having laid + a finger upon it, you might have your action of trespass; but I am no + trespasser; I stand on my own land, and have a right to water my own + meadow; and moreover have witnesses to prove that, for ten years last + past, while the mill of Rosanna was in Simon O’Dougherty’s hands, the + water-course was never full, and the mill was in disuse. The stream runs + against you now, and so does the law, gentlemen. I have the best counsel’s + opinion in Ireland to back me. Take your remedy, when and where you can + find it. Good morning to you.” + </p> + <p> + Without listening to one word more, Mr. Hopkins hastily withdrew: for he + had no small apprehensions that Paddy, whose threats he had overheard, and + whose eyes sparkled with rage, might execute upon him that species of + prompt justice which no quibbling can evade. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be disheartened, my dear boys,” said farmer Gray to his sons, who + were watching with mournful earnestness the slackened motion of their + water-wheel. “Saddle my horse for me, John; and get yourselves ready, both + of you, to come with me to Counsellor Molyneux.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! father,” said John, “there is no use in going to him; for he is one + of the candidates, you know, and Mr. Hopkins has a great many votes.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter for that,” said Gray: “Mr. Molyneux will do justice; that is my + opinion of him. If he was another sort of man, I would not trouble myself + to go near him, nor stoop to ask his advice: but my opinion of him is, + that he is above doing a dirty action, for votes or any thing else; and I + am convinced his own interest will not weigh a grain of dust in the + balance against justice. Saddle the horses, boy.” + </p> + <p> + His sons saddled the horses; and all the way the farmer was riding he + continued trying to keep up the spirits of his sons, by assurances that if + Counsellor Molyneux would take their affair in hand, there would be an end + of all difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “He is not one of those justices of the peace,” continued he, “who will + huddle half a dozen poor fellows into jail without law or equity. He is + not a man who goes into parliament, saying one thing, and who comes out + saying another. He is not, like, our friend Sir Hyacinth O’Brien, forced + to sell tongue, and brains, and conscience, to keep his head above water. + In short, he is a man who dares to be the same, and can moreover afford to + be the same, at election time as at any other time; for which reason, I + dare to go to him now in this our distress, although, I have to complain + of a man who has forty-six votes, which is the number, they say, Mr. + Hopkins can command.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst farmer Gray was thus pronouncing a panegyric on Counsellor + Molyneux, for the comfort of John and Robin, Stafford was trying to + console Rose and her mother, who were struck with sorrow and dismay, at + the news of the mill’s being stopped. Stafford had himself almost as much + need of consolation as they; for he foresaw it was impossible he should at + present be united to his dear Rose. All that her generous brothers had to + offer was a share in the mill. The father had his farm, but this must + serve for the support of the whole family; and how could Stafford become a + burden to them, now that they would be poor, when he could not bring + himself to be dependent upon them, even when they were, comparatively + speaking, rich? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + With anxious hearts the little party at the cottage expected the return of + the father and his sons. Rose sat at the window watching for them: her + mother laid down her knitting, and sighed: and Stafford was silent, for he + had exhausted all his consolatory eloquence, and saw and felt it had no + effect. + </p> + <p> + “Here they come! But they ride so slow, that I am sure they bring us no + good news.” + </p> + <p> + No: there was not any good news. Counsellor Molyneux had indeed behaved as + well as man could do: he had declared that he would undertake to manage + and plead their cause in any court of justice on earth; and had expressed + the strongest indignation against the villany of Hopkins; but, at the same + time, he had fairly told the Grays that this litigious man, if they + commenced a suit, might ruin them, by law, before they could recover their + rights. + </p> + <p> + “So we may go to bed this night melancholy enough,” said Robin; “with the + certainty that our mill is stopped, and that we have a long lawsuit to go + through, before we can see it going again—if ever we do.” + </p> + <p> + Rose and Stafford looked at one another, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “We had better not go to law, to lose the little we have left, at any + rate,” said Mrs. Gray. + </p> + <p> + “Wife, I am determined my boys shall have justice,” said the father, + firmly. “<i>I</i> am not fond of law, God knows! I never had a lawsuit in + my life; nobody dreads such things more than I do; but I dread nothing in + defence of my sons and justice. Whilst I have a penny left in the world, + I’ll spend it to obtain them justice. The labour of their lives shall not + be in vain; they shall not be robbed of all they have: they shall not be + trampled upon by any one living, let him be ever so rich, or ever so + litigious. I fear neither his money nor his quirks of law. Plain sense is + the same for him and for me; and justice my boys shall have. Mr. Molyneux + will plead our cause himself—desire no more. If we fail and are + ruined, our ruin be upon the head of him who works it! I shall die + content, when I have done all I can to obtain justice for my children.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as these facts were known, every body in the neighbourhood felt + extreme indignation against Hopkins; and all joined in pitying the two + brothers, and applauding the spirit of their father. There was not an + individual who did not wish that Hopkins might be punished; but he had + been engaged in so many lawsuits, and had been so successful in screening + himself from justice, and in ruining his opponents, that every body feared + the Grays, though they were so much in the right, would never be able to + make this appear, according to the forms of law: many, therefore, advised + that it might not be brought to trial. But farmer Gray persisted, and + Counsellor Molyneux steadily abided by his word, and declared he would + plead the cause himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hopkins sent the counsellor a private hint, that if he directly or + indirectly protected the Grays, he must give up all hopes of the forty-six + votes which, as the county was now nearly balanced, must turn the + election. Mr. Molyneux paid no attention to this hint; but, the very day + on which he received it, visited farmer Gray in his cottage, walked with + him to Rosanna-mill, and settled how the suit should be carried on. + </p> + <p> + Hopkins swore he would spare no expense to humble the pride both of the + Grays and their protector: an unexpected circumstance, however, occurred. + It had often been prophesied by Mr. Molyneux, who knew the species of + bargains which Hopkins drove with all manner of people by whose distresses + he could make money, that he would sooner or later overshoot his mark, as + cunning persons often do. Mr. Molyneux predicted that, amongst the medley + of his fraudulent purchases, he would at length be the dupe of some + unsound title; and that, amongst the multitudes whom he ruined, he would + at last meet with some one who would ruin him. The person who was the + means of accomplishing this prophecy was indeed the last that would have + been guessed—soft Simon O’Dougherty! In dealing with him, Mr. + Hopkins, who thoroughly despised indolent honesty, was quite off his + guard; and, in truth, poor Simon had no design to cheat him: but it + happened that the lease, which he made over to Hopkins, as his title to + the field that he sold, was a lease renewable for ever; with a strict + clause, binding the lessee to renew, within a certain time after the + failure of each life, under penalty of forfeiting the lease. From the + natural laziness of easy Simon, he had neglected to renew, and had even + forgotten that the life was dropped: he assigned his lease over a bottle + to Mr. Hopkins, who seized it with avidity, lest he should lose the lucky + moment to conclude a bargain in which, he thought, he had at once + over-reached Simon, and had secured to himself the means of wreaking his + vengeance upon the Grays. This lease was of the field adjoining to + Rosanna-mill; and by the testimony of some old people in the + neighbourhood, he fancied he could prove that this meadow was anciently + flooded, and that the mill-course had gone into disuse. In all his + subsequent operations, he had carefully kept himself, as he thought, upon + his own lands; but, now that a suit against him was instituted, it was + necessary to look to his own title, into which he knew Mr. Molyneux would + examine. + </p> + <p> + Upon reading over the lease assigned to him by Simon, he noticed the + strict clause, binding the tenant to renew within a certain time. A qualm + came over him! He was astonished at himself for not having more carefully + perused the lease before he concluded the bargain. Had it been with any + one but soft Simon, this could not have happened. He hastened in search of + Simon with the utmost anxiety, to inquire whether all the lives were in + being. Simon at first said he had such a mist over his memory that he + could not exactly recollect who the lives were; but at last he made out + that one of them had been dead beyond the time for renewal. The gentleman, + his landlord, he said, was in Dublin; and he had neglected, sure enough, + to write to him from post to post. + </p> + <p> + The rage of Mr. Hopkins was excessive: he grew white with anger! Easy + Simon yawned, and begged him not to take the thing so to heart: “for, + after all,” said he, “you know the loss must be mine. I can’t make good + the sale of this field to you, as I have lost it by my own carelessness: + but that’s nothing to you; for you know, as well as I do, that to make + good the deficiency, you will, somehow or other, get a better piece of + ground out of the small remains of patrimony I have left, God help me!” + </p> + <p> + “God help <i>you</i>, indeed!” cried Hopkins, with a look and accent of + mingled rage and contempt. “I tell you, man, the loss is mine; and no + other land you have, to sell or give, can make me any amends. I shall lose + my lawsuit.” + </p> + <p> + “Wheugh! wheugh! Why, so much the better. Where’s the use of having + lawsuits? The loss of such bad things can never be great.” + </p> + <p> + “No trifling, pray,” said Hopkins, with impatience, as he walked up and + down the room, and repeatedly struck his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Ho! ho! ho! I begin to comprehend. I know whereabouts you are now,” cried + Simon. “Is not it the Grays you are thinking of? Ah, that’s the suit you + are talking about. But now, Mr. Hopkins, you ought to rejoice, as I do, + instead of grieving, that it is out of your power to ruin that family; + for, in truth, they are good people, and have the voice of the country + with them against you; and if you were to win your suit twenty times over, + that would still be the same. You would never be able to show your face; + and, for my own part, my conscience would never forgive me for being + instrumental, unknown to myself, in giving you the power to do this + mischief. And, after all, what put it into your head to stop Rosanna-mill, + when its going gave you no trouble in life?” + </p> + <p> + Hopkins, who had not listened to one syllable Simon was saying, at this + instant suddenly stopped walking; and, in a soft insinuating voice, + addressed him in these words: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. O’Dougherty, you know I have a great regard for you.” + </p> + <p> + “May be so,” said Simon; “though that is more than I ever knew you to have + for any body.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray be serious. I tell you I have, and will prove it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is more and more surprising, Mr. Hopkins.” + </p> + <p> + “And which is more surprising still, I will make your fortune, if you will + do a trifling kindness for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Any thing in nature, that won’t give me an unreasonable deal of trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, this will give you no sort of trouble,” said Hopkins. “I will get + you, before this day se’nnight, that place in the revenue that you have + been wishing for so long, and that Sir Hyacinth O’Brien will never get for + you. I say I will insure it to you under my hand, this minute, if you will + do what I want of you.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I will, if it’s no trouble. What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Only just,” said Hopkins, hesitating; “only just—You must remember—you + cannot but recollect that you wrote to your landlord, to offer to renew?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember to recollect no such thing,” said Simon, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Hopkins; “but he gave you no answer, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “But, I tell you, I never wrote to him at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! You have a bad memory, Simon; and your letter might have + miscarried. There’s nothing simpler than that; nothing more easily said.” + </p> + <p> + “If it were but true,” said Simon. + </p> + <p> + “True or not, it may be said, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Not by Simon O’Dougherty, Mr. Hopkins.”, + </p> + <p> + “Look you, Mr. O’Dougherty, I have a great regard for you,” continued + Hopkins, holding him fast, and producing a pocket-book full of bank notes. + I must, thought he, come up to this scoundrel’s price, for he has me now. + He is more knave than fool, I see. “Let us understand one another, my good + friend Simon. Name your sum, and make me but a short affidavit, purporting + that you did apply for this renewal, and you have your place in the + revenue snug besides.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t know whom you are speaking to, Mr. Hopkins,” said Simon, + looking over his shoulder, with cool and easy contempt. “The O’Doughertys + are not accustomed to perjuring themselves; and it’s a trouble I would not + take for any man, if he were my own father even; no, not for all the + places in the revenue that ever were created, nor for all the bank notes + ever you cheated mankind out of, Mr. Hopkins, into the bargain. No + offence. I never talked of cheating, till you named perjury to me; for + which I do not kick you down stairs, in the first place, because there are + no stairs, I believe, to my house; next, because, if there were ever so + many, it would be beneath me to make use of them upon any such occasion; + and, lastly, it would be quite too much trouble. Now we comprehend one + another perfectly, I hope, Mr. Hopkins.” + </p> + <p> + Cursing himself, and overwhelmed with confusion, Mr. Hopkins withdrew. + Proud of himself, and having a story to tell, Simon O’Dougherty hastened + to Rosanna, to relate all that had happened to the Grays, and to + congratulate them, as he said, upon his own carelessness. + </p> + <p> + The joy with which they listened to Simon’s story was great, and in + proportion to the anxiety they had suffered. In less than half an hour’s + time, they received a mean, supplicating letter from Hopkins, entreating + they would not ruin his reputation, and all his prospects in life, by + divulging what had passed; and promising that the mill-stream of Rosanna + should be returned to its proper channel, without any expense to them, and + that he would make a suitable compensation in money, if they would bind + themselves to secrecy. + </p> + <p> + It will easily be guessed that they rejected all his offers with disdain: + the whole affair was told by them to Mr. Molyneux, and the next day all + the neighbourhood knew it, and triumphed in the detection of a villain, + who had long been the oppressor of the poor. The neighbours all joined in + restoring the water to the mill-course; and when Rosanna-mill was once + more at work, the village houses were illuminated, and even the children + showed their sympathy for the family of the Grays, by huge bonfires and + loud huzzas. + </p> + <p> + Simon O’Dougherty’s landlord was so much pleased by the honesty he had + shown in this affair, that he renewed the lease of the meadow, instead of + insisting upon the forfeiture; and farmer Gray delighted poor Simon still + more, by promising to overlook for him the management of the land, which + still remained in his possession. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, Mr. Hopkins, who could not go out of his own house + without being insulted, or without fearing to be insulted, prepared to + quit the country. “But before I go,” said he, “I shall have the pleasure + and triumph, at least, of making Mr. Molyneux lose his election.” + </p> + <p> + The Grays feared Mr. Molyneux would indeed be a sufferer for the generous + protection he had afforded them in their distress. The votes were nearly + balanced in the county, and the forty-six votes which Hopkins could + command would decide the contest. There are often in real life instances + of what is called poetical justice. The day before the election, Sir + Hyacinth was arrested at the suit of Stafford, who chose his opportunity + so well, that the sheriff, though he was a fast friend of the baronet’s, + could not refuse to do his duty. The sheriff had such a number of writs + immediately put into his hands, that bail could not be found; and Mr. + Molyneux was elected without opposition. + </p> + <p> + But, let us return, from the misery of arrests and elections, to peace, + industry, family union, and love, in the happy cottage of Rosanna. No + obstacles now prevented the marriage of Stafford and Rose; it was + celebrated with every simple demonstration of rural felicity. The bride + had the blessings of her fond father and mother, the congratulations of + her beloved brothers, and the applause of her own heart. Are not these + better things than even forty fine wedding gowns, or a coach of Hatchett’s + best workmanship? Rose thought so, and her future life proved she was not + much mistaken. Stafford some time after his marriage took his wife to + England, to see his mother, who was soon reconciled to him and her Irish + daughter-in-law, whose gentle manners and willing obedience overcame her + unreasonable dislike. Old Mrs. Stafford declared to her son, when he was + returning, that she had so far got the better of what he called her + prejudices, that, if she could but travel to Ireland, without crossing the + sea, she verily believed she would go and spend a year with him and the + Grays at Rosanna. + </p> + <p> + {Footnote: Having heard, from good judges, that the language used by <i>Farmer + Gray</i> in this story appears superior to his condition, we insert a + letter which we lately received from him; matter, manner, and orthography + <i>his own</i>. + </p> + <p> + “To R. L. EDGEWORTH, ESQ. + </p> + <p> + “HON. SIR, + </p> + <p> + “I have read your valuable present with care, so has also the whole + family; its design is excellent, it breathes forth a spirit of virtue and + industry and in a word all the social virtues which constitute human + happiness—Its other characters are admirably adapted to expose vice + in all its hideous forms, and gives us a view of those baneful principles + which terminate in certain misery and proves beyond a doubt that many of + mankind are the authors of their own calamities and frequently involve + others in the same or similar unhappy circumstances— + </p> + <p> + “Thrice happy are they who in affluence endeavour thus to amend the morals + of mankind; it’s they only who enjoy true felicity—their example and + their precepts have a powerful influence on all around them, and never + fail to excite a virtuous emulation, except, among the utterly abandoned + and profligate— + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, families in elevated situations of life who devote their + time to dissipation and its sensual allurements are the pest of society—the + vices and crimes of the great are frequently imitated by the lower ranks—they + all die, and no memorial is left behind but that of folly and an ill-spent + life. + </p> + <p> + “May that life of virtue so strongly recommended be long the shining + ornament of you and your family, and its end be rewarded with a crown of + eternal happiness, which is the joint wish of the family of— + </p> + <p> + “FARMER GRAY.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>July 1st, 1804.</i>”} + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MURAD THE UNLUCKY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + It is well known that the grand seignior amuses himself by going at night, + in disguise, through the streets of Constantinople; as the caliph, Haroun + Alraschid, used formerly to do in Bagdad. + </p> + <p> + One moonlight night, accompanied by his grand vizier, he traversed several + of the principal streets of the city, without seeing any thing remarkable. + At length, as they were passing a rope-maker’s, the sultan recollected the + Arabian story of Cogia-Hassan Alhabal, the rope-maker, and his two + friends, Saad and Saadi, who differed so much in their opinion concerning + the influence of fortune over human affairs. + </p> + <p> + “What is your opinion on this subject?” said the grand seignior to his + vizier. + </p> + <p> + “I am inclined, please your majesty,” replied the vizier, “to think that + success in the world depends more upon prudence than upon what is called + luck, or fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said the sultan, “am persuaded that fortune does more for men + than prudence. Do you not every day hear of persons who are said to be + fortunate or unfortunate? How comes it that this opinion should prevail + amongst men, if it be not justified by experience?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not for me to dispute with your majesty,” replied the prudent + vizier. + </p> + <p> + “Speak your mind freely; I desire and command it,” said the sultan. + </p> + <p> + “Then I am of opinion,” answered the vizier, “that people are often led to + believe others fortunate, or unfortunate, merely because they only know + the general outline of their histories; and are ignorant of the incidents + and events in which they have shown prudence or imprudence. I have heard, + for instance, that there are at present, in this city, two men, who are + remarkable for their good and bad fortune: one is called <i>Murad the + Unlucky</i>, and the other <i>Saladin the Lucky</i>. Now I am inclined to + think, if we could hear their stories, we should find that one is a + prudent and the other an imprudent character.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do these men live?” interrupted the sultan. “I will hear their + histories from their own lips, before I sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Murad the Unlucky lives in the next square,” said the vizier. + </p> + <p> + The sultan desired to go thither immediately. Scarcely had they entered + the square, when they heard the cry of loud lamentations. They followed + the sound till they came to a house of which the door was open, and where + there was a man tearing his turban, and weeping bitterly. They asked the + cause of his distress, and he pointed to the fragments of a china vase, + which lay on the pavement at his door. + </p> + <p> + “This seems undoubtedly to be beautiful china,” said the sultan, taking up + one of the broken pieces; “but can the loss of a china vase be the cause + of such violent grief and despair?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, gentlemen,” said the owner of the vase, suspending his lamentations, + and looking at the dress of the pretended merchants, “I see that you are + strangers: you do not know how much cause I have for grief and despair! + You do not know that you are speaking to Murad the Unlucky! Were you to + hear all the unfortunate accidents that have happened to me, from the time + I was born till this instant, you would perhaps pity me, and acknowledge I + have just cause for despair.” + </p> + <p> + Curiosity was strongly expressed by the sultan; and the hope of obtaining + sympathy inclined Murad to gratify it, by the recital of his adventures. + “Gentlemen,” said he, “I scarcely dare invite you into the house of such + an unlucky being as I am; but, if you will venture to take a night’s + lodging under my roof, you shall hear at your leisure the story of my + misfortunes.” + </p> + <p> + The sultan and the vizier excused themselves from spending the night with + Murad; saying that they were obliged to proceed to their khan, where they + should be expected by their companions: but they begged permission to + repose themselves for half an hour in his house, and besought him to + relate the history of his life, if it would not renew his grief too much + to recollect his misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Few men are so miserable as not to like to talk of their misfortunes, + where they have, or where they think they have, any chance of obtaining + compassion. As soon as the pretended merchants were seated, Murad began + his story in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + “My father was a merchant of this city. The night before I was born, he + dreamed that I came into the world with the head of a dog, and the tail of + a dragon; and that, in haste to conceal my deformity, he rolled me up in a + piece of linen, which unluckily proved to be the grand seignior’s turban; + who, enraged at his insolence in touching his turban, commanded that his + head should be struck off. + </p> + <p> + “My father awaked before he lost his head, but not before he had lost half + his wits from the terror of his dream. He considered it as a warning sent + from above, and consequently determined to avoid the sight of me. He would + not stay to see whether I should really be born with the head of a dog, + and the tail of a dragon; but he set out, the next morning, on a voyage to + Aleppo. + </p> + <p> + “He was absent for upwards of seven years; and during that time, my + education was totally neglected. One day I inquired from my mother why I + had been named Murad the Unlucky? She told me that this name was given to + me in consequence of my father’s dream; but she added that, perhaps, it + might be forgotten, if I proved fortunate in my future life. My nurse, a + very old woman, who was present, shook her head, with a look which I shall + never forget, and whispered to my mother loud enough for me to hear, + ‘Unlucky he was, and is, and ever will be. Those that are born to ill luck + cannot help themselves; nor can any, but the great prophet, Mahomet + himself, do anything for them. It is a folly for an unlucky person to + strive with their fate: it is better to yield to it at once.’ + </p> + <p> + “This speech made a terrible impression upon me, young as I then was; and + every accident that happened to me afterwards confirmed my belief in my + nurse’s prognostic. I was in my eighth year when my father returned from + abroad. The year after he came home my brother Saladin was born, who was + named Saladin the Lucky, because the day he was born, a vessel freighted + with rich merchandise for my father arrived safely in port. + </p> + <p> + “I will not weary you with a relation of all the little instances of good + fortune by which my brother Saladin was distinguished, even during his + childhood. As he grew up, his success in everything he undertook was as + remarkable as my ill luck in all that I attempted. From the time the rich + vessel arrived, we lived in splendour; and the supposed prosperous state + of my father’s affairs was of course attributed to the influence of my + brother Saladin’s happy destiny. + </p> + <p> + “When Saladin was about twenty, my father was taken dangerously ill; and + as he felt that he should not recover, he sent for my brother to the side + of his bed, and, to his great surprise, informed him that the magnificence + in which we had lived had exhausted all his wealth; that his affairs were + in the greatest disorder; for, having trusted to the hope of continual + success, he had embarked in projects beyond his powers. + </p> + <p> + “The sequel was he had nothing remaining to leave to his children but two + large china vases, remarkable for their beauty, but still more valuable on + account of certain verses inscribed upon them in an unknown character, + which were supposed to operate as a talisman or charm in favour of their + possessors. + </p> + <p> + “Both these vases my father bequeathed to my brother Saladin; declaring he + could not venture to leave either of them to me, because I was so unlucky + that I should inevitably break it. After his death, however, my brother + Saladin, who was blessed with a generous temper, gave me my choice of the + two vases; and endeavoured to raise my spirits, by repeating frequently + that he had no faith either in good fortune or ill fortune. + </p> + <p> + “I could not be of his opinion, though I felt and acknowledged his + kindness in trying to persuade me out of my settled melancholy. I knew it + was in vain for me to exert myself, because I was sure that, do what I + would, I should still be Murad the Unlucky. My brother, on the contrary, + was nowise cast down, even by the poverty in which my father left us: he + said he was sure he should find some means of maintaining himself, and so + he did. On examining our china vases, he found in them a powder of a + bright scarlet colour; and it occurred to him that it would make a fine + dye. He tried it, and after some trouble, it succeeded to admiration. + </p> + <p> + “During my father’s lifetime, my mother had been supplied with rich + dresses, by one of the merchants who was employed by the ladies of the + grand seignior’s seraglio. My brother had done this merchant some trifling + favours; and, upon application to him, he readily engaged to recommend the + new scarlet dye. Indeed it was so beautiful, that, the moment it was seen, + it was preferred to every other colour. Saladin’s shop was soon crowded + with customers; and his winning manners and pleasant conversation were + almost as advantageous to him as his scarlet dye. On the contrary, I + observed that the first glance at my melancholy countenance was sufficient + to disgust every one who saw me. I perceived this plainly; and it only + confirmed me the more in my belief in my own evil destiny. + </p> + <p> + “It happened one day that a lady, richly appareled and attended by two + female slaves, came to my brother’s house to make some purchases. He was + out, and I alone was left to attend to the shop. After she had looked over + some goods, she chanced to see my china vase, which was in the room. She + took a prodigious fancy to it, and offered me any price if I would part + with it; but this I declined doing, because I believed that I should draw + down upon my head some dreadful calamity, if I voluntarily relinquished + the talisman. Irritated by my refusal, the lady, according to the custom + of her sex, became more resolute in her purpose; but neither entreaties + nor money could change my determination. Provoked beyond measure at my + obstinacy, as she called it, she left the house. + </p> + <p> + “On my brother’s return, I related to him what had happened, and expected + that he would have praised me for my prudence; but, on the contrary, he + blamed me for the superstitious value I set upon the verses on my vase; + and observed that it would be the height of folly to lose a certain means + of advancing my fortune, for the uncertain hope of magical protection. I + could not bring myself to be of his opinion; I had not the courage to + follow the advice he gave. The next day the lady returned, and my brother + sold his vase to her for ten thousand pieces of gold. This money he laid + out in the most advantageous manner, by purchasing a new stock of + merchandise. I repented, when it was too late; but I believe it is part of + the fatality attending certain persons, that they cannot decide rightly at + the proper moment. When the opportunity has been lost, I have always + regretted that I did not do exactly the contrary to what I had previously + determined upon. Often, whilst I was hesitating, the favourable moment + passed. {Footnote: “Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first deprive of + understanding.”} Now this is what I call being unlucky. But to proceed + with my story. + </p> + <p> + “The lady, who bought my brother Saladin’s vase, was the favourite of the + sultan, and all-powerful in the seraglio. Her dislike to me, in + consequence of my opposition to her wishes, was so violent, that she + refused to return to my brother’s house, while I remained there. He was + unwilling to part with me; but I could not bear to be the ruin of so good + a brother. Without telling him my design, I left his house, careless of + what should become of me. Hunger, however, soon compelled me to think of + some immediate mode of obtaining relief. I sat down upon a stone, before + the door of a baker’s shop: the smell of hot bread tempted me in, and with + a feeble voice I demanded charity. + </p> + <p> + “The master baker gave me as much bread as I could eat, upon condition + that I should change dresses with him, and carry the rolls for him through + the city this day. To this I readily consented; but I had soon reason to + repent of my compliance. Indeed, if my ill luck had not, as usual, + deprived me at this critical moment of memory and judgment, I should never + have complied with the baker’s treacherous proposal. For some time before, + the people of Constantinople had been much dissatisfied with the weight + and quality of the bread furnished by the bakers. This species of + discontent has often been the sure forerunner of an insurrection; and, in + these disturbances, the master bakers frequently lose their lives. All + these circumstances I knew; but they did not occur to my memory, when they + might have been useful. + </p> + <p> + “I changed dresses with the baker; but scarcely had I proceeded through + the adjoining streets with my rolls, before the mob began to gather round + me, with reproaches and execrations. The crowd pursued me even to the + gates of the grand seignior’s palace; and the grand vizier, alarmed at + their violence, sent out an order to have my head struck off; the usual + remedy, in such cases, being to strike off the baker’s head. + </p> + <p> + “I now fell upon my knees, and protested I was not the baker for whom they + took me; that I had no connexion with him; and that I had never furnished + the people of Constantinople with bread that was not weight. I declared I + had merely changed clothes with a master baker, for this day; and that I + should not have done so, but for the evil destiny which governs all my + actions. Some of the mob exclaimed that I deserved to lose my head for my + folly; but others took pity on me, and whilst the officer, who was sent to + execute the vizier’s order, turned to speak to some of the noisy rioters, + those who were touched by my misfortune opened a passage for me through + the crowd, and thus favoured, I effected my escape. + </p> + <p> + “I quitted Constantinople: my vase I had left in the care of my brother. + At some miles distance from the city, I overtook a party of soldiers. I + joined them; and learning that they were going to embark with the rest of + the grand seignior’s army for Egypt, I resolved to accompany them. If it + be, thought I, the will of Mahomet that I should perish, the sooner I meet + my fate the better. The despondency into which I was sunk was attended by + so great a degree of indolence, that I scarcely would take the necessary + means to preserve my existence. During our passage to Egypt, I sat all day + long upon the deck of the vessel, smoking my pipe; and I am convinced that + if a storm had risen, as I expected, I should not have taken my pipe from + my mouth, nor should I have handled a rope, to save myself from + destruction. Such is the effect of that species of resignation or torpor, + whichever you please to call it, to which my strong belief in <i>fatality</i> + had reduced my mind. + </p> + <p> + “We landed, however, safely, contrary to my melancholy forebodings. By a + trifling accident, not worth relating, I was detained longer than any of + my companions in the vessel when we disembarked; and I did not arrive at + the camp till late at night. It was moonlight, and I could see the whole + scene distinctly. There was a vast number of small tents scattered over a + desert of white sand; a few date trees were visible at a distance; all was + gloomy, and all still; no sound was to be heard but that of the camels, + feeding near the tents; and, as I walked on, I met with no human creature. + </p> + <p> + “My pipe was now out, and I quickened my pace a little towards a fire, + which I saw near one of the tents. As I proceeded, my eye was caught by + something sparkling in the sand: it was a ring. I picked it up, and put it + on my finger, resolving to give it to the public crier the next morning, + who might find out its rightful owner: but by ill luck, I put it on my + little finger, for which it was much too large; and as I hastened towards + the fire to light my pipe, I dropped the ring. I stooped to search for it + amongst the provender on which a mule was feeding; and the cursed animal + gave me so violent a kick on the head, that I could not help roaring + aloud. + </p> + <p> + “My cries awakened those who slept in the tent, near which the mule was + feeding. Provoked at being disturbed, the soldiers were ready enough to + think ill of me; and they took it for granted that I was a thief, who had + stolen the ring I pretended to have just found. The ring was taken from me + by force; and the next day I was bastinadoed for having found it: the + officer persisting in the belief that stripes would make me confess where + I had concealed certain other articles of value, which had lately been + missed in the camp. All this was the consequence of my being in a hurry to + light my pipe, and of my having put the ring on a finger that was too + little for it; which no one but Murad the Unlucky would have done. + </p> + <p> + “When I was able to walk again after my wounds were healed, I went into + one of the tents distinguished by a red flag, having been told that these + were coffee-houses. Whilst I was drinking coffee, I heard a stranger near + me complaining that he had not been able to recover a valuable ring he had + lost; although he had caused his loss to be published for three days by + the public crier, offering a reward of two hundred sequins to whoever + should restore it. I guessed that this was the very ring which I had + unfortunately found. I addressed myself to the stranger, and promised to + point out to him the person who had forced it from me. The stranger + recovered his ring; and, being convinced that I had acted honestly, he + made me a present of two hundred sequins, as some amends for the + punishment which I had unjustly suffered on his account. + </p> + <p> + “Now you would imagine that this purse of gold was advantageous to me: far + the contrary; it was the cause of new misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + “One night, when I thought that the soldiers who were in the same tent + with me were all fast asleep, I indulged myself in the pleasure of + counting my treasure. The next day, I was invited by my companions to + drink sherbet with them. What they mixed with the sherbet which I drank, I + know not; but I could not resist the drowsiness it brought on. I fell into + a profound slumber; and, when I awoke, I found myself lying under a date + tree, at some distance from the camp. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing I thought of, when I came to my recollection, was my + purse of sequins. The purse I found still safe in my girdle; but, on + opening it, I perceived that it was filled with pebbles, and not a single + sequin was left. I had no doubt that I had been robbed by the soldiers + with whom I had drunk sherbet; and I am certain that some of them must + have been awake the night I counted my money; otherwise, as I had never + trusted the secret of my riches to any one, they could not have suspected + me of possessing any property; for, ever since I kept company with them, I + had appeared to be in great indigence. + </p> + <p> + “I applied in vain to the superior officers for redress: the soldiers + protested they were innocent; no positive proof appeared against them, and + I gained nothing by my complaint but ridicule and ill-will. I called + myself, in the first transport of my grief, by that name which, since my + arrival in Egypt, I had avoided to pronounce: I called myself Murad the + Unlucky! The name and the story ran through the camp; and I was accosted + afterwards, very frequently, by this appellation. Some indeed varied their + wit, by calling me Murad with the purse of pebbles. + </p> + <p> + “All that I had yet suffered is nothing compared to my succeeding + misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + “It was the custom at this time, in the Turkish camp, for the soldiers to + amuse themselves with firing at a mark. The superior officers remonstrated + against this dangerous practice {Footnote: Antia’s Observations on the + Manners and Customs of the Egyptians.}, but ineffectually. Sometimes a + party of soldiers would stop firing for a few minutes, after a message was + brought them from their commanders; and then they would begin again, in + defiance of all orders. Such was the want of discipline in our army, that + this disobedience went unpunished. In the mean time, the frequency of the + danger made most men totally regardless of it. I have seen tents pierced + with bullets, in which parties were quietly seated smoking their pipes, + whilst those without were preparing to take fresh aim at the red flag on + the top. + </p> + <p> + “This apathy proceeded, in some, from unconquerable indolence of body; in + others, from the intoxication produced by the fumes of tobacco and of + opium; but in most of my brother Turks it arose from the confidence which + the belief in predestination inspired. When a bullet killed one of their + companions, they only observed, scarcely taking the pipes from their + mouths, ‘Our hour is not yet come: it is not the will of Mahomet that we + should fall.’ + </p> + <p> + “I own that this rash security appeared to me, at first, surprising; but + it soon ceased to strike me with wonder; and it even tended to confirm my + favourite opinion, that some were born to good and some to evil fortune. I + became almost as careless as my companions, from following the same course + of reasoning. It is not, thought I, in the power of human prudence to + avert the stroke of destiny. I shall perhaps die to-morrow; let me + therefore enjoy to-day. + </p> + <p> + “I now made it my study, every day, to procure as much amusement as + possible. My poverty, as you will imagine, restricted me from indulgence + and excess; but I soon found means to spend what did not actually belong + to me. There were certain Jews who were followers of the camp, and who, + calculating on the probability of victory for our troops, advanced money + to the soldiers; for which they engaged to pay these usurers exorbitant + interest. The Jew to whom I applied traded with me also upon the belief + that my brother Saladin, with whose character and circumstances he was + acquainted, would pay my debts, if I should fall. With the money I raised + from the Jew I continually bought coffee and opium, of which I grew + immoderately fond. In the delirium it created, I forgot all my + misfortunes, all fear of the future. + </p> + <p> + “One day, when I had raised my spirits by an unusual quantity of opium, I + was strolling through the camp, sometimes singing, sometimes dancing, like + a madman, and repeating that I was not now Murad the Unlucky. Whilst these + words were on my lips, a friendly spectator, who was in possession of his + sober senses, caught me by the arm, and attempted to drag me from the + place where I was exposing myself. ‘Do you not see,’ said he, ‘those + soldiers, who are firing at a mark? I saw one of them, just now, + deliberately taking aim at your turban; and, observe, he is now reloading + his piece.’ My ill luck prevailed even at this instant, the only instant + in my life when I defied its power. I struggled with my adviser, + repeating, ‘I am not the wretch you take me for; I am not Murad the + Unlucky.’ He fled from the danger himself: I remained, and in a few + seconds afterwards a ball reached me, and I fell senseless on the sand. + </p> + <p> + “The ball was cut out of my body by an awkward surgeon, who gave me ten + times more pain than was necessary. He was particularly hurried, at this + time, because the army had just received orders to march in a few hours, + and all was confusion in the camp. My wound was excessively painful, and + the fear of being left behind with those who were deemed incurable added + to my torments. Perhaps, if I had kept myself quiet, I might have escaped + some of the evils I afterwards endured; but, as I have repeatedly told + you, gentlemen, it was my ill fortune never to be able to judge what was + best to be done, till the time for prudence was past. + </p> + <p> + “During that day, when my fever was at the height, and when my orders were + to keep my bed, contrary to my natural habits of indolence, I rose a + hundred times, and went out of my tent in the very heat of the day, to + satisfy my curiosity as to the number of the tents which had not been + struck, and of the soldiers who had not yet marched. The orders to march + were tardily obeyed, and many hours elapsed before our encampment was + raised. Had I submitted to my surgeon’s orders, I might have been in a + state to accompany the most dilatory of the stragglers; I could have + borne, perhaps, the slow motion of a litter, on which some of the sick + were transported; but in the evening, when the surgeon came to dress my + wounds, he found me in such a situation that it was scarcely possible to + remove me. + </p> + <p> + “He desired a party of soldiers, who were left to bring up the rear, to + call for me the next morning. They did so; but they wanted to put me upon + the mule which I recollected, by a white streak on its back, to be the + cursed animal that had kicked me, whilst I was looking for the ring. I + could not be prevailed upon to go upon this unlucky animal. I tried to + persuade the soldiers to carry me, and they took me a little way; but, + soon growing weary of their burden, they laid me down on the sand, + pretending that they were going to fill a skin with water at a spring they + had discovered, and bade me lie still, and wait for their return. + </p> + <p> + “I waited and waited, longing for the water to moisten my parched lips; + but, no water came—no soldiers returned; and there I lay, for + several hours, expecting every moment to breathe my last. I made no effort + to move, for I was now convinced my hour was come; and that it was the + will of Mahomet that I should perish in this miserable manner, and lie + unburied like a dog; a death, thought I, worthy of Murad the Unlucky. + </p> + <p> + “My forebodings were not this time just; a detachment of English soldiers + passed near the place where I lay: my groans were heard by them, and they + humanely came to my assistance. They carried me with them, dressed my + wound, and treated me with the utmost tenderness. Christians though they + were, I must acknowledge that I had reason to love them better than any of + the followers of Mahomet, my good brother only excepted. + </p> + <p> + “Under their care I recovered; but scarcely had I regained my strength + before I fell into new disasters. It was hot weather, and my thirst was + excessive. I went out with a party, in hopes of finding a spring of water. + The English soldiers began to dig for a well, in a place pointed out to + them by one of their men of science. I was not inclined to such hard + labour, but preferred sauntering on in search of a spring. I saw at a + distance something that looked like a pool of water; and I pointed it out + to my companions. Their man of science warned me by his interpreter, not + to trust to this deceitful appearance; for that such were common in this + country, and that, when I came close to the spot, I should find no water + there. He added, that it was at a greater distance than I imagined; and + that I should, in all probability, be lost in the desert, if I attempted + to follow this phantom. + </p> + <p> + “I was so unfortunate as not to attend to his advice: I set out in pursuit + of this accursed delusion, which assuredly was the work of evil spirits, + who clouded my reason, and allured me into their dominion. I went on, hour + after hour, in expectation continually of reaching the object of my + wishes; but it fled faster than I pursued, and I discovered at last that + the Englishman, who had doubtless gained his information from the people + of the country, was right; and that the shining appearance, which I had + taken for water, was a mere deception. + </p> + <p> + “I was now exhausted with fatigue: I looked back in vain after the + companions I had left; I could see neither men, animals, nor any trace of + vegetation in the sandy desert. I had no resource but, weary as I was, to + measure back my footsteps, which were imprinted in the sand. + </p> + <p> + “I slowly and sorrowfully traced them as my guides in this unknown land. + Instead of yielding to my indolent inclinations, I ought, however, to have + made the best of my way back, before the evening breeze sprung up. I felt + the breeze rising, and unconscious of my danger, I rejoiced, and opened my + bosom to meet it; but what was my dismay when I saw that the wind swept + before it all trace of my footsteps in the sand. I knew not which way to + proceed; I was struck with despair, tore my garments, threw off my turban, + and cried aloud; but neither human voice nor echo answered me. The silence + was dreadful. I had tasted no food for many hours, and I now became sick + and faint. I recollected that I had put a supply of opium into the folds + of my turban; but, alas! when I took my turban up, I found that, the opium + had fallen out. I searched for it in vain on the sand, where I had thrown + the turban. + </p> + <p> + “I stretched myself out upon the ground, and yielded without further + struggle to my evil destiny. What I suffered from thirst, hunger, and + heat, cannot be described! At last I fell into a sort of trance, during + which images of various kinds seemed to flit before my eyes. How long I + remained in this state I know not; but I remember that I was brought to my + senses by a loud shout, which came from persons belonging to a caravan + returning from Mecca. This was a shout of joy for their safe arrival at a + certain spring, well known to them in this part of the desert. + </p> + <p> + “The spring was not a hundred yards from the spot where I lay; yet, such + had been the fate of Murad the Unlucky, that he missed the reality, whilst + he had been hours in pursuit of the phantom. Feeble and spiritless as I + was, I sent forth as loud a cry as I could, in hopes of obtaining + assistance; and I endeavoured to crawl to the place from which the voices + appeared to come. The caravan rested for a considerable time whilst the + slaves filled the skins with water, and whilst the camels took in their + supply. I worked myself on towards them; yet, notwithstanding my efforts, + I was persuaded that, according to my usual ill fortune, I should never be + able to make them hear my voice. I saw them mount their camels! I took off + my turban, unrolled it, and waved it in the air. My signal was seen! The + caravan came towards me! + </p> + <p> + “I had scarcely strength to speak: a slave gave me some water; and, after + I had drunk, I explained to them who I was, and how I came into this + situation. + </p> + <p> + “Whilst I was speaking, one of the travellers observed the purse which + hung to my girdle: it was the same the merchant, for whom I recovered the + ring, had given to me; I had carefully preserved it, because the initials + of my benefactor’s name, and a passage from the Koran, were worked upon + it. When he gave it to me, he said that, perhaps, we should meet again in + some other part of the world, and he should recognize me by this token. + The person who now took notice of the purse was his brother; and when I + related to him how I had obtained it, he had the goodness to take me under + his protection. He was a merchant, who was now going with the caravan to + Grand Cairo: he offered to take me with him, and I willingly accepted the + proposal, promising to serve him as faithfully as any of his slaves. The + caravan proceeded, and I was carried with it.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + “The merchant, who was become my master, treated me with great kindness; + but, on hearing me relate the whole series of my unfortunate adventures, + he exacted a promise from me, that would do nothing without first + consulting him. ‘Since you are so unlucky, Murad,’ said he, ‘that you + always choose for the worst when you choose for yourself, you should trust + entirely to the judgment of a wiser or a more fortunate friend.’ + </p> + <p> + “I fared well in the service of this merchant, who was a man of a mild + disposition, and who was so rich that he could afford to be generous to + all his dependants. It was my business to see his camels loaded and + unloaded at proper places, to count his bales of merchandise, and to take + care that they were not mixed with those of his companions. This I + carefully did, till the day we arrived at Alexandria; when, unluckily, I + neglected to count the bales, taking it for granted that they were all + right, as I had found them so the preceding day. However, when we were to + go on board the vessel that was to take us to Cairo, I perceived that + three bales of cotton were missing. + </p> + <p> + “I ran to inform my master, who, though a good deal provoked at my + negligence, did not reproach me as I deserved. The public crier was + immediately sent round the city, to offer a reward for the recovery of the + merchandise; and it was restored by one of the merchants’ slaves, with + whom we had travelled. The vessel was now under sail; my master and I and + the bales of cotton were obliged to follow in a boat; and when we were + taken on board, the captain declared he was so loaded that he could not + tell where to stow the bales of cotton. After much difficulty, he + consented to let them remain upon deck; and I promised my master to watch + them night and day. + </p> + <p> + “We had a prosperous voyage, and were actually in sight of shore, which + the captain said we could not fail to reach early the next morning. I + stayed, as usual, this night upon deck; and solaced myself by smoking my + pipe. Ever since I had indulged in this practice at the camp at El Arish, + I could not exist without opium and tobacco. I suppose that my reason was + this night a little clouded with the dose I took; but, towards midnight, I + was sobered by terror. I started up from the deck on which I had stretched + myself; my turban was in flames; the bale of cotton on which I had rested + was all on fire. I awakened two sailors, who were fast asleep on deck. The + consternation became general, and the confusion increased the danger. The + captain and my master were the most active, and suffered the most in + extinguishing the flames: my master was terribly scorched. + </p> + <p> + “For my part, I was not suffered to do any thing; the captain ordered that + I should be bound to the mast; and, when at last the flames were + extinguished, the passengers, with one accord, besought him to keep me + bound hand and foot, lest I should be the cause of some new disaster. All + that had happened was, indeed, occasioned by my ill luck. I had laid my + pipe down, when I was falling asleep, upon the bale of cotton that was + beside me. The fire from my pipe fell out, and set the cotton in flames. + Such was the mixture of rage and terror with which I had inspired the + whole crew, that I am sure they would have set me ashore on a desert + island, rather than have had me on board for a week longer. Even my humane + master, I could perceive, was secretly impatient to get rid of Murad the + Unlucky, and his evil fortune. + </p> + <p> + “You may believe that I was heartily glad when we landed, and when I was + unbound. My master put a purse containing fifty sequins into my hand, and + bade me farewell. ‘Use this money prudently, Murad, if you can,’ said he, + ‘and perhaps your fortune may change.’ Of this I had little hopes, but + determined to lay out my money as prudently as possible. + </p> + <p> + “As I was walking through the streets of Grand Cairo, considering how I + should lay out my fifty sequins to the greatest advantage, I was stopped + by one who called me by my name, and asked me if I could pretend to have + forgotten his face. I looked steadily at him, and recollected to my sorrow + that he was the Jew Rachub, from whom I had borrowed certain sums of money + at the camp at El Arish. What brought him to Grand Cairo, except it was my + evil destiny, I cannot tell. He would not quit me; he would take no + excuses; he said he knew that I had deserted twice, once from the Turkish + and once from the English array; that I was not entitled to any pay; and + that he could not imagine it possible that my brother Saladin would own + me, or pay my debts. + </p> + <p> + “I replied, for I was vexed by the insolence of this Jewish dog, that I + was not, as he imagined, a beggar; that I had the means of paying him my + just debt, but that I hoped he would not extort from me all that + exorbitant interest which none but a Jew could exact. He smiled, and + answered that, if a Turk loved opium better than money, this was no fault + of his; that he had supplied me with what I loved best in the world; and + that I ought not to complain, when he expected I should return the favour. + </p> + <p> + “I will not weary you, gentlemen, with all the arguments that passed + between me and Rachub. At last we compromised matters; he would take + nothing less than the whole debt: but he let me have at a very cheap rate + a chest of second-hand clothes, by which he assured me I might make my + fortune. He brought them to Grand Cairo, he said, for the purpose of + selling them to slave merchants, who, at this time of the year, were in + want of them to supply their slaves; but he was in haste to get home to + his wife and family, at Constantinople, and therefore he was willing to + make over to a friend the profits of this speculation. I should have + distrusted Rachub’s professions of friendship, and especially of + disinterestedness; but he took me with him to the khan, where his goods + were, and unlocked the chest of clothes to show them to me. They were of + the richest and finest materials, and had been but little worn. I could + not doubt the evidence of my senses; the bargain was concluded, and the + Jew sent porters to my inn with the chest. + </p> + <p> + “The next day I repaired to the public market-place; and, when my business + was known, I had choice of customers before night: my chest was empty—and + my purse was full. The profit I made, upon the sale of these clothes, was + so considerable, that I could not help feeling astonishment at Rachub’s + having brought himself so readily to relinquish them. + </p> + <p> + “A few days after I had disposed of the contents of my chest, a Damascene + merchant, who had bought two suits of apparel from me, told me, with a + very melancholy face, that both the female slaves who had put on these + clothes were sick. I could not conceive that the clothes were the cause of + their I sickness; but soon afterwards, as I was crossing the market, I was + attacked by at least a dozen merchants, who made similar complaints. They + insisted upon knowing how I came by the garments, and demanded whether I + had worn any of them myself. This day I had for the first time indulged + myself with wearing a pair of yellow slippers, the only finery I had + reserved for myself out of all the tempting goods. Convinced by my wearing + these slippers that I could have had no insidious designs, since I shared + the danger, whatever it might be, the merchants were a little pacified; + but what was my terror and remorse the next day, when one of them came to + inform me that plague-boils had broken out tinder the arms of all the + slaves who had worn this pestilential apparel! On looking carefully into + the chest, we found the word Smyrna written, and half effaced, upon the + lid. Now, the plague had for some time raged at Smyrna; and, as the + merchants suspected, these clothes had certainly belonged to persons who + had died of that distemper. This was the reason why the Jew was willing to + sell them to me so cheap; and it was for this reason that he would not + stay at Grand Cairo himself to reap <i>the profits of his speculation</i>. + Indeed, if I had paid attention to it at the proper time, a slight + circumstance might have revealed the truth to me. Whilst I was bargaining + with the Jew, before he opened the chest, he swallowed a large dram of + brandy, and stuffed his nostrils with sponge dipped in vinegar: this he + told me he did to prevent his perceiving the smell of musk, which always + threw him into convulsions. + </p> + <p> + “The horror I felt, when I discovered that I had spread the infection of + the plague, and that I had probably caught it myself, overpowered my + senses; a cold dew spread over all my limbs, and I fell upon the lid of + the fatal chest in a swoon. It is said that fear disposes people to take + the infection; however this may be, I sickened that evening, and soon was + in a raging fever. It was worse for me whenever the delirium left me, and + I could reflect upon the miseries my ill fortune had occasioned. In my + first lucid interval, I looked round and saw that I had been removed from + the khan to a wretched hut. An old woman, who was smoking her pipe in the + farthest corner of my room, informed me that I had been sent out of the + town of Grand Cairo by order of the cadi, to whom the merchants had made + their complaint. The fatal chest was burnt, and the house in which I had + lodged razed to the ground. ‘And if it had not been for me,’ continued the + old woman, ‘you would have been dead, probably, at this instant; but I + have made a vow to our great prophet, that I would never neglect an + opportunity of doing a good action: therefore, when you were deserted by + all the world, I took care of you. Here, too, is your purse, which I saved + from the rabble; and, what is more difficult, from the officers of + justice: I will account to you for every para that I have expended; and + will moreover tell you the reason of my making such an extraordinary vow.’ + </p> + <p> + “As I believed that this benevolent old woman took great pleasure in + talking, I made an inclination of my head to thank her for her promised + history, and she proceeded; but I must confess I did not listen with all + the attention her narrative doubtless deserved. Even curiosity, the + strongest passion of us Turks, was dead within me. I have no recollection + of the old woman’s story. It is as much as I can do to finish my own. + </p> + <p> + “The weather became excessively hot: it was affirmed, by some of the + physicians, that this heat would prove fatal to their patients; {Footnote: + Antis’s Observations on the Manners and Customs of the Egyptians} but, + contrary to the prognostics of the physicians, it stopped the progress of + the plague. I recovered, and found my purse much lightened by my illness. + I divided the remainder of my money with my humane nurse, and sent her out + into the city, to inquire how matters were going on. + </p> + <p> + “She brought me word that the fury of the plague had much abated; but that + she had met several funerals, and that she had heard many of the merchants + cursing the folly of Murad the Unlucky, who, as they said, had brought all + this calamity upon the inhabitants of Cairo. Even fools, they say, learn + by experience. I took care to burn the bed on which I had lain, and the + clothes I had worn: I concealed my real name, which I knew would inspire + detestation, and gained admittance, with a crowd of other poor wretches, + into a lazaretto, where I performed quarantine, and offered up prayers + daily for the sick. + </p> + <p> + “When I thought it was impossible I could spread the infection, I took my + passage home. I was eager to get away from Grand Cairo, where I knew I was + an object of execration. I had a strange fancy haunting my mind; I + imagined that all my misfortunes, since I left Constantinople, had arisen + from my neglect of the talisman upon the beautiful china vase. I dreamed + three times, when I was recovering from the plague, that a genius appeared + to me, and said, in a reproachful tone, ‘Murad, where is the vase that was + intrusted to thy care?’ + </p> + <p> + “This dream operated strongly upon my imagination. As soon as we arrived + at Constantinople, which we did, to my great surprise, without meeting + with any untoward accidents, I went in search of my brother Saladin, to + inquire for my vase. He no longer lived in the house in which I left him, + and I began to be apprehensive that he was dead; but a porter, hearing my + inquiries, exclaimed, ‘Who is there in Constantinople that is ignorant of + the dwelling of Saladin the Lucky? Come with me, and I will show it to + you.’ + </p> + <p> + “The mansion to which he conducted me looked so magnificent, that I was + almost afraid to enter lest there should be some mistake. But, whilst I + was hesitating, the doors opened, and I heard my brother Saladin’s voice. + He saw me almost at the same instant that I fixed my eyes upon him, and + immediately sprang forward to embrace me. He was the same good brother as + ever, and I rejoiced in his prosperity with all my heart. ‘Brother + Saladin,’ said I, ‘can you now doubt that some men are born to be + fortunate, and others to be unfortunate? How often you used to dispute + this point with me!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Let us not dispute it now in the public street,” said he, smiling; ‘but + come in and refresh yourself, and we will consider the question afterwards + at leisure.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, my dear brother,’ said I, drawing back, ‘you are too good: Murad the + Unlucky shall not enter your house, lest he should draw down misfortunes + upon you and yours. I come only to ask for my vase.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘It is safe,’ cried he; ‘come in, and you shall see it: but I will not + give it up till I have you in my house. I have none of these superstitious + fears: pardon me the expression, but I have none of these superstitious + fears.’ + </p> + <p> + “I yielded, entered his house, and was astonished at all I saw! My brother + did not triumph in his prosperity; but, on the contrary, seemed intent + only upon making me forget my misfortunes: he listened to the account of + them with kindness, and obliged me by the recital of his history; which + was, I must acknowledge, far less wonderful than my own. He seemed, by his + own account, to have grown rich in the common course of things; or rather, + by his own prudence. I allowed for his prejudices, and, unwilling to + dispute farther with him, said, ‘You must remain of your opinion, brother; + and I of mine: you are Saladin the Lucky, and I Murad the Unlucky; and so + we shall remain to the end of our lives.’ + </p> + <p> + “I had not been in his house four days when an accident happened, which + showed how much I was in the right. The favourite of the sultan, to whom + he had formerly sold his china vase, though her charms were now somewhat + faded by time, still retained her power, and her taste for magnificence. + She commissioned my brother to bespeak for her, at Venice, the most + splendid looking-glass that money could purchase. The mirror, after many + delays and disappointments, at length arrived at my brother’s house. He + unpacked it, and sent to let the lady know it was in perfect safety. It + was late in the evening, and she ordered it should remain where it was + that night; and that it should be brought to the seraglio the next + morning. It stood in a sort of ante-chamber to the room in which I slept; + and with it were left some packages, containing glass chandeliers for an + unfinished saloon in my brother’s house. Saladin charged all his domestics + to be vigilant this night, because he had money to a great amount by him, + and there had been frequent robberies in our neighbourhood. Hearing these + orders, I resolved to be in readiness at a moment’s warning. I laid my + scimitar beside me upon a cushion; and left my door half open, that I + might hear the slightest noise in the ante-chamber, or the great + staircase. About midnight, I was suddenly awakened by a noise in the + ante-chamber. I started up, seized my scimitar, and the instant I got to + the door, saw, by the light of the lamp which was burning in the room, a + man standing opposite to me, with a drawn sword in his hand. I rushed + forward, demanding what he wanted, and received no answer; but, seeing him + aim at me with his scimitar, I gave him, as I thought, a deadly blow. At + this instant, I heard a great crash; and the fragments of the + looking-glass, which I had shivered, fell at my feet. At the same moment, + something black brushed by my shoulder: I pursued it, stumbled over the + packages of glass, and rolled over them down the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “My brother came out of his room, to inquire the cause of all this + disturbance; and when he saw the fine mirror broken, and me lying amongst + the glass chandeliers at the bottom of the stairs, he could not forbear + exclaiming, ‘Well, brother! you are indeed Murad the Unlucky.’ + </p> + <p> + “When the first emotion was over, he could not, however, forbear laughing + at my situation. With a degree of goodness, which made me a thousand times + more sorry for the accident, he came down stairs to help me up, gave me + his hand, and said, ‘Forgive me, if I was angry with you at first. I am + sure you did not mean to do me any injury; but tell me how all this has + happened?’ + </p> + <p> + “Whilst Saladin was speaking, I heard the same kind of noise which had + alarmed me in the ante-chamber; but, on looking back, I saw only a black + pigeon, which flew swiftly by me, unconscious of the mischief he had + occasioned. This pigeon I had unluckily brought into the house the + preceding day; and had been feeding and trying to tame it for my young + nephews. I little thought it would be the cause of such disasters. My + brother, though he endeavoured to conceal his anxiety from me, was much + disturbed at the idea of meeting the favourite’s displeasure, who would + certainly be grievously disappointed by the loss of her splendid + looking-glass. I saw that I should inevitably be his ruin, if I continued + in his house; and no persuasions could prevail upon me to prolong my stay. + My generous brother, seeing me determined to go, said to me, ‘A factor, + whom I have employed for some years to sell merchandise for me, died a few + days ago. Will you take his place? I am rich enough to bear any little + mistakes you may fall into, from ignorance of business; and you will have + a partner who is able and willing to assist you.’ + </p> + <p> + “I was touched to the heart by this kindness, especially at such a time as + this. He sent one of his slaves with me to the shop in which you now see + me, gentlemen. The slave, by my brother’s directions, brought with us my + china vase, and delivered it safely to me, with this message: ‘The scarlet + dye that was found in this vase, and in its fellow, was the first cause of + Saladin’s making the fortune he now enjoys: he therefore does no more than + justice, in sharing that fortune with his brother Murad.’ + </p> + <p> + “I was now placed in as advantageous a situation as possible; but my mind + was ill at ease, when I reflected that the broken mirror might be my + brother’s ruin. The lady by whom it had been bespoken was, I well knew, of + a violent temper; and this disappointment was sufficient to provoke her to + vengeance. My brother sent me word this morning, however, that though her + displeasure was excessive, it was in my power to prevent any ill + consequences that might ensue. ‘In my power!’ I exclaimed; ‘then, indeed, + I am happy! Tell my brother there is nothing I will not do to show him my + gratitude, and to save him from the consequences of my folly.’ + </p> + <p> + “The slave who was sent by my brother seemed unwilling to name what was + required of me, saying that his master was afraid I should not like to + grant the request. I urged him to speak freely, and he then told me the + favourite declared nothing would make her amends for the loss of the + mirror but the fellow vase to that which she had bought from Saladin. It + was impossible for me to hesitate; gratitude for my brother’s generous + kindness overcame my superstitious obstinacy; and I sent him word I would + carry the vase to him myself. + </p> + <p> + “I took it down this evening from the shelf on which it stood; it was + covered with dust, and I washed it, but unluckily, in endeavouring to + clean the inside from the remains of the scarlet powder, I poured hot + water into it, and immediately I heard a simmering noise, and my vase, in + a few instants, burst asunder with a loud explosion. These fragments, + alas! are all that remain. The measure of my misfortunes is now completed! + Can you wonder, gentlemen, that I bewail my evil destiny? Am I not justly + called Murad the Unlucky? Here end all my hopes in this world! Better + would it have been if I had died long ago! Better that I had never been + born! Nothing I ever have done or attempted has prospered. Murad the + Unlucky is my name, and ill-fate has marked me for her own.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + The lamentations of Murad were interrupted by the entrance of Saladin. + Having waited in vain for some hours, he now came to see if any disaster + had happened to his brother Murad. He was surprised at the sight of the + two pretended merchants, and could not refrain from exclamations on + beholding the broken vase. However, with his usual equanimity and + good-nature, he began to console Murad; and, taking up the fragments, + examined them carefully, one by one joined them together again, found that + none of the edges of the china were damaged, and declared he could have it + mended so as to look as well as ever. + </p> + <p> + Murad recovered his spirits upon this. “Brother,” said he, “I comfort + myself for being Murad the Unlucky, when I reflect that you are Saladin + the Lucky. See, gentlemen,” continued he, turning to the pretended + merchants, “scarcely has this most fortunate of men been five minutes in + company before he gives a happy turn to affairs. His presence inspires + joy: I observe your countenances, which had been saddened by my dismal + history, have brightened up since he has made his appearance. Brother, I + wish you would make these gentlemen some amends for the time they have + wasted in listening to my catalogue of misfortunes, by relating your + history, which, I am sure, they will find rather more exhilarating.” + </p> + <p> + Saladin consented, on condition that the strangers would accompany him + home, and partake of a social banquet. They at first repeated the former + excuse of their being obliged to return to their inn; but at length the + sultan’s curiosity prevailed, and he and his vizier went home with Saladin + the Lucky, who, after supper, related his history in the following manner:— + </p> + <p> + “My being called Saladin the Lucky first inspired me with confidence in + myself; though I own that I cannot remember any extraordinary instances of + good luck in my childhood. An old nurse of my mother’s, indeed, repeated + to me twenty times a day, that nothing I undertook could fail to succeed, + because I was Saladin the Lucky. I became presumptuous and rash: and my + nurse’s prognostics might have effectually prevented their accomplishment, + had I not, when I was about fifteen, been roused to reflection during a + long confinement, which was the consequence of my youthful conceit and + imprudence. + </p> + <p> + “At this time there was at the Porte a Frenchman, an ingenious engineer, + who was employed and favoured by the sultan, to the great astonishment of + many of my prejudiced countrymen. On the grand seignior’s birth-day he + exhibited some extraordinarily fine fireworks; and I, with numbers of the + inhabitants of Constantinople, crowded to see them. I happened to stand + near the place where the Frenchman was stationed; the crowd pressed upon + him, and I amongst the rest; he begged we would, for our own sakes, keep + at a greater distance, and warned us that we might be much hurt by the + combustibles which he was using. I, relying upon my good fortune, + disregarded all these cautions; and the consequence was, that as I touched + some of the materials prepared for the fireworks, they exploded, dashed me + upon the ground with great violence, and I was terribly burnt. + </p> + <p> + “This accident, gentlemen, I consider as one of the most fortunate + circumstances of my life; for it checked and corrected the presumption of + my temper. During the time I was confined to my bed, the French gentleman + came frequently to see me. He was a very sensible man; and the + conversations he had with me enlarged my mind, and cured me of many + foolish prejudices, especially of that which I had been taught to + entertain, concerning the predominance of what is called luck, or fortune, + in human affairs. ‘Though you are called Saladin the Lucky,’ said he, ‘you + find that your neglect of prudence has nearly brought you to the grave + even in the bloom of youth. Take my advice, and henceforward trust more to + prudence than to fortune. Let the multitude, if they will, call you + Saladin the Lucky; but call yourself, and make yourself, Saladin the + Prudent.’ + </p> + <p> + “These words left an indelible impression on my mind, and gave a new turn + to my thoughts and character. My brother, Murad, has doubtless told you + that our difference of opinion, on the subject of predestination, produced + between us frequent arguments; but we could never convince one another, + and we each have acted, through life, in consequence of our different + beliefs. To this I attribute my success and his misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + “The first rise of my fortune, as you have probably heard from Murad, was + owing to the scarlet dye, which I brought to perfection with infinite + difficulty. The powder, it is true, was accidentally found by me in our + china vases; but there it might have remained to this instant, useless, if + I had not taken the pains to make it useful. I grant that we can only + partially foresee and command events; yet on the use we make of our own + powers, I think, depends our destiny. But, gentlemen, you would rather + hear my adventures, perhaps, than my reflections; and I am truly + concerned, for your sakes, that I have no wonderful events to relate. I am + sorry I cannot tell you of my having been lost in a sandy desert. I have + never had the plague, nor even been shipwrecked: I have been all my life + an inhabitant of Constantinople, and have passed my time in a very quiet + and uniform manner. + </p> + <p> + “The money I received from the sultan’s favourite for my china vase, as my + brother may have told you, enabled me to trade on a more extensive scale. + I went on steadily with my business; and made it my whole study to please + my employers, by all fair and honourable means. This industry and civility + succeeded beyond my expectations: in a few years, I was rich for a man in + my way of business. + </p> + <p> + “I will not proceed to trouble you with the journal of a petty merchant’s + life; I pass on to the incident which made a considerable change in my + affairs. + </p> + <p> + “A terrible fire broke out near the walls of the grand seignior’s + seraglio: {Footnote: <i>Vide</i> Baron de Tott’s Memoirs.} as you are + strangers, gentlemen, you may not have heard of this event, though it + produced so great a sensation in Constantinople. The vizier’s superb + palace was utterly consumed; and the melted lead poured down from the roof + of the mosque of St. Sophia. Various were the opinions formed by my + neighbours, respecting the cause of the conflagration. Some supposed it to + be a punishment for the sultan’s having neglected, one Friday, to appear + at the mosque of St. Sophia; others considered it as a warning sent by + Mahomet, to dissuade the Porte from persisting in a war in which we were + just engaged. The generality, however, of the coffee-house politicians + contented themselves with observing that it was the will of Mahomet that + the palace should be consumed. Satisfied by this supposition, they took no + precaution to prevent similar accidents in their own houses. Never were + fires so common in the city as at this period; scarcely a night passed + without our being wakened by the cry of fire. + </p> + <p> + “These frequent fires were rendered still more dreadful by villains, who + were continually on the watch to increase the confusion by which they + profited, and to pillage the houses of the sufferers. It was discovered + that these incendiaries frequently skulked, towards evening, in the + neighbourhood of the bezestein, where the richest merchants store their + goods; some of these wretches were detected in throwing <i>coundaks</i>, + {Footnote: “A <i>coundak</i> is a sort of combustible that consists only + of a piece of tinder wrapped in brimstone matches, in the midst of a small + bundle of pine shavings. This is the method usually employed by + incendiaries—they lay this match by stealth behind a door, which + they find open, or on a window; and after setting it on fire, they make + their escape. This is sufficient often to produce the most terrible + ravages in a town where the houses, built with wood and painted with oil + of spike, afford the easiest opportunity to the miscreant who is disposed + to reduce them to ashes. The method employed by the incendiaries, and + which often escapes the vigilance of the masters of the houses, added to + the common causes of fires, gave for some time very frequent causes of + alarm.”—<i>Translation of Memoirs of Baron de Tott</i>, vol. I.} or + matches, into the windows; and if these combustibles remained a sufficient + time, they could not fail to set the house on fire. + </p> + <p> + “Notwithstanding all these circumstances, many even of those who had + property to preserve continued to repeat, ‘It is the will of Mahomet,’ and + consequently to neglect all means of preservation. I, on the contrary, + recollecting the lesson I had learned from the sensible foreigner, neither + suffered my spirits to sink with superstitious fears of ill luck, nor did + I trust presumptuously to my good fortune. I took every possible means to + secure myself. I never went to bed without having seen that all the lights + and fires in the house were extinguished, and that I had a supply of water + in the cistern. I had likewise learned from my Frenchman that wet mortar + was the most effectual thing for stopping the progress of flames: I + therefore had a quantity of mortar made up in one of my outhouses, which I + could use at a moment’s warning. These precautions were all useful to me: + my own house, indeed, was never actually on fire, but the houses of my + next door neighbours were no less than five times in flames, in the course + of one winter. By my exertions, or rather by my precautions, they suffered + but little damage; and all my neighbours looked upon me as their deliverer + and friend: they loaded me with presents, and offered more indeed than I + would accept. All repeated that I was Saladin the Lucky. This compliment I + disclaimed, feeling more ambitious of being called Saladin the Prudent. It + is thus that what we call modesty is often only a more refined species of + pride. But to proceed with my story. + </p> + <p> + “One night I had been later than usual at supper, at a friend’s house: + none but the watch were in the streets, and even they, I believe, were + asleep. + </p> + <p> + “As I passed one of the conduits, which convey water to the city, I heard + a trickling noise; and, upon examination, I found that the cock of the + water-spout was half turned, so that the water was running out. I turned + it back to its proper place, thought it had been left unturned by + accident, and walked on; but I had not proceeded far before I came to + another spout and another, which were in the same condition. I was + convinced that this could not be the effect merely of accident, and + suspected that some ill-intentioned persons designed to let out and waste + the water of the city, that there might be none to extinguish any fire + that should break out in the course of the night. + </p> + <p> + “I stood still for a few moments, to consider how it would be most prudent + to act. It would be impossible for me to run to all parts of the city, + that I might stop the pipes that were running to waste. I first thought of + wakening the watch and the firemen, who were most of them slumbering at + their stations; but I reflected that they were perhaps not to be trusted, + and that they were in a confederacy with the incendiaries; otherwise, they + would certainly, before this hour, have observed and stopped the running + of the sewers in their neighbourhood. I determined to waken a rich + merchant, called Damat Zade, who lived near me, and who had a number of + slaves, whom he could send to different parts of the city, to prevent + mischief, and give notice to the inhabitants of their danger. + </p> + <p> + “He was a very sensible, active man, and one that could easily be wakened: + he was not, like some Turks, an hour in recovering their lethargic senses. + He was quick in decision and action; and his slaves resembled their + master. He despatched a messenger immediately to the grand vizier, that + the sultan’s safety might be secured; and sent others to the magistrates, + in each quarter of Constantinople. The large drums in the janissary aga’s + tower beat to rouse the inhabitants; and scarcely had this been heard to + beat half an hour before the fire broke out in the lower apartments of + Damat Zade’s house, owing to a <i>coundak</i>, which had been left behind + one of the doors. + </p> + <p> + “The wretches who had prepared the mischief, came to enjoy it, and to + pillage; but they were disappointed. Astonished to find themselves taken + into custody, they could not comprehend hew their designs had been + frustrated. By timely exertions, the fire in my friend’s house was + extinguished; and though fires broke out, during the night, in many parts + of the city, but little damage was sustained, because there was time for + precautions; and by the stopping of the spouts, sufficient water was + preserved. People were awakened, and warned of the danger, and they + consequently escaped unhurt. + </p> + <p> + “The next day, as soon as I made my appearance at the bezestein, the + merchants crowded round, called me their benefactor, and the preserver of + their lives and fortunes. Damat Zade, the merchant whom I had awakened the + preceding night, presented to me a heavy purse of gold, and put upon my + finger a diamond ring of considerable value; each of the merchants + followed his example, in making me rich presents: the magistrates also + sent me tokens of their approbation; and the grand vizier sent me a + diamond of the first water, with a line written by his own hand: ‘To the + man who has saved Constantinople.’ Excuse me, gentlemen, for the vanity I + seem to show in mentioning these circumstances. You desired to hear my + history, and I cannot therefore omit the principal circumstance of my + life. In the course of four-and-twenty hours, I found myself raised, by + the munificent gratitude of the inhabitants of this city, to a state of + affluence far beyond what I had ever dreamed of attaining. + </p> + <p> + “I now took a house suited to my circumstances, and bought a few slaves. + As I was carrying my slaves home, I was met by a Jew, who stopped me, + saying, in his language, ‘My lord, I see, has been purchasing slaves: I + could clothe them cheaply.’ There was something mysterious in the manner + of this Jew, and I did not like his countenance; but I considered that I + ought not to be governed by caprice in my dealings, and that, if this man + could really clothe my slaves more cheaply than another, I ought not to + neglect his offer merely because I took a dislike to the cut of his beard, + the turn of his eye, or the tone of his voice. I therefore bade the Jew + follow me home, saying that I would consider of his proposal. + </p> + <p> + “When we came to talk over the matter, I was surprised to find him so + reasonable in his demands. On one point, indeed, he appeared unwilling to + comply. I required not only to see the clothes I was offered, but also to + know how they came into his possession. On this subject he equivocated; I + therefore suspected there must be something wrong. I reflected what it + could be, and judged that the goods had been stolen, or that they had been + the apparel of persons who had died of some contagious distemper. The Jew + showed me a chest, from which he said I might choose whatever suited me + best. I observed, that as he was going to unlock the chest, he stuffed his + nose with some aromatic herbs. He told me that he did so to prevent his + smelling the musk with which the chest was perfumed: musk, he said, had an + extraordinary effect upon his nerves. I begged to have some of the herbs + which he used himself; declaring that musk was likewise offensive to me. + </p> + <p> + “The Jew, either struck by his own conscience, or observing my suspicions, + turned as pale as death. He pretended he had not the right key, and could + not unlock the chest; said he must go in search of it, and that he would + call on me again. + </p> + <p> + “After he had left me, I examined some writing upon the lid of the chest + that had been nearly effaced. I made out the word Smyrna, and this was + sufficient to confirm all my suspicions. The Jew returned no more: he sent + some porters to carry away the chest, and I heard nothing of him for some + time, till one day when I was at the house of Damat Zade, I saw a glimpse + of the Jew passing hastily through one of the courts, as if he wished to + avoid me. ‘My friend,’ said I to Damat Zade, ‘do not attribute my question + to impertinent curiosity, or to a desire to intermeddle with your affairs, + if I venture to ask the nature of your business with the Jew, who has just + now crossed your court?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘He has engaged to supply me with clothing for my slaves,’ replied my + friend, ‘cheaper than I can purchase it elsewhere. I have a design to + surprise my daughter, Fatima, on her birthday, with an entertainment in + the pavilion in the garden; and all her female slaves shall appear in new + dresses on the occasion.” + </p> + <p> + “I interrupted my friend, to tell him what I suspected relative to this + Jew and his chest of clothes. It is certain that the infection of the + plague can be communicated by clothes, not only after months but after + years have elapsed. The merchant resolved to have nothing more to do with + this wretch, who could thus hazard the lives of thousands of his + fellow-creatures for a few pieces of gold: we sent notice of the + circumstance to the cadi, but the cadi was slow in his operations; and, + before he could take the Jew into custody, the cunning fellow had effected + his escape. When his house was searched, he and his chest had disappeared: + we discovered that he sailed for Egypt, and rejoiced that we had driven + him from Constantinople. + </p> + <p> + “My friend, Damat Zade, expressed the warmest gratitude to me. ‘You + formerly saved my fortune: you have now saved my life; and a life yet + dearer than my own, that of my daughter Fatima.’ + </p> + <p> + “At the sound of that name I could not, I believe, avoid showing some + emotion. I had accidentally seen this lady; and I had been captivated by + her beauty, and by the sweetness of her countenance; but as I knew she was + destined to be the wife of another, I suppressed my feeling, and + determined to banish the recollection of the fair Fatima for ever from my + imagination. Her father, however, at this instant, threw into my way a + temptation, which it required all my fortitude to resist. ‘Saladin, + continued he, ‘it is but just that you, who have saved our lives, should + share our festivity. Come here on the birthday of my Fatima: I will place + you in a balcony, which overlooks the garden, and you shall see the whole + spectacle. We shall have a <i>feast of tulips</i>, in imitation of that + which, as you know, is held in the grand seignior’s gardens. I assure you, + the sight will be worth seeing; and besides, you will have a chance of + beholding my Fatima, for a moment, without her veil.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That,’ interrupted I, ‘is the thing I most wish to avoid. I dare not + indulge myself in a pleasure which might cost me the happiness of my life. + I will conceal nothing from you, who treat me with so much confidence. I + have already beheld the charming countenance of your Fatima, but I know + that she is destined to be the wife of a happier man.’ + </p> + <p> + “Damat Zade seemed much pleased by the frankness with which I explained + myself; but he would not give up the idea of my sitting with him, in the + balcony, on the day of the feast of tulips; and I, on my part, could not + consent to expose myself to another view of the charming Fatima. My friend + used every argument, or rather every sort of persuasion, he could imagine + to prevail upon me: he then tried to laugh me out of my resolution; and, + when all failed, he said, in a voice of anger, ‘Go, then, Saladin; I am + sure you are deceiving me: you have a passion for some other woman, and + you would conceal it from me, and persuade me you refuse the favour I + offer you from prudence, when, in fact, it is from indifference and + contempt. Why could you not speak the truth of your heart to me with that + frankness with which one friend should treat another?’ + </p> + <p> + “Astonished at this unexpected charge, and at the anger which flashed from + the eyes of Damat Zade, who till this moment had always appeared to me a + man of a mild and reasonable temper, I was for an instant tempted to fly + into a passion and leave him: but friends, once lost, are not easily + regained. This consideration had power sufficient to make me command my + temper. ‘My friend,’ replied I, ‘we will talk over this affair to-morrow: + you are now angry, and cannot do me justice; but to-morrow you will be + cool: you will then be convinced that I have not deceived you; and that I + have no design but to secure my own happiness, by the most prudent means + in my power, by avoiding the sight of the dangerous Fatima. I have no + passion for any other woman.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then,’ said my friend, embracing me, and quitting the tone of anger + which he had assumed only to try my resolution to the utmost, ‘then, + Saladin, Fatima is yours.’ + </p> + <p> + “I scarcely dared to believe my senses! I could not express my joy! ‘Yes, + my friend,’ continued the merchant, ‘I have tried your prudence to the + utmost; it has been victorious, and I resign my Fatima to you, certain + that you will make her happy. It is true, I had a greater alliance in view + for her: the pacha of Maksoud has demanded her from me; but I have found, + upon private inquiry, he is addicted to the intemperate use of opium: and + my daughter shall never be the wife of one who is a violent madman one + half the day, and a melancholy idiot during the remainder. I have nothing + to apprehend from the pacha’s resentment, because I have powerful friends + with the grand vizier who will oblige him to listen to reason, and to + submit quietly to a disappointment he so justly merits. And now, Saladin, + have you any objection to seeing the feast of tulips?’ + </p> + <p> + “I replied only by falling at the merchant’s feet, and embracing his + knees. The feast of tulips came, and on that day I was married to the + charming Fatima! The charming Fatima I continue still to think her, though + she has now been my wife some years. She is the joy and pride of my heart; + and, from our mutual affection, I have experienced more felicity than from + all the other circumstances of my life, which are called so fortunate. Her + father gave me the house in which I now live, and joined his possessions + to ours; so that I have more wealth even than I desire. My riches, + however, give me continually the means of relieving the wants of others; + and therefore I cannot affect to despise them. I must persuade my brother + Murad to share them with me, and to forget his misfortunes: I shall then + think myself completely happy. As to the sultana’s looking-glass, and your + broken vase, my dear brother,” continued Saladin, “we must think of some + means——” + </p> + <p> + “Think no more of the sultana’s looking-glass, or of the broken vase,” + exclaimed the sultan, throwing aside his merchant’s habit, and showing + beneath it his own imperial vest. “Saladin, I rejoice to have heard, from + your own lips, the history of your life. I acknowledge, vizier, I have + been in the wrong, in our argument,” continued the sultan, turning to his + vizier. “I acknowledge that the histories of Saladin the Lucky, and Murad + the Unlucky, favour your opinion, that prudence has more influence than + chance in human affairs. The success and happiness of Saladin seem to me + to have arisen from his prudence: by that prudence, Constantinople has + been saved from flames, and from the plague. Had Murad possessed his + brother’s discretion, he would not have been on the point of losing his + head, for selling rolls which he did not bake: he would not have been + kicked by a mule, or bastinadoed for finding a ring: he would not have + been robbed by one party of soldiers, or shot by another: he would not + have been lost in a desert, or cheated by a Jew: he would not have set a + ship on fire; nor would he have caught the plague, and spread it through + Grand Cairo: he would not have run my sultana’s looking-glass through the + body, instead of a robber: he would not have believed that the fate of his + life depended on certain verses on a china vase: nor would he, at last, + have broken this precious talisman, by washing it with hot water. + Henceforward, let Murad the Unlucky be named Murad the Imprudent: let + Saladin preserve the surname he merits, and be henceforth called Saladin + the Prudent.” + </p> + <p> + So spake the sultan, who, unlike the generality of monarchs, could bear to + find himself in the wrong; and could discover his vizier to be in the + right, without cutting off his head. History farther informs us that the + sultan offered to make Saladin a pacha, and to commit to him the + government of a province; but Saladin the Prudent declined this honour, + saying he had no ambition, was perfectly happy in his present situation, + and that, when this was the case, it would be folly to change, because no + one can be more than happy. What farther adventures befel Murad the + Imprudent are not recorded; it is known only that he became a daily + visitor to the <i>Teriaky</i>; and that he died a martyr to the immoderate + use of opium. {Footnote: Those among the Turks who give themselves up to + an immoderate use of opium are easily to be distinguished by a sort of + rickety complaint, which this poison produces in course of time. Destined + to live agreeably only when in a sort of drunkenness, these men present a + curious spectacle, when they are assembled in a part of Constantinople + called Teriaky or Tcharkissy, the market of opium-eaters. It is there + that, towards the evening, you may see the lovers of opium arrive by the + different streets which terminate at the Solymania (the greatest mosque in + Constantinople): their pale and melancholy countenances would inspire only + compassion, did not their stretched necks, their heads twisted to the + right or left, their back-bones crooked, one shoulder up to their ears, + and a number of other whimsical attitudes, which are the consequences of + the disorder, present the most ludicrous and the most laughable picture.—<i>Vide</i> + De Tott’s Memoirs.} + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MANUFACTURERS + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + By patient persevering attention to business, Mr. John Darford succeeded + in establishing a considerable cotton manufactory, by means of which he + secured to himself in his old age what is called, or what he called, a + competent fortune. His ideas of a competent fortune were, indeed, rather + unfashionable; for they included, as he confessed, only the comforts and + conveniences, without any of the vanities of life. He went farther still + in his unfashionable singularities of opinion, for he was often heard to + declare that he thought a busy manufacturer might be as happy as any idle + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Darford had taken his two nephews, Charles and William, into + partnership with him: William, who had been educated by him, resembled him + in character, habits, and opinions. Always active and cheerful, he seemed + to take pride and pleasure in the daily exertions and care which his + situation, and the trust reposed in him, required. Far from being ashamed + of his occupations, he gloried in them; and the sense of duty was + associated in his mind with the idea of happiness. His cousin Charles, on + the contrary, felt his duty and his ideas of happiness continually at + variance: he had been brought up in an extravagant family, who considered + tradesmen and manufacturers as a <i>caste</i> disgraceful to polite + society. Nothing but the utter ruin of his father’s fortune could have + determined him to go into business. + </p> + <p> + He never applied to the affairs of the manufactory; he affected to think + his understanding above such vulgar concerns, and spent his days in + regretting that his brilliant merit was buried in obscurity. + </p> + <p> + He was sensible that he hazarded the loss of his uncle’s favour by the + avowal of his prejudices; yet such was his habitual conceit, that he could + not suppress frequent expressions of contempt for Mr. Darford’s liberal + notions. Whenever his uncle’s opinion differed from his own, he settled + the argument, as he fancied, by saying to himself or to his clerk, “My + uncle Darford knows nothing of the world: how should he, poor man! shut up + as he has been all his life in a counting-house?” + </p> + <p> + Nearly sixty years’ experience, which his uncle sometimes pleaded as an + apology for trusting to his own judgment, availed nothing in the opinion + of our prejudiced youth. Prejudiced youth, did we presume to say? Charles + would have thought this a very improper expression; for he had no idea + that any but old men could be prejudiced. Uncles, and fathers, and + grandfathers, were, as he thought, the race of beings peculiarly subject + to this mental malady; from which all young men, especially those who have + their boots made by a fashionable bootmaker, are of course exempt. + </p> + <p> + At length the time came when Charles was at liberty to follow his own + opinions: Mr. Darford died, and his fortune and manufactory were equally + divided between his two nephews. “Now,” said Charles, “I am no longer + chained to the oar. I will leave you, William, to do as you please, and + drudge on, day after day, in the manufactory, since that is your taste: + for my part, I have no genius for business. I shall take my pleasure; and + all I have to do is to pay some poor devil for doing my business for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid the poor devil will not do your business as well as you would + do it yourself,” said William: “you know the proverb of the master’s eye.” + </p> + <p> + “True! true! Very likely,” cried Charles, going to the window to look at a + regiment of dragoons galloping through the town; “but I have other + employment for my eyes. Do look at those fine fellows who are galloping + by! Did you ever see a handsomer uniform than the colonel’s? And what a + fine horse! ‘Gad! I wish I had a commission in the army: I should so like + to be in his place this minute.” + </p> + <p> + “This minute? Yes, perhaps, you would; because he has, as you say, a + handsome uniform and a fine horse: but all his minutes may not be like + this minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, William, that is almost as soberly said as my old uncle himself + could have spoken. See what it is to live shut up with old folks! You + catch all their ways, and grow old and wise before your time.” + </p> + <p> + “The danger of growing wise before my time does not alarm me much: but + perhaps, cousin, you feel that danger more than I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” said Charles, stretching himself still farther out of the window + to watch the dragoons, as they were forming on the parade in the + market-place. “I can only say, as I said before, that I wish I had been + put into the army instead of into this cursed cotton manufactory. Now the + army is a genteel profession, and I own I have spirit enough to make it my + first object to look and live like a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “And I have spirit enough,” replied William, “to make it my first object + to look and live like an independent man; and I think a manufacturer, whom + you despise so much, may be perfectly independent. I am sure, for my part, + I am heartily obliged to my uncle for breeding me up to business; for now + I am at no man’s orders; no one can say to me, ‘Go to the east, or go to + the west; march here, or march there; fire upon this man, or run your + bayonet into that.’ I do not think the honour and pleasure of wearing a + red coat, or of having what is called a genteel profession, would make me + amends for all that a soldier must suffer, if he does his duty. Unless it + were for the defence of my country, for which I hope and believe I should + fight as well as another, I cannot say that I should like to be hurried + away from my wife and children, to fight a battle against people with whom + I have no quarrel, and in a cause which perhaps I might not approve of.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as you say, William, you that have a wife and children are quite in + a different situation from me. You cannot leave them, of course. Thank my + stars, I am still at liberty, and I shall take care and keep myself so: my + plan is to live for myself, and to have as much pleasure as I possibly + can.” + </p> + <p> + Whether this plan of living for himself was compatible with the hopes of + having as much pleasure as possible, we leave it to the heads and hearts + of our readers to decide. In the mean time we must proceed with his + history. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this conversation had passed between the two partners, another + opportunity occurred of showing their characters still more distinctly. + </p> + <p> + A party of ladies and gentlemen, travellers, came to the town, and wished + to see the manufactories there. They had letters of recommendation to the + Mr. Darfords; and William, with great good-nature, took them to see their + works. He pointed out to them, with honest pride, the healthy countenances + of the children whom they employed. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said he, “that we cannot be reproached with sacrificing the + health and happiness of our fellow-creatures to our own selfish and + mercenary views. My good uncle took all the means in his power to make + every person concerned in this manufactory as happy as possible; and I + hope we shall follow his example. I am sure the riches of both the Indies + could not satisfy me, if my conscience reproached me with having gained + wealth by unjustifiable means. If these children were over-worked, or if + they had not fresh air and wholesome food, it would be the greatest misery + to me to come into this room and look at them. I could not do it. But, on + the contrary, knowing, as I do, that they are well treated and well + provided for in every respect, I feel joy and pride in coming amongst + them, and in bringing my friends here.” + </p> + <p> + William’s eyes sparkled, as he thus spoke the generous sentiments of his + heart; but Charles, who had thought himself obliged to attend the ladies + of the party to see the manufactory, evidently showed he was ashamed of + being considered as a partner. William, with perfect simplicity, went on + to explain every part of the machinery, and the whole process of the + manufacture; whilst his cousin Charles, who thought he should that way + show his superior liberality and politeness, every now and then interposed + with, “Cousin, I’m afraid we are keeping the ladies too long standing. + Cousin, this noise must certainly annoy the ladies horridly. Cousin, all + this sort of thing cannot be very interesting, I apprehend, to the ladies. + Besides, they won’t have time, at this rate, to see the china-works; which + is a style of thing more to their taste, I presume.” + </p> + <p> + The fidgeting impatience of our hero was extreme; till at last he gained + his point, and hurried the ladies away to the china-works. Amongst these + ladies there was one who claimed particular attention, Miss Maude + Germaine, an <i>elderly young lady</i>, who, being descended from a high + family, thought herself entitled to be proud. She was yet more vain than + proud, and found her vanity in some degree gratified by the officious + attention of her new acquaintance, though she affected to ridicule him to + her companions, when she could do so unobserved. She asked them, in a + whisper, how they liked her new cicerone; and whether he did not show the + lions very prettily, considering who and what he was? + </p> + <p> + It has been well observed “that people are never ridiculous by what they + are, but by what they pretend to be.” {Footnote: Rochefoucault} These + ladies, with the best dispositions imaginable for sarcasm, could find + nothing to laugh at in Mr. William Darford’s plain unassuming manners; as + he did not pretend to be a fine gentleman, there was no absurd contrast + between his circumstances and his conversation; while almost every word, + look, or motion of his cousin was an object of ridicule, because it was + affected. His being utterly unconscious of his foibles, and perfectly + secure in the belief of his own gentility, increased the amusement of the + company. Miss Maude Germaine undertook to play him off, but she took + sufficient care to prevent his suspecting her design. As they were + examining the beautiful china, she continually appealed to Mr. Charles + Darford, as a man of taste; and he, with awkward gallantry, and still more + awkward modesty, always began his answers by protesting he was sure Miss + Maude Germaine was infinitely better qualified to decide in such matters + than he was: he had not the smallest pretensions to taste; but that, in + his humble opinion, the articles she pitched upon were evidently the most + superior in elegance, and certainly of the newest fashion. “Fashion, you + know, ladies, is all in all in these things, as in every thing else.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Germaine, with a degree of address which afforded much amusement to + herself and her companions, led him to extol or reprobate whatever she + pleased; and she made him pronounce an absurd eulogium on the ugliest + thing in the room, by observing it was vastly like what her friend, Lady + Mary Crawley, had just bought for her chimney-piece. + </p> + <p> + Not content with showing she could make our man of taste decide as she + thought proper, she was determined to prove that she could make him + reverse his own decisions, and contradict himself, as often as she + pleased. They were at this instant standing opposite to two vases of + beautiful workmanship. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” whispered she to one of her companions, “I will lay you any wager I + first make him say that both those vases are frightful; then that they are + charming; afterward that he does not know which he likes best; next, that + no person of any taste can hesitate betwixt them; and at last, when he has + pronounced his decided humble opinion, he shall reverse his judgment, and + protest he meant to say quite the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + All this the lady accomplished much to her satisfaction and to that of her + friends; and so blind and deaf is self-love, our hero neither heard nor + saw that he was the object of derision. William, however, was rather more + clear-sighted; and as he could not bear to see his cousin make himself the + butt of the company, he interrupted the conversation, by begging the + ladies would come into another room to look at the manner in which the + china was painted. Charles, with a contemptuous smile, observed that the + ladies would probably find the odour of the paint rather too much for + their nerves. Full of the sense of his own superior politeness, he + followed; since it was determined that they must go, as he said, <i>nolens + volens.</i> He did not hear Miss Germaine whisper to her companions as + they passed, “Can any thing in nature be much more ridiculous than a + vulgar manufacturer, who sets up for a fine gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + Amongst the persons who were occupied in painting a set of china with + flowers, there was one who attracted particular attention, by the ease and + quickness with which she worked. An iris of her painting was produced, + which won the admiration of all the spectators; and whilst Charles was + falling into ecstasies about the merit of the painting, and the perfection + to which the arts are now carried in England, William was observing the + flushed and unhealthy countenance of the young artist. He stopped to + advise her not to overwork herself, to beg she would not sit in a draught + of wind where she was placed, and to ask her, with much humanity, several + questions concerning her health and her circumstances. Whilst he was + speaking to her, he did not perceive that he had set his foot by accident + on Miss Germaine’s gown; and, as she walked hastily on, it was torn in a + deplorable manner. Charles apologized for his cousin’s extreme absence of + mind and rudeness; and with a candid condescension added, “Ladies, you + must not think ill of my cousin William, because he is not quite so much + your humble servant as I am: notwithstanding his little rusticities, want + of polish, gallantry, and so forth, things that are not in every man’s + power, I can assure you there is not a better man in the world; except + that he is so entirely given up to business, which indeed ruins a man for + every thing else.” + </p> + <p> + The apologist little imagined he was at this moment infinitely more + awkward and ill-bred than the person whom he affected to pity and to + honour with his protection. Our hero continued to be upon the best terms + possible with himself and with Miss Maude Germaine, during the remainder + of this day. He discovered that this lady intended to pass a fortnight + with a relation of hers in the town of ——. He waited upon her + the next day, to give her an account of the manner in which he had + executed some commissions about the choice of china with which she had + honoured him. + </p> + <p> + One visit led to another, and Charles Darford was delighted to find + himself admitted into the society of such very genteel persons. At first, + he was merely proud of being acquainted with a lady of Miss Maude + Germaine’s importance, and contented himself with boasting of it to all + his acquaintance; by degrees, he became more audacious; he began to fancy + himself in love with her, and to flatter himself she would not prove + inexorable. The raillery of some of his companions piqued him to make good + his boast; and he determined to pay his addresses to a lady, who, they all + agreed, could never think of a man in business. + </p> + <p> + Our hero was not entirely deluded by his vanity: the lady’s coquetry + contributed to encourage his hopes. Though she always spoke of him to her + friends as a person whom it was impossible she could ever think of for a + moment, yet as soon as he made a declaration of his love to her, she began + to consider that a manufacturer might have common sense, and even some + judgment and taste. Her horror of people in business continued in full + force; but she began to allow there was no general rule that did not admit + of an exception. When her female friends laughed, following the example + she had set them, at Charles Darford, her laughter became fainter than + theirs; and she was one evening heard to ask a stranger, who saw him for + the first time, whether that young gentleman looked as if he was in + business? + </p> + <p> + Sundry matters began to operate in our hero’s favour, precedents, + opportunely produced by her waiting-maid, of ladies of the first families + in England, ladies even of the first fashion, who had married into + mercantile houses; a present, too, from her admirer of the beautiful china + vase, of which she had so often made him change his opinion, had its due + effect; but the preponderating motive was the dread of dying an old maid, + if she did not accept of this offer. + </p> + <p> + After various airs, and graces, and doubts, and disdains, this, fair lady + consented to make her lover happy, on the express condition that he should + change his name from Darford to Germaine, that he should give up all share + in the odious cotton manufactory, and that he should purchase the estate + of Germaine-park, in Northamptonshire, to part with which, as it luckily + happened, some of her great relations were compelled. + </p> + <p> + In the folly of his joy, at the prospect of an alliance with the great + Germaine family, he promised every thing that was required of him, + notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friend William, who represented + to him, in the forcible language of common sense, the inconveniences of + marrying into a family that would despise him; and of uniting himself to + such an old coquette as Miss Germaine, who would make him not only a + disagreeable but a most extravagant wife. + </p> + <p> + “Do you not see,” said he, “that she has not the least affection for you? + she marries you only because she despairs of getting any other match; and + because you are rich, and she is poor. She is seven years older than you, + by her own confession, and consequently will be an old woman whilst you + are a young man. She is, as you see—I mean as I see—vain and + proud in the extreme; and if she honours you with her hand, she will think + you can never do enough to make her amends for having married beneath her + pretensions. Instead of finding in her, as I find in my wife, the best and + most affectionate of friends, you will find her your torment through life; + and consider, this is a torment likely to last these thirty or forty + years. Is it not worth while to pause—to reflect for as many + minutes, or even days?” + </p> + <p> + Charles paused double the number of seconds, perhaps, and then replied, + “You have married to please yourself, cousin William, and I shall marry to + please myself. As I don’t mean to spend my days in the same style in which + you do, the same sort of wife that makes you happy could never content me. + I mean to make some figure in the world; I know no other use of fortune; + and an alliance with the Germaines brings me at once into fashionable + society. Miss Maude Germaine is very proud, I confess; but she has some + reason to be proud of her family; and then, you see, her love for me + conquers her pride, great as it is.” + </p> + <p> + William sighed when he saw the extent of his cousin’s folly. The + partnership between the two Darfords was dissolved. + </p> + <p> + It cost our hero much money but no great trouble to get his name changed + from Darford to Germaine; and it was certainly very disadvantageous to his + pecuniary interest to purchase Germaine-park, which was sold to him for at + least three years’ purchase more than its value: but, in the height of his + impatience to get into the fashionable world, all prudential motives + appeared beneath his consideration. It was, as he fancied, part of the + character of a man of spirit, the character he was now to assume and + support for life, to treat pecuniary matters as below his notice. He + bought Germaine-park, married Miss Germaine, and determined no mortal + should ever find out, by his equipages or style of life, that he had not + been born the possessor of this estate. + </p> + <p> + In this laudable resolution, it cannot possibly be doubted but that his + bride encouraged him to the utmost of her power. She was eager to leave + the county where his former friends and acquaintance resided; for they + were people with whom, of course, it could not be expected that she should + keep up any manner of intercourse. Charles, in whose mind vanity at this + moment smothered every better feeling, was in reality glad of a pretext + for breaking off all connexion with those whom he had formerly loved. He + went to take leave of William in a fine chariot, on which the Germaine + arms were ostentatiously blazoned. That real dignity, which arises from a + sense of independence of mind, appeared in William’s manners; and quite + overawed and abashed our hero, in the midst of all his finery and airs. “I + hope, cousin William,” said Charles, “when you can spare time, though, to + be sure, that is a thing hardly to be expected, as you are situated; but, + in case you should be able any ways to make it convenient, I hope you will + come and take a look at what we are doing at Germaine-park.” + </p> + <p> + There was much awkward embarrassment in the enunciation of this feeble + invitation: for Charles was conscious he did not desire it should be + accepted, and that it was made in direct opposition to the wishes of his + bride. He was at once relieved from his perplexity, and at the same time + mortified, by the calm simplicity with which William replied, “I thank + you, cousin, for this invitation; but you know I should be an encumbrance + to you at Germaine-park: and I make it a rule neither to go into any + company that would be ashamed of me, or of which I should be ashamed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ashamed of you! But—What an idea, my dear William! Surely you don’t + think—you can’t imagine—I should ever consider you as any sort + of encumbrance?—I protest——” + </p> + <p> + “Save yourself the trouble of protesting, my dear Charles,” cried William, + smiling with much good-nature: “I know why you are so much embarrassed at + this instant; and I do not attribute this to any want of affection for me. + We are going to lead quite different lives. I wish you all manner of + satisfaction. Perhaps the time may come when I shall be able to contribute + to your happiness more than I can at present.” + </p> + <p> + Charles uttered some unmeaning phrases, and hurried to his carriage. At + the sight of its varnished panels he recovered his self-complacency and + courage, and began to talk fluently about chariots and horses, whilst the + children of the family followed to take leave of him, saying, “Are you + going quite away, Charles? Will you never come back to play with us, as + you used to do?” Charles stepped into his carriage with as much dignity as + he could assume; which, indeed, was very little. William, who judged of + his friends always with the most benevolent indulgence, excused the want + of feeling which Charles betrayed during this visit. “My dear,” said he to + his wife, who expressed some indignation at the slight shown to their + children, “we must forgive him; for, you know, a man cannot well think of + more than one thing at a time; and the one thing that he is thinking of is + his fine chariot. The day will come when he will think more of fine + children; at least I hope so, for his own sake.” + </p> + <p> + And now, behold our hero in all his glory; shining upon the + Northamptonshire world in the splendour of his new situation! The dress, + the equipage, the entertainments, and, above all, the airs of the bride + and bridegroom, were the general subject of conversation in the county for + ten days. Our hero, not precisely knowing what degree of importance Mr. + Germaine, of Germaine-park, was entitled to assume, out-Germained + Germaine. + </p> + <p> + The country gentlemen first stared, then laughed, and at last unanimously + agreed, over their bottle, that this new neighbour of theirs was an + upstart, who ought to be kept down: and that a vulgar manufacturer should + not be allowed to give himself airs merely because he had married a proud + lady of good family. It was obvious, they said, he was not born for the + situation in which he now appeared. They remarked and ridiculed the + ostentation with which he displayed every luxury in his house; his habit + of naming the price of every thing, to enforce its claim to admiration; + his affected contempt for economy; his anxiety to connect himself with + persons of rank, joined to his ignorance of the genealogy of nobility, and + the strange mistakes he made between old and new titles. + </p> + <p> + Certain little defects in his manners, and some habitual vulgarisms in his + conversation, exposed him also to the derision of his well-bred + neighbours. Mr. Germaine saw that the gentlemen of the county were leagued + against him; but he had neither temper nor knowledge of the world + sufficient to wage this unequal war. The meanness with which he + alternately attempted to court and to bully his adversaries, shewed them, + at once, the full extent of their power and of his weakness. Things were + in this position when our hero unluckily affronted Mr. Cole, one of the + proudest gentlemen in the county, by mistaking him for a merchant of the + same name; and, under this mistake, neglecting to return his visit. A few + days afterwards at a public dinner, Mr. Cole and Mr. Germaine had some + high words, which were repeated by the persons present in various manners; + and this dispute became the subject of conversation in the county, + particularly amongst the ladies. Each related, according to her fancy, + what her husband had told her; and as these husbands had drunk a good + deal, they had not a perfectly clear recollection of what had passed, so + that the whole and every part of the conversation was exaggerated. The + fair judges, averse as they avowed their feelings were to duelling, were + clearly of opinion, among themselves, that a real gentleman would + certainly have called Mr. Cole to account for the words he uttered, though + none of them could agree what those words were. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine’s female friends, in their coteries, were the first to + deplore, with becoming sensibility, that she should be married to a man + who had so little the spirit as well as the manners of a man of birth. + Their pity became progressively vehement the more they thought of, or at + least the more they talked of, the business; till at last one old lady, + the declared and intimate friend of Mrs. Germaine, unintentionally, and in + the heat of tattle, made use of one phrase that led to another, and + another, till she betrayed, in conversation with that lady, the gossiping + scandal of these female circles. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine, piqued as her pride was, and though she had little + affection for her husband, would have shuddered with horror to have + imagined him in the act of fighting a duel, and especially at her + instigation; yet of this very act she became the cause. In their domestic + quarrels, her tongue was ungovernable: and at such moments, the malice of + husbands and wives often appears to exceed the hatred of the worst of + foes; and, in the ebullition of her vengeance, when his reproaches had + stung her beyond the power of her temper to support, unable to stop her + tongue, she vehemently told him he was a coward, who durst not so talk to + a man! He had proved himself a coward; and was become the by-word and + contempt of the whole county! Even women despised his cowardice! + </p> + <p> + However astonishing it may appear to those who are unacquainted with the + nature of quarrels between man and wife, it is but too certain that such + quarrels have frequently led to the most fatal consequences. The agitation + of mind which Mrs. Germaine suffered the moment she could recollect what + she had so rashly said, her vain endeavours to prove to herself that, so + provoked, she could not say less, and the sudden effect which she plainly + saw her words had produced upon her husband, were but a part of the + punishment that always follows conduct and contentions so odious. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Germaine gazed at her a few moments with wildness in his eyes; his + countenance expressed the stupefaction of rage: he spoke not a word; but + started at length, and snatched up his hat. She was struck with panic + terror, gave a scream, sprang after him, caught him by the coat, and, with + the most violent protestations, denied the truth of all she had said. The + look he gave her cannot be described; he rudely plucked the skirt from her + grasp, and rushed out of the house. + </p> + <p> + All day and all night she neither saw nor heard of him: in the morning he + was brought home, accompanied by a surgeon, in the carriage of a gentleman + who had been his second, dangerously wounded. + </p> + <p> + He was six weeks confined to his bed; and, in the first moment of doubt + expressed by the surgeon for his life, she expressed contrition which was + really sincere: but, as he recovered, former bickerings were renewed; and + the terms on which they lived gradually became what they had been. + </p> + <p> + Neither did his duel regain that absurd reputation for which he fought; it + was malignantly said he had neither the courage to face a man, nor the + understanding to govern a wife. + </p> + <p> + Still, however, Mrs. Germaine consoled herself with the belief that the + most shocking circumstance of his having been partner in a manufactory was + a profound secret. Alas! the fatal moment arrived when she was to be + undeceived in this her last hope. Soon after Mr. Germaine recovered from + his wounds she gave a splendid bail, to which the neighbouring nobility + and gentry were invited. She made it a point, with all her acquaintance, + to come on this grand night. + </p> + <p> + The more importance the Germaines set upon success, and the more anxiety + they betrayed, the more their enemies enjoyed the prospect of their + mortification. All the young belles, who had detested Miss Maude Germaine + for the airs she used to give herself at county assemblies, now leagued to + prevent their admirers from accepting her invitation. All the married + ladies whom she had outshone in dress and equipage, protested they were + not equal to keep up an acquaintance with such prodigiously fine people; + and that, for their part, they must make a rule not to accept of such + expensive entertainments, as it was not in their power to return them. + </p> + <p> + Some persons of consequence in the county kept their determination in + doubt, suffered themselves to be besieged daily with notes and messages, + and hopes that their imaginary coughs, head-aches, and influenzas, were + better, and that they would find themselves able to venture out on the + 15th. When the coughs, head-aches, and influenzas, could hold out no + longer, these ingenious tormentors devised new pretexts for supposing it + would be impossible to do themselves the honour of accepting Mr. and Mrs. + Germaine’s obliging invitation on the 15th. Some had recourse to the + roads, and others to the moon. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine, whose pride was now compelled to make all manner of + concessions, changed her night from the 15th to the 20th, to insure a full + moon to those timorous damsels whom she had known to go home nine miles + from a ball the darkest night imaginable, without scruple or complaint. + Mr. Germaine, at his own expense, mended some spots in the roads, which + were obstacles to the delicacy of other travellers; and when all this was + accomplished, the haughty leaders of the county fashions condescended to + promise they would do themselves the pleasure to wait upon Mr. and Mrs. + Germaine on the 20th. + </p> + <p> + Their cards of acceptation were shown with triumph by the Germaines; but + it was a triumph of short duration. With all the refinement of cruelty, + they gave hopes which they never meant to fulfil. On the morning, noon, + and night, of the 20th, notes poured in with apologies, or rather with + excuses, for not keeping their engagements. Scarcely one was burnt, before + another arrived. Mrs. Germaine could not command her temper; and she did + not spare her husband in this trying moment. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of some company for the ball interrupted a warm dispute + between the happy pair. The ball was very thinly attended; the guests + looked as if they were more inclined to yawn than to dance. The supper + table was not half filled; and the profusion with which it was laid out + was forlorn and melancholy: every thing was on too grand a scale for the + occasion; wreaths of flowers, and pyramids, and triumphal arches, + sufficient for ten times as many guests! Even the most inconsiderate could + not help comparing the trouble and expense incurred by the entertainment + with the small quantity of pleasure it produced. Most of the guests rose + from table, whispering to one another, as they looked at the + scarcely-tasted dishes, “What a waste! What a pity! Poor Mrs. Germaine! + What a melancholy sight this must be to her!” + </p> + <p> + The next day, a mock heroic epistle, in verse, in the character of Mrs. + Germaine, to one of her noble relations, giving an account of her ball and + disappointment, was handed about, and innumerable copies were taken. It + was written with some humour and great ill-nature. The good old lady who + occasioned the duel, thought it but friendly to show Mrs. Germaine a copy + of it; and to beg she would keep it out of her husband’s way: it might be + the cause of another duel! Mrs. Germaine, in spite of all her endeavours + to conceal her vexation, was obviously so much hurt by this mock heroic + epistle, that the laughers were encouraged to proceed; and the next week a + ballad, entitled, “THE MANUFACTURER TURNED GENTLEMAN,” was circulated with + the same injunctions to secresy, and the same success. Mr. and Mrs. + Germaine, perceiving themselves to be the objects of continual enmity and + derision, determined to leave the county. Germaine-park was forsaken; a + house in London was bought; and, for a season or two, our hero was amused + with the gaieties of the town, and gratified by finding himself actually + moving in that sphere of life to which he had always aspired. But he soon + perceived that the persons whom, at a distance, he had regarded as objects + of admiration and envy, upon a nearer view were capable of exciting only + contempt or pity. Even in the company of honourable and right honourable + men, he was frequently overpowered with <i>ennui</i>; and, amongst all the + fine acquaintances with which his fine wife crowded his fine house, he + looked in vain for a friend: he looked in vain for a William Darford. + </p> + <p> + One evening, at Ranelagh, Charles happened to hear the name of Mr. William + Darford pronounced by a lady who was walking behind him: he turned eagerly + to look at her; but, though he had a confused recollection of having seen + her face before, he could not remember when or where he had met with her. + He felt a wish to speak to her, that he might hear something of those + friends whom he had neglected, but not forgotten. He was not, however, + acquainted with any of the persons with whom she was walking, and was + obliged to give up his purpose. When she left the room, he followed her, + in hopes of learning, from her servants, who she was; but she had no + servants—no carriage! + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine, who clearly inferred she was a person of no consequence, + besought her husband not to make any further inquiries. “I beg, Mr. + Germaine, you will not gratify your curiosity about the Darfords at my + expense. I shall have a whole tribe of vulgar people upon my hands, if you + do not take care. The Darfords, you know, are quite out of our line of + life; especially in town.” + </p> + <p> + This remonstrance had a momentary effect upon Mr. Germaine’s vanity; but a + few days afterwards he met the same lady in the park, attended by Mr. + William Darford’s old servant. Regardless of his lady’s representations, + he followed the suggestions of his own heart, and eagerly stopped the man + to inquire after his friends in the most affectionate manner. The servant, + who was pleased to see that Charles was not grown quite so much a fine + gentleman as to forget all his friends in the country, became very + communicative; he told Mr. Germaine that the lady, whom he was attending, + was a Miss Locke, governess to Mr. William Darford’s children; and that + she was now come to town to spend a few days with a relation, who had been + very anxious to see her. This relation was not either rich or genteel; and + though our hero used every persuasion to prevail upon his lady to show + Miss Locke some civility whilst she was in town, he could not succeed. + Mrs. Germaine repeated her former phrase, again and again, “The Darfords + are quite out of our line of life;” and this was the only reason she would + give. + </p> + <p> + Charles was disgusted by the obstinacy of his wife’s pride, and indulged + his better feelings by going frequently to visit Miss Locke. She stayed, + however, but a fortnight in town; and the idea of his friends, which had + been strongly recalled by his conversations with her, gradually faded + away. He continued the course of life into which he had been forced, + rather from inability to stop than from inclination to proceed. Their + winters were spent in dissipation in town; their summers wasted at + watering-places, or in visits to fine relations, who were tired of their + company, and who took but little pains to conceal this sentiment. Those + who do not live happily at home can seldom contrive to live respectably + abroad. Mr. and Mrs. Germaine could not purchase esteem, and never earned + it from the world or from one another. Their mutual contempt increased + every day. Only those who have lived with bosom friends whom they despise + can fully comprehend the extent and intensity of the evil. + </p> + <p> + We spare our readers the painful detail of domestic grievances and the + petty mortifications of vanity: from the specimens we have already given + they may form some idea, but certainly not a competent one, of the manner + in which this ill-matched pair continued to live together for twelve long + years. Twelve long years! The imagination cannot distinctly represent such + a period of domestic suffering; though, to the fancy of lovers, the + eternal felicity to be ensured by their union is an idea perfectly + familiar and intelligible. Perhaps, if we could bring our minds to dwell + more upon the hours, and less upon the years of existence, we should make + fewer erroneous judgments. Our hero and heroine would never have chained + themselves together for life, if they could have formed an adequate + picture of the hours contained in the everlasting period of twelve years + of wrangling. During this time, scarcely an hour, certainly not a day, + passed in which they did not, directly or indirectly, reproach one + another; and tacitly form, or explicitly express, the wish that they had + never been joined in holy wedlock. + </p> + <p> + They, however, had a family. Children are either the surest bonds of union + between parents, or the most dangerous causes of discord. If parents agree + in opinion as to the management of their children, they must be a + continually increasing source of pleasure; but where the father + counteracts the mother, and the mother the father—where the children + cannot obey or caress either of their parents without displeasing the + other, what can they become but wretched little hypocrites, or detestable + little tyrants? + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Germaine had two children, a boy and a girl. From the moment + of their birth, they became subjects of altercation and jealousy. The + nurses were obliged to decide whether the infants were most like the + father or the mother: two nurses lost their places, by giving what was, in + Mr. Germaine’s opinion, an erroneous decision upon this important + question. Every stranger who came to pay a visit was obliged to submit to + a course of interrogations on this subject; and afterwards, to their utter + confusion, saw biting of lips, and tossing of heads, either on the + paternal or maternal side. At last, it was established that Miss Maude was + the most like her mamma, and master Charles the most like his papa. Miss + Maude, of course, became the faultless darling of her mother, and master + Charles the mutinous favourite of his father. A comparison between their + features, gestures, and manners, was daily instituted, and always ended in + words of scorn, from one party or the other. Even whilst they were + pampering these children with sweetmeats, or inflaming them with wine, the + parents had always the same mean and selfish views. The mother, before she + would let her Maude taste the sweetmeats, insisted upon the child’s + lisping out that she loved mamma best; and before the little Charles was + permitted to carry the bumper of wine to his lips, he was compelled to say + he loved papa best. In all their childish quarrels, Maude ran roaring to + her mamma, and Charles sneaked up to his papa. + </p> + <p> + As the interests of the children were so deeply concerned in the question, + it was quickly discovered who ruled in the house with the strongest hand. + Mr. Germaine’s influence over his son diminished, as soon as the boy was + clearly convinced that his sister, by adhering to her mamma, enjoyed a + larger share of the good things. He was wearied out by the incessant + rebuffs of the nursery-maids, who were all in their lady’s interests; and + he endeavoured to find grace in their sight, by recanting all the + declarations he had made in his father’s favour. “I don’t like papa best + now: I love mamma best to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, master, but you must love mamma best every day, or it won’t do, I + promise you.” + </p> + <p> + By such a course of nursery precepts, these unfortunate children were + taught equivocation, falsehood, envy, jealousy, and every fault of temper + which could render them insupportable to themselves, and odious to others. + Those who have lived in the house with spoiled children must have a lively + recollection of the degree of torment they can inflict upon all who are + within sight or hearing. These domestic plagues became more and more + obnoxious; and Mrs. Germaine, in the bitterness of her heart, was heard to + protest she wished she had never had a child! Children were pretty things + at three years old, but began to be great plagues at six, and were quite + intolerable at ten. + </p> + <p> + Schools, and tutors, and governesses, were tried without number; but those + capricious changes served only to render the pupils still more + unmanageable. At length Mr. and Mrs. Germaine’s children became so + notoriously troublesome, that every body dreaded the sight of them. + </p> + <p> + One summer, when Mrs. Germaine was just setting out on a visit to my Lady + Mary Crawley, when the carriage was actually at the door, and the trunks + tied on, an express arrived from her ladyship with a letter, stipulating + that neither Miss Maude nor Master Charles should be of the party. Lady + Mary declared she had suffered so much from their noise, quarrelling, and + refractory tempers when they were with her the preceding summer, that she + could not undergo such a trial again; that their mother’s nerves might + support such things, but that hers really could not: besides, she could + not, in justice and politeness to the other friends who were to be in her + house, suffer them to be exposed to such torments. Lady Mary Crawlev did + not give herself any trouble to soften her expressions, because she would + have been really glad if they had given offence, and if Mrs. Germaine had + resented her conduct, by declining to pay that annual visit which was now + become, in the worst sense of the word, visitation. To what meanness proud + people are often forced to submit! Rather than break her resolution never + to spend another summer at her own country seat, Mrs. Germaine submitted + to all the haughtiness of her Leicestershire relations, and continued + absolutely to force upon them visits which she knew to be unwelcome. + </p> + <p> + But what was to be done about her children! The first thing, of course, + was to reproach her husband. “You see, Mr. Germaine, the effect of the + pretty education you have given that boy of yours. I am sure, if he had + not gone with us last summer into Leicestershire, my Maude would not have + been in the least troublesome to Lady Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, my dear, I have heard Lady Mary herself say, twenty + times, that Charles was the best of the two; and I am persuaded, if Maude + had been away, the boy would have become quite a favourite.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are utterly mistaken, I can assure you, my dear; for you know + you are no great favourite of Lady Mary’s yourself; and I have often heard + her say that Charles is your image.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very extraordinary that all your great relations show us so little + civility, my dear. They do not seem to have much regard for you.” + </p> + <p> + “They have regard enough for me, and showed it formerly; but of late, to + be sure, I confess, things are altered. They never have been so cordial + since my marriage, and, all things considered, I scarcely know how to + blame them.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Germaine bowed, by way of thanking his lady for this compliment. She + besought him not to bow so like a man behind a counter, if he could + possibly help it. He replied, it became him to submit to be schooled by a + wife, who was often taken for his mother. At length, when every species of + reproach, mental and personal, which conjugal antipathy could suggest, had + been exhausted, the orators recurred to the business of the day, and to + the question, “What is to be done with the children whilst we are at Lady + Mary Crawley’s?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + In this embarrassment we must leave the Germaines for the present, and + refresh ourselves with a look at a happy circle—the family of Mr. + Darford, where there is no discordance of opinions, of tastes, or of + tempers; none of those evils which arise sometimes from the disappointment + and sometimes from the gratification of vanity and pride. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Darford succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations in the + management of his business. Wealth poured in upon him; but he considered + wealth, like a true philosopher, only as one of the means of happiness: he + did not become prodigal or avaricious; neither did he ever feel the + slightest ambition to quit his own station in society. He never attempted + to purchase from people of superior rank admission into their circles, by + giving luxurious and ostentatious entertainments. He possessed a sturdy + sense of his own value, and commanded a species of respect very different + from that which is paid to the laced livery or the varnished equipage. + </p> + <p> + The firmness of his character was, however, free from all severity: he + knew how to pardon in others the weakness and follies from which he was + himself exempt. Though his cousin was of such a different character, and + though, since his marriage, Mr. Germaine had neglected his old friends, + William felt more compassion for his unhappiness than resentment for his + faults. In the midst of his own family, William would often say, “I wish + poor Charles may ever be as happy as we are!” Frequently, in his letters + to London correspondents, he desired them to inquire, privately, how Mr. + Germaine went on. + </p> + <p> + For some time he heard of nothing but his extravagance, and of the + entertainments given to the fine world by Mrs. Germaine; but in the course + of a few years, his correspondents hinted that Mr. Germaine began to be + distressed for money, and that this was a secret which had been + scrupulously kept from his lady, as scrupulously as she concealed from him + her losses at play. Mr. Darford also learned from a correspondent who was + intimately acquainted with one of Mrs. Germaine’s friends, that this lady + lived upon very bad terms with her husband; and that her children were + terribly spoiled by the wretched education they received. + </p> + <p> + These accounts gave William sincere concern: far from triumphing in the + accomplishing of his prophecies, he never once recalled them to the memory + even of his own family; all his thoughts were intent upon saving his + friend from future pain. + </p> + <p> + One day, as he was sitting with his family round their cheerful tea-table, + his youngest boy, who had climbed upon his knees, exclaimed, “Papa! what + makes you so very grave to-night? You are not at all like yourself! What + can make you sorry?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear little boy,” said his father, “I was thinking of a letter I + received to-day from London.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish those letters would never come, for they always make you look sad, + and make you sigh! Mamma, why do you not desire the servants not to bring + papa any more such letters? What did this letter say to you, papa, to make + you so grave?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said his father, smiling at the child’s simplicity, “this + letter told me that your little cousin Charles is not quite so good a boy + as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, papa, I will tell you what to do: send our Miss Locke to cousin + Charles, and she will soon make him very good.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say she would,” replied the father, laughing: “but, my dear boy, I + cannot send Miss Locke; and I am afraid she would not like to go: besides, + we should be rather sorry to part with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, papa, suppose you were to send for my cousin; and Miss Locke could + take care of him here, without leaving us?” + </p> + <p> + “Could take care of him—true; but would she? If you can prevail upon + her to do so, I will send for your cousin.” + </p> + <p> + The proposal, though playfully made, was seriously accepted by Miss Locke: + and the more willingly, as she remembered, with gratitude, the attention + Mr. Germaine had paid to her some years before, when with poor relations + in London. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Darford wrote immediately, to invite his cousin’s children to his + house; and the invitation was most gladly accepted, for it was received + the very day when Mr. and Mrs. Germaine were so much embarrassed by Lady + Mary Crawley’s absolute refusal to admit these children into her house. + Mrs. Germaine was not too proud to accept of favours from those whom she + had treated as beneath her acquaintance, “quite out of her line of life!” + She despatched her children directly to Mr. Darford’s; and Miss Locke + undertook the care of them. It was not an easy or agreeable task; but she + had great obligations to Mrs. Darford, and was rejoiced at finding an + opportunity of showing her gratitude. + </p> + <p> + Miss Locke was the young woman whose painting of an iris had been admired + by Charles and by Miss Maude Germaine when they visited the china works, + thirteen or fourteen years before this time. She was at that period very + ill, and in great distress: her father had been a bankrupt, and to earn + bread for herself and her sisters she was obliged to work harder than her + health and strength allowed. Probably she would have fallen a sacrifice to + her exertions, if she had not been saved by the humanity of Mr. Darford; + and, fortunately for him, he was married to a woman who sympathized in all + his generous feelings, and who assisted him in every benevolent action. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Darford, after making sufficient inquiries as to the truth of the + story, and the character of the girl, was so much pleased with all she + heard of her merit, and so much touched by her misfortunes, that she took + Miss Locke into her family to teach her daughters to draw. She well knew + that a sense of dependence is one of the greatest evils; and she was + careful to relieve the person whom she obliged from this painful feeling, + by giving her an opportunity of being daily useful to her benefactress. + Miss Locke soon recovered her health: she perceived she might be + serviceable in teaching the children of the family many things besides + drawing; and, with unremitting perseverance, she informed her own mind, + that she might be able to instruct her pupils. Year after year she pursued + this plan; and was rewarded by the esteem and affection of the happy + family in which she lived. + </p> + <p> + But though Miss Locke was a woman of great abilities, she had not the + magical powers attributed to some characters in romance; she could not + instantaneously produce a total reformation of manners. The habits of + spoiled children are not to be changed by the most skilful preceptress, + without the aid of time. Miss Maude Germaine and her brother had tempers + which tried Miss Locke’s patience to the utmost; but, gradually, she + acquired some influence over these wayward spirits. She endeavoured with + her utmost skill to eradicate the jealousy which had been implanted in the + minds of the brother and sister. They found that they were now treated + with strict impartiality, and they began to live together more peaceably. + </p> + <p> + Time was willingly allowed to Miss Locke by their parents, who were glad + to be disencumbered of their children. Eighteen months passed away, and no + news were heard of Mr. and Mrs. Germaine, except that they continued the + same extravagant, dissipated course of life, and that they began to be + much embarrassed in their circumstances. At last Mr. Darford received a + letter which informed him that an execution was laid on Mr. Germaine’s + fine house in town; and that he and his family were all in the greatest + distress and affliction. + </p> + <p> + William hastened immediately to London. He was denied admittance at Mr. + Germaine’s: the porter, with an air of mystery, said that his master was + ill, and did not choose to see any body. William, however, forced his way + up stairs. + </p> + <p> + Charles, at the sight of him, stepped back, exclaiming, “May I believe my + eyes? William! Is it you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is William; your old friend William,” said Mr. Darford, embracing + him affectionately. Pride and shame struggled in the mind of Charles; and, + turning aside to repress the tears, which in the first instance of emotion + had started into his eyes, he went to the farthest end of the room for an + arm-chair for his cousin, placed it with awkward ceremony, and said, + “Won’t you be seated, cousin Darford? I am sure Mrs. Germaine and I are + much indebted to you and Mrs. Darford, for your goodness to our children. + I was just thinking of writing to you about them;—but we are in sad + confusion here, just at this moment. I am quite ashamed—I did not + expect—Why did you never honour us with a visit before? I am sure + you could not possibly have hit upon a more unlucky moment for a visit—for + yourself, I mean.” “If it proves lucky to you, my dear Charles,” replied + William mildly, “I shall think it the most fortunate moment I could + possibly have chosen.” + </p> + <p> + Vanquished by the tone of this reply, our hero burst into tears: he + squeezed his friend’s hand, but could not speak. Recovering himself, after + a few minutes, he said, “You are too good, cousin William, and always + were! I thought you called in by accident; I had no supposition that you + came on purpose to assist me in this moment of distress—embarrassment, + I ought to say; for, in fact, it is only a mere temporary embarrassment.” + </p> + <p> + “I am heartily glad to hear it. But, speak to me freely, Charles: do not + conceal the real state of your affairs from your best friend. What + tendency could this have but to plunge you into irretrievable ruin?” + </p> + <p> + Charles paused for a minute. “The truth of the matter is, my dear + William,” continued he, “that there are circumstances in this business + which I should be sorry reached Mrs. Germaine’s ear, or any of her cursed + proud relations; for if once they heard of it, I should have no peace for + the rest of my life. Indeed, as to peace, I cannot boast of much as it is: + but it might be worse, much worse, if the whole truth came out. To you, + however, I can trust it; though in your line of life, it would be counted + a shocking thing: but still you are so indulgent——” + </p> + <p> + William listened without being able to guess where this preamble would + end. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place,” continued Charles, “you know—Mrs. Germaine is + almost ten years older than I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Six years, I thought you formerly told me?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, ten—ten—within a few months. If I said + six, it was before our marriage, when I knew no better. She owns to seven: + her own relations say eight; her nurse said nine; and I say ten.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ten let it be, since you will have it so.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be very glad to have it otherwise, I promise you, if I could: + for it is not very pleasant to a man like me, to be <i>quizzed</i> by half + the young men of fashion in town, for having married a woman old enough to + be my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite old enough to be your mother,” said his cousin, in a + conciliatory tone; “these young men of fashion are not the best + calculators. Mrs. Germaine could not well have been your mother, since at + the worst, by your own account, there is only ten years difference between + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but that is not all; for, what is still worse, Mrs. Germaine, thanks + to the raking hours she keeps, and gaming and fretting, looks full ten + years older than she is: so that you see, in fact, there are twenty years + between us.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not see it, indeed,” replied William, smiling; “but I am bound to + believe what you assert. Let me ask you, to what does this discussion, + concerning poor Mrs. Germaine’s age, tend?” + </p> + <p> + “To justify, or at least to excuse, poor Mr. Germaine for keeping a + mistress, who is something younger, something prettier, and, above all, + something more good-humoured, than his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the wife would be as good-humoured as the mistress, if she were + as happy in possessing her husband’s affections.” + </p> + <p> + “Affections! Oh, Lord! Affections are out of the question, Mrs. Germaine + does not care a straw about my affections.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you dread that she should have the least hint of your having a + mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. You don’t see my jet. You don’t consider what a devil of a + handle that would give her against me. She has no more love for me than + this table; but she is jealous beyond all credibility, and she knows right + well how to turn her jealousy to account. She would go caballing amongst + her tribes of relations, and get all the women and all the world on her + side, with this hue and cry of a mistress; and then I should be branded as + the worst husband upon earth. That indeed I should laugh at, because all + the young men in town would keep me in countenance; but Mrs. Germaine + would rummage out the history of the sums of money I have given this girl, + and then would set those against her play-debts, and I should have no more + hold over her; for, you know, if I should begin to reproach her with the + one, she would recriminate. She is a devil of a hand at that work! Neither + you nor any man on earth, except myself, can form any idea of the temper + of Mrs. Germaine! She is—to you, my dear friend, I may have the + relief of saying so—she is, without exception, the most proud, + peevish, selfish, unreasonable, extravagant, tyrannical, unfeeling woman + in Christendom!” + </p> + <p> + “In Christendom! Oh, you exaggerate, Charles!” + </p> + <p> + “Exaggerate! Upon my soul, I do not: she is all I have said, and more.” + </p> + <p> + “More! Impossible. Come, I see how it is; she has been unlucky at the + card-table; you are angry, and therefore you speak, as angry people always + do, {Footnote: Swift.} worse than you think.” + </p> + <p> + “No, not at all, I promise you. I am as perfectly cool as you are. You do + not know Mrs. Germaine as well as I do.” + </p> + <p> + “But I know that she is much to be pitied, if her husband has a worse + opinion of her than any body else expresses.” + </p> + <p> + “That is precisely because I am her husband, and know her better than + other people do. Will not you give me leave to be the best judge in what + relates to my own wife? I never, indeed, expected to hear you, of all + people upon earth, cousin William, undertake her defence. I think I + remember that she was no great favourite of yours before I married, and + you dissuaded me as much as possible from the match: yet now you are quite + become her advocate, and take her part to my face against me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not taking her part against you, my dear Charles,” replied his + cousin, “to endeavour to make you better satisfied with your wife. I am + not so obstinate in self-opinion as to wish, at the expense of your + domestic happiness, to prove that I was right in dissuading you from the + match; on the contrary, I would do all in my power to make the best of it; + and so should you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, cousin William, it is easy for you to talk of making the best of a + bad match; you who are married to one of the best tempered women alive! I + wish you were to live with Mrs. Germaine for one month.” + </p> + <p> + William smiled, as much as to say, “I cannot join in that wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” continued Charles, “if I were to open my whole heart to you, + you would pity me on another account. My wife is not my only plague: my + mistress is almost as great a torment as my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “What! this mistress of whom you are so fond?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay! there is the curse! I cannot help being fond of her: and that she + knows, and plays me off as she pleases. But I believe the little jilt + loves me all the time: because she has offers enough, and from men of the + first fashion, if she would leave me. She is certainly a good girl; but + then so passionate!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you told me she was good-humoured,” interrupted his cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Well, so she is, at times, the best humoured creature in nature; and then + she is charming: but when she falls into a passion, she is a little fury! + absolutely a little devil! There is nothing she would not do. Now, do you + know, all this terrible business, this execution against me, is her + doing?” + </p> + <p> + “A singular proof of love!” said Mr. William Darford. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the fool loves me, notwithstanding; I must do her that justice: but + she is quite a child. I put her into a passion, by going down to + Leicestershire when she wanted me to stay with her in town. She told me + she would be revenged; but I could not believe she would go such lengths. + She gave a note of mine, for two hundred guineas, to her uncle; and he got + a writ. Now she is in despair about it; I saw her two hours ago all in + tears, and tearing her hair, because her uncle won’t consent to withdraw + the execution. I am sure she is really and truly sorry; and would give her + eyes to get me out of this scrape.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether she would give her eyes or not, I will not pretend to determine; + but it is plain she would not pay two hundred guineas ‘to get you out of + this scrape.’ Now, where do you intend to get the money?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, there’s the rub! I have not a farthing, till our next rents come in; + and you see these heaps of bills. Then the agent, who manages every thing, + Heaven knows how! at Germaine-park, says tenants are breaking; that we + are, I do not know how much, in his debt, and that we must sell; but that, + if we sell in a hurry, and if our distress be talked of, we shall get + nothing for the land, and so shall be ruined outright. Now, this all + originates in Mrs. Germaine’s pride and positiveness: she never could be + prevailed upon to go down to Germaine-park, these ten years past, because + some of the Northamptonshire people affronted her: so our affairs have + gone on just as the agent pleases; and he is a rascal, I am convinced, for + he is always writing to say we are in his debt. But, indeed, my dear + William, you are too good to take any interest in this history of my + affairs: I am conscious that I have not treated you well.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not talk of that now: do not think of it, Charles,” interrupted Mr. + Darford. “I am come to town on purpose to be of all the service to you I + can. I will discharge this writ upon one, and only upon one, condition.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon any condition you please,” cried Charles. “I will give you my bond. + I will give you security upon the Germaine estate, if you require it.” + </p> + <p> + “I require no security; I require no bond, Charles; I require only a + condition which I believe to be absolutely necessary for your happiness. + Promise me you will break off all connexion with this treacherous mistress + of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Treacherous! No, no! I assure you, you mistake the girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Mistake her or not, Charles, without arguing the matter farther, on this + one point I must be peremptory; and, positively, the only condition on + which I will pay this money is your promise never to see her again.” + </p> + <p> + Charles hesitated. “Upon my soul,” cried he, “I believe the girl will + break her heart. But then she is so cursedly extravagant, she ruins me! I + would have broken with her long ago, if I could have summoned up courage + enough. After all, I believe it was more habit, idleness, and fashion, + than any thing else, that made me go to see her so often. When I did not + know what to do with myself, or when I was put out of humour at home, I + went to this girl. Well, let us say no more about it: she is not worth + thinking of; I give her up. You may depend upon it, my dear William, I + will have nothing more to do with her. I will, since you make that your + ultimatum, never see her again.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you write to her then immediately, to let her know your + determination?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; immediately.” + </p> + <p> + Charles wrote, to bid adieu to this mistress; to whom, by his own account, + habit, idleness, fashion, and the want of a happy home, had attached him; + and William gave him a draft for the amount of his debt, by which the + execution was taken off. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Darford seized the moment when his cousin’s mind was warmed with + gratitude to say a few words, as little in the form of advice as possible, + in praise of economy. + </p> + <p> + “You know, my dear Charles,” said he, “that I am, and always was, a very + plain man, in my way of living; and I dare say my ideas will appear quite + absurd to you, who are used to live with men of taste and fashion; but + really these rooms, this furniture, and this house, appear to me fitter + for a nobleman than for a man of your fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so. Mrs. Germaine would insist upon my taking it. But I will part + with it before next winter. I will advertise it immediately. I will begin + a course of economy.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Germaine’s projects of economy were at this moment interrupted by the + sudden entrance of his wife. Her eyes flashing with anger, she walked with + the proud air of an enraged tragedy queen across the room, seated herself + upon a sofa, and, in a voice which trembled with ill-suppressed rage, + said, “I am to thank you, Mr. Germaine, for the many obliging things you + have said of me this last hour! I have heard them all! You are under a + mistake, sir, if you imagine I have been hitherto your dupe. You have + never imposed upon me for a moment. I have suspected, this twelvemonth, + that you kept a mistress: and now I am happy to have the truth confirmed + from your own lips. But I deserve all that has happened! I am justly + treated! Weak woman, to marry as I did! No gentleman, sir, would have + behaved or would have spoken as you have done! Could not you have been + content with ruining yourself and your family, Mr. Germaine, by your + profligate low tastes, without insulting me by base reflections upon my + temper, and downright falsehoods about my age? No gentleman, sir, would + have treated me as you have done. I am the most miserable of women!” + </p> + <p> + Passion choked her utterance, and she fell back in a violent fit of + hysterics. Mr. William Darford was much shocked at this matrimonial scene. + The lady had caught hold of his arm, in one of her convulsive motions; and + she held it so fast that he could not withdraw. Charles stood in silent + dismay. His conscience smote him; and though he could not love his wife, + he blamed himself for having rendered her “the most miserable of women.” + “Leave her to me, Charles,” said Mr. Darford, “and I will endeavour to set + matters to rights.” + </p> + <p> + Charles shook his head, and left the room. Mrs. Germaine by degrees + recovered herself; for a hysteric fit cannot last for ever. She cast her + eyes round the room, and exclaimed, “He has done well to leave me! Oh, + that it were for ever! Oh, that we had never met! But may I ask why Mr. + William Darford is here? My own servant—my own maid, should have + been summoned to attend me. We have servants still, sir; and, humbled as I + am, I see no necessity for submitting to have cool spectators of our + family distresses and family quarrels.” + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, madam,” said Mr. Darford, “I am not a cool spectator of + either. I do not wish to recal {sic} disagreeable things, but to obtain + the right of speaking to you of your affairs as a friend. Permit me to + remind you that, when I could not guess you heard me, I defended your + interests.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, sir, you spoke so low that I did not distinctly hear what you + said; and my feelings were so much hurt, by all I heard from Mr. Germaine, + who spoke loud enough, that I attended to nothing else. Upon recollection, + I do, however, remember you made some offer to get Mr. Germaine out of his + present embarrassments, upon condition that he would break off all + connexion with this girl, whom nobody knows; or rather whom every body + knows <i>too</i> well.” + </p> + <p> + “And was not this offer of mine some proof, Mrs. Germaine, that I wish + your happiness?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, really, Mr. Darford, having lived in the world as I have done from + my childhood, I am not apt to expect much friendship from any one, + especially from people in the habits of calculation; and I have been so + much deceived where I have unguardedly trusted to the friendship and love + of a man brought up in that sort of way, that you must forgive me if I + could not bring my mind to think you had any concern for my happiness in + the offer you made. I did indeed suppose it would be a mortifying + circumstance to you, to see your cousin quite ruined by this infamous + creature. I say, I did imagine you would be shocked at seeing your cousin + sent to jail. That, you know, is a thing discreditable to a whole family, + let it be of what sort it may. From your kindness to our children, I see + you consider us as relations. Every human being, I do suppose, has some + family pride in their own way.” + </p> + <p> + “I own I have a great deal of family pride, in my own way, madam,” replied + Mr. Darford, with a calm smile; “I am proud, for instance, of having, and + of being able to maintain in perfect independence, a number of good and + affectionate children, and a wife, whose good sense and sweetness of + temper constitute the happiness of my existence!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine coloured, threw back her head, and strove to conceal the + anguish of her conscience. William was sorry he had inflicted pain, but he + saw that the only way to make himself understood in this conversation, was + to assert that real superiority of character to which, in certain + situations, the factitious pretensions of rank or fashion never fail to + yield. + </p> + <p> + “You are at liberty, Mrs. Germaine,” continued William, “to interpret my + offers and my actions as you think proper; but you will, when you are + cool, observe that neither I nor any of my family have any thing to gain + from you or yours; not even a curtsy or a bow, in public places; for we do + not frequent them. We live retired, and have no connexion with fine + people; we preserve our own independence by confining ourselves to our own + station in life; and by never desiring to quit it, nor to ape those who + are called our betters. From what I have just heard you say, I think it + possible you may have formed the idea that we invited your children to our + house with the selfish supposition that the connexion, I believe that is + the fashionable phrase, might be advantageous to our own. But this is + quite a mistake. Our children will live as we do: they have no idea of + forming high connexions, because they have been taught not to think them + necessary to happiness. I assure you it is not my habit to talk so much of + myself and of mine; but I thought it best to explain the truth to you at + once, as this was the only way to gain your confidence, and as we have + neither of us time to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true,” said Mrs. Germaine. + </p> + <p> + “And now, madam, I have a proposal to make to you, which I hope you will + take as it is meant. I understand, from Mr. Germaine, you have some play + debts.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Germaine does not know their amount,” said Mrs. Germaine, lowering + her voice, as if she apprehended she might be overheard. + </p> + <p> + “If you will trust me with that secret, I will not make a bad use of it.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine in a whisper named the sum. It was certainly considerable, + for the naming of it made Mr. Darford step back with surprise. After a few + minutes’ thought, he recovered himself, and said, “This is a larger debt + than I was aware of, but we will see what can be done. From the time that + Charles and I dissolved our partnership, I have never remitted my + attention to business; and that very circumstance, for which you must + despise me, puts it now in my power to assist you without injuring my own + family. I am a man who speak my mind freely, perhaps bluntly. You must + solemnly promise me you will never again play at any game of hazard. Upon + this condition, I will pay your present debts immediately.” + </p> + <p> + With all the eagerness of a person who wishes to seize an offer which + appears too generous to be repeated, Mrs. Germaine promised all that was + required. Her debts were paid. + </p> + <p> + And now her benefactor had hopes that she and her husband would live more + prudently; and that they might still enjoy some portion of domestic + happiness. Vain hopes! Charles really wished to retrench his expenses; but + Mrs. Germaine’s pride was an insuperable obstacle to all his plans of + economy. She had always been accustomed to such and such things. There was + no possibility of living without them. Her relations would be perfectly + astonished if she did not appear in the style in which she had always + lived before her marriage. Provoked by the insolent absurdity of such + arguments, Mr. Germaine insisted with the authoritative voice of a husband + who was conscious that he had both reason and power on his side. Hence + arose daily altercations, more bitter even than those which jealousy had + formerly occasioned. Some wives acknowledge they can more easily forgive a + husband’s infidelity than his interference in the regulation of their + household expenses. Of this class of amiable females was Mrs. Germaine. + Though her husband strictly adhered to his promise, never to have any + farther connexion with his mistress, yet he was not rewarded by any + increase of affection or kindness from his wife; on the contrary, she + seemed to be rather vexed that she was deprived of this legitimate subject + of complaint. She could not, with so much tragic effect, bewail that her + husband would ruin himself and her by his follies. + </p> + <p> + To loud altercations, silent hatred succeeded. Mrs. Germaine grew sullen, + low-spirited, nervous, and hysterical. Among fashionable medical dowagers, + she became an interesting personage: but this species of consequence was + by no means sufficient to support her self-complacency, and, as she + declared, she felt herself incapable of supporting the intolerable burden + of <i>ennui</i>. + </p> + <p> + In various situations, the conduct of many individuals may be predicted + with certainty, by those who are acquainted with their previous habits. + Habit is, to weak minds, a species of moral predestination, from which + they have no power to escape. Their common language expresses their sense + of their own inability to struggle against that destiny which their + previous folly has prepared. They usually say, “For my part, I cannot help + doing so and so. I know it is very wrong. I know it is my ruin; but I own + I cannot resist. It is in vain to argue with me: it is my way; it is my + fate.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Germaine found herself led, “by an irresistible impulse,” to the + card-table, notwithstanding her solemn promise never more to play at any + game of hazard. It was in vain to argue with her. “It was her way; it was + her fate; she knew it was very wrong; she knew it was her ruin; but she + could not resist!” + </p> + <p> + In the course of a few months, she was again involved in debt; and she had + the meanness and the assurance again to apply to the generosity of Mr. + William Darford. Her letter was written in the most abject strain, and was + full of all the flattering expressions which she imagined must, from a + woman of her birth and consequence in the world, have a magical effect + upon one in Mr. William Darford’s station. She was surprised when she + received a decided refusal. He declined all farther interference, as he + perceived it was impossible that he could be of any real utility. He + forbore to reproach the lady with her breach of promise: “She will,” said + he to himself, “be sufficiently punished by the consequences of her own + conduct: I would not increase her distress.” + </p> + <p> + A separation from her husband was the immediate consequence. Perhaps it + may be thought that, to Mrs. Germaine, this would be no punishment: but + the loss of all the pride, pomp, and circumstance of married life, was + deeply felt. She was thrown absolutely upon the charity of relations; who + had very little charity in any sense of the word. She was disregarded by + all her fine acquaintance; she had no friend upon earth to pity her; even + her favourite maid gave warning, because she was tired of her mistress’s + temper, and of receiving no wages. + </p> + <p> + The detail of poor Mrs. Germaine’s mortifications and sufferings cannot be + interesting. She was a prey to low spirits, or in other words, to + mortified vanity, for some time; and at last died of a nervous fever. + </p> + <p> + Her husband wrote the following letter to Mr. William Darford, soon after + her death: + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR WILLIAM, + </p> + <p> + “You have heard of poor Mrs. Germaine’s death, and of the manner of it; no + more need be said upon that subject. Whatever were her faults, she has + suffered for them; and so have I for mine. Believe me, I am effectually + cured of all desire to be a fine gentleman. I shall quit the name of + Germaine immediately, and resume that of Darford. You know the state of my + affairs. There is yet hope I may set things to rights by my own industry; + and I am determined to go into business, and to apply to it in good + earnest, for my own sake, and for the sake of my children, whom I have + hitherto shamefully neglected. But I had it not always in my power, after + my marriage, to do as I wished. No more of that. The blame be upon me for + the past; for the future I shall, I hope, be a different man. I dare not + ask you to trust so far to these good resolutions as to take me into + partnership with you, in your manufactory; but perhaps your good-nature + can direct me to some employment suited to my views and capacity. I ask + only a fair trial; I think I shall not do as I used to do, and leave all + the letters to be written by my partner. + </p> + <p> + “Give my love to my dear little boy and girl. How can I thank you and Mrs. + Darford enough for all you have done for them? There is another person + whom I should wish to thank, but scarcely dare to name; feeling, as I do, + so unworthy of her goodness. + </p> + <p> + “Adieu, yours sincerely, + </p> + <p> + “CHARLES DARFORD, again, thank God.” + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to inform our readers, that Mr. William Darford + received his penitent friend with open arms, took him into partnership, + and assisted him in the most kind and judicious manner to re-establish his + fortune and his credit. He became remarkable for his steady attention to + business; to the great astonishment of those who had seen him only in the + character of a dissipated fine gentleman. Few have sufficient strength of + mind thus to stop short in the career of folly, and few have the + resolution to bear the ridicule thrown upon them even by those whom they + despise. Our hero was ridiculed most unmercifully by all his former + companions,—by all the Bond-street loungers. But of what consequence + was this to him? He did not live among them; he did not hear their + witticisms; and well knew that, in less than a twelvemonth, they would + forget such a person as Charles Germaine had ever existed. His knowledge + of what is called high life had sufficiently convinced him that happiness + is not in the gift or in the possession of those who are often, to + ignorant mortals, objects of supreme admiration and envy. + </p> + <p> + Charles Darford looked for happiness, and found it in domestic life. + </p> + <p> + Belief, founded upon our own experience, is more firm than that which we + grant to the hearsay evidence of moralists; but happy those who, + according to the ancient proverb, can profit by the experience of their + predecessors! + </p> + <p> + <i>Feb</i>. 1803. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CONTRAST + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + “What a blessing it is to be the father of such a family of children!” + said farmer Frankland, as he looked round at the honest affectionate faces + of his sons and daughters, who were dining with him on his birthday. “What + a blessing it is to have a large family of children!” + </p> + <p> + “A blessing you may call it, if you will, neighbour,” said farmer + Bettesworth; “but if I were to speak my mind, I should be apt to call it a + curse.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as to that, we may both be right and both be wrong,” replied + Frankland; “for children are either a blessing or a curse according as + they turn out; and they turn out according as they are brought up. ‘Bring + up a child in the way it should go;’ that has ever been my maxim: show me + a better, show me a happier family than my own; and show me a happier + father than myself,” continued the good old man, with pleasure sparkling + in his eyes. Observing, however, that his neighbour Bettesworth looked + blank and sighed deeply, he checked himself, and said, in a more humble + tone, “To be sure, it is not so mannerly for a man to be praising his own, + except it just come from the heart unawares, amongst friends who will + excuse it, especially upon such a day as this. This day I am seventy years + of age, and never was heartier or happier! So, Fanny, love, fill neighbour + Bettesworth a glass of your sister’s cider. ‘Tis my Patty’s making, sir; + and better never was drunk. Nay, nay, sit ye still, neighbour; as you + happened to call in just as we were all dining, and making merry together, + why you cannot do better than to stay and make one of us, seeing that you + are heartily welcome.” Mr. Bettesworth excused himself, by saying that he + was in haste to get home. + </p> + <p> + No happy home had he, no affectionate children to welcome his return. Yet + he had as numerous a family as Mr. Frankland; three sons and two + daughters: Idle Isaac, Wild Will, Bullying Bob, Saucy Sally, and Jilting + Jessy. Such were the names by which they were called by all who knew them + in the town of Monmouth, where they lived. Alliteration had “lent its + artful aid” in giving these nicknames; but they were not misapplied. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bettesworth was an indolent man, fond of his pipe, and fonder of + building castles in the air by his fireside. Mrs. Bettesworth was a vain, + foolish vixen; fond of dress, and fonder of her own will. Neither of them + took the least care to breed up their children. Whilst they were young, + the mother humoured them: when they grew up, she contradicted them in + every thing, and then wondered how they could he so ungrateful as not to + love her. + </p> + <p> + The father was also surprised to find that his boys and girls were not as + well-mannered, nor as well-tempered, nor as clever, nor as steady, nor as + dutiful and affectionate, as his neighbour Frankland’s; and he said to + himself, “Some folks have the luck of having good children. To be sure, + some children are born better than others.” + </p> + <p> + He should rather have said, “To be sure, some children are bred better + than others.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Frankland’s wife was a prudent, sensible woman, and had united with + him in constant endeavours to educate their family. Whilst they were yet + infants, prattling at their mother’s knee, she taught them to love and + help one another, to conquer their little froward humours, and to be + obedient and tractable. This saved both them and herself a great deal of + trouble afterward; and their father often said, both to the boys and + girls, “You may thank your mother, and so may I, for the good tempers you + have.” + </p> + <p> + The girls had the misfortune to lose this excellent mother, when one was + about seventeen, and the other eighteen; but she was always alive in their + memory. Patty, the eldest sister, was homely in her person; but she was so + neat in her dress, and she had such a cheerful agreeable temper, that + people forgot she was not handsome; particularly as it was observed that + she was very fond of her sister Fanny, who was remarkably pretty. + </p> + <p> + Fanny was neither prudish nor censorious; neither a romp nor a flirt: she + was so unaffected and unassuming, that most of her neighbours loved her; + and this is saying a great deal in favour of one who had so much the power + to excite envy. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Frankland’s eldest son, George, was bred to be a farmer; and he + understood country business uncommonly well for a young man of his age. He + constantly assisted his father in the management of the farm; and, by this + means, acquired much experience with little waste of time or money. His + father had always treated him so much as his friend, and had talked to him + so openly of his affairs, that he ever looked upon his father’s business + as his own; and he had no idea of having any separate interest. + </p> + <p> + James, the second son, was bred to trade. He had been taught whatever was + necessary and useful for a man in business; he had habits of punctuality, + civil manners, and a thorough love of fair dealing. + </p> + <p> + Frank, the youngest son, was of a more lively disposition than his + brothers; and his father used often to tell him, when he was a boy, that, + if he did not take care, his hasty temper would get him into scrapes; and + that the brightest parts, as they are called, will be of little use to a + man, unless he has also steadiness to go through with whatever he begins. + These hints, from a father whom he heartily loved, made so strong an + impression upon Frank, that he took great pains to correct the natural + violence of his temper, and to learn patience and industry. The three + brothers were attached to one another; and their friendship was a source + of improvement, as well as of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The evening of Mr. Frankland’s birthday the whole family retired to an + arbour in their garden, and began to talk over their affairs with open + hearts. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Frank, my boy,” said the happy father, who was the confidant of his + children, “I am sure, if your heart is set upon this match with Jessy + Bettesworth, I will do my best to like the girl; and her not being rich + shall be no objection to me; we can make that up amongst us, some way or + other. But, Frank, it is fair to tell you my opinion of the girl, plainly + and fully, beforehand, as I have done. She that has jilted others, I + think, would be apt to jilt you, if she met with a better offer.” + </p> + <p> + “Why then, father, I’ll not be in a hurry: I’ll take time to consider, + before I speak to her any more; and I thank you for being so kind, which I + hope I shall not forget.” + </p> + <p> + The morning after this conversation passed, Jilting Jessy, accompanied by + her sister, Saucy Sally, came to pay Patty and Fanny Frankland a visit. + They were full of some piece of news, which they were eager to tell. + </p> + <p> + “Well, to be sure, I dreamed I had a diamond ring put on my finger by a + great lord, not a week ago,” cried Jessy; “and who knows but it may come + true? You have not heard the news, Fanny Frankland? Hey, Patty?” + </p> + <p> + “Not they: they never hear any news!” said Sally. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I’ll tell you,” cried Jessy. “Rich Captain Bettesworth, our + relation, who made the great <i>fortin</i> abroad, over seas, has just + broken his neck out a-hunting; and the <i>fortin</i> all comes to us.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall now see whether Mrs. Craddock will push by me again, as she did + yesterday in the street! We’ll see whether I shan’t make as good a fine + lady as herself, I warrant it, that’s all. It’s my turn to push by folk + now,” said Saucy Sally. + </p> + <p> + Fanny and Patty Frankland, with sincere good-nature, congratulated their + neighbours on this increase of fortune; but they did not think that + pushing by Mrs. Craddock could be one of the most useful or agreeable + consequences of an increase in fortune. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Patty! how you sit moping yourself there at your work,” continued + Sally; “but some people must work, to be sure, that can’t afford to be + idle. How you must envy us, Patty!” + </p> + <p> + Patty assured her she did not in the least envy those who were idle. + </p> + <p> + “Fine talking! Fine airs, truly, Miss Patty! This is by way of calling me + over the coals for being idle, I suppose!” said Sally: “but I’ve no notion + of being taken to task this way. You think you’ve had a fine <i>education</i>, + I suppose, and so are to get a pattern for all Monmouthshire, indeed: but + you’ll find some people will be as much thought of now as other people, + and may hold their heads as high. <i>Edication</i>’s a fine thing, no + doubt; but <i>fortin</i>’s a better, as the world goes, I’ve a notion: so + you may go moping on here as long as you please, being a good child all + the days of your life! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Come when you’re call’d; + And do as you’re bid; + Shut the door after you; + And you’ll never be chid.’ +</pre> + <p> + I’m sure, I would not let my nose be kept to the grindstone, as yours is, + for any one living. I’ve too much spirit, for my part to be made a fool of + as some people are; and all for the sake of being called a vastly good + daughter, or a vastly good sister, forsooth!” + </p> + <p> + Nothing but the absolute want of breath could have suspended the remainder + of this speech; for she was so provoked to see Patty did not envy her, + that she was determined to say every thing she could invent to try her. + Patty’s temper, however, was proof against the trial; and Saucy Sally, + despairing of success against one sister, turned to the other. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Fanny, I presume,” said she, “won’t give herself such high and + mighty airs, as she used to do, to one of her sweethearts, who shall be + nameless.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny blushed, for she knew this speech alluded to Wild Will, who was an + admirer of hers, but whom she had never encouraged. + </p> + <p> + “I hope,” said she, “I never gave myself airs to anybody: but, if you mean + to speak of your brother William, I assure you that my opinion of him will + not be changed by his becoming richer; nor will my father’s.” + </p> + <p> + Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Frank, who had + just heard, from one of the Bettesworths, of their good fortune. He was + impatient to see how Jessy would behave in prosperity. “Now,” said he to + himself, “I shall judge whether my father’s opinion of her or mine is + right.” + </p> + <p> + Jilting Jessy had certainly given Frank reason to believe she was very + fond of him; but the sudden change in her fortune quite altered her views + and opinions. As soon as Frank came in, she pretended to be in great haste + to be gone; and, by various petty manoeuvres, avoided giving him an + opportunity of speaking to her; though she plainly saw he was anxious to + say something to her in private. At length, when she was looking out of + the window, to see whether a shower was over, he went behind her and + whispered, “Why are you in such haste? Cannot you stay a few minutes with + us? You were not always in such a hurry to run away!” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, nonsense! Mr. Frank. Why will you always plague me with nonsense, + Mr. Frank?” + </p> + <p> + She opened the lattice window as she spoke, put out her beautiful neck as + far as possible, and looked up eagerly to the clouds. + </p> + <p> + “How sweet this jasmine smells!” said Frank, pulling a bit of it which + hung over the casement. “This is the jasmine you used to like so much. + See, I’ve nailed it up, and it’s finer than ever it was. Won’t you have a + sprig of it?” offering to put some in her hat, as he had done before; but + she now drew back disdainfully, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Lord! Mr. Frank, it’s all wet, and will spoil my new lilac ribbons. How + awkward and disagreeable you are always!” + </p> + <p> + “Always! you did not always think so; at least, you did not say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think so, and say so now; and that’s enough.” + </p> + <p> + “And too much, if you are in earnest; but that I can hardly believe.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s your business, and not mine. If you don’t choose to believe what I + say, how can I help it? But this you’ll remember, if you please, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!!! Oh, Jessy! is it come to this?”. + </p> + <p> + “To what, sir? For I vow and declare I don’t understand you!” + </p> + <p> + “I have never understood you till now, I am afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not: it’s well we understand one another at last. Better late than + never.” + </p> + <p> + The scornful lady walked off to a looking-glass, to wipe away the insult + which her new lilac ribbons had received from Frank’s sprig of jasmine. + </p> + <p> + “One word more, and I have done,” said Frank, hastily following her. “Have + I done anything to displease you? Or does this change in you proceed from + the change in your fortune, Jessy?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not obliged, sir, to account for my proceedings to any body; and + don’t know what right you have to question me, as if you were my lord and + judge: which you are not, nor ever will be, thank God!” + </p> + <p> + Frank’s passion struggled with his reason for a few instants. He stood + motionless; then, in an altered voice, repeated, “Thank God!” and turned + from her with proud composure. From this time forward he paid no more + court to Jessy. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, father!” said he, “you knew her better than I did. I am glad I did + not marry her last year, when she would have accepted of me, and when she + seemed to love me. I thought you were rather hard upon her then. But you + were not in love with her as I was, and now I find you were right.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Frank,” said the good old man, “I hope you will not think me hard + another time, when I do not think just the same as you do. I would, as I + told you, have done every thing in my power to settle you well in the + world, if you had married this girl. I should never have been angry with + you; but I should have been bitterly grieved if you had, for the whim of + the minute, made yourself unhappy for life. And was it not best to put you + upon your guard? What better use can an old man make of his experience + than to give it to his children?” + </p> + <p> + Frank was touched by the kind manner in which his father spoke to him; and + Fanny, who was present, immediately put a letter into her father’s hand, + saying, “I have just received this from Will Bettesworth: what answer do + you think I had best give him?” + </p> + <p> + Now, Fanny, though she did not quite approve of Wild Will’s character, + felt a little partiality for him, for he seemed to be of a generous + temper, and his manners were engaging. She hoped his wildness was only the + effect of good spirits, and that he would soon settle to some business. + However, she had kept these hopes and this partiality a secret from all + but her father, and she had never given Will Bettesworth any + encouragement. Her father had not a good opinion of this young man; and + she had followed his advice, in keeping him at a distance. His letter was + written in so vile a hand, that it was not easy to decipher the meaning: + </p> + <p> + “MY SWEET PRETTY FANNY, + </p> + <p> + “Notwithstanding your cruelty, I ham more in love with you than hever; and + now I ham come in for a share in a great fortin; and shall ask no + questions from father nor mother, if you will marry me, having no reason + to love or care for either. Mother’s as cross as hever, and will never, I + am shure, agre to my doing any thing I like myself; which makes me more + set upon having my own whay, and I ham more and more in love with you than + hever, and would go through fire and water to get you. + </p> + <p> + “Your true love (in haste), + </p> + <p> + “WILL BETTESWORTH.” + </p> + <p> + At first reading the letter, Fanny was pleased to find that her lover did + not, like Jilting Jessy, change his mind the moment that his situation was + altered; but, upon looking over it again, she could not help considering + that such an undutiful son was not likely to make a very good husband; and + she thought even that Wild Will seemed to be more and more in love with + her than ever, from the spirit of opposition; for he had not been much + attached to her, till his mother, as he said, set herself against the + match. At the end of this letter were the words <i>turn over</i>; but they + were so scrawled and blotted, that Fanny thought they were only one of the + strange flourishes which he usually made at the end of his name; and + consequently she had never turned over, or read the postscript, when she + put the epistle into her father’s hands. He deciphered the flourish, and + read the following addition: + </p> + <p> + “I know your feather does not like me; but never mind his not being + agreuble. As shure as my name’s Will, I’d carry you hoff, night or day; + and Bob would fight your brothers along with me, if they said a word: for + Bob loves fun. I will be at your windor this night, if you are agreuble, + like a gurl of spirit.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny was shocked so much that she turned quite pale, and would have sunk + to the ground, if she had not been supported by her father. As soon as she + recovered herself sufficiently to be able to think, she declared that all + the liking she had ever felt for William Bettesworth was completely + conquered; and she thanked her father for having early warned her of his + character. “Ah! father,” said she, “what a happiness it has been to me + that you never made me afraid of you! Else, I never should have dared to + tell you my mind; and in what a sad snare might I have been at this + instant! If it had not been for you, I should perhaps have encouraged this + man; I might not then, may be, have been able to draw back; and what would + have become of me?” + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say that Fanny wrote a decided refusal to Wild + Will. All connexion between the Bettesworths and Franklands was now broken + off. Will was enraged at being rejected by Fanny; and Jessy was equally + incensed at finding she was no longer admired by Frank. They, however, + affected to despise the Franklands, and to treat them as people beneath + their notice. The fortune left by Captain Bettesworth to his relations, + was said to be about twenty thousand pounds: with this sum they thought, + to use their own expression, they were entitled to live in as great style, + and cut as grand a dash, as any of the first families in Monmouthshire. + For the present we shall leave them to the enjoyment of their new + grandeur, and continue the humble history of farmer Frankland and his + family. + </p> + <p> + By many years of persevering industry, Mr. Frankland had so improved the + farm upon which he lived, that he was now affluent, for a man in his + station of life. His house, garden, farm-yard, every thing about him, were + so neat and comfortable, that travellers, as they passed by, never failed + to ask, “Who lives there?” Travellers, however, only saw the outside; and + that was not, in this instance, the best part. They would have seen + happiness, if they had looked within these farm-house walls: happiness + which may be enjoyed as well in the cottage as in the palace; that which + arises from family union. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Frankland was now anxious to settle his sons in the world. George had + business enough at home, in taking care of the farm; and James proposed to + set up a haberdasher’s shop in Monmouth: accordingly, the goods were + ordered, and the shop was taken. + </p> + <p> + There was a part in the roof of the house which let in the wet, and James + would not go into it till this was completely repaired; so his packages of + goods were sent from London to his father’s house, which was only a mile + distant from Monmouth. His sisters unpacked them by his desire, to set + shop-marks upon each article. Late at night, after all the rest of the + family were asleep, Patty was sitting up to finish setting the marks on a + box full of ribbons; the only thing that remained to be done. Her candle + was just burnt out; and as she was going for another, she went by a + passage window that faced the farm-yard, and suddenly saw a great light + without. She looked out, and beheld the large hay-rick all in flames. She + ran immediately to awaken her brothers and her father. They used every + possible exertion to extinguish the fire, and to prevent it from + communicating to the dwelling-house; but the wind was high; it blew + directly towards the house. George poured buckets of water over the + thatch, to prevent its catching fire; but all was in vain: thick flakes of + fire fell upon it faster than they could be extinguished, and in an hour’s + time the dwelling-house was in a blaze. + </p> + <p> + The first care of the sons had been to get their father and sisters out of + danger; then, with great presence of mind, they collected every thing that + was most valuable and portable, and laboured hard to save poor James’s + stock of haberdashery. They were all night hard at work: towards three + o’clock the fire was got under, and darkness and silence succeeded. There + was one roof of the house saved, under which the whole family rested for a + few hours, till the return of daylight renewed the melancholy spectacle of + their ruin. Hay, oats, straw, corn-ricks, barn, every thing that the + farm-yard contained, was utterly consumed: the walls and some half-burnt + beams remained of the dwelling-house, but it was no longer habitable. It + was calculated that six hundred pounds would not repair the loss + occasioned by this unfortunate accident. How the hay-rick had caught fire + nobody knew. + </p> + <p> + George, who had made up the hay-stack, was most inclined to think that the + hay had not been sufficiently dried, and that the rick had heated from + this cause. He blamed himself extremely; but his father declared he had + seen, felt, and smelt the hay, when the rick was making, and that it was + as well saved hay as ever was brought into a farm-yard. This, in some + measure, quieted poor George’s conscience: and he was yet more comforted + by Patty’s good-nature, who showed him a bucket of ashes which had been + left very near the spot where the hay-rick stood. The servant-girl, who, + though careless, was honest, confessed she recollected having accidentally + left this bucket in that dangerous place the preceding evening; that she + was going with it across the yard to the ash-hole, but she heard her lover + whistle to her from the lane, and she set down the bucket in a hurry, ran + to meet him, and forgot the ashes. All she could say in her own defence + was, that she did not think there was any fire in the bucket. + </p> + <p> + Her good master forgave her carelessness; he said he was sure she + reproached herself enough for it, as indeed she did, and the more so when + her master spoke to her so kindly; she cried as if her heart would break; + and all that could be done to comfort her, was to set her to work as hard + as possible for the family. + </p> + <p> + They did not, any of them, spend their time in vain lamentations: ready + money was wanting to rebuild the house and barns, and James sold to a + haberdasher in Monmouth all of his stock which had been saved out of the + fire, and brought the money to his father. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said he, “you gave this to me when you were able to afford it; + you want it now, and I can do very well without it. I will go and be + shopman in some good shop in Monmouth; and by degrees I shall get on, and + do very well in the world. It would be strange if I did not, after the + education you have given me.” + </p> + <p> + The father took the money from his son with tears of pleasure. “It is odd + enough.” said he, “that I should feel pleasure at such a time; but this is + the blessing of having good children. As long as we all are ready to help + one another in this manner, we can never be very miserable, happen what + may. Now let us think of rebuilding our house,” continued the active old + man. “Frank, reach me down my hat. I’ve a twinge of the rheumatism in this + arm: I caught a little cold the night of the fire, I believe; but stirring + about will do me good, and I must not be lazy: I should be ashamed to be + lazy amongst so many active young men.” The father and sons were very busy + at work, when an ill-looking man rode up to them; and, after asking if + their name was Frankland, put a paper into each of their hands. These + papers were copies of a notice to quit their farm, before the ensuing + first of September, under pain of paying double rent for the same. + </p> + <p> + “This is some mistake, sir,” said old Frankland, mildly. + </p> + <p> + “No mistake, sir,” replied the stranger. “You will find the notice is a + good notice, and duly served. Your lease I have seen myself within these + few days: it expired last May; and you have held over, contrary to law and + justice, eleven months, this being April.” + </p> + <p> + “My father never did anything contrary to law and justice in his whole + life,” interrupted Frank; whose eyes flashed with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Softly, Frank,” said his father, putting his hand on his son’s shoulder; + “softly, my dear boy: let this gentleman and I come to an understanding + quietly.—Here is some mistake, sir. It is very true that my lease + expired last May; but I had a promise of a renewal from my good landlord.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, sir, anything of that,” replied the stranger, as he looked + over a memorandum-book. “I do not know whom you denominate your <i>good + landlord</i>; that being no way of describing a man in the eye of the law: + but if you refer to the original grantor, or lessor, Francis Folingsby, of + Folingsby-place, Monmouthshire, Esq., I am to inform you that he died at + Bath the 17th instant.” + </p> + <p> + “Died! My poor landlord dead! I am very sorry for it.” + </p> + <p> + “And his nephew, Philip Folingsby, Esq., came into possession as heir at + law,” continued the stranger, in an unvaried tone; “and under his orders I + act, having a power of attorney for that purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, I am sure Mr. Philip Folingsby cannot know of the promise of + renewal, which I had from his uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “Verbal promises, you know, are nothing, sir; mere air, without witnesses: + and, if gratuitous on the part of the deceased, are no ways binding, + either in common law or equity, on the survivor or heir. In case the + promise had been in writing, and on a proper stamp, it would have been + something.” “It was not in writing, to be sure, sir,” said Frankland, “but + I thought my good landlord’s word was as good as his bond; and I said so.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” cried Frank; “and I remember when you said so to him, I was by; and + he answered, ‘You shall have my promise in writing. Such things are of + little use between honest men: but who knows what may happen, and who may + come after me? Everything about business should be put into writing. I + would never let a tenant of mine be at an uncertainty. You have improved + your farm, and deserve to enjoy the fruits of your own industry, Mr. + Frankland.’ Just then company came in, and our landlord put off writing + the promise. He next day left the country in a hurry; and I am sure + thought, afterwards, he had given us the promise in writing.” + </p> + <p> + “Very clear evidence, no doubt, sir; but not at all to the point at + present,” said the stranger. “As an agent, I am to know nothing but what + is my employer’s intent. When we see the writing and stamp, I shall be a + better judge,” added he with a sneer. “In the mean time, gentlemen, I wish + you a good morning: and you will please to observe that you have been duly + served with notice to quit, or pay double rent.” + </p> + <p> + “There can be no doubt, however,” said Frank, “that Mr. Folingsby will + believe you, father. He is a gentleman, I suppose, and not like this new + agent, who talks like an attorney. I hate all attorneys.” + </p> + <p> + “All dishonest attorneys, I suppose you mean, Frank,” said the benevolent + old man; who, even when his temper was most tried, never spoke, or even + felt with acrimony. + </p> + <p> + The new landlord came into the country; and a few days after his arrival, + old Frankland went to wait upon him. There was little hope of seeing young + Mr. Folingsby; he was a man whose head was at this time entirely full of + gigs, and tandems, and unicorns: business was his aversion; pleasure was + his business. Money he considered only as the means of pleasure; and + tenants only as machines, who make money. He was neither avaricious nor + cruel; but thoughtless and extravagant. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he appeared merely in the character of a young man of fashion, + these faults were no offence to his equals, to whom they did no injury: + but when he came into possession of a large estate, and when numbers were + dependent upon him, they were severely felt by his inferiors. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folingsby had just gathered up the reins in hand, and was seated in + his unicorn, when farmer Frankland, who had been waiting some hours to see + him, came to the side of the carriage. As he took off his hat, the wind + blew his grey hair over his face. + </p> + <p> + “Put on your hat, pray, my good friend; and don’t come near these horses, + for I can’t answer for them. Have you any commands with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been waiting some hours to speak to you, sir; but, if you are not + at leisure, I will come again to-morrow morning,” said old Frankland. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, do so; call to-morrow morning; for now I have not one moment to + spare,” said young Folingsby, as he whipped his horses, and drove off, as + if the safety of the nation had depended upon twelve miles an hour. + </p> + <p> + The next day, and the next, and the next, the old tenant called upon his + young landlord, but without obtaining an audience; still he was desired to + call to-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow. He wrote several letters to + him, but received no answer: at last, after giving half a guinea to his + landlord’s gentleman, he gained admittance. Mr. Folingsby was drawing on + his boots, and his horses were coming to the door. Frankland saw it was + necessary to be concise in his story: he slightly touched on the principal + circumstances, the length of time he had occupied his farm, the + improvements he had made upon the land, and the misfortune which had + lately befallen him. The boots were on by the time that he got to the + promise of renewal, and the notice to quit. + </p> + <p> + “Promise of renewal: I know of no such thing. Notice to quit: that’s my + agent’s business; speak to him; he’ll do you justice. I really am sorry + for you, Mr. Frankland; very sorry, extremely sorry. Damn the rascal who + made these boots!—but you see how I’m circumstanced; haven’t a + moment to myself; only came to the country for a few days; set out for + Ascot-races to-morrow; really have not a moment to think of any thing. But + speak to Mr. Deal, my agent. He’ll do you justice, I’m sure. I leave all + these things to him. Jack, that bay horse is coming on——” + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken to your agent, sir,” said the old tenant, following his + thoughtless young landlord; “but he said that verbal promises, without a + witness present, were nothing but air; and I have nothing to rely on but + your justice. I assure you, sir, I have not been an idle tenant: my land + will show that I have not.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell Mr. Deal so; make him understand it in this light. I leave every + thing of this sort to Mr. Deal. I really have not time for business, but + I’m sure Mr. Deal will do you justice.” + </p> + <p> + This was all that could be obtained from the young landlord. His + confidence in his agent’s sense of justice was somewhat misplaced. Mr. + Deal had received a proposal from another tenant for Frankland’s farm; and + with this proposal a bank note was sent, which spoke more forcibly than + all that poor Frankland could urge. The agent took the farm from him; and + declared he could not, in justice to his employer, do otherwise; because + the new tenant had promised to build upon the land a lodge fit for any + gentleman to inhabit, instead of a farm-house. + </p> + <p> + The transaction was concluded without Mr. Folingsby’s knowing any thing + more of the matter, except signing the leases, which he did without + reading them; and receiving half a year’s rent in hand, as a fine, which + he did with great satisfaction. He was often distressed for ready money, + though he had a large estate; and his agent well knew how to humour him in + his hatred of business. No interest could have persuaded Mr. Folingsby + deliberately to commit so base an action as that of cheating a deserving + old tenant out of a promised renewal; but, in fact, long before the leases + were sent to him, he had totally forgotten every syllable that poor + Frankland had said to him on the subject. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The day on which they left their farm was a melancholy day to this + unfortunate family. Mr. Frankland’s father and grandfather had been + tenants, and excellent tenants, to the Folingsby family: all of them had + occupied, and not only occupied, but highly improved, this farm. All the + neighbours were struck with compassion, and cried shame upon Mr. + Folingsby! But Mr. Folingsby was at Ascot, and did not hear them. He was + on the race ground, betting hundreds upon a favourite horse, whilst this + old man and his family were slowly passing in their covered cart down the + lane which led from their farm, taking a last farewell of the fields they + had cultivated, and the harvest they had sown, but which they were never + to reap. + </p> + <p> + Hannah, the servant-girl, who had reproached herself so bitterly for + leaving the bucket of ashes near the hay-rick, was extremely active in + assisting her poor master. Upon this occasion she seemed to be endowed + with double strength; and a degree of cleverness and presence of mind, of + which she had never shown any symptoms in her former life: but gratitude + awakened all her faculties. + </p> + <p> + Before she came to this family, she had lived some years with a farmer + who, as she now recollected, had a small farm, with a snug cottage upon + it, which was to be this very year out of lease. Without saying a word of + her intentions, she got up early one morning, walked fifteen miles to her + old master’s, and offered to pay out of her wages, which she had laid by + for six or seven years, the year’s rent of this farm before-hand, if the + farmer would let it to Mr. Frankland. The farmer would not take the girl’s + money, for he said he wanted no security from Mr. Frankland, or his son + George: they bore the best of characters, he observed, and no people in + Monmouthshire could understand the management of land better. He willingly + agreed to let him the farm; but it contained only a few acres, and the + house was so small that it could scarcely lodge above three people. + </p> + <p> + Here old Frankland and his eldest son, George, settled. James went to + Monmouth, where he became shopman to Mr. Cleghorn, a haberdasher, who took + him in preference to three other young men, who applied on the same day. + “Shall I tell you the reason why I fixed upon you, James?” said Mr. + Cleghorn. “It was not whim; I had my reasons.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” said James, “you thought I had been honestly and well brought + up; as, I believe, in former times, sir, you knew something of my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; and in former times I knew something of yourself. You may + forget, but I do not, that, when you were a child, not more than nine + years old, {Footnote: This circumstance is a fact.} you came to this shop + to pay a bill of your mother’s: the bill was cast up a pound too little: + you found out the mistake, and paid me the money. I dare say you are as + good an accountant, and as honest a fellow, still. I have just been + terribly tricked by a lad to whom I trusted foolishly; but this will not + make me suspicious towards you, because I know how you have been brought + up; and that is the best security a man can have.” + </p> + <p> + Thus, even in childhood, the foundation of a good character may be laid; + and thus children inherit the good name of their parents. A rich + inheritance! of which they cannot be deprived by the utmost malice of + fortune. + </p> + <p> + The good characters of Fanny and Patty Frankland were well known in the + neighbourhood; and when they could no longer afford to live at home, they + found no difficulty in getting places. On the contrary, several of the + best families in Monmouth were anxious to engage them. Fanny went to live + with Mrs. Hungerford, a lady of an ancient family, who was proud, but not + insolent, and generous, but not what is commonly called affable. She had + several children, and she hired Fanny Frankland for the particular purpose + of attending them. + </p> + <p> + “Pray let me see that you exactly obey my orders, young woman, with + respect to my children,” said Mrs. Hungerford, “and you shall have no + reason to complain of the manner in which you are treated in this house. + It is my wish to make every body happy in it, from the highest to the + lowest. You have, I understand, received an education above your present + station in life; and I hope and trust that you will deserve the high + opinion I am, from that circumstance, inclined to form of you.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny was rather intimidated by the haughtiness of Mrs. Hungerford’s + manner; yet she felt a steady though modest confidence in herself, which + was not displeasing to her mistress. + </p> + <p> + About this time Patty also went into service. Her mistress was a Mrs. + Crumpe, a very old rich lady, who was often sick and peevish, and who + confessed that she required an uncommonly good-humoured person to wait + upon her. She lived a few miles from Monmouth, where she had many + relations; but on account of her great age and infirmities, she led an + extremely retired life. + </p> + <p> + Frank was now the only person in the family who was not settled in the + world. He determined to apply to a Mr. Barlow, an attorney of an excellent + character. He had been much pleased with the candour and generosity Frank + showed in a quarrel with the Bettesworths; and he had promised to befriend + him, if ever it should be in his power. It happened that, at this time, + Mr. Barlow was in want of a clerk; and as he knew Frank’s abilities, and + had reason to feel confidence in his integrity, he determined to employ + him in his office. Frank had once a prejudice against attorneys: he + thought that they could not be honest men; but he was convinced of his + mistake when he became acquainted with Mr. Barlow. This gentleman never + practised any mean pettyfogging arts; on the contrary, he always dissuaded + those who consulted him from commencing vexatious suits. Instead of + fomenting quarrels, it was his pleasure and pride to bring about + reconciliations. It was said of Mr. Barlow that he had lost more suits out + of the court, and fewer in them, than any attorney of his standing in + England. His reputation was now so great that he was consulted more as a + lawyer than as an attorney. With such a master, Frank had a prospect of + being extremely happy; and he determined that nothing should be wanting, + on his part, to ensure Mr. Barlow’s esteem and regard. + </p> + <p> + James Frankland, in the mean time, went on happily with Mr. Cleghorn, the + haberdasher; whose customers all agreed that his shop had never been so + well attended as since this young man had been his foreman. His accounts + were kept in the most exact manner; and his bills were made out with + unrivalled neatness and expedition. His attendance on the shop was so + constant that his master began to fear it might hurt his health; + especially as he had never, till of late, been used to so confined a life. + </p> + <p> + “You should go abroad, James, these fine evenings,” said Mr. Cleghorn. + “Take a walk in the country now and then, in the fresh air. Don’t think I + want to nail you always to the counter. Come, this is as fine an evening + as you can wish: take your hat, and away; I’ll mind the shop myself, till + you come back. He must be a hard master, indeed, that does not know when + he is well served; and that never will be my case, I hope. Good servants + make good masters, and good masters good servants. Not that I mean to call + you, Mr. James, a servant; that was only a slip of the tongue; and no + matter for the tongue, where the heart means well, as mine does towards + you.” + </p> + <p> + Towards all the world Mr. Cleghorn was not disposed to be indulgent: he + was not a selfish man; but he had a high idea of subordination in life. + Having risen himself by slow degrees, he thought that every man in trade + should have what he called “the rough as well as the smooth.” He saw that + his new foreman bore the rough well; and therefore he was now inclined to + give him some of the smooth. + </p> + <p> + James, who was extremely fond of his brother Frank, called upon him and + took him to Mrs. Hungerford’s, to ask Fanny to accompany them in this + walk. They had seldom seen her since they had quitted their father’s house + and lived in Monmouth; and they were disappointed when they were told, by + Mrs. Hungerford’s footman, that Fanny was not at home; she was gone to + walk out with the children. The man did not know which road they went, so + they had no hopes of meeting her; and they took their way through one of + the shady lanes near Monmouth. It was late before they thought of + returning; for, after several weeks’ confinement in close houses, the + fresh air, green fields, and sweet-smelling wild flowers in the hedges, + were delightful novelties. “Those who see these things every day,” said + James, “scarcely notice them; I remember I did not when I lived at our + farm. So things, as my father used to say, are made equal to people in + this world. We, who are hard at work in a close room all day long, have + more relish for an evening walk, a hundred to one, than those who saunter + about from morning till night.” + </p> + <p> + The philosophic reflections of James were interrupted by the merry voices + of a troop of children, who were getting over a stile into the lane, where + he and Frank were walking. The children had huge nosegays of honeysuckles, + dog-roses, and blue-bells, in their little hands; and they gave their + flowers to a young woman who attended them, begging she would hold them + whilst they got over the stile. James and Frank went to offer their + services to help the children; and then they saw that the young woman, who + held the flowers, was their sister Fanny. + </p> + <p> + “Our own Fanny!” said Frank. “How lucky this is! It seems almost a year + since I saw you. We have been all the way to Mrs. Hungerford’s to look for + you, and have been forced to take half our walk without you; but the other + half will make amends. I’ve a hundred things to say to you: which is your + way home? Take the longest way, I entreat you. Here is my arm. What a + delightful fine evening it is! But what’s the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a very fine evening,” said Fanny, hesitating a little; “and I hope + to-morrow will be as fine. I’ll ask my mistress to let me walk out with + you to-morrow; but this evening I cannot stay with you, because I have the + children under my care; and I have promised her that I will never walk + with any one when they are with me.” + </p> + <p> + “But your own brother,” said Frank, a little angry at this refusal. + </p> + <p> + “I promised I would not walk with any one; and surely you are somebody: so + good night; good bye,” replied Fanny, endeavouring to turn off his + displeasure with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “But what harm, I say, can I do the children, by walking with you?” cried + Frank, catching hold of her gown. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know; but I know what the orders of my mistress are; and you + know, dear Frank, that whilst I live with her, I am bound to obey them.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Frank, she must obey them,” said James. + </p> + <p> + Frank loosened his hold of Fanny’s gown immediately. “You are right, dear + Fanny,” said he; “you are right, and I was wrong: so good night; good bye. + Only remember to ask leave to walk with us to-morrow evening; for I have + had a letter from father and brother George, and I want to show it you. + Wait five minutes, and I can read it to you now, Fanny.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny, though she was anxious to hear her father’s letter, would not wait, + but hurried away with the children that were under her care; saying she + must keep her promise to her mistress exactly. Frank followed her, and put + the letter into her hands. “You are a dear good girl, and deserve all the + fine things father says of you in this letter. Take it, child: your + mistress does not forbid you receiving a letter from your father, I + suppose. I shall wish her hanged, if she does not let you walk with us + to-morrow,” whispered he. + </p> + <p> + The children frequently interrupted Fanny, as she was reading her father’s + letter. “Pray pull that high dog-rose for me, Fanny,” said one. “Pray hold + me up to that large honeysuckle,” said another. “And do, Fanny,” said the + youngest boy, “let us go home by the common, that I may see the glowworms. + Mamma said I might; and whilst we are looking for the glowworms, you can + sit on a stone, or a bank, and read your letter in peace.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny, who was always very ready to indulge the children in any thing + which her mistress had not forbidden, agreed to this proposal; and when + they came to the common, little Gustavus, for that was the name of the + eldest boy, found a charming seat for her; and she sat down to read her + letter whilst the children ran to hunt for glowworms. + </p> + <p> + Fanny read her father’s letter over three times; and yet few people, + except those who have the happiness to love a father as well, and to have + a father as deserving to be loved, would think it at all worth reading + even once. + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR BOYS AND GIRLS, + </p> + <p> + “It is a strange thing to me to be without you; but, with me or from me, I + am sure you are doing well; and that is a great comfort; ay, the best a + father can have, especially at my age. I am heartily glad to hear that my + Frank has, by his own deserts, got so good a place with that excellent + man, Mr. Barlow. He does not hate attorneys now, I am sure. Indeed, it is + my belief, he could not hate any body for half an hour together, if he + were to do his worst. Thank God, none of my children have been brought up + to be revengeful or envious; and they are not fighting with one another, + as I hear the poor Bettesworths now all are for the fortune. ‘Better is a + dinner of herbs, where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith.’ + I need not have troubled myself to write this text to any of you; but old + men will be talkative. My rheumatism, however, prevents me from being as + talkative as I could wish. It has been rather severe or so, owing to the + great cold I caught the day that I was obliged to wait so long at squire + Folingsby’s in my wet clothes. But I hope soon to be stirring again, and + to be able to take share of the work about our little farm, with your dear + brother George. Poor fellow! he has so much to do, and does so much, that + I fear he will overwork himself. He is at this present time out in the + little field, opposite my window, digging up the docks, which are very + hard to conquer; he has made a brave large heap of them, but I wish to my + heart he would not toil so desperately. + </p> + <p> + “I desire, my dear James and Frank, you will not confine yourselves too + much in your shop and at your desk: this is all I have to dread for either + of you. Give my love and blessing to my sweet girls. If Fanny was not as + prudent as she is pretty, I should be in fear for her; hearing as I do, + that Mrs. Hungerford keeps so much fine company. A waiting-maid in such a + house is in a dangerous place: but my Fanny, I am sure, will ever keep in + mind her mother’s precepts and example. I am told that Mrs. Crumpe, + Patty’s mistress, is (owing, I suppose, to her great age and infirmities) + difficult in her humour; but my Patty has so even and pleasant a temper + that I defy any one living, that knows her, not to love her. My hand is + now quite tired of writing, this being penned with my left, as my right + arm is not yet free from rheumatism: I have not James with me to write. + God bless and preserve you all, my dear children. With such comforts, I + can have nothing to complain of in this world. This I know, I would not + exchange any one of you for all my neighbour Bettesworth’s fine fortune. + Write soon to + </p> + <p> + “Your affectionate father, + </p> + <p> + “B. Frankland.” + </p> + <p> + “Look! look at the glowworms!” cried the children, gathering round Fanny, + just as she had finished reading her letter. There were prodigious numbers + of them on this common; and they shone over the whole ground, in clusters, + or singly, like little stars. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the children were looking with admiration and delight at this + spectacle, their attention was suddenly diverted from the glowworms by the + sound of a French-horn. They looked round and perceived that it came from + the balcony of a house, which was but a few yards distant from the spot + where they were standing. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! let us go nearer to the balcony!” said the children, “that we may + hear the music better.” A violin, and a clarinet, at this moment began to + play. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! let us go nearer!” said the children, drawing Fanny with all their + little force towards the balcony. + </p> + <p> + “My dears, it is growing late,” said she, “and we must make haste home. + There is a crowd of company, you see, at the door and at the windows of + that house; and if we go near to it, some of them will certainly speak to + you, and that, you know, your mamma would not like.” + </p> + <p> + The children paused and looked at one another, as if inclined to submit; + but, at this moment, a kettle-drum was heard, and little Gustavus could + not resist his curiosity to hear and see more of this instrument: he broke + loose from Fanny’s hands, and escaped to the house, exclaiming, “I must + and will hear it, and see it too!” + </p> + <p> + Fanny was obliged to pursue him into the midst of the crowd: he made his + way up to a young gentleman in regimentals, who took him up in his arms, + saying, “By Jove, a fine little fellow! A soldier, every inch of him! By + Jove, he shall see the drum, and beat it too; let us see who dares say to + the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + As the gallant ensign spoke, he carried Gustavus up a flight of stairs + that led to the balcony. Fanny in great anxiety called after him to beg + that he would not detain the child, who was trusted to her care: her + mistress, she said, would be extremely displeased with her, if she + disobeyed her orders. + </p> + <p> + She was here interrupted in her remonstrance by the shrill voice of a + female, who stood on the same stair with the ensign, and whom, + notwithstanding the great alteration in her dress, Fanny recognized to be + Sally Bettesworth. Jilting Jessy stood beside her. + </p> + <p> + “Fanny Frankland, I protest! What a pother she keeps about nothing,” cried + Saucy Sally. “Know your betters, and keep your distance, young woman. Who + cares whether your mistress is displeased or not? She can’t turn us away, + can she, pray? She can’t call ensign Bloomington to account, can she, + hey?” + </p> + <p> + An insolent laugh closed this speech; a laugh in which several of the + crowd joined: but some gentlemen were interested by Fanny’s beautiful and + modest countenance, as she looked up to the balcony, and, with tears in + her eyes, entreated to be heard. “Oh, for shame, Bloomington! Give her + back the boy. It is not fair that she should lose her place,” cried they. + </p> + <p> + Bloomington would have yielded; but Saucy Sally stood before him crying in + a threatening tone, “I’ll never speak to you again, I promise you, + Bloomington, if you give up. A fine thing indeed for a man and a soldier + to give up to a woman and a servant-girl! and an impertinent servant-girl! + Who cares for her or her place either?” + </p> + <p> + “I do! I do!” exclaimed little Gustavus, springing from the ensign’s arms. + “I care for her! She is not an impertinent girl; and I’ll give up seeing + the kettle-drum, and go home with her directly, with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + In vain Sally attempted to withhold him; the boy ran down the stairs to + Fanny, and marched off with her in all the conscious pride of a hero, + whose generosity has fairly vanquished his passions. Little Gustavus was + indeed a truly generous child: the first thing he did, when he got home, + was to tell his mother all that had passed this evening. Mrs. Hungerford + was delighted with her son, and said to him, “I cannot, I am sure, reward + you better, my dear, than by rewarding this good young woman. The fidelity + with which she has fulfilled my orders, in all that regards my children, + places her, in my opinion, above the rank in which she was born. + Henceforward she shall hold in my house a station to which her habits of + truth, gentleness, and good sense, entitle her.” + </p> + <p> + From this time forward, Fanny, by Mrs. Hungerford’s desire, was always + present when the children took their lessons from their several masters. + Mrs. Hungerford advised her to apply herself to learn all those things + which were necessary for a governess to young ladies. “When you speak, + your language in general is good, and correct; and no pains shall be + wanting, on my part,” said this haughty but benevolent lady, “to form your + manners, and to develop your talents. This I partly owe you for your care + of my children; and I am happy to reward my son Gustavus in a manner which + I am certain will be most agreeable to him.” + </p> + <p> + “And, mamma,” said the little boy, “may she walk out sometimes with her + brothers? for I do believe she loves them as well as I love my sisters.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hungerford permitted Fanny to walk out for an hour, every morning, + during the time that her children were with their dancing-master; and at + this hour sometimes her brother James, and sometimes her brother Frank, + could be spared; and they had many pleasant walks together. What a + happiness it was to them to have been thus bred up, from their earliest + years, in friendship with one another! This friendship was now the + sweetest pleasure of their lives. + </p> + <p> + Poor Patty! She regretted that she could not join in these pleasant + meetings; but, alas! she was so useful, so agreeable, and so necessary to + her infirm mistress, that she could never be spared from home. “Where’s + Patty? why does not Patty do this?” were Mrs. Crumpe’s constant questions + whenever she was absent. Patty had all the business of the house upon her + hands, because nobody could do any thing so well as Patty. Mrs. Crumpe + found that no one could dress her but Patty; nobody could make her bed, so + that she could sleep on it, but Patty; no one could make jelly, or broth, + or whey, that she could taste, but Patty; no one could roast, or boil, or + bake, but Patty. Of course, all these things must be done by nobody else. + The ironing of Mrs. Crumpe’s caps, which had exquisitely nice plaited + borders, at last fell to Patty’s share; because once, when the + laundry-maid was sick, she plaited one so charmingly, that her lady would + never afterwards wear any but of her plaiting. Now Mrs. Crumpe changed her + cap, or rather had her cap changed, three times a day; and never wore the + same cap twice. + </p> + <p> + The labours of washing, ironing, plaiting, roasting, boiling, baking, + making jelly, broth, and whey, were not sufficient: Mrs. Crumpe took it + into her head that she could eat no butter but of Patty’s churning. But, + what was worse than all, not a night passed without Patty’s being called + up to see “what could be the matter with the dog that was barking, or the + cat that was mewing?” And when she was just sinking to sleep again, at + daybreak, her lady, in whose room she slept, would call out, “Patty! + Patty! There’s a dreadful noise in the chicken-yard.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ma’am, it is only the cocks crowing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, do step out, and hinder them from crowing at this terrible rate.” + </p> + <p> + “But, ma’am, I cannot hinder them indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, you could, if you were up. Get up and whip ‘em, child. Whip ‘em + all round, or I shall not sleep a wink more this night.” {Footnote: Taken + from life.} + </p> + <p> + How little poor Patty slept, her lady never considered: not that she was + in reality an ill-natured woman, but sickness inclined her to be peevish; + and she had so long been used to be humoured and waited upon by relations + and servants, who expected she would leave them rich legacies, that she + considered herself as a sort of golden idol, to whom all that approached + should and would bow as low as she pleased. Perceiving that almost all + around her were interested, she became completely selfish. She was from + morning till night, from night till morning, nay, from year’s end to + year’s end, so much in the habit of seeing others employed for her, that + she absolutely considered this to be the natural and necessary course of + things; and she quite forgot to think of the comfort, or even of the + well-being, of those creatures who were “born for her use, and live but to + oblige her.” + </p> + <p> + From time to time she was so far awakened to feeling, by Patty’s exertions + and good-humour, that she would say, to quiet her own conscience, “Well! + well! I’ll make it all up to her in my will! I’ll make it all up to her in + my will!” + </p> + <p> + She took it for granted that Patty, like the rest of her dependents, was + governed entirely by mercenary considerations; and she was persuaded that + the hopes of this legacy would secure Patty her slave for life. In this + she was mistaken. + </p> + <p> + One morning Patty came into her room with a face full of sorrow; a face so + unlike her usual countenance, that even her mistress, unaccustomed as she + was to attend to the feelings of others, could not help noticing the + change. + </p> + <p> + “Well! What’s the matter, child?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! sad news, madam!” said Patty, turning aside to hide her tears. + </p> + <p> + “But what’s the matter, child, I say? Can’t you speak, whatever it is, + hey? What, have you burnt my best cap in the ironing, hey? Is that it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! worse, worse, ma’am!” + </p> + <p> + “Worse! What can be worse?” + </p> + <p> + “My brother, ma’am, my brother George, is ill, very ill of a fever; and + they don’t think he’ll live! Here is my father’s letter, ma’am!” + </p> + <p> + “Lord! how can I read it without spectacles? and why should I read it, + when you’ve told me all that’s in it? How the child cries!” continued Mrs. + Crumpe, raising herself a little on her pillow, and looking at Patty with + a sort of astonished curiosity. “Heigho! But I can’t stay in bed this way + till dinnertime. Get me my cap, child, and dry your eyes; for crying won’t + do your brother any good.” + </p> + <p> + Patty dried her eyes. “No, crying will not do him any good,” said she, + “but———” + </p> + <p> + “But where is my cap? I don’t see it on the dressing-table.” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma’am: Martha will bring it in a minute or two: she is plaiting it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not have it plaited by Martha. Go and do it yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “But, ma’am,” said Patty, who, to her mistress’s surprise, stood still, + notwithstanding she heard this order, “I hope you will be so good as to + give me leave to go to my poor brother to-day. All the rest of my brothers + and sisters are with him, and he wants to see me; and they have sent a + horse for me.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter what they have sent, you sha’n’t go; I can’t spare you. If you + choose to serve me, serve me. If you choose to serve your brother, serve + your brother, and leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, madam,” said Patty, “I must leave you; for I cannot but choose to + serve my brother at such a time as this, if I can serve him; which God + grant I mayn’t be too late to do!” + </p> + <p> + “What! You will leave me! Leave me contrary to my orders! Take notice, + then: these doors you shall never enter again, if you leave me now,” cried + Mrs. Crumpe, who, by this unexpected opposition to her orders, was + actually worked up to a state unlike her usual peevishness. She started up + in her bed, and growing quite red in the face, cried, “Leave me now, and + you leave me for ever. Remember that! Remember that!” + </p> + <p> + “Then, madam, I must leave you for ever,” said Patty, moving towards the + door. “I wish you your health and happiness, and am sorry to break so + short.” + </p> + <p> + “The girl’s an idiot!” cried Mrs. Crumpe. “After this you cannot expect + that I should remember you in my will.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, madam; I expect no such thing,” said Patty. (Her hand was on + the lock of the door as she spoke.) + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Mrs. Crumpe, “perhaps you will think it worth your while to + stay with me, when I tell you I have not forgot you in my will? Consider + that, child, before you turn the handle of the door. Consider that; and + don’t disoblige me for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, madam, consider my poor brother. I am sorry to disoblige you for + ever; but I can consider nothing but my poor brother,” said Patty. The + lock of the door turned quickly in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Why! Is your brother rich? What upon earth do you expect from this + brother, that can make it worth your while to behave to me in this strange + way?” said Mrs. Crumpe. + </p> + <p> + Patty was silent with astonishment for a few moments, and then answered, + “I expect nothing from him, madam; he is as poor as myself; but that does + not make me love him the less.” + </p> + <p> + Before Mrs. Crumpe could understand this last speech, Patty had left the + room. Her mistress sat up in her bed, in the same attitude, for some + minutes after she was gone, looking fixedly at the place where Patty had + stood: she could scarcely recover from her surprise; and a multitude of + painful thoughts crowded upon her mind. + </p> + <p> + “If I were dying, and poor, who would come to me? Not a relation I have in + the world would come near me! Not a creature on earth loves me as this + poor girl loves her brother, who is as poor as herself.” + </p> + <p> + Here her reflections were interrupted by hearing the galloping of Patty’s + horse, as it passed by the windows. Mrs. Crumpe tried to compose herself + again to sleep, but she could not; and in half an hour’s time she rang the + bell violently, took her purse out of her pocket, counted out twenty + bright guineas, and desired that a horse should be saddled immediately, + and that her steward should gallop after Patty, and offer her that <i>whole + sum in hand</i>, if she would return. “Begin with one guinea, and bid on + till you come up to her price,” said Mrs. Crumpe. “Have her back again I + will, if it were only to convince myself that she is to be had for money + as well as other people.” + </p> + <p> + The steward, as he counted the gold in his hand, thought it was a great + sum to throw away for such a whim: he had never seen his lady take the + whim of giving away ready money before; but it was in vain to remonstrate; + she was peremptory, and he obeyed. + </p> + <p> + In two hours’ time he returned, and Mrs. Crumpe saw her gold again with + extreme astonishment. The steward said he could not prevail upon Patty + even to look at the guineas. Mrs. Crumpe now flew into a violent passion, + in which none of our readers will probably sympathize: we shall therefore + forbear to describe it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + When Patty came within half a mile of the cottage in which her father + lived, she met Hannah, the faithful servant, who had never deserted the + family in their misfortunes; she had been watching all the morning on the + road for the first sight of Patty, but when she saw her, and came quite + close up to her, she had no power to speak; and Patty was so much + terrified that she could not ask her a single question. She walked her + horse a slow pace, and kept silence. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you go on, ma’am?” said Hannah at last, forcing herself to speak. + “Won’t you go on a bit faster? He’s almost wild to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “He is alive then!” cried Patty. The horse was in full gallop directly, + and she was soon at her father’s door. James and Frank were there watching + for her: they lifted her from the horse; and feeling that she trembled so + much as to be scarcely able to stand, they would have detained her a + little while in the air; but she passed or rather rushed into the room + where her brother lay. He took no notice of her when she came in, for he + was insensible. Fanny was supporting his head; she held out her hand to + Patty, who went on tiptoe to the side of the bed. “Is he asleep?” + whispered she. + </p> + <p> + “Not asleep, but—He’ll come to himself presently,” continued Fanny, + “and he will be very, very glad you are come; and so will my father.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is my father?” said Patty; “I don’t see him.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny pointed to the farthest end of the room, where he was kneeling at + his devotion. The shutters being half closed, she could but just see the + faint beam which shone upon his grey hairs. He rose, came to his daughter + Patty, with an air of resigned grief, and taking her hand between both of + his, said, “My love—we must lose him—God’s will be done!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there is hope, there is hope still!” said Patty. “See! the colour is + coming back to his lips again; his eyes open! Oh! George, dear George, + dear brother! It is your own sister Patty: don’t you know Patty?” + </p> + <p> + “Patty!—Yes. Why does she not come to me? I would go to her if I + could,” said the sufferer, without knowing what he talked of. “Is not she + come yet? Send another horse, Frank. Why, it is only six miles. Six miles + in three hours, that is—how many miles an hour? ten miles, is it? + Don’t hurry her—don’t tell her I’m so bad; nor my father—don’t + let him see me, nor James, nor Frank, nor pretty Fanny, nor any body—they + are all too good to me: I only wished to see poor Patty once before I die; + but don’t frighten her—I shall be very well, tell her—quite + well, by the time she comes.” + </p> + <p> + After running on in this manner for some time, his eyes closed again, and + he lay in a state of stupor. He continued in this condition for some time: + at last his sisters, who were watching beside the bed, heard a knocking at + the door. It was Frank and James: they had gone for a clergyman, whom + George, before he became delirious, had desired to see. The clergyman was + come, and with him a benevolent physician, who happened to be at his + house, and who insisted upon accompanying him. As soon as the physician + saw the poor young man, and felt his pulse, he perceived that the ignorant + apothecary, who had been first employed, had entirely mistaken George’s + disease, and had treated him improperly. His disease was a putrid fever, + and the apothecary had bled him repeatedly. The physician thought he could + certainly have saved his life, if he had seen him two days sooner; but now + it was a hopeless case. All that could be done for him he tried. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening, the disease seemed to take a favourable turn. George came + to his senses, knew his father, his brothers, and Fanny, and spoke to each + with his customary kindness, as they stood round his bed: he then asked + whether poor Patty was come? When he saw her, he thanked her tenderly for + coming to him, but could not recollect he had any thing particular to say + to her. + </p> + <p> + “I only wished to see you all together, to thank you for your good-nature + to me ever since I was born, and to take leave of you before I die; for I + feel that I am dying. Nay, do not cry so! My father! Oh! my father is most + to be pitied; but he will have James and Frank left.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing his father’s affliction, which the good old man struggled in vain + to subdue, George broke off here: he put his hand to his head, as if + fearing it was again growing confused. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see our good clergyman, now that I am well enough to see him,” + said he. He then took a hand of each of his brothers and sisters, joined + them together, and pressed them to his lips, looking from them to his + father, whose back was now turned. “You understand me,” whispered George: + “he can never come to want, while you are left to work and comfort him. If + I should not see you again in this world, farewell! Ask my father to give + me his blessing!” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, my son! God bless you, my dear good son! God will surely + bless so good a son!” said the agonized father, laying his hand upon his + son’s forehead, which even now was cold with the damp of death. + </p> + <p> + “What a comfort it is to have a father’s blessing!” said George. “May you + all have it when you are as I am now!” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be out of this world long, long before that time, I hope,” said + the poor old man, as he left the room. “But God’s will be done! Send the + clergyman to my boy!” + </p> + <p> + The clergyman remained in the room but a short time: when he returned to + the family, they saw by his looks that all was over! + </p> + <p> + There was a solemn silence. + </p> + <p> + “Be comforted,” said the good clergyman. “Never man left this world with a + clearer conscience, or had happier hope of a life to come. Be comforted. + Alas! at such a time as this you cannot be comforted by any thing that the + tongue of man can say.” + </p> + <p> + All the family attended the funeral. It was on a Sunday, just before + morning prayers; and as soon as George was interred, his father, brothers, + and sisters, left the churchyard, to avoid being seen by the gay people + who were coming to their devotion. As they went home, they passed through + the field in which George used to work: there they saw his heap of docks, + and his spade upright in the ground beside it, just as he had left it, the + last time that he had ever worked. + </p> + <p> + The whole family stayed for a few days with their poor father. Late one + evening, as they were all walking out together in the fields, a heavy dew + began to fall; and James urged his father to make haste home, lest he + should catch cold, and should have another fit of the rheumatism. They + were then at some distance from their cottage; and Frank, who thought he + knew a short way home, took them by a new road, which unluckily led them + far out of their way; it brought them unexpectedly within sight of their + old farm, and of the new house which Mr. Bettesworth had built upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear father, I am sorry I brought you this way,” cried Frank. “Let + us turn back.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my son, why should we turn back?” said his father mildly; “we can + pass by these fields, and this house, I hope, without coveting our + neighbour’s goods.” + </p> + <p> + As they came near the house, he stopped at the gate to look at it. “It is + a good house,” said he; “but I have no need to envy any man a good house; + I, that have so much better things—good children!” + </p> + <p> + Just as he uttered these words, Mr. Bettesworth’s house door opened, and + three or four men appeared on the stone steps, quarrelling and fighting. + The loud voices of Bullying Bob and Wild Will were heard too plainly. + </p> + <p> + “We have no business here,” said old Frankland, turning to his children: + “let us go.” + </p> + <p> + The combatants pursued each other with such furious rapidity that they + were near to the gate in a few instants. + </p> + <p> + “Lock the gate, you without there, whoever you are! Lock the gate! or I’ll + knock you down when I come up, whoever you are;” cried Bullying Bob, who + was hindmost in the race. + </p> + <p> + Wild Will was foremost; he kicked open the gate, but his foot slipped as + he was going through: his brother overtook him, and, seizing him by the + collar, cried, “Give me back the bank-notes, you rascal! they are mine, + and I’ll have ‘em in spite of you.” + </p> + <p> + “They are mine, and I’ll keep ‘em in spite of you,” retorted Will, who was + much intoxicated. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what a sight! brothers fighting! Oh! part them, part them! Hold! + hold! for Heaven’s sake!” cried old Frankland to them. + </p> + <p> + Frank and James held them asunder, though they continued to abuse one + another in the grossest terms. Their father, by this time, came up: he + wrung his hands, and wept bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! shame, shame to me in my old age!” cried he, “can’t you two let me + live the few years I have to live in peace? Ah, neighbour Frankland, you + are better off! My heart will break soon! These children of mine will be + the ruin and the death of me!” + </p> + <p> + At these words the sons interrupted their father with loud complaints of + the manner in which he had treated them. They had quarrelled with one + another, and with their father, about money. The father charged them with + profligate extravagance; and they accused him of sordid avarice. Mr. + Frankland, much shocked at this scene, besought them at least to return to + their house, and not to expose themselves in this manner, especially now + that they were in <i>the station of gentlemen</i>. Their passions were too + loud and brutal to listen to this appeal to their pride; their being + raised to the rank of gentlemen could not give them principles or manners; + that can only be done by education. Despairing to effect any good, Mr. + Frankland retired from this scene, and made the best of his way home to + his peaceful cottage. + </p> + <p> + “My children,” said he to his family, as they sat down to their frugal + meal, “we are poor, but we are happy in one another. Was not I right to + say I need not envy neighbour Bettesworth his fine house? Whatever + misfortunes befall me, I have the blessing of good children. It is a + blessing I would not exchange for any this world affords. God preserve + them in health!” + </p> + <p> + He sighed, and soon added, “It is a bitter thing to think of a good son, + who is dead; but it is worse, perhaps, to think of a bad son, who is + alive. That is a misfortune I can never know. But, my dear boys and + girls,” continued he, changing his tone, “this idle way of life of ours + must not last for ever. You are too poor to be idle; and so much the + better for you. To-morrow you must all away to your own business.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” cried they all at once, “which of us may stay with you?” + </p> + <p> + “None of you, my good children. You are all going on well in the world; + and I will not take you from your good masters and mistresses.” + </p> + <p> + Patty now urged that she had the strongest right to remain with her + father, because Mrs. Crumpe would certainly refuse to receive her into her + service again, after what had passed at their parting: but nothing could + prevail upon Frankland; he positively refused to let any of his children + stay with him. At last Frank cried, “How can you possibly manage this farm + without help? You must let either James or me stay with you, father. + Suppose you should be seized with another fit of the rheumatism?” + </p> + <p> + Frankland paused for a moment, and then answered, “Poor Hannah will nurse + me if I fall sick. I am able still to pay her just wages. I will not be a + burden to my children. As to this farm, I am going to give it up; for, + indeed,” said the old man, smiling, “I should not be well able to manage + it with the rheumatism in my spade-arm. My landlord, farmer Hewit, is a + good-natured friendly man; and he will give me my own time for the rent: + nay, he tells me he would let me live in this cottage for nothing: but I + cannot do that.” “Then what will you do, dear father?” said his sons. + </p> + <p> + “The clergyman, who was here yesterday, has made interest for a house for + me which will cost me nothing, nor him either; and I shall be very near + you both, boys.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” interrupted Frank, “I know, by your way of speaking, there + is something about this house which you do not like.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” said old Frankland: “but that is the fault of my pride, + and of my old prejudices; which are hard to conquer at my time of life. It + is certain, I do not much like the thoughts of going into an almshouse.” + </p> + <p> + “An almshouse!” cried all his children at once, in a tone of horror. “Oh! + father, you must not, indeed you must not, go into an almshouse!” + </p> + <p> + The pride which renders the English yeoman averse to live upon public + charity is highly advantageous to the industry and virtue of the nation. + Even where it is instilled early into families as a prejudice, it is + useful, and ought to be respected. + </p> + <p> + Frankland’s children, shocked at the idea of their father’s going into an + almshouse, eagerly offered to join together the money they had earned, and + to pay the rent of the cottage in which he now lived; but Frankland knew + that, if he took this money, his children would themselves be in distress. + He answered with tears in his eyes, + </p> + <p> + “My dear children, I thank you all for your goodness; but I cannot accept + of your offer. Since I am no longer able to support myself, I will not, + from false pride, be the ruin of my children. I will not be a burden to + them; and I prefer living upon public charity to accepting of the + ostentatious liberality of any one rich man. I am come to a resolution, + which nothing shall induce me to break. I am determined to live in the + Monmouth almshouse—nay, hear me, my children, patiently—to + live in the Monmouth almshouse for one year; and during that time I will + not see any of you, unless I am sick. I lay my commands upon you not to + attempt to see me till this day twelvemonth. If at that time you are all + together able to maintain me, without hurting yourselves, I will most + willingly accept of your bounty for the rest of my days.” + </p> + <p> + His children assured him they should be able to earn money sufficient to + maintain him, without injury to themselves, long before the end of the + year; and they besought him to permit them to do so as soon as it was in + their power; but he continued firm in his resolution, and made them + solemnly promise they would obey his commands, and not even attempt to see + him during the ensuing year. He then took leave of them in a most + affectionate manner, saying, “I know, my dearest children, I have now + given you the strongest possible motive for industry and good conduct. + This day twelvemonth we shall meet again; and I hope it will be as joyful + a meeting as this is a sorrowful parting.” His children, with some + difficulty, obtained permission to accompany him to his new abode. + </p> + <p> + The almshouses at Monmouth are far superior to common institutions of this + kind; they are remarkably neat and comfortable little dwellings, and form + a row of pretty cottages, behind each of which there is a garden full of + gooseberries, currants, and a variety of useful vegetables. These the old + men cultivate themselves. The houses are fitted up conveniently; and each + individual is provided with every thing that he wants in his own + habitation: so that there is no opportunity or temptation for those petty + disputes about property which often occur in charitable institutions that + are not prudently conducted. Poor people who have their goods in common + must necessarily become quarrelsome. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said old Frankland, pointing to the shining row of pewter on + the clean shelf over the fire-place in his little kitchen; “you see I want + for nothing here. I am not much to be pitied.” + </p> + <p> + His children stood silent and dejected, whilst he dressed himself in the + uniform belonging to the almshouse. Before they parted, they all agreed to + meet at this place that day twelvemonth, and to bring with them the + earnings of the year; they had hopes that thus, by their united efforts, a + sum might be obtained sufficient to place their father once more in a + state of independence. With these hopes they separated, and returned to + their masters and mistresses. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Patty went to Mrs. Crumpe’s to get her clothes which she had left there, + and to receive some months’ wages, which were still due for her services. + After what had passed, she had no idea that Mrs. Crumpe would wish she + should stay with her; and she had heard of another place in Monmouth, + which she believed would suit her in every respect. + </p> + <p> + The first person she saw, when she arrived at the house of her late + mistress, was Martha, who, with a hypocritical length of face, said to + her, “Sad news! sad news, Mrs. Patty! The passion my lady was thrown into, + by your going away so sudden, was of terrible detriment to her. That very + night she had a stroke of the palsy, and has scarce spoke since.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t take it to heart, it is none of your fault: don’t take it to heart, + dear Patty,” said Betty, the housemaid, who was fond of Patty. “What could + you do but go to your brother? Here, drink this water, and don’t blame + yourself at all about the matter. Mistress had a stroke sixteen months + ago, afore ever you came into the house; and I dare say she’d have had + this last whether you had stayed or gone.” + </p> + <p> + Here they were interrupted by the violent ringing of Mrs. Crumpe’s bell. + They were in the room next to her; and, as she heard voices louder than + usual, she was impatient to know what was going on. Patty heard Mrs. + Martha answer, as she opened her lady’s door, “‘Tis only Patty Frankland, + ma’am, who is come for her clothes and her wages.” + </p> + <p> + “And she is very sorry to hear you have been so ill; very sorry,” said + Betty, following to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Bid her come in,” said Mrs. Crumpe, in a voice more distinct than she had + ever been heard to speak in since the day of her illness. + </p> + <p> + “What! are you sorry for me, child?” said Mrs. Crumpe, fixing her eyes + upon Patty’s. Patty made no answer; but it was plain how much she was + shocked. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I see you <i>are</i> sorry for me,” said her mistress. “And so am I + for you,” added she, stretching out her hand, and taking hold of Patty’s + black gown. “You shall have a finer stuff than this for mourning for me. + But I know that is not what you are thinking of; and that’s the reason I + have more value for you than for all the rest of them put together. Stay + with me, stay with me, to nurse me; you nurse me to my mind. You cannot + leave me in the way I am in now, when I ask you to stay.” + </p> + <p> + Patty could not without inhumanity refuse; she stayed with Mrs. Crumpe, + who grew so dotingly fond of her, that she could scarcely bear to have her + a moment out of sight. She would take neither food nor medicines but from + Patty’s hand; and she would not speak, except in answer to Patty’s + questions. The fatigue and confinement she was now forced to undergo were + enough to hurt the constitution of any one who had not very strong health. + Patty bore them with the greatest patience and good humour; indeed, the + consciousness that she was doing right supported her in exertions which + would otherwise have been beyond her power. + </p> + <p> + She had still more difficult trials to go through: Mrs. Martha was jealous + of her favour with her lady, and often threw out hints that some people + had much more luck, and more cunning too, than other people; but that some + people might perhaps be disappointed at last in their ends. + </p> + <p> + Patty went on her own straight way, without minding these insinuations at + first; but she was soon forced to attend to them. Mrs. Crumpe’s relations + received intelligence from Mrs. Martha, that her lady was growing worse + and worse every hour; and that she was quite shut up under the dominion of + an artful servant-girl, who had gained such power over her that there was + no knowing what the consequence might be. Mrs. Crumpe’s relations were + much alarmed by this story: they knew she had made a will in their favour + some years before this time, and they dreaded that Patty should prevail + upon her to alter it, and should get possession herself of the fortune. + They were particularly struck with this idea, because an instance of undue + power, acquired by a favourite servant-maid over her doting mistress, + happened about this period to be mentioned in an account of a trial in the + newspapers of the day. Mrs. Crumpe’s nearest relations were two + grand-nephews. The eldest was Mr. Josiah Crumpe, a merchant who was + settled at Liverpool; the youngest was that ensign Bloomington, whom we + formerly mentioned. He had been intended for a merchant, but he would + never settle to business; and at last ran away from the counting-house + where he had been placed, and went into the army. He was an idle, + extravagant young man: his great-aunt was by fits very angry with him, or + very fond of him. Sometimes she would supply him with money; at others, + she would forbid him her presence, and declare he should never see another + shilling of hers. This had been her latest determination; but ensign + Bloomington thought he could easily get into favour again, and he resolved + to force himself into the house. Mrs. Crumpe positively refused to see + him: the day after this refusal he returned with a reinforcement, for + which Patty was not in the least prepared: he was accompanied by Miss + Sally Bettesworth, in a regimental riding-habit. Jessy had been the + original object of this gentleman’s gallantry; but she met with a new and + richer lover, and of course jilted him. Sally, who was in haste to be + married, took undisguised pains to fix the ensign; and she thought she was + sure of him. But to proceed with our story. + </p> + <p> + Patty was told that a lady and gentleman desired to see her in the + parlour: she was scarcely in the room when Sally began in a voice capable + of intimidating the most courageous of scolds, “Fine doings! Fine doings, + here! You think you have the game in your own hands, I warrant, my Lady + Paramount; but I’m not one to be bullied, you know of old.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor am I one to be bullied, I hope,” replied Patty, in a modest but firm + voice. “Will you be pleased to let me know, in a quiet way, what are your + commands with me, or my lady?” + </p> + <p> + “This gentleman here must see your lady, as you call her. To let you into + a bit of a secret, this gentleman and I <i>is</i> soon to be one; so no + wonder I stir in this affair, and I never stir for nothing; so it is as + well for you to do it with fair words as foul. Without more preambling, + please to show this gentleman into his aunt’s room, which sure he has the + best right to see of any one in this world; and if you prevent it in any + species, I’ll have the law of you; and I take this respectable woman,” + looking at Mrs. Martha, who came in with a salver of cakes and wine, “I + take this here respectable gentlewoman to be my witness, if you choose to + refuse my husband (that is to be) admittance to his true and lawful + nearest relation upon earth. Only say the doors are locked, and that you + won’t let him in; that’s all we ask of you, Mrs. Patty Paramount. Only say + that afore this here witness.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I shall say no such thing, ma’am,” replied Patty; “for it is not + in the least my wish to prevent the gentleman from seeing my mistress. It + was she herself who refused to let him in; and I think, if he forces + himself into the room, she will be apt to be very much displeased: but I + shall not hinder him, if he chooses to try. There are the stairs, and my + lady’s room is the first on the right hand. Only, sir, before you go up, + let me caution you, lest you should startle her so as to be the death of + her. The least surprise or fright might bring on another stroke in an + instant.” + </p> + <p> + Ensign Bloomington and Saucy Sally now looked at one another, as if at a + loss how to proceed: they retired to a window to consult; and whilst they + were whispering, a coach drove up to the door. It was full of Mrs. + Crumpe’s relations, who came post-haste from Monmouth, in consequence of + the alarm given by Mrs. Martha. Mr. Josiah Crumpe was not in the coach: he + had been written for, but was not yet arrived from Liverpool. + </p> + <p> + Now, it must be observed, this coach-full of relations were all enemies to + ensign Bloomington; and the moment they put their heads out of the + carriage-window, and saw him standing in the parlour, their surprise and + indignation were too great for coherent utterance. With all the rashness + of prejudice, they decided that he had bribed Patty to let him in and to + exclude them. Possessed with this idea, they hurried out of the coach, + passed by poor Patty who was standing in the hall, and beckoned to Mrs. + Martha, who showed them into the drawing-room, and remained shut up with + them there for some minutes. “She is playing us false,” cried Saucy Sally, + rushing out of the parlour. “I told you not to depend on that Martha; nor + on nobody but me: I said I’d force a way for you up to the room, and so I + have; and now you have not the spirit to take your advantage. They’ll get + in all of them before you; and then where will you be, and what will you + be?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Crumpe’s bell rang violently, and Patty ran up stairs to her room. “I + have been ringing for you, Patty, this quarter of an hour! What is all the + disturbance I hear below?” + </p> + <p> + “Your relations, ma’am, who wish to see you. I hope you won’t refuse to + see them, for they are very anxious.” + </p> + <p> + “Very anxious to have me dead and buried. Not one of them cares a groat + for me. I have made my will, tell them; and they will see that in time. I + will not see one of them.” + </p> + <p> + By this time, they were all at the bedchamber door, struggling which party + should enter first. Saucy Sally’s loud voice was heard, maintaining her + right to be there, as wife elect to ensign Bloomington. + </p> + <p> + “Tell them the first who enters this room shall never see a shilling of my + money,” cried Mrs. Crumpe. + </p> + <p> + Patty opened the door; the disputants were instantly silent. “Be pleased, + before you come in, to hearken to what my mistress says. Ma’am, will you + say whatever you think proper yourself,” said Patty; “for it is too hard + for me to be suspected of putting words into your mouth, and keeping your + friends from the sight of you.” + </p> + <p> + “The first of them who comes into this room,” cried Mrs. Crumpe, raising + her feeble voice to the highest pitch she was able, “the first who enters + this room shall never see a shilling of my money; and so on to the next, + and the next, and the next. I’ll see none of you.” + </p> + <p> + No one ventured to enter. Their infinite solicitude to see how poor Mrs. + Crumpe found herself to-day suddenly vanished. The two parties adjourned + to the parlour and the drawing-room; and there was nothing in which they + agreed, except in abusing Patty. They called for pen, ink, and paper, and + each wrote what they wished to say. Their notes were carried up by Patty + herself; for Mrs. Martha would not run the risk of losing her own legacy + to oblige any of them, though she had been bribed by all. With much + difficulty, Mrs. Crumpe was prevailed upon to look at the notes; at last + she exclaimed, “Let them all come up! all; this moment tell them, all!” + </p> + <p> + They were in the room instantly; all, except Saucy Sally: ensign + Bloomington persuaded her it was for the best that she should not appear. + Patty was retiring, as soon as she had shown them in; but her mistress + called to her, and bade her take a key, which she held in her hand, and + unlock an escritoir that was in the room. She did so. + </p> + <p> + “Give me that parcel, which is tied up with red tape, and sealed with + three seals,” said Mrs. Crumpe. + </p> + <p> + All eyes were immediately fixed upon it, for it was her will. + </p> + <p> + She broke the seals deliberately, untied the red string, opened the huge + sheet of parchment, and without saying one syllable tore it down the + middle; then tore the pieces again, and again, till they were so small + that the writing could not be read. The spectators looked upon one another + in dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! you may all look as you please,” cried Mrs. Crumpe. “I’m alive, and + in my sound senses still; my money’s my own; my property’s my own; I’ll do + what I please with it. You were all handsomely provided for in this will; + but you could not wait for your legacies till I was under ground. No! you + must come hovering over me, like so many ravens. It is not time yet! It is + not time yet! The breath is not yet out of my body; and when it is, you + shall none of you be the better for it, I promise you. My money’s my own; + my property’s my own; I’ll make a new will to-morrow. Good bye to you all. + I’ve told you my mind.” + </p> + <p> + Not the most abject humiliations, not the most artful caresses, not the + most taunting reproaches, from any of the company, could extort another + word from Mrs. Crumpe. Her disappointed and incensed relations were at + last obliged to leave the house; though not without venting their rage + upon Patty, whom they believed to be the secret cause of all that had + happened. After they had left the house, she went up to a garret, where + she thought no one would see her or hear her, sat down on an old bedstead, + and burst into tears. She had been much shocked by the scenes that had + just passed, and her heart wanted this relief. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” thought she, “it is plain enough that it is not riches which make + people happy. Here is this poor lady, with heaps of money and fine + clothes, without any one in this whole world to love or care for her, but + all wishing her dead; worried by her own relations, and abused by them, + almost in her hearing, upon her death-bed! Oh! my poor brother! How + different it was with you!” + </p> + <p> + Patty’s reflections were here interrupted by the entrance of Martha, who + came and sat down on the bedstead beside her, and, with a great deal of + hypocritical kindness in her manner, began to talk of what had passed; + blaming Mrs. Crumpe’s relations for being so hard-hearted and + inconsiderate as to force business upon her when she was in such a state. + “Indeed, they have no one to thank but themselves, for the new turn things + have taken. I hear my mistress has torn her will to atoms, and is going to + make a new one! To be sure, you, Mrs. Patty, will be handsomely provided + for in this, as is, I am sure, becoming; and I hope, if you have an + opportunity, as for certain you will, you won’t forget to speak a good + word for me!” + </p> + <p> + Patty, who was disgusted by this interested and deceitful address, + answered, she had nothing to do with her mistress’s will; and that her + mistress was the best judge of what should be done with her own money, + which she did not covet. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Martha was not mistaken in her opinion that Patty would be handsomely + remembered in this new will. Mrs. Crumpe the next morning said to Patty, + as she was giving her some medicine, “It is for your interest, child, that + I should get through this day, at least; for if I live a few hours longer, + you will be the richest single woman in Monmouthshire. I’ll show them that + all my money’s my own; and that I can do what I please with my own. Go + yourself to Monmouth, child (as soon as you have plaited my cap), and + bring me the attorney your brother lives with, to draw my new will. Don’t + say one word of your errand to any of my relations, I charge you, for your + own sake as well as mine. The harpies would tear you to pieces; but I’ll + show them that I can do what I please with my own. That’s the least + satisfaction I can have for my money before I die. God knows, it has been + plague enough to me all my life long! But now, before I die—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! ma’am,” interrupted Patty, “there is no need to talk of your dying + now; for I have not heard you speak so strong, or so clear, nor seem so + much yourself this long time. You may live yet, and I hope you will, to + see many a good day; and to make it up, if I may be so bold to say it, + with all your relations: which, I am sure, would be a great ease to your + heart; and I am sure they are very sorry to have offended you.” + </p> + <p> + “The girl’s a fool!” cried Mrs. Crumpe. “Why, child, don’t you understand + me yet? I tell you, as plain as I can speak, I mean to leave the whole + fortune to you. Well! what makes you look so blank!” + </p> + <p> + “Because, ma’am, indeed I have no wish to stand in any body’s way; and + would not for all the world do such an unjust thing as to take advantage + of your being a little angry or so with your relations, to get the fortune + for myself: for I can do, having done all my life, without fortune well + enough; but I could not do without my own good opinion, and that of my + father, and brothers, and sister; all which I should lose, if I was to be + guilty of a mean thing. So, ma’am,” said Patty, “I have made bold to speak + the whole truth of my mind to you; and I hope you will not do me an + injury, by way of doing me a favour. I am sure I thank you with all my + heart for your goodness to me.” + </p> + <p> + Patty turned away as she finished speaking, for she was greatly moved. + </p> + <p> + “You are a strange girl!” said Mrs. Crumpe. “I would not have believed + this, if any one had sworn it to me. Go for the attorney, as I bid you, + this minute. I will have my own way.” + </p> + <p> + When Patty arrived at Mr. Barlow’s, she asked immediately for her brother + Frank, whom she wished to consult; but he was out, and she then desired to + speak to Mr. Barlow himself. She was shown into his office, and she told + him her business, without any circumlocution, with the plain language and + ingenuous countenance of truth. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir,” said she, “I should be glad you would come directly to my + mistress and speak to her yourself; for she will mind what you say, and I + only hope she may do the just thing by her relations. I don’t want her + fortune, nor any part of it, but a just recompense for my service. Knowing + this, in my own heart, I forgive them for all the ill-will they bear me: + it being all founded in a mistaken notion.” + </p> + <p> + There was a gentleman in Mr. Barlow’s office who was sitting at a desk + writing a letter, when Patty came in: she took him for one of the clerks. + Whilst she was speaking, he turned about several times, and looked at her + very earnestly. At last he went to a clerk, who was folding up some + parchments, and asked who she was? He then sat down again to his writing, + without saying a-single word. This gentleman was Mr. Josiah Crumpe, the + Liverpool merchant, Mrs. Crumpe’s eldest nephew, who had come to Monmouth, + in consequence of the account he had heard of his aunt’s situation. Mr. + Barlow had lately amicably settled a suit between him and one of his + relations at Monmouth; and Mr. Crumpe had just been signing the deed + relative to this affair. He was struck with the disinterestedness of + Patty’s conduct; but he kept silence that she might not find out who he + was, and that he might have full opportunity of doing her justice + hereafter. He was not one of the ravens, as Mrs. Crumpe emphatically + called those who were hovering over her, impatient for her death: he had, + by his own skill and industry, made himself not only independent, but + rich. After Patty was gone, he with the true spirit of a British merchant + declared, that he was as independent in his sentiments as in his fortune; + that he would not crouch or fawn to man or woman, peer or prince, in his + majesty’s dominions; no, not even to his own aunt. He wished his old aunt + Crumpe, he said, to live and enjoy all she had as long as she could; and + if she chose to leave it to him after her death, well and good; he should + be much obliged to her: if she did not, why well and good; he should not + <i>be obliged</i> to be obliged to her: and that, to his humour, would + perhaps be better still. + </p> + <p> + With these sentiments Mr. Josiah Crumpe found no difficulty in refraining + from going to see, or, as he called it, from paying his court to his aunt. + “I have some choice West India sweetmeats here for the poor soul,” said he + to Mr. Barlow: “she gave me sweetmeats when I was a schoolboy; which I + don’t forget. I know she has a sweet tooth still in her head; for she + wrote to me last year, to desire I would get her some: but I did not + relish the style of her letter, and I never complied with the order; + however, I was to blame: she is an infirm poor creature, and should be + humoured now, let her be ever so cross. Take her the sweetmeats; but mind, + do not let her have a taste or a sight of them till she has made her will. + I do not want to bribe her to leave me her money-bags; I thank my God and + myself, I want them not.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Barlow immediately went to Mrs. Crumpe’s. As she had land to dispose + of, three witnesses were necessary to the will. Patty said she had two + men-servants who could write; but to make sure of a third, Mr. Barlow + desired that one of his clerks should accompany him. Frank was out; so the + eldest clerk went in his stead. + </p> + <p> + This clerk’s name was Mason; he was Frank’s chief friend, and a young man + of excellent character. He had never seen Patty till this day; but he had + often heard her brother speak of her with so much affection, that he was + prepossessed in her favour, even before he saw her. The manner in which + she spoke on the subject of Mrs. Crumpe’s fortune quite charmed him; for + he was of an open and generous temper, and said to himself, “I would + rather have this girl for my wife, without sixpence in the world, than any + woman I ever saw in my life—if I could but afford it—and if + she was but a little prettier. As it is, however, there is no danger of my + falling in love with her; so I may just indulge myself in the pleasure of + talking to her: besides, it is but civil to lead my horse and walk a part + of the way with Frank’s sister.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Mason set off to walk a part of the way to Mrs. Crumpe’s with + Patty; and they fell into conversation, in which they were both so + earnestly engaged that they did not perceive how time passed. Instead, + however, of part of the way, Mason walked the whole way; and he and Patty + were both rather surprised when they found themselves within sight of Mrs. + Crumpe’s house. + </p> + <p> + What a fine healthy colour this walking has brought into her face, thought + Mason, as he stood looking at her, whilst they were waiting for some one + to open the door. Though she has not a single beautiful feature, and + though nobody could call her handsome, yet there is so much good-nature in + her countenance, that, plain as she certainly is, her looks are more + pleasing to my fancy than those of many a beauty I have heard admired. + </p> + <p> + The door was now opened; and Mr. Barlow, who had arrived some time, + summoned Mason to business. They went up to Mrs. Crumpe’s room to take her + instructions for her new will. Patty showed them in. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t go, child, I will not have you stir,” said Mrs. Crumpe. “Now stand + there at the foot of my bed, and, without hypocrisy, tell me truly, child, + your mind. This gentleman, who understands the law, can assure you that, + in spite of all the relations upon earth, I can leave my fortune to whom I + please, so do not let fear of my relations prevent you from being happy.” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam,” interrupted Patty, “it was not fear that made me say what I + did to you this morning; and it is not fear that keeps me in the same mind + still. I would not do what I thought wrong myself if nobody else in the + whole world was to know it. But, since you desire me to say what I really + wish, I have a father, who is in great distress, and I should wish you + would leave fifty pounds to him.” + </p> + <p> + “With such principles and feelings,” cried Mr. Barlow, “you are happier + than ten thousand a year could make you!” + </p> + <p> + Mason said nothing; but his looks said a great deal: and his master + forgave him the innumerable blunders he made in drawing Mrs. Crumpe’s + will. “Come, Mason, give me up the pen,” whispered he at last; “you are + not your own man, I see; and I like you the better for being touched with + good and generous conduct. But a truce with sentiment, now; I must be a + mere man of law. Go you and take a walk, to recover your <i>legal</i> + senses.” + </p> + <p> + The contents of Mrs. Crumpe’s new will were kept secret: Patty did not in + the least know how she had disposed of her fortune; nor did Mason, for he + had written only the preamble, when his master compassionately took the + pen from his hand. Contrary to expectation, Mrs. Crumpe continued to + linger on for some months; and during this time, Patty attended her with + the most patient care and humanity. Though long habits of selfishness had + rendered this lady in general indifferent to the feelings of her servants + and dependants, yet Patty was an exception: she often said to her, “Child, + it goes against my conscience to keep you prisoner here the best days of + your life, in a sick room: go out and take a walk with your brothers and + sister, I desire, whenever they call for you.” + </p> + <p> + These walks with her brothers and sister were very refreshing to Patty, + especially when Mason was of the party, as he almost always contrived to + be. Every day he grew more and more attached to Patty; for every day he + became more and more convinced of the goodness of her disposition and the + sweetness of her temper. The affection which he saw her brothers and + sister bore her, spoke to his mind most strongly in her favour. They have + known her from her childhood, thought he, and cannot be deceived in her + character. Tis a good sign that those who know her best love her most; and + her loving her pretty sister, Fanny, as she does, is a proof that she is + incapable of envy and jealousy. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of these reflections, Mason determined he would apply + diligently to his business, that he might in due time be able to marry and + support Patty. She ingenuously told him she had never seen the man she + could love so well as himself; but that her first object was to earn some + money, to release her father from the almshouse, where she could not bear + to see him living upon charity. “When, amongst us all, we have + accomplished this,” said she, “it will be time enough for me to think of + marrying. Duty first and love afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + Mason loved her the better, when he found her so steady in her gratitude + to her father; for he was a man of sense, and knew that so good a daughter + and sister would, in all probability, make a good wife. + </p> + <p> + We must now give some account of what Fanny has been doing all this time. + Upon her return to Mrs. Hungerford’s, after the death of her brother, she + was received with the greatest kindness by her mistress, and by all the + children, who were really fond of her; though she had never indulged them + in anything that was contrary to their mother’s wishes. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hungerford had not forgotten the affair of the kettle-drum. One + morning she said to her little son, “Gustavus, your curiosity about the + kettle-drum and the clarionet shall be satisfied: your cousin Philip will + come here in a few days, and he is well acquainted with the colonel of the + regiment which is quartered in Monmouth: he shall ask the colonel to let + us have the band here, some day. We may have them at the farthest end of + the garden; and you and your brothers and sisters shall dine in the + arbour, with Fanny, who upon this occasion particularly deserves to have a + share in your amusement.” + </p> + <p> + The cousin Philip, of whom Mrs. Hungerford spoke, was no other than + Frankland’s landlord, young Mr. Folingsby. Besides liking fine horses and + fine curricles, this gentleman was a great admirer of fine women. + </p> + <p> + He was struck with Fanny’s beauty the first day he came to Mrs. + Hungerford’s: every succeeding day he thought her handsomer and handsomer; + and every day grew fonder and fonder of playing with his little cousins. + Upon some pretence or other, he contrived to be constantly in the room + with them when Fanny was there: the modest propriety of her manners, + however, kept him at that distance at which it was no easy matter for a + pretty girl, in her situation, to keep such a gallant gentleman. His + intention, when he came to Mrs. Hungerford’s, was to stay but a week; but + when that week was at an end, he determined to stay another: he found his + aunt Hungerford’s house uncommonly agreeable. The moment she mentioned to + him her wish of having the band of music in the garden, he was charmed + with the scheme, and longed to dine out in the arbour with the children; + but he dared not press this point, lest he should excite suspicion. + </p> + <p> + Amongst other company who dined this day with Mrs. Hungerford was a Mrs. + Cheviott, a blind lady, who took the liberty, as she said, to bring with + her a young person, who was just come to live with her as a companion. + This young person was Jessy Bettesworth; or, as she is henceforth to be + called, Miss Jessy Bettesworth. Since her father had “come in for Captain + Bettesworth’s fortin,” her mother had spared no pains to push Jessy + forward in the world; having no doubt that “her beauty, when well dressed, + would charm some great gentleman; or, may be, some great lord!” + Accordingly, Jessy was dizened out in all sorts of finery: her thoughts + were wholly bent on fashions and flirting; and her mother’s vanity, joined + to her own, nearly turned her brain. + </p> + <p> + Just as this fermentation of folly was gaining force, she happened to meet + with Ensign Bloomington at a ball at Monmouth: he fell, or she thought he + fell, desperately in love with her; she of course coquetted with him: + indeed, she gave him so much encouragement, that every body concluded they + were to be married. She and her sister Sally were continually seen walking + arm in arm with him in the streets of Monmouth; and morning, noon, and + night, she wore the drop-earrings, of which he had made her a present. It + chanced, however, that Jilting Jessy heard an officer, in her ensign’s + regiment, swear she was pretty enough to be the captain’s lady instead of + the ensign’s; and, from that moment, she thought no more of the ensign. + </p> + <p> + He was enraged to find himself jilted thus by a country girl, and + determined to have his revenge: consequently he immediately transferred + all his attentions to her sister Sally; judiciously calculating that, from + the envy and jealousy he had seen between the sisters, this would be the + most effectual mode of mortifying his perfidious fair. Jilting Jessy said + her sister was welcome to her cast-off sweethearts: and Saucy Sally + replied, her sister was welcome to be her bridemaid; since, with all her + beauty, and all her airs, she was not likely to be a bride. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bettesworth had always confessed that Jessy was her favourite: like a + wise and kind mother, she took part in all these disputes; and set these + amiable sisters yet more at variance, by prophesying that “her Jessy would + make the grandest match.” + </p> + <p> + To put her into fortune’s way, Mrs. Bettesworth determined to get her into + some genteel family, as companion to a lady. Mrs. Cheviott’s housekeeper + was nearly related to the Bettesworths, and to her Mrs. Bettesworth + applied. “But I’m afraid Jessy is something too much of a flirt,” said the + housekeeper, “for my mistress, who is a very strict, staid lady. You know, + or at least we in Monmouth know, that Jessy was greatly talked of about a + young officer here in town. I used myself to see her go trailing about, + with her muslin and pink, and fine coloured shoes, in the dirt.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that’s all over now,” said Mrs. Bettesworth: “the man was quite + beneath her notice—that’s all over now: he will do well enough for + Sally; but, ma’am, my daughter Jessy has quite laid herself out for + goodness now, and only wants to get into some house where she may learn to + be a little genteel.” + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper, though she had not the highest possible opinion of the + young lady, was in hopes that, since Jessy had now laid herself out for + goodness, she might yet turn out well; and, considering that she was her + relation, she thought it her duty to speak in favour of Miss Bettesworth. + In consequence of her recommendation, Mrs. Cheviott took Jessy into her + family; and Jessy was particularly glad to be the companion of a blind + lady. + </p> + <p> + She discovered, the first day she spent with Mrs. Cheviott, that, besides + the misfortune of being blind, she had the still greater misfortune of + being inordinately fond of flattery. Jessy took advantage of this foible, + and imposed so far on the understanding of her patroness, that she + persuaded Mrs. Cheviott into a high opinion of her judgment and prudence. + </p> + <p> + Things were in this situation when Jessy, for the first time, accompanied + the blind lady to Mrs. Hungerford’s. Without having the appearance or + manners of a gentlewoman, Miss Jessy Bettesworth was, notwithstanding, + such a pretty, showy girl, that she generally contrived to attract notice. + She caught Mr. Folingsby’s eye at dinner, as she was playing off her best + airs at the side-table; and it was with infinite satisfaction that she + heard him ask one of the officers, as they were going out to walk in the + garden, “Who is that girl? She has fine eyes, and a most beautiful long + neck!” Upon the strength of this whisper, Jessy flattered herself she had + made a conquest of Mr. Folingsby; by which idea she was so much + intoxicated, that she could scarcely restrain her vanity within decent + bounds. + </p> + <p> + “Lord! Fanny Frankland, is it you? Who expected to meet you sitting here?” + said she, when, to her great surprise, she saw Fanny in the arbour with + the children. To her yet greater surprise, she soon perceived that Mr. + Folingsby’s attention was entirely fixed upon Fanny; and that he became so + absent he did not know he was walking upon the flower-borders. + </p> + <p> + Jessy could scarcely believe her senses when she saw that her rival, for + as such she now considered her, gave her lover no encouragement. “Is it + possible that the girl is such a fool as not to see that this here + gentleman is in love with her? No; that is out of the nature of things. + Oh! it’s all artifice; and I will find out her drift, I warrant, before + long!” + </p> + <p> + Having formed this laudable resolution, she took her measures well for + carrying it into effect. Mrs. Cheviott, being blind, had few amusements: + she was extremely fond of music, and one of Mrs. Hungerford’s daughters + played remarkably well on the piano-forte. This evening, as Mrs. Cheviott + was listening to the young lady’s singing, Jessy exclaimed, “Oh! ma’am, + how happy it would make you to hear such singing and music every day.” + </p> + <p> + “If she would come every day, when my sister is practising with the + music-master, she might hear enough of it,” said little Gustavus. “I’ll + run and desire mamma to ask her; because,” added he, in a low voice, “if I + was blind, may be I should like it myself.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hungerford, who was good-natured as well as polite, pressed Mrs. + Cheviott to come, whenever it should be agreeable to her. The poor blind + lady was delighted with the invitation, and went regularly every morning + to Mrs. Hungerford’s at the time the music-master attended. Jessy + Bettesworth always accompanied her, for she could not go any where without + a guide. Jessy had now ample opportunities of gratifying her malicious + curiosity; she saw, or thought she saw, that Mr. Folingsby was displeased + by the reserve of Fanny’s manners; and she renewed all her own coquettish + efforts to engage his attention. He amused himself sometimes with her, in + hopes of rousing Fanny’s jealousy; but he found that this expedient, + though an infallible one in ordinary cases, was here totally unavailing. + His passion for Fanny was increased so much, by her unaffected modesty, + and by the daily proofs he saw of the sweetness of her disposition, that + he was no longer master of himself: he plainly told her that he could not + live without her. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a pity, sir,” said Fanny laughing, and trying to turn off what he + said, as if it were only a jest. “It is a great pity, sir, that you cannot + live without me; for, you know, I cannot serve my mistress, do my duty, + and live with you.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folingsby endeavoured to convince, or rather to persuade her, that she + was mistaken; and swore that nothing within the power of his fortune + should be wanting to make her happy. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! sir,” said she, “your fortune could not make me happy, if I were to + do what I know is wrong, what would disgrace me for ever, and what would + break my poor father’s heart!” + </p> + <p> + “But your father shall never know any thing of the matter. I will keep + your secret from the whole world: trust to my honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Honour! Oh! sir, how can you talk to me of honour! Do you think I do not + know what honour is, because I am poor? Or do you think I do not set any + value on mine, though you do on yours? Would you not kill any man, if you + could, in a duel, for doubting of your honour? And yet you expect me to + love you, at the very moment you show me, most plainly, how desirous you + are to rob me of mine!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folingsby was silent for some moments; but, when he saw that Fanny was + leaving him, he hastily stopped her, and said, laughing, “You have made me + a most charming speech about honour; and, what is better still, you looked + most charmingly when you spoke it; but now take time to consider what I I + have said to you. Let me have your answer to-morrow; and consult this book + before you answer me, I conjure you.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny took up the book as soon as Mr Folingsby had left the room; and, + without opening it, determined to return it immediately. She instantly + wrote a letter to Mr. Folingsby, which she was just wrapping up with the + book in a sheet of paper, when Miss Jessy Bettesworth, the blind lady, and + the music-master, came into the room. Fanny went to set a chair for the + blind lady; and, whilst she was doing so, Miss Jessy Bettesworth, who had + observed that Fanny blushed when they came in, slily peeped into the book, + which lay on the table. Between the first pages she opened there was a + five-pound bank-note; she turned the leaf, and found another, and another, + and another at every leaf! Of these notes she counted one-and-twenty! + whilst Fanny, unsuspicious of what was doing behind her back, was looking + for the children’s music-books. + </p> + <p> + “Philip Folingsby! So, so! Did he give you this book, Fanny Frankland?” + said Jessy, in a scornful tone: “it seems truly to be a very valuable + performance; and, no doubt, he had good reasons for giving it to you.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny coloured deeply at this unexpected speech; and hesitated, from the + fear of betraying Mr. Folingsby. “He did not give me the book: he only + lent it to me,” said she, “and I am going to return it to him directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no; pray lend it to me first,” replied Jessy, in an ironical tone; + “Mr. Folingsby, to be sure, would lend it to me as soon as to you. I’m + growing as fond of reading as other folks, lately,” continued she, holding + the book fast. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say, Mr. Folingsby would—Mr. Folingsby would lend it to you, + I suppose,” said Fanny, colouring more and more deeply; “but, as it is + trusted to me now, I must return it safe. Pray let me have it, Jessy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes; return it, madam, safe! I make no manner of doubt you will! I + make no manner of doubt you will!” replied Jessy, several times, as she + shook the book; whilst the bank-notes fell from between the leaves, and + were scattered upon the floor. “It is a thousand pities, Mrs. Cheviott, + you can’t see what a fine book we have got, full of bank-notes! But Mrs. + Hungerford is not blind at any rate, it is to be hoped,” continued she, + turning to Mrs. Hungerford, who at this instant opened the door. + </p> + <p> + She stood in dignified amazement. Jessy had an air of malignant triumph. + Fanny was covered with blushes; but she looked with all the tranquillity + of innocence. The children gathered round her; and blind Mrs. Cheviott + cried, “What is going on? What is going on? Will nobody tell me what is + going on? Jessy! What is it you are talking about, Jessy?” + </p> + <p> + “About a very valuable book, ma’am; containing more than I can easily + count, in bank-notes, ma’am, that Mr. Folingsby has lent, only lent, + ma’am, she says, to Miss Fanny Frankland, ma’am, who was just going to + return them to him, ma’am, when I unluckily took up the book, and shook + them all out upon the floor, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “Pick them up, Gustavus, my dear,” said Mrs. Hungerford, coolly. “From + what I know of Fanny Frankland, I am inclined to believe that whatever she + says is truth. Since she has lived with me, I have never, in the slightest + instance, found her deviate from the truth; therefore I must entirely + depend upon what she says.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, mamma,” cried the children, all together, “that I am sure you + may.” + </p> + <p> + “Come with me, Fanny,” resumed Mrs. Hungerford; “it is not necessary that + your explanation should be public, though I am persuaded it will be + satisfactory.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny was glad to escape from the envious eye of Miss Jessy Bettesworth, + and felt much gratitude to Mrs. Hungerford for this kindness and + confidence; but, when she was to make her explanation, Fanny was in great + confusion. She dreaded to occasion a quarrel between Mr. Folingsby and his + aunt; yet she knew not how to exculpate herself, without accusing him. + </p> + <p> + “Why these blushes and tears, and why this silence, Fanny?” said Mrs. + Hungerford, after she had waited some minutes, in expectation she would + begin to speak. “Are not you sure of justice from me; and of protection, + both from slander and insult? I am fond of my nephew, it is true; but I + think myself obliged to you, for the manner in which you have conducted + yourself towards my children, since you have had them under your care. + Tell me then, freely, if you have any reason to complain of young Mr. + Folingsby.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! madam,” said Fanny, “thank you a thousand times for your goodness to + me. I do not, indeed, I do not wish to complain of any body; and I would + not for the world make mischief between you and your nephew. I would + rather leave your family at once; and that,” continued the poor girl, + sobbing, “that is what I believe I had best; nay, is what I must and will + do.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Fanny, do not leave my house, without giving me an explanation of + what has passed this morning; for, if you do, your reputation is at the + mercy of Miss Jessy Bettesworth’s malice.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid!” said Fanny, with a look of real terror. “I must beg, + madam, that you will have the kindness to return this book, and these + bank-notes, to Mr. Folingsby; and that you will give him this letter, + which I was just going to wrap up in the paper, with the book, when Jessy + Bettesworth came in and found the bank-notes, which I had never seen. + These can make no difference in my answer to Mr. Folingsby: therefore I + shall leave my letter just as it was first written, if you please, madam.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny’s letter was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “SIR, + </p> + <p> + “I return the book, which you left with me, as nothing it contains can + ever alter my opinion on the subject of which you spoke to me this + morning. I hope you will never speak to me again, sir, in the same manner. + Consider, sir, that I am a poor unprotected girl. If you go on as you have + done lately, I shall be obliged to leave good Mrs. Hungerford, who is my + only friend. Oh! where shall I find so good a friend? My poor old father + is in the almshouse! and there he must remain till his children can earn + money sufficient to support him. Do not fancy, sir, that I say this by way + of begging from you; I would not, nor would he, accept of any thing that + you could offer him, whilst in your present way of thinking. Pray, sir, + have some compassion, and do not injure those whom you cannot serve. + </p> + <p> + “I am, sir, + </p> + <p> + “Your humble servant, + </p> + <p> + “FANNY FRANKLAND.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folingsby was surprised and confounded, when this letter, and the book + containing his bank-notes, were put into his hand by his aunt. Mrs. + Hungerford told him by what means the book had been seen by Miss Jessy + Bettesworth, and to what imputations it must have exposed Fanny. “Fanny is + afraid of making mischief between you and me,” continued Mrs. Hungerford + “and I cannot prevail upon her to give me an explanation, which I am + persuaded would be much to her honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have not seen this letter! Then she has decided without + consulting you! She is a charming girl!” cried Mr. Folingsby; “and + whatever you may think of me, I am bound, in justice to her, to show you + what she has written: that will sufficiently explain how much I have been + to blame, and how well she deserves the confidence you place in her.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, Mr. Folingsby rang the bell to order his horses. “I will + return to town immediately,” continued he; “so Fanny need not leave the + house of her only friend to avoid me. As to these bank-notes, keep them, + dear aunt. She says her father is in great distress. Perhaps, now that I + am come ‘to a right way of thinking,’ she will not disdain my assistance. + Give her the money when and how you think proper. I am sure I cannot make + a better use of a hundred guineas; and wish I had never thought of making + a worse.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folingsby returned directly to town; and his aunt thought he had in + some measure atoned for his fault by his candour and generosity. Miss + Jessy Bettesworth waited all this time, with malicious impatience, to hear + the result of Fanny’s explanation with Mrs. Hungerford. How painfully was + she surprised and disappointed, when Mrs. Hungerford returned to the + company, to hear her speak in the highest terms of Fanny! “Oh, mamma,” + cried little Gustavus, clapping his hands, “I am glad you think her good, + because we all think so; and I should be very sorry indeed if she was to + go away, especially in disgrace.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no danger of that, my dear,” said Mrs. Hungerford. “She shall + never leave my house, as long as she desires to stay in it. I do not give, + or withdraw, my protection, without good reasons.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Jessy Bettesworth bit her lips. Her face, which nature intended to be + beautiful, became almost ugly; envy and malice distorted her features; + and, when she departed with Mrs. Cheviott, her humiliated appearance was a + strong contrast to the air of triumph with which she had entered. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + After Jessy and Mrs. Cheviott had left the room, one of the little girls + exclaimed, “I don’t like that Miss Bettesworth; for she asked me whether I + did not wish that Fanny was gone, because she refused to let me have a + peach that was not ripe. I am sure I wish Fanny may always stay here.” + </p> + <p> + There was a person in the room who seemed to join most fervently in this + wish: this was Mr. Reynolds, the drawing-master. For some time his + thoughts had been greatly occupied by Fanny. At first, he was struck with + her beauty; but he had discovered that Mr. Folingsby was in love with her, + and had carefully attended to her conduct, resolving not to offer himself + till he was sure on a point so serious. Her modesty and prudence fixed his + affections; and he now became impatient to declare his passion. He was a + man of excellent temper and character; and his activity and talents were + such as to ensure independence to a wife and family. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hungerford, though a proud, was not a selfish woman: she was glad + that Mr. Reynolds was desirous to obtain Fanny, though she was sorry to + part with one who was so useful in her family. Fanny had now lived with + her nearly two years; and she was much attached to her. A distant + relation, about this time, left her five children a small legacy of ten + guineas each. Gustavus, though he had some ambition to be master of a + watch, was the first to propose that this legacy should be given to Fanny. + His brothers and sisters applauded the idea; and Mrs. Hungerford added + fifty guineas to their fifty. “I had put by this money,” said she, “to + purchase a looking-glass for my drawing-room; but it will be much better + applied in rewarding one who has been of real service to my children.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny was now mistress of two hundred guineas; a hundred given to her by + Mr. Folingsby, fifty by Mrs. Hungerford, and fifty by the children. Her + joy and gratitude were extreme: for with this money she knew she could + relieve her father; this was the first wish of her heart; and it was a + wish in which her lover so eagerly joined that she smiled on him, and + said, “Now I am sure you really love me.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go to your father directly,” said Mr. Reynolds. “Let me be present + when you give him this money.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall,” said Fanny; “but first I must consult my sister Patty and my + brothers; for we must all go together; that is our agreement. The first + day of next month is my father’s birthday; and, on that day, we are all to + meet at the almshouse. What a happy day it will be!” + </p> + <p> + But what has James been about all this time? How has he gone on with his + master, Mr. Cleghorn, the haberdasher? + </p> + <p> + During the eighteen months that James had spent in Mr. Cleghorn’s shop, he + never gave his master the slightest reason to complain of him; on the + contrary, this young man made his employer’s interests his own; and, + consequently, completely deserved his confidence. It was not, however, + always easy to deal with Mr. Cleghorn; for he dreaded to be flattered, yet + could not bear to be contradicted. James was very near losing his favour + for ever, upon the following occasion. + </p> + <p> + One evening, when it was nearly dusk, and James was just shutting up shop, + a strange-looking man, prodigiously corpulent, and with huge pockets to + his coat, came in. He leaned his elbows on the counter, opposite to James, + and stared him full in the face without speaking. James swept some loose + money off the counter into the till. The stranger smiled, as if purposely + to show him this did not escape his quick eye. There was in his + countenance an expression of roguery and humour: the humour seemed to be + affected, the roguery natural. “What are you pleased to want, sir?” said + James. + </p> + <p> + “A glass of brandy, and your master.” + </p> + <p> + “My master is not at home, sir; and we have no brandy. You will find + brandy, I believe, at the house over the way.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I know where to find brandy a little better than you do; and + better brandy than you ever tasted, or the devil’s in it,” replied the + stranger. “I want none of your brandy. I only asked for it to try what + sort of a chap you were. So you don’t know who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; not in the least.” + </p> + <p> + “No! Never heard of Admiral Tipsey! Where do you come from? Never heard of + Admiral Tipsey! whose noble paunch is worth more than a Laplander could + reckon,” cried he, striking the huge rotundity he praised. “Let me into + this back parlour; I’ll wait there till your master comes home.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you cannot possibly go into that parlour; there is a young lady, Mr. + Cleghorn’s daughter, sir, at tea in that room: she must not be disturbed,” + said James, holding the lock of the parlour door. He thought the stranger + was either drunk or pretending to be drunk; and contended, with all his + force, to prevent him from getting into the parlour. + </p> + <p> + Whilst they were struggling, Mr. Cleghorn came home. “Heyday! what’s the + matter? O admiral, is it you?” said Mr. Cleghorn in a voice of familiarity + that astonished James. “Let us by, James; you don’t know the admiral.” + </p> + <p> + Admiral Tipsey was a smuggler: he had the command of two or three + smuggling vessels, and thereupon created himself an admiral: a dignity + which few dared to dispute with him, whilst he held his oak stick in his + hand. As to the name of Tipsey, no one could be so unjust as to question + his claim to it; for he was never known to be perfectly sober, during a + whole day, from one year’s end to another. To James’s great surprise, the + admiral, after he had drunk one dish of tea, unbuttoned his waist-coat + from top to bottom, and deliberately began to unpack his huge false + corpulence! Round him were wound innumerable pieces of lace, and fold + after fold of fine cambric. When he was completely unpacked, it was + difficult to believe that he was the same person, he looked so thin and + shrunk. + </p> + <p> + He then called for some clean straw, and began to stuff himself out again + to what he called a passable size. “Did not I tell you, young man, I + carried that under my waistcoat which would make a fool stare? The lace + that’s on the floor, to say nothing of the cambric, is worth full twice + the sum for which you shall have it, Cleghorn. Good night. I’ll call again + to-morrow, to settle our affairs; but don’t let your young man here shut + the door, as he did to-day, in the admiral’s face. Here is a cravat for + you, notwithstanding,” continued he, turning to James, and throwing him a + piece of very fine cambric. “I must ‘list you in Admiral Tipsey’s + service.” + </p> + <p> + James followed him to the door, and returned the cambric in despite of all + his entreaties that he would “wear it, or sell it, for the admiral’s + sake.” + </p> + <p> + “So, James,” said Mr. Cleghorn, when the smuggler was gone, “you do not + seem to like our admiral.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of him, sir, except that he is a smuggler; and for that + reason I do not wish to have any thing to do with him.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that,” said Mr. Cleghorn, with a mixture of shame and + anger in his countenance: “my conscience is as nice as other people’s; and + yet I have a notion I shall have something to do with him, though he is a + smuggler; and, if I am not mistaken, shall make a deal of money by him. I + have not had any thing to do with smugglers yet; but I see many in + Monmouth who are making large fortunes by their assistance. There is our + neighbour, Mr. Raikes; what a rich man he is become! And why should I, or + why should you, be more scrupulous than others? Many gentlemen, ay, + gentlemen, in the country are connected with them; and why should a + shopkeeper be more conscientious than they? Speak; I must have your + opinion.” + </p> + <p> + With all the respect due to his master, James gave it as his opinion that + it would be best to have nothing to do with Admiral Tipsey, or with any of + the smugglers. He observed that men who carried on an illicit trade, and + who were in the daily habit of cheating, or of taking false oaths, could + not be safe partners. Even putting morality out of the question, he + remarked that the smuggling trade was a sort of gaming, by which one year + a man might make a deal of money, and another might be ruined. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word!” said Mr. Cleghorn, in an ironical tone, “you talk very + wisely, for so young a man! Pray, where did you learn all this wisdom?” + </p> + <p> + “From my father, sir; from whom I learned every thing that I know; every + thing that is good, I mean. I had an uncle once, who was ruined by his + dealings with smugglers; and who would have died in jail, if it had not + been for my father. I was but a young lad at the time this happened; but I + remember my father saying to me, the day my uncle was arrested, when my + aunt and all the children were crying, ‘Take warning by this, my dear + James: you are to be in trade, some day or other, yourself: never forget + that honesty is the best policy. The fair trader will always have the + advantage, at the long run.’” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, no more of this,” interrupted Mr. Cleghorn. “Good night to + you. You may finish the rest of your sermon against smugglers to my + daughter there, whom it seems to suit better than it pleases me.” + </p> + <p> + The next day, when Mr. Cleghorn went into the shop, he scarcely spoke to + James, except to find fault with him. This he bore with patience, knowing + that he meant well, and that his master would recover his temper in time. + </p> + <p> + “So the parcels were all sent, and the bills made out, as I desired,” said + Mr. Cleghorn. “You are not in the wrong there. You know what you are + about, James, very well; but why should not you deal openly by me, + according to your father’s maxim, that ‘honesty is the best policy?’ Why + should not you fairly tell me what were your secret views, in the advice + you gave me about Admiral Tipsey and the smugglers?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no secret views, sir,” said James, with a look of such sincerity + that his master could not help believing him: “nor can I guess what you + mean by <i>secret views</i>. If I consulted my own advantage instead of + yours, I should certainly use all my influence with you in favour of this + smuggler: for here is a letter, which I received from him this morning, + ‘hoping for my friendship,’ and enclosing a ten pound note, which I + returned to him.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cleghorn was pleased by the openness and simplicity with which James + told him all this; and immediately throwing aside the reserve of his + manner, said, “James, I beg your pardon; I see I have misunderstood you. I + am convinced you were not acting like a double dealer, in the advice you + gave me last night. It was my daughter’s colouring so much that led me + astray. I did, to be sure, think you had an eye to her more than to me, in + what you said: but if you had, I am sure you would tell me so fairly.” + </p> + <p> + James was at a loss to comprehend how the advice that he gave concerning + Admiral Tipsey and the smugglers could relate to Miss Cleghorn, except so + far as it related to her father. He waited in silence for a farther + explanation. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t know, then,” continued Mr. Cleghorn, “that Admiral Tipsey, as + he calls himself, is able to leave his nephew, young Raikes, more than I + can leave my daughter? It is his whim to go about dressed in that strange + way in which you saw him yesterday; and it is his diversion to carry on + the smuggling trade, by which he has made so much; but he is in reality a + rich old fellow, and has proposed that I should marry my daughter to his + nephew. Now you begin to understand me, I see. The lad is a smart lad: he + is to come here this evening. Don’t prejudice my girl against him. Not a + word more against smugglers, before her, I beg.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall be obeyed, sir,” said James. His voice altered, and he turned + pale as he spoke; circumstances which did not escape Mr. Cleghorn’s + observation. + </p> + <p> + Young Raikes, and his uncle, the rich smuggler, paid their visit. Miss + Cleghorn expressed a decided dislike to both uncle and nephew. Her father + was extremely provoked; and in the height of his anger, declared he + believed she was in love with James Frankland; that he was a treacherous + rascal; and that he should leave the house within three days, if his + daughter did not, before that time, consent to marry the man he had chosen + for her husband. It was in vain that his daughter endeavoured to soften + her father’s rage, and to exculpate poor James, by protesting he had never + directly or indirectly attempted to engage her affections; neither had he + ever said one syllable that could prejudice her against the man whom her + father recommended. Mr. Cleghorn’s high notions of subordination applied, + on this occasion, equally to his daughter and to his foreman: he + considered them both as presumptuous and ungrateful; and said to himself, + as he walked up and down the room in a rage, “My foreman to preach to me + indeed! I thought what he was about all the time! But it sha’n’t do—it + sha’n’t do! My daughter shall do as I bid her, or I’ll know why! Have not + I been all my life making a fortune for her? and now she won’t do as I bid + her! She would, if this fellow were out of the house; and out he shall go, + in three days, if she does not come to her senses. I was cheated by my + last shopman out of my money: I won’t be duped by this fellow out of my + daughter. No! no! Off he shall trudge! A shopman, indeed, to think of his + master’s daughter without his consent! What insolence! What the times are + come to! Such a thing could not have been done in my days! I never thought + of my master’s daughter, I’ll take my oath! And then the treachery of the + rascal! To carry it all on so slily! I could forgive him anything but + that: for that he shall go out of this house in three days, as sure as he + and I are alive, if this young lady does not give him up before that + time.” + </p> + <p> + Passion so completely deafened Mr. Cleghorn that he would not listen to + James, who assured him he had never, for one moment, aspired to the honour + of marrying his daughter. “Can you deny that you love her? Can you deny,” + cried Mr. Cleghorn, “that you turned pale yesterday, when you said I + should be obeyed?” + </p> + <p> + James could not deny either of these charges; but he firmly persisted in + asserting that he had been guilty of no treachery; that he had never + attempted secretly to engage the young lady’s affections; and that, on the + contrary, he was sure she had no suspicion of his attachment. “It is easy + to prove all this to me, by persuading my girl to do as I bid her. Prevail + on her to marry Mr. Raikes, and all is well.” + </p> + <p> + “That is out of my power, sir,” replied James. “I have no right to + interfere, and will not. Indeed, I am sure I should betray myself, if I + were to attempt to say a word to Miss Cleghorn in favour of another man: + that is a task I could not undertake, even if I had the highest opinion of + this Mr. Raikes; but I know nothing concerning him, and therefore should + do wrong to speak in his favour merely to please you. I am sorry, very + sorry, sir, that you have not the confidence in me which I hoped I had + deserved; but the time will come when you will do me justice. The sooner I + leave you now, I believe, the better you will be satisfied; and far from + wishing to stay three days, I do not desire to stay three minutes in your + house, sir, against your will.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cleghorn was touched by the feeling and honest pride with which James + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Do as I bid you, sir,” said he; “and neither more nor less,—Stay + out your three days; and may be, in that time, this saucy girl may come to + reason. If she does not know you love her, you are not <i>so much</i> to + blame.” + </p> + <p> + The three days passed away, and the morning came on which James was to + leave his master. The young lady persisted in her resolution not to marry + Mr. Raikes; and expressed much concern at the injustice with which James + was treated on her account. She offered to leave home, and spend some time + with an aunt, who lived in the north of England. She did not deny that + James appeared to her the most agreeable young man she had seen; but + added, she could not possibly have any thoughts of marrying him, because + he had never given her the least reason to believe that he was attached to + her. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cleghorn was agitated, yet positive in his determination that James + should quit the house. James went into his master’s room to take leave of + him. “So then you are really going?” said Mr. Cleghorn. “You have buckled + that portmanteau of yours like a blockhead; I’ll do it better: stand + aside. So you are positively going? Why, this is a sad thing! But then it + is a thing, as your own sense and honour tell you—it is a thing—” + (Mr. Cleghorn took snuff at every pause of his speech; but even this could + not carry him through it;) when he pronounced the words, “It is a thing + that must be done,” the tears fairly started from his eyes. “Now this is + ridiculous!” resumed he. “In my days, in my younger days, I mean, a man + could part with his foreman as easily as he could take off his glove. I am + sure my master would as soon have thought of turning bankrupt as of + shedding a tear at parting with me; and yet I was as good a foreman, in my + day, as another. Not so good a one as you are, to be sure. But it is no + time now to think of your goodness. Well! what do we stand here for? When + a thing is to be done, the sooner it is done the better. Shake hands + before you go.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cleghorn put into James’s hand a fifty pound note, and a letter of + recommendation to a Liverpool merchant. James left the house without + taking leave of Miss Cleghorn, who did not think the worse of him for his + want of gallantry. His master had taken care to recommend him to an + excellent house in Liverpool, where his salary would be nearly double that + which he had hitherto received; but James was notwithstanding very sorry + to leave Monmouth, where his dear brother, sister, and father lived,—to + say nothing of Miss Cleghorn. + </p> + <p> + Late at night, James was going to the inn at which the Liverpool stage set + up, where he was to sleep: as he passed through a street that leads down + to the river Wye, he heard a great noise of men quarrelling violently. The + moon shone bright, and he saw a party of men who appeared to be fighting + in a boat that was just come to shore. He asked a person who came out of + the public-house, and who seemed to have nothing to do with the fray, what + was the matter? “Only some smugglers, who are quarrelling with one another + about the division of their booty,” said the passenger, who walked on, + eager to get out of their way. James also quickened his pace, but + presently heard the cry of “Murder! murder! Help! help!” and then all was + silence. + </p> + <p> + A few seconds afterwards he thought that he heard groans. He could not + forbear going to the spot whence the groans proceeded, in hopes of being + of some service to a fellow-creature. By the time he got thither, the + groans had ceased: he looked about, but could only see the men in the + boat, who were rowing fast down the river. As he stood on the shore + listening, he for some minutes heard no sound but that of their oars; but + afterwards a man in the boat exclaimed, with a terrible oath, “There he + is! There he is! All alive again! We have not done him business! D—n + it, he’ll do ours!” The boatmen rowed faster away, and James again heard + the groans, though they were now much feebler than before. He searched and + found the wounded man; who, having been thrown overboard, had with great + difficulty swam to shore, and fainted with the exertion as soon as he + reached the land. When he came to his senses, he begged James, for mercy’s + sake, to carry him into the next public-house, and to send for a surgeon + to dress his wounds. The surgeon came, examined them, and declared his + fears that the poor man could not live four-and-twenty hours. As soon as + he was able to speak intelligibly, he said he had been drinking with a + party of smugglers, who had just brought in some fresh brandy, and that + they had quarrelled violently about a keg of contraband liquor: he said + that he could swear to the man who gave him the mortal wound. + </p> + <p> + The smugglers were pursued immediately, and taken. When they were brought + into the sick man’s room, James beheld amongst them three persons whom he + little expected to meet in such a situation: Idle Isaac, Wild Will, and + Bullying Bob. The wounded man swore positively to their persons. Bullying + Bob was the person who gave him the fatal blow; but Wild Will began the + assault, and Idle Isaac shoved him overboard; they were all implicated in + the guilt; and, instead of expressing any contrition for their crime, + began to dispute about which was most to blame: they appealed to James; + and, as he would be subpoenaed on their trial, each endeavoured to engage + him in his favour. Idle Isaac took him aside, and said to him, “You have + no reason to befriend my brothers. I can tell you a secret: they are the + greatest enemies your family ever had. It was they who set fire to your + father’s hay-rick. Will was provoked by your sister Fanny’s refusing him; + so he determined, as he told me, to carry her off; and he meant to have + done so, in the confusion that was caused by the fire; but Bob and he + quarrelled the very hour that she was to have been carried off; so that + part of the scheme failed. Now I had no hand in all this, being fast + asleep in my bed; so I have more claim to your good word, at any rate, + than my brothers can have: and so, when we come to trial, I hope you’ll + speak to my character.” + </p> + <p> + Wild Will next tried his eloquence. As soon as he found that his brother + Isaac had betrayed the secret, he went to James, and assured him the + mischief that had been done was a mere accident; that it was true he had + intended, for the frolic’s sake, to raise a cry of fire, in order to draw + Fanny out of the house; but that he was shocked when he found how the jest + ended. + </p> + <p> + As to Bullying Bob, he brazened the matter out; declaring he had been + affronted by the Franklands, and that he was glad he had taken his revenge + of them; that, if the thing was to be done over again, he would do it; + that James might give him what character he pleased upon trial, for that a + man could be hanged but once. + </p> + <p> + Such were the absurd, bravadoing speeches he made, while he had an + alehouse audience round him, to admire his spirit; but a few hours changed + his tone. He and his brothers were taken before a magistrate. Till the + committal was actually made out, they had hopes of being bailed: they had + despatched a messenger to Admiral Tipsey, whose men they called + themselves, and expected he would offer bail for them to any amount; but + the bail of their friend Admiral Tipsey was not deemed sufficient by the + magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, I could not bail these men; and if I could, do you + think it possible,” said the magistrate, “I could take the bail of such a + man as that?” + </p> + <p> + “I understood that he was worth a deal of money,” whispered James. + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, sir,” said the magistrate: “he is what he deserves to + be, a ruined man. I have good reasons for knowing this. He has a nephew, a + Mr. Raikes, who is a gamester: whilst the uncle has been carrying on the + smuggling trade here, at the hazard of his life, the nephew, who was bred + up at Oxford to be a fine gentleman, has gamed away all the money his + uncle has made during twenty years, by his contraband traffic. At the long + run, these fellows never thrive. Tipsey is not worth a groat.” + </p> + <p> + James was much surprised by this information, and resolved to return + immediately to Mr. Cleghorn, to tell him what he had heard, and put him on + his guard. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning he went to his house—“You look as if you were + not pleased to see me again,” said he to Mr. Cleghorn; “and perhaps you + will impute what I am going to say to bad motives; but my regard to you, + sir, determines me to acquaint you with what I have heard: you will make + what use of the information you please.” + </p> + <p> + James then related what had passed at the magistrate’s; and when Mr. + Cleghorn had heard all that he had to say, he thanked him in the strongest + manner for this instance of his regard; and begged he would remain in + Monmouth a few days longer. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed by the information he received from James, Mr. Cleghorn privately + made inquiries concerning young Raikes and his uncle. The distress into + which the young man had plunged himself by gambling had been kept a + profound secret from his relations. It was easy to deceive them as to his + conduct, because his time had been spent at a distance from them: he had + but just returned home, after <i>completing his education.</i> + </p> + <p> + The magistrate from whom James first heard of his extravagance happened to + have a son at Oxford, who gave him this intelligence: he confirmed all he + had said to Mr. Cleghorn, who trembled at the danger to which he had + exposed his daughter. The match with young Raikes was immediately broken + off; and all connexion with Admiral Tipsey and the smugglers was for ever + dissolved by Mr. Cleghorn. + </p> + <p> + His gratitude to James was expressed with all the natural warmth of his + character. “Come back and live with me,” said he. “You have saved me and + my daughter from ruin. You shall not be my shopman any longer, you shall + be my partner: and, you know, when you are my partner, there can be + nothing said against your thinking of my daughter. But all in good time. I + would not have seen the girl again if she had married my shopman; but my + partner will be quite another thing. You have worked your way up in the + world by your own deserts, and I give you joy. I believe, now it’s over, + it would have gone nigh to break my heart to part with you; but you must + be sensible I was right to keep up my authority in my own family. Now + things are changed: I give my consent: nobody has a right to say a word. + When I am pleased with my daughter’s choice, that is enough. There’s only + one thing that goes against my pride: your father—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! sir,” interrupted James, “if you are going to say any thing + disrespectful of my father, do not say it to me; I beseech you, do not; + for I cannot bear it. Indeed I cannot, and will not. He is the best of + fathers!” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure he has the best of children; and a greater blessing there + cannot be in this world. I was not going to say any thing disrespectful of + him: I was only going to lament that he should be in an almshouse,” said + Mr. Cleghorn. + </p> + <p> + “He has determined to remain there,” said James, “till his children have + earned money enough to support him without hurting themselves. I, my + brother, and both my sisters, are to meet at the almshouse on the first + day of next month, which is my father’s birthday; then we shall join all + our earnings together, and see what can be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, you are my partner,” said Mr. Cleghorn. “On that day you must + take me along with you. My good-will is part of your earnings, and my + good-will shall never be shown merely in words.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + It is now time to give some account of the Bettesworth family. The history + of their indolence, extravagance, quarrels, and ruin, shall be given as + shortly as possible. + </p> + <p> + The fortune left to them by Captain Bettesworth was nearly twenty thousand + pounds. When they got possession of this sum, they thought it could never + be spent; and each individual of the family had separate plans of + extravagance, for which they required separate supplies. Old Bettesworth, + in his youth, had seen a house of Squire Somebody, which had struck his + imagination, and he resolved he would build just such another. This was + his favourite scheme, and he was delighted with the thoughts that it would + be realized. His wife and his sons opposed the plan, merely because it was + his; and consequently he became more obstinately bent upon having his own + way, as he said, for once in his life. He was totally ignorant of + building; and no less incapable, from his habitual indolence, of managing + workmen: the house might have been finished for one thousand five hundred + pounds; it cost him two thousand pounds: and when it was done, the roof + let in the rain in sundry places, the new ceilings and cornices were + damaged, so that repairs and a new roof, with leaden gutters, and leaden + statues, cost him some additional hundreds. The furnishing of the house + Mrs. Bettesworth took upon herself; and Sally <i>took upon herself</i> to + find fault with every article that her mother bought. The quarrels were + loud, bitter, and at last irreconcilable. There was a looking-glass which + the mother wanted to have in one room, and the daughter insisted upon + putting it into another: the looking-glass was broken between them in the + heat of battle. The blame was laid on Sally, who, in a rage, declared she + would not and could not live in the house with her mother. Her mother was + rejoiced to get rid of her, and she went to live with a lieutenant’s lady + in the neighbourhood, with whom she had been acquainted three weeks and + two days. Half by scolding, half by cajoling her father, she prevailed + upon him to give her two thousand pounds for her fortune; promising never + to trouble him any more for any thing. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she was gone, Mrs. Bettesworth gave a house-warming, as she + called it, to all her acquaintance; a dinner, a ball, and a supper, in her + new house. The house was not half dry, and all the company caught cold. + Mrs. Bettesworth’s cold was the most severe. It happened at this time to + be the fashion to go almost without clothes; and as this lady was + extremely vain and fond of dress, she would absolutely appear in the + height of fashion. The Sunday after her ball, whilst she had still the + remains of a bad cold, she positively would go to church, equipped in one + petticoat, and a thin muslin gown, that she might look as young as her + daughter Jessy. Every body laughed, and Jessy laughed more than any one + else; but, in the end, it was no laughing matter; Mrs. Bettesworth “caught + her death of cold.” She was confined to her bed on Monday, and was buried + the next Sunday. + </p> + <p> + Jessy, who had a great notion that she should marry a lord, if she could + but once get into company with one, went to live with blind Mrs. Cheviott; + where, according to her mother’s instructions, “she laid herself out for + goodness.” She also took two thousand pounds with her, upon her promise + never to trouble her father more. Her brothers perceived how much was to + be gained by tormenting a father, who gave from weakness, and not from a + sense of justice, or a feeling of kindness; and they soon rendered + themselves so troublesome that he was obliged to buy off their reproaches. + Idle Isaac was a sportsman, and would needs have a pack of hounds: they + cost him two hundred a year. Then he would have race-horses; and by them + he soon lost some thousands. He was arrested for the money, and his father + was forced to pay it. + </p> + <p> + Bob and Will soon afterwards began to think, “it was very hard that so + much was to be done for Isaac, and nothing for them!” + </p> + <p> + Wild Will kept a mistress; and Bullying Bob was a cock-fighter: their + demands for money were frequent and unconscionable; and their continual + plea was, “Why, Isaac lost a thousand by his race-horses, and why should + not we have our share?” + </p> + <p> + The mistress and the cockpit had their share; and the poor old father, at + last, had only one thousand left. He told his sons this, with tears in his + eyes: “I shall die in a jail, after all!” said he. They listened not to + what he said, for they were intent upon the bank-notes of this last + thousand, which were spread upon the table before him. Will, half in jest, + half in earnest, snatched up a parcel of the notes; and Bob insisted on + dividing the treasure. Will fled out of the house; Bob pursued him, and + they fought at the end of their own avenue. + </p> + <p> + This was on the day that Frankland and his family were returning from poor + George’s funeral, and saw the battle betwixt the brothers. They were + shamed into a temporary reconciliation, and soon afterwards united against + their father, whom they represented to all the neighbours as the most + cruel and the most avaricious of men, because he would not part with the + very means of subsistence to supply their profligacy. + </p> + <p> + Whilst their minds were in this state, Will happened to become acquainted + with a set of smugglers, whose disorderly life struck his fancy. He + persuaded his brothers to leave home with him, and to list in the service + of Admiral Tipsey. Their manners then became more brutal; and they + thought, felt, and lived like men of desperate fortunes. The consequence + we have seen. In a quarrel about a keg of brandy, at an alehouse, their + passions got the better of them, and, on entering their boat, they + committed the offence for which they were now imprisoned. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Barlow was the attorney to whom they applied, and they endeavoured to + engage him to manage their cause on their trial; but he absolutely + refused. From the moment he heard from James that Will and Bob Bettesworth + were the persons who set fire to Frankland’s hay-stack, he urged Frank to + prosecute them for this crime. “When you only suspected them, my dear + Frank, I strongly dissuaded you from going to law: but now you cannot fail + to succeed, and you will recover ample damages.” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible, my dear sir,” replied Frank; “for the Bettesworths, I + understand, are ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that, on your account; but I still think you ought to + carry on this prosecution, for the sake of public justice. Such pests of + society should not go unpunished.” + </p> + <p> + “They will probably be punished sufficiently for this unfortunate assault, + for which they are now to stand their trial. I cannot, in their distress, + revenge either my own or my father’s wrongs. I am sure he would be sorry + if I did; for I have often and often heard him say, ‘Never trample upon + the fallen.’” + </p> + <p> + “You are a good, generous young man,” cried Mr. Barlow, “and no wonder you + love the father who inspired you with such sentiments, and taught you such + principles. But what a shame it is that such a father should be in an + almshouse! You say he will not consent to be dependent upon any one; and + that he will not accept of relief from any but his own children. This is + pride; but it is an honourable species of pride; fit for an English + yeoman. I cannot blame it. But, my dear Frank, tell your father he must + accept of your friend’s credit, as well as of yours. Your credit with me + is such, that you may draw upon me for five hundred pounds whenever you + please. No thanks, my boy. Half the money I owe you for your services as + my clerk; and the other half is well secured to me, by the certainty of + your future diligence and success in business. You will be able to pay me + in a year or two; so I put you under no obligation, remember. I will take + your bond for half the money, if that will satisfy you and your proud + father.” + </p> + <p> + The manner in which this favour was conferred touched Frank to the heart. + He had a heart which could be strongly moved by kindness. He was beginning + to express his gratitude, when Mr. Barlow interrupted him with, “Come, + come! Why do we waste our time here, talking sentiment, when we ought to + be writing law? Here is work to be done, which requires some expedition: a + marriage settlement to be drawn. Guess for whom.” + </p> + <p> + Frank guessed all the probable matches amongst his Monmouth acquaintance; + but he was rather surprised when told that the bridegroom was to be young + Mr. Folingsby; as it was scarcely two months since this gentleman was in + love with Fanny Frankland. Frank proceeded to draw the settlement. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he and Mr. Barlow were writing, they were interrupted by the + entrance of Mr. Josiah Crumpe. He came to announce Mrs. Crumpe’s death, + and to request Mr. Barlow’s attendance at the opening of her will. This + poor lady had lingered out many months longer than it was thought she + could possibly live; and during all her sufferings, Patty, with + indefatigable goodness and temper, bore with the caprice and peevishness + of disease. Those who thought she acted merely from interested motives + expected to find she had used her power over her mistress’s mind entirely + for her own advantage: they were certain a great part of the fortune would + be left to her. Mrs. Crumpe’s relations were so persuaded of this, that, + when they were assembled to hear her will read by Mr. Barlow, they began + to say to one another in whispers, “We’ll set the will aside; we’ll bring + her into the courts: Mrs. Crumpe was not in her right senses when she made + this will: she had received two paralytic strokes; we can prove that: we + can set aside the will.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Josiah Crumpe was not one of these whisperers; he set apart from them, + leaning on his oaken stick in silence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Barlow broke the seals of the will, opened it, and read it to the + eager company. They were much astonished when they found that the whole + fortune was left to Mr. Josiah Crumpe. The reason for this bequest was + given in these words: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Josiah Crumpe, being the only one of my relations who did not torment + me for my money, even upon my death-bed, I trust that he will provide + suitably for that excellent girl, Patty Frankland. On this head he knows + my wishes. By her own desire, I have not myself left her any thing; I have + only bequeathed fifty pounds for the use of her father.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Josiah Crumpe was the only person who heard unmoved the bequest that + was made to him; the rest of the relations were clamorous in their + reproaches, or hypocritical in their congratulations. All thoughts of + setting aside the will were, however, abandoned; every legal form had been + observed, and with a technical nicety that precluded all hopes of + successful litigation. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crumpe arose, as soon as the tumult of disappointment had somewhat + subsided, and counted with his oaken stick the numbers that were present. + “Here are ten of you, I think. Well! you, every soul of you, hate me; but + that is nothing to the purpose. I shall keep up to the notion I have of + the character of a true British merchant, for my own sake—not for + yours. I don’t want this woman’s money; I have enough of my own, and of my + own honest making, without legacy hunting. Why did you torment the dying + woman? You would have been better off, if you had behaved better; but + that’s over now. A thousand pounds a-piece you shall have from me, + deducting fifty pounds, which you must each of you give to that excellent + girl, Patty Frankland. I am sure you must be all sensible of your + injustice to her.” + </p> + <p> + Fully aware that it was their interest to oblige Mr. Crumpe, they now vied + with each other in doing justice to Patty. Some even declared they had + never had any suspicions of her; and others laid the blame on the false + representations and information which they said they had had from the + mischief-making Mrs. Martha. They very willingly accepted of a thousand + pounds a-piece; and the fifty pounds deduction was paid as a tax by each + to Patty’s merit. + </p> + <p> + Mistress now of five hundred pounds, she exclaimed, “Oh! my dear father! + You shall no longer live in an almshouse! To-morrow will be the happiest + day of my life! I don’t know how to thank you as I ought, sir,” continued + she, turning to her benefactor. + </p> + <p> + “You have thanked me as you ought, and as I like best,” said this + plain-spoken merchant, “and now let us say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + In obedience to Mr. Crumpe’s commands, Patty said no more to him; but she + was impatient to tell her brother Frank, and her lover, Mr. Mason, of her + good fortune: she therefore returned to Monmouth with Mr. Barlow, in hopes + of seeing them immediately; but Frank was not at work at the marriage + settlement. Soon after Mr. Barlow left him, he was summoned to attend the + trial of the Bettesworths. + </p> + <p> + These unfortunate young men, depending on Frank’s good nature, well + knowing he had refused to prosecute them for setting fire to his father’s + hay-rick, thought they might venture to call upon him to give them a good + character. “Consider, dear Frank,” said Will Bettesworth, “a good word + from one of your character might do a great deal for us. You were so many + years our neighbour. If you would only just say that we were never counted + wild, idle, quarrelsome fellows, to your knowledge. Will you?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I do that?” said Frank: “or how could I be believed, if I did, + when it is so well known in the country—forgive me; at such a time + as this I cannot mean to taunt you: but it is well known in the country + that you were called Wild Will, Bullying Bob, and Idle Isaac.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s the rub!” said the attorney who was employed for the + Bettesworths. “This will come out in open court; and the judge and jury + will think a great deal of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mr. Frank, Mr. Frank,” cried old Bettesworth, “have pity upon us! + Speak in favour of these boys of mine! Think what a disgrace it is to me + in my old age, to have my sons brought this way to a public trial! And if + they should be transported! Oh! Mr. Frank, say what you can for them! You + were always a good young man, and a good-natured young man.” + </p> + <p> + Frank was moved by the entreaties and tears of the unhappy father; but his + good-nature could not make him consent to say what he knew to be false. + “Do not call me to speak to their characters upon this trial,” said he; “I + cannot say any thing that would serve them: I shall do them more harm than + good.” + </p> + <p> + Still they had hopes his good-nature would, at the last moment, prevail + over his sense of justice, and they summoned him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Bettesworths’ counsel, “you appear in favour of the + prisoners. You have known them, I understand, from their childhood; and + your own character is such that whatever you say in their favour will + doubtless make a weighty impression upon the jury.” + </p> + <p> + The court was silent in expectation of what Frank should say. He was so + much embarrassed betwixt his wish to serve his old neighbours and + playfellows, and his dread of saying what he knew to be false, that he + could not utter a syllable. He burst into tears. {Footnote: This is drawn + from real life.} + </p> + <p> + “This evidence is most strongly against the prisoners,” whispered a + juryman to his fellows. + </p> + <p> + The verdict was brought in at last—Guilty!—Sentence—transportation. + </p> + <p> + As the judge was pronouncing this sentence, old Bettesworth was carried + out of the court: he had dropped senseless. Ill as his sons had behaved to + him, he could not sustain the sight of their utter disgrace and ruin. + </p> + <p> + When he recovered his senses, he found himself sitting on the stone bench + before the court-house, supported by Frank. Many of the town’s-people had + gathered round; but regardless of every thing but his own feelings, the + wretched father exclaimed, in a voice of despair, “I have no children left + me in my old age! My sons are gone! And where are my daughters? At such a + time as this, why are not they near their poor old father? Have they no + touch of natural affection in them? No! they have none. And why should + they have any for me? I took no care of them when they were young; no + wonder they take none of me now I am old. Ay! Neighbour Frankland was + right: he brought up his children ‘in the way they should go.’ Now he has + the credit and the comfort of them; and see what mine are come to! They + bring their father’s grey hairs with sorrow to the grave!” + </p> + <p> + The old man wept bitterly: then looking round him, he again asked for his + daughters. “Surely they are in the town, and it cannot be much trouble to + them to come to me! Even these strangers, who have never seen me before, + pity me. But <i>my own</i> have no feeling; no, not for one another! Do + these girls know the sentence that has been passed upon their brothers! + Where are they? Where are they? Jessy, at least, might be near me at such + a time as this! I was always an indulgent father to Jessy.” + </p> + <p> + There were people present who knew what was become of Jessy; but they + would not tell the news to her father at this terrible moment. Two of Mrs. + Cheviott’s servants were in the crowd; and one of them whispered to Frank, + “You had best, sir, prevail on this poor old man to go to his home, and + not to ask for his daughter: he will hear the bad news soon enough.” + </p> + <p> + Frank persuaded the father to go home to his lodgings, and did every thing + in his power to comfort him. But, alas! the old man said, too truly, + “There is no happiness left for me in this world! What a curse it is to + have bad children! My children have broken my heart! And it is all my own + fault: I took no care of them when they were young; and they take no care + of me now I am old. But, tell me, have you found out what is become of my + daughter?” + </p> + <p> + Frank evaded the question, and begged the old man to rest in peace this + night. He seemed quite exhausted by grief, and at last sunk into a sort of + stupefaction: it could hardly be called sleep. Frank was obliged to return + home, to proceed with his business for Mr. Barlow; and he was glad to + escape from the sight of misery, which, however he might pity, he could + not relieve. + </p> + <p> + It was happy indeed for Frank that he had taken his father’s advice, and + had early broken off all connexion with Jilting Jessy. After duping + others, she at length had become a greater dupe. She had this morning gone + off with a common serjeant, with whom she had fallen suddenly and + desperately in love. He cared for nothing but her two thousand pounds; + and, to complete her misfortune, was a man of bad character, whose + extravagance and profligacy had reduced him to the sad alternative of + either marrying for money, or going to jail. + </p> + <p> + As for Sally, she was at this instant far from all thoughts either of her + father or her brothers; she was in the heat of a scolding match, which + terminated rather unfortunately for her matrimonial schemes. Ensign + Bloomington had reproached her with having forced him into his aunt’s + room, when she had absolutely refused to see him, and thus being the cause + of his losing a handsome legacy. Irritated by this charge, the lady + replied in no very gentle terms. Words ran high; and so high at last, that + the gentleman finished by swearing that he would sooner marry the devil + than such a vixen! + </p> + <p> + The match was thus broken off, to the great amusement of all Saucy Sally’s + acquaintance. Her ill-humour had made her hated by all the neighbours; so + that her disappointment at the loss of the ensign was embittered by their + malicious raillery, and by the prophecy which she heard more than + whispered from all sides, that she would never have another admirer, + either for “love or money.” + </p> + <p> + Ensign Bloomington was deaf to all overtures of peace: he was rejoiced to + escape from this virago; and, as we presume that none of our readers are + much interested in her fate, we shall leave her to wear the willow, + without following her history farther. + </p> + <p> + Let us return to Mr. Barlow, whom we left looking over Mr. Folingsby’s + marriage settlements. When he had seen that they were rightly drawn, he + sent Frank with them to Folingsby-hall. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folingsby was alone when Frank arrived. “Sit down, if you please, + sir,” said he. “Though I have never had the pleasure of seeing you before, + your name is well known to me. You are a brother of Fanny Frankland’s. She + is a charming and excellent young woman! You have reason to be proud of + your sister, and I have reason to be obliged to her.” + </p> + <p> + He then adverted to what had formerly passed between them at Mrs. + Hungerford’s; and concluded by saying it would give him real satisfaction + to do any service to him or his family. “Speak, and tell me what I can do + for you.” + </p> + <p> + Frank looked down, and was silent; for he thought Mr. Folingsby must + recollect the injustice that he, or his agent, had shown in turning old + Frankland out of his farm. He was too proud to ask favours, where he felt + he had a claim to justice. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Mr. Folingsby had, as he said, “left every thing to his agent;” + and so little did he know either of the affairs of his tenants, their + persons, or even their names, that he had not at this moment the slightest + idea that Frank was the son of one of the oldest and the best of them. He + did not know that old Frankland had been reduced to take refuge in an + almshouse, in consequence of his agent’s injustice. Surprised by Frank’s + cold silence, he questioned him more closely, and it was with astonishment + and shame that he heard the truth. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried he, “has my negligence been the cause of all this + misery to your father—to the father of Fanny Frankland? I remember, + now that you recall it to my mind, something of an old man, with fine grey + hair, coming to speak to me about some business, just as I was setting off + for Ascot races. Was that your father? I recollect I told him I was in a + great hurry; and that Mr. Deal, my agent, would certainly do him justice. + In this I was grossly mistaken; and I have suffered severely for the + confidence I had in that fellow. Thank God, I shall now have my affairs in + my own hands. I am determined to look into them immediately. My head is no + longer full of horses, and gigs, and curricles. There is a time for every + thing: my giddy days are over. I only wish that my thoughtlessness had + never hurt any one but myself. + </p> + <p> + “All I now can do,” continued Mr. Folingsby, “is to make amends, as fast + as possible, for the past. To begin with your father: most fortunately, I + have the means in my power. His farm is come back into my hands; and it + shall, to-morrow, be restored to him. Old Bettesworth was with me scarcely + an hour ago, to surrender the farm, on which there is a prodigious arrear + of rent; but I understand that he has built a good house on the farm; and + I am extremely glad of it, for your father’s sake. Tell him it shall be + his. Tell him I am ready, I am eager, to put him in possession of it; and + to repair the injustice I have done, or which, at least, I have permitted + to be done, in my name.” + </p> + <p> + Frank was so overjoyed that he could scarcely utter one word of thanks. In + his way home he called at Mrs. Hungerford’s, to tell the good news to his + sister Fanny. This was the eve of their father’s birthday; and they agreed + to meet at the almshouse in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The happy morning came. Old Frankland was busy in his little garden, when + he heard the voices of his children, who were coming towards him. “Fanny! + Patty! James! Frank! Welcome, my children! Welcome! I knew you would be so + kind as to come to see your old father on this day; so I was picking some + of my currants for you, to make you as welcome as I can. But I wonder you + are not ashamed to come to see me in an almshouse. Such gay lads and + lasses! I well know I have reason to be proud of you all. Why, I think, I + never saw you, one and all, look so well in my whole life!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, father,” said Frank, “because you never saw us, one and all, so + happy! Will you sit down, dear father, here in your arbour; and we will + all sit upon the grass, at your feet, and each tell you stories, and all + the good news.” + </p> + <p> + “My children,” said he, “do what you will with me! It makes my old heart + swim with joy to see you all again around me looking so happy.” + </p> + <p> + The father sat down in his arbour, and his children placed themselves at + his feet. First his daughter Patty spoke; and then Fanny; then James; and + at last Frank. When they had all told their little histories, they offered + to their father in one purse their common riches: the rewards of their own + good conduct. + </p> + <p> + “My beloved children!” said Frankland, overpowered with his tears, “this + is too much joy for me! this is the happiest moment of my life! None but + the father of such children can know what I feel! Your success in the + world delights me ten times the more, because I know it is all owing to + yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, dear father!” cried they with one accord; “no, dear, dear father, + our success is all owing to you! Every thing we have is owing to you; to + the care you took of us, from our infancy upward. If you had not watched + for our welfare, and taught us so well, we should not now all be so happy!—Poor + Bettesworth!” + </p> + <p> + Here they were interrupted by Hannah, the faithful maid-servant, who had + always lived with old Frankland. She came running down the garden so fast, + that, when she reached the arbour, she was so much out of breath she could + not speak. “Dear heart! God bless you all!” cried she, as soon as she + recovered breath. “But it is no time to be sitting here. Come in, sir, for + mercy’s sake,” said she, addressing herself to her old master. “Come in to + be ready; come in all of you to be ready!” “Ready! ready for what?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! ready for fine things! Fine doings! Only come in, and I’ll tell you + as we go along. How I have torn all my hand with this gooseberry-bush! But + no matter for that. So then you have not heard a word of what is going on? + No, how could you? And you did not miss me, when you first came into the + house?” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive us for that, good Hannah: we were in such a hurry to see my + father, we thought of nothing and nobody else.” + </p> + <p> + “Very natural. Well, Miss Fanny, I’ve been up at the great house, with + your lady, Mrs. Hungerford. A better lady cannot be! Do you know she sent + for me, on purpose to speak to me; and I know things that you are not to + know yet. But this much I may tell you, there’s a carriage coming here, to + carry my master away to his new house; and there’s horses, and + side-saddles beside, for you, and you, and you, and I. And Mrs. Hungerford + is coming in her own coach; and young Mr. Folingsby is coming in his + carriage; and Mr. Barlow in Mr. Jos. Crumpe’s carriage; and Mr. Cleghorn, + and his pretty daughter, in the gig; and—and—and heaps of + carriages besides! friends of Mrs. Hungerford: and there’s such crowds + gathering in the streets; and I’m going on to get breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear father,” cried Frank, “make haste, and take off this + badge-coat before they come! We have brought proper clothes for you.” + </p> + <p> + Frank pulled off the badge-coat, as he called it, and flung it from him, + saying, “My father shall never wear you more.” + </p> + <p> + Fanny had just tied on her father’s clean neckcloth, and Patty had + smoothed his reverend grey locks, when the sound of the carriages was + heard. All that Hannah had told them was true. Mrs. Hungerford had engaged + all her friends, and all who were acquainted with the good conduct of the + Franklands, to attend her on this joyful occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Triumphal cavalcades and processions,” said she, “are in general foolish + things—mere gratifications of vanity; but this is not in honour of + vanity, but in honour of virtue. We shall do good in the country, by + showing that we respect and admire it, in whatever station it is to be + found. Here is a whole family who have conducted themselves uncommonly + well; who have exerted themselves to relieve their aged father from a + situation to which he was reduced without any fault or imprudence of his + own. Their exertions have succeeded. Let us give them, what they will + value more than money, SYMPATHY.” + </p> + <p> + Convinced or persuaded by what Mrs. Hungerford said, all her friends and + acquaintance attended her this morning to the almshouse. Crowds of people + followed; and old Frankland was carried in triumph by his children to his + new habitation. + </p> + <p> + The happy father lived many years to enjoy the increasing prosperity of + his family. {Footnote: It may be necessary to inform some readers, that + Patty and Fanny were soon united to their lovers; that James, with Mr. + Cleghorn’s consent, married Miss Cleghorn; and that Frank did not become + an old bachelor: he married an amiable girl, who was ten times prettier + than Jilting Jessy, and of whom he was twenty times as fond. Those who + wish to know the history of all the wedding-clothes of the parties may + have their curiosity gratified by directing a line of inquiry, post-paid, + to the editor hereof.} + </p> + <p> + May every good father have as grateful children! + </p> + <p> + <i>May, 1801</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GRATEFUL NEGRO. + </h2> + <p> + In the island of Jamaica there lived two planters, whose methods of + managing their slaves were as different as possible. Mr. Jefferies + considered the negroes as an inferior species, incapable of gratitude, + disposed to treachery, and to be roused from their natural indolence only + by force; he treated his slaves, or rather suffered his overseer to treat + them, with the greatest severity. + </p> + <p> + Jefferies was not a man of a cruel, but of a thoughtless and extravagant + temper. He was of such a sanguine disposition, that he always calculated + upon having a fine season, and fine crops on his plantation; and never had + the prudence to make allowance for unfortunate accidents: he required, as + he said, from his overseer produce and not excuses. + </p> + <p> + Durant, the overseer, did not scruple to use the most cruel and barbarous + methods of forcing the slaves to exertions beyond their strength. + {Footnote: THE NEGRO SLAVES—a fine drama, by Kotzebue. It is to be + hoped that such horrible instances of cruelty are not now to be found in + nature. Bryan Edwards, in his History of Jamaica, says that most of the + planters are humane; but he allows that some facts can be cited in + contradiction of this assertion.} Complaints of his brutality, from time + to time, reached his master’s ears; but though Mr. Jefferies was moved to + momentary compassion, he shut his heart against conviction: he hurried + away to the jovial banquet, and drowned all painful reflections in wine. + </p> + <p> + He was this year much in debt; and, therefore, being more than usually + anxious about his crop, he pressed his overseer to exert himself to the + utmost. + </p> + <p> + The wretched slaves upon his plantation thought themselves still more + unfortunate when they compared their condition with that of the negroes on + the estate of Mr. Edwards. This gentleman treated his slaves with all + possible humanity and kindness. He wished that there was no such thing as + slavery in the world, but he was convinced, by the arguments of those who + have the best means of obtaining information, that the sudden emancipation + of the negroes would rather increase than diminish their miseries. His + benevolence, therefore, confined itself within the bounds of reason. He + adopted those plans for the amelioration of the state of the slaves which + appeared to him the most likely to succeed without producing any violent + agitation or revolution. {Footnote: History of the West Indies, from which + these ideas are adopted—not stolen.} For instance, his negroes had + reasonable and fixed daily tasks; and when these were finished, they were + permitted to employ their time for their own advantage or amusement. If + they chose to employ themselves longer for their master, they were paid + regular wages for their extra work. This reward, for as such it was + considered, operated most powerfully upon the slaves. Those who are + animated by hope can perform what would seem impossibilities to those who + are under the depressing influence of fear. The wages which Mr. Edwards + promised, he took care to see punctually paid. + </p> + <p> + He had an excellent overseer, of the name of Abraham Bayley, a man of a + mild but steady temper, who was attached not only to his master’s + interests but to his virtues; and who, therefore, was more intent upon + seconding his humane views than upon squeezing from the labour of the + negroes the utmost produce. Each negro had, near his cottage, a portion of + land, called his provision-ground; and one day in the week was allowed for + its cultivation. + </p> + <p> + It is common in Jamaica for the slaves to have provision-grounds, which + they cultivate for their own advantage; but it too often happens, that, + when a good negro has successfully improved his little spot of ground, + when he has built himself a house, and begins to enjoy the fruits of his + industry, his acquired property is seized upon by the sheriff’s officer + for the payment of his master’s debts; he is forcibly separated from his + wife and children, dragged to public auction, purchased by a stranger, and + perhaps sent to terminate his miserable existence in the mines of Mexico; + excluded for ever from the light of heaven; and all this without any crime + or imprudence on his part, real or pretended. He is punished because his + master is unfortunate! + </p> + <p> + To this barbarous injustice the negroes on Mr. Edwards’ plantation were + never exposed. He never exceeded his income; he engaged in no wild + speculations; he contracted no debts; and his slaves, therefore, were in + no danger of being seized by a sheriff’s officer: their property was + secured to them by the prudence as well as by the generosity of their + master. + </p> + <p> + One morning, as Mr. Edwards was walking in that part of his plantation + which joined to Mr. Jefferies’ estate, he thought he heard the voice of + distress at some distance. The lamentations grew louder and louder as he + approached a cottage, which stood upon the borders of Jefferies’ + plantation. + </p> + <p> + This cottage belonged to a slave of the name of Caesar, the best negro in + Mr. Jefferies’ possession. Such had been his industry and exertion, that, + notwithstanding the severe tasks imposed by Durant, the overseer, Caesar + found means to cultivate his provision-ground to a degree of perfection no + where else to be seen on this estate. Mr. Edwards had often admired this + poor fellow’s industry, and now hastened to inquire what misfortune had + befallen him. + </p> + <p> + When he came to the cottage, he found Caesar standing with his arms + folded, and his eyes fixed upon the ground. A young and beautiful female + negro was weeping bitterly, as she knelt at the feet of Durant, the + overseer, who, regarding her with a sullen aspect, repeated, “He must go. + I tell you, woman, he must go. What signifies all this nonsense?” + </p> + <p> + At the sight of Mr. Edwards, the overseer’s countenance suddenly changed, + and assumed an air of obsequious civility. The poor woman retired to the + farther corner of the cottage, and continued to weep. Caesar never moved. + “Nothing is the matter, sir,” said Durant, “but that Caesar is going to be + sold. That is what the woman is crying for. They were to be married; but + we’ll find Clara another husband, I tell her; and she’ll get the better of + her grief, you know, sir, as I tell her, in time.” “Never! never!” said + Clara. + </p> + <p> + “To whom is Caesar going to be sold? and for what sum?” + </p> + <p> + “For what can be got for him,” replied Durant, laughing; “and to whoever + will buy him. The sheriff’s officer is here, who has seized him for debt, + and must make the most of him at market.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” said Mr. Edwards; “and must he leave this cottage which he + has built, and these bananas which he has planted?” + </p> + <p> + Caesar now for the first time looked up, and fixing his eyes upon Mr. + Edwards for a moment, advanced with an intrepid rather than an imploring + countenance, and said, “Will you be my master? Will you be her master? Buy + both of us. You shall not repent of it. Caesar will serve you faithfully.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing these words Clara sprang forward, and clasping her hands + together, repeated, “Caesar will serve you faithfully.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edwards was moved by their entreaties, but he left them without + declaring his intentions. He went immediately to Mr. Jefferies, whom he + found stretched on a sofa, drinking coffee. As soon as Mr. Edwards + mentioned the occasion of his visit, and expressed his sorrow for Caesar, + Jefferies exclaimed, “Yes, poor devil! I pity him from the bottom of my + soul. But what can I do? I leave all those things to Durant. He says the + sheriff’s officer has seized him; and there’s an end of the matter. You + know, money must be had. Besides, Caesar is not worse off than any other + slave sold for debt. What signifies talking about the matter, as if it + were something that never happened before! Is not it a case that occurs + every day in Jamaica?” + </p> + <p> + “So much the worse,” replied Mr. Edwards. + </p> + <p> + “The worse for them, to be sure,” said Jefferies. “But, after all, they + are slaves, and are used to be treated as such; and they tell me the + negroes are a thousand times happier here, with us, than they ever were in + their own country.” + </p> + <p> + “Did the negroes tell you so themselves?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but people better informed than negroes have told me so; and, after + all, slaves there must be; for indigo, and rum, and sugar, we must have.” + </p> + <p> + “Granting it to be physically impossible that the world should exist + without rum, sugar, and indigo, why could they not be produced by freemen + as well as by slaves? If we hired negroes for labourers, instead of + purchasing them for slaves, do you think they would not work as well as + they do now? Does any negro, under the fear of the overseer, work harder + than a Birmingham journeyman, or a Newcastle collier, who toil for + themselves and their families?” + </p> + <p> + “Of that I don’t pretend to judge. All I know is, that the West India + planters would be ruined if they had no slaves; and I am a West India + planter.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I; yet I do not think they are the only people whose interests + ought to be considered in this business.” + </p> + <p> + “Their interests, luckily, are protected by the laws of the land; and + though they are rich men, and white men, and freemen, they have as good a + claim to their rights as the poorest black slave on any of our + plantations.” + </p> + <p> + “The law, in our case, seems to make the right; and the very reverse ought + to be done—the right should make the law.” + </p> + <p> + “Fortunately for us planters, we need not enter into such nice + distinctions. You could not, if you would, abolish the trade. Slaves would + be smuggled into the islands.” + </p> + <p> + “What! if nobody would buy them? You know that you cannot smuggle slaves + into England. The instant a slave touches English ground he becomes free. + Glorious privilege! Why should it not be extended to all her dominions? If + the future importation of slaves into these islands were forbidden by law, + the trade must cease. No man can either sell or possess slaves without its + being known: they cannot be smuggled like lace or brandy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” retorted Jefferies, a little impatiently, “as yet the law is + on our side. I can do nothing in this business, nor can you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we can do something; we can endeavour to make our negroes as happy + as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I leave the management of these people to Durant.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very thing of which they complain; forgive me for speaking to + you with the frankness of an old acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you can’t oblige me more: I love frankness of all things! To tell you + the truth, I have heard complaints of Durant’s severity; but I make it a + principle to turn a deaf ear to them, for I know nothing can be done with + these fellows without it. You are partial to negroes; but even you must + allow they are a race of beings naturally inferior to us. You may in vain + think of managing a black as you would a white. Do what you please for a + negro, he will cheat you the first opportunity he finds. You know what + their maxim is: ‘God gives black men what white men forget.’” + </p> + <p> + To these common-place desultory observations Mr. Edwards made no reply; + but recurred to poor Caesar, and offered to purchase both him and Clara, + at the highest price the sheriff’s officer could obtain for them at + market. Mr. Jefferies, with the utmost politeness to his neighbour, but + with the most perfect indifference to the happiness of those whom he + considered of a different species from himself, acceded to this proposal. + Nothing could be more reasonable, he said; and he was happy to have it in + his power to oblige a gentleman for whom he had such a high esteem. + </p> + <p> + The bargain was quickly concluded with the sheriff’s officer; for Mr. + Edwards willingly paid several dollars more than the market price for the + two slaves. When Caesar and Clara heard that they were not to be + separated, their joy and gratitude were expressed with all the ardour and + tenderness peculiar to their different characters. Clara was an Eboe, + Caesar a Koromantyn negro: the Eboes are soft, languishing, and timid; the + Koromantyns are frank, fearless, martial, and heroic. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edwards took his new slaves home with him, desired Bayley, his + overseer, to mark out a provision-ground for Caesar, and to give him a + cottage, which happened at this time to be vacant. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my good friend,” said he to Caesar, “you may work for yourself, + without fear that what you earn may be taken from you; or that you should + ever be sold, to pay your master’s debts. If he does not understand what I + am saying,” continued Mr. Edwards, turning to his overseer, “you will + explain it to him.” + </p> + <p> + Caesar perfectly understood all that Mr. Edwards said; but his feelings + were at this instant so strong that he could not find expression for his + gratitude: he stood like one stupefied! Kindness was new to him; it + overpowered his manly heart; and at hearing the words “my good friend,” + the tears gushed from his eyes: tears which no torture could have + extorted! Gratitude swelled in his bosom; and he longed to be alone, that + he might freely yield to his emotions. + </p> + <p> + He was glad when the conch-shell sounded to call the negroes to their + daily labour, that he might relieve the sensations of his soul by bodily + exertion, He performed his task in silence; and an inattentive observer + might have thought him sullen. + </p> + <p> + In fact, he was impatient for the day to be over, that he might get rid of + a heavy load which weighed upon his mind. + </p> + <p> + The cruelties practised by Durant, the overseer of Jefferies’ plantation, + had exasperated the slaves under his dominion. + </p> + <p> + They were all leagued together in a conspiracy, which was kept profoundly + secret. Their object was to extirpate every white man, woman, and child, + in the island. Their plans were laid with consummate art; and the negroes + were urged to execute them by all the courage of despair. + </p> + <p> + The confederacy extended to all the negroes in the island of Jamaica, + excepting those on the plantation of Mr. Edwards. To them no hint of the + dreadful secret had yet been given; their countrymen, knowing the + attachment they felt to their master, dared not trust them with these + projects of vengeance. Hector, the negro who was at the head of the + conspirators, was the particular friend of Caesar, and had imparted to him + all his designs. These friends were bound to each other by the strongest + ties. Their slavery and their sufferings began in the same hour; they were + both brought from their own country in the same ship. This circumstance + alone forms, amongst the negroes, a bond of connexion not easily to be + dissolved. But the friendship of Caesar and Hector commenced even before + they were united by the sympathy of misfortune; they were both of the same + nation, both Koromantyns. In Africa they had both been accustomed to + command; for they had signalized themselves by superior fortitude and + courage. They respected each other for excelling in all which they had + been taught to consider as virtuous; and with them revenge was a virtue! + </p> + <p> + Revenge was the ruling passion of Hector: in Caesar’s mind it was rather a + principle instilled by education. The one considered it as a duty, the + other felt it as a pleasure. Hector’s sense of injury was acute in the + extreme; he knew not how to forgive. Caesar’s sensibility was yet more + alive to kindness than to insult. Hector would sacrifice his life to + extirpate an enemy. Caesar would devote himself for the defence of a + friend; and Caesar now considered a white man as his friend. + </p> + <p> + He was now placed in a painful situation. All his former friendships, all + the solemn promises by which he was bound to his companions in misfortune, + forbade him to indulge that delightful feeling of gratitude and affection, + which, for the first time, he experienced for one of that race of beings + whom he had hitherto considered as detestable tyrants—objects of + implacable and just revenge! + </p> + <p> + Caesar was most impatient to have an interview with Hector, that he might + communicate his new sentiments, and dissuade him from those schemes of + destruction which he meditated. At midnight, when all the slaves except + himself were asleep, he left his cottage, and went to Jefferies’ + plantation, to the hut in which Hector slept. Even in his dreams Hector + breathed vengeance. “Spare none! Sons of Africa, spare none!” were the + words he uttered in his sleep, as Caesar approached the mat on which he + lay. The moon shone full upon him. Caesar contemplated the countenance of + his friend, fierce even in sleep. “Spare none! Oh, yes! There is one that + must be spared. There is one for whose sake all must be spared.” + </p> + <p> + He wakened Hector by this exclamation. “Of what were you dreaming?” said + Caesar. + </p> + <p> + “Of that which, sleeping or waking, fills my soul—revenge! Why did + you waken me from my dream? It was delightful. The whites were weltering + in their blood! But silence! we may be overheard.” + </p> + <p> + “No; every one sleeps but ourselves,” replied Caesar. “I could not sleep + without speaking to you on—a subject that weighs upon my mind. You + have seen Mr. Edwards?” “Yes. He that is now your master.” + </p> + <p> + “He that is now my benefactor—my friend!” + </p> + <p> + “Friend! Can you call a white man friend?” cried Hector, starting up with + a look of astonishment and indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Caesar, with firmness. “And you would speak, ay, and would + feel, as I do, Hector, if you knew this white man. Oh, how unlike he is to + all of his race, that we have ever seen! Do not turn from me with so much + disdain. Hear me with patience, my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” replied Hector, “listen with patience to one who between the + rising and the setting sun can forget all his resolutions, all his + promises; who by a few soft words can be so wrought upon as to forget all + the insults, all the injuries he has received from this accursed race; and + can even call a white man friend!” + </p> + <p> + Caesar, unmoved by Hector’s anger, continued to speak of Mr. Edwards with + the warmest expressions of gratitude; and finished by declaring he would + sooner forfeit his life than rebel against such a master. He conjured + Hector to desist from executing his designs; but all was in vain. Hector + sat with his elbows fixed upon his knees, leaning his head upon his hands, + in gloomy silence. + </p> + <p> + Caesar’s mind was divided between love for his friend and gratitude to his + master: the conflict was violent and painful. Gratitude at last prevailed: + he repeated his declaration, that he would rather die than continue in a + conspiracy against his benefactor! + </p> + <p> + Hector refused to except him from the general doom. “Betray us if you + will!” cried he. “Betray our secrets to him whom you call your benefactor! + to him whom a few hours have made your friend! To him sacrifice the friend + of your youth, the companion of your better days, of your better self! + Yes, Caesar, deliver me over to the tormentors: I can endure more than + they can inflict. I shall expire without a sigh, without a groan. Why do + you linger here, Caesar? Why do you hesitate? Hasten this moment to your + master; claim your reward for delivering into his power hundreds of your + countrymen! Why do you hesitate? Away! The coward’s friendship can be of + use to none. Who can value his gratitude? Who can fear his revenge?” + Hector raised his voice so high, as he pronounced these words, that he + wakened Durant, the overseer, who slept in the next house. They heard him + call out suddenly, to inquire who was there: and Caesar had but just time + to make his escape, before Durant appeared. He searched Hector’s cottage; + but finding no one, again retired to rest. This man’s tyranny made him + constantly suspicious; he dreaded that the slaves should combine against + him; and he endeavoured to prevent them, by every threat and every + stratagem he could devise, from conversing with each other. + </p> + <p> + They had, however, taken their measures, hitherto, so secretly, that he + had not the slightest idea of the conspiracy which was forming in the + island. Their schemes were not yet ripe for execution; but the appointed + time approached. Hector, when he coolly reflected on what had passed + between him and Caesar, could not help admiring the frankness and courage + with which he had avowed his change of sentiments. By this avowal, Caesar + had in fact exposed his own life to the most imminent danger, from the + vengeance of the conspirators, who might be tempted to assassinate him who + had their lives in his power. Notwithstanding the contempt with which, in + the first moment of passion, he had treated his friend, he was extremely + anxious that he should not break off all connexion with the conspirators. + He knew that Caesar possessed both intrepidity and eloquence, and that his + opposition to their schemes would perhaps entirely frustrate their whole + design. He therefore determined to use every possible means to bend him to + their purposes. + </p> + <p> + The enlightened inhabitants of Europe may, perhaps, smile at the + superstitious credulity of the negroes, who regard those ignorant beings + called <i>Obeah</i> people with the most profound respect and dread; who + believe that they hold in their hands the power of good and evil fortune, + of health and sickness, of life and death. The instances which are related + of their power over the minds of their countrymen are so wonderful, that + none but the most unquestionable authority could make us think them + credible. The following passage, from Edwards’ History of the West Indies, + is inserted, to give an idea of this strange infatuation: + </p> + <p> + “In the year 1760, when a very formidable insurrection of the Koromantyn + or Gold Coast negroes broke out, in the parish of St. Mary, and spread + through almost every other district of the island, an old Koromantyn + negro, the chief instigator and oracle of the insurgents in that parish, + who had administered the fetish, or solemn oath, to the conspirators, and + furnished them with a magical preparation, which was to render them + invulnerable, was fortunately apprehended, convicted, and hung up with all + his feathers and trumperies about him; and his execution struck the + insurgents with a general panic, from which they never afterwards + recovered. The examinations, which were taken at that period, first opened + the eyes of the public to the very dangerous tendency of the <i>Obeah</i> + practices; and gave birth to the law, which was then enacted, for their + suppression and punishment; but neither the terror of this law, the strict + investigation which has since been made after the professors of <i>Obi</i>, + nor the many examples of those who, from time to time, have been hanged or + transported, have hitherto produced the desired effect. A gentleman, on + his returning to Jamaica, in the year 1775, found that a great many of his + negroes had died during his absence; and that, of such as remained alive, + at least one half were debilitated, bloated, and in a very deplorable + condition. The mortality continued after his arrival; and two or three + were frequently buried in one day; others were taken ill, and began to + decline under the same symptoms. Every means were tried, by medicine and + the most careful nursing, to preserve the lives of the feeblest; but in + spite of all his endeavours, this depopulation went on for a twelvemonth + longer, with more or less intermission, and without his being able to + ascertain the real cause, though the <i>Obeah</i> practice was strongly + suspected, as well by himself as by the doctor, and other white persons + upon the plantation; as it was known to have been very common in that part + of the island, and particularly among the negroes of the <i>Popaw</i> or + <i>Popo</i> country. Still he was unable to verify his suspicions; because + the patients constantly denied their having any thing to do with persons + of that order, or any knowledge of them. At length, a negress, who had + been ill for some time, came and informed him, that, feeling it was + impossible for her to live much longer, she thought herself bound in duty, + before she died, to impart a very great secret, and acquaint him with the + true cause of her disorder, in hopes that the disclosure might prove the + means of stopping that mischief which had already swept away such a number + of her fellow slaves. She proceeded to say that her step-mother, a woman + of the <i>Popo</i> country, above eighty years old, but still hale and + active, had <i>put Obi upon her</i>, as she had upon those who had lately + died; and that the old woman had practised <i>Obi</i> for as many years + past as she could remember. The other negroes of the plantation no sooner + heard of this impeachment than they ran in a body to their master, and + confirmed the truth, of it.—Upon this he repaired directly, with six + white servants, to the old woman’s house; and, forcing open the door, + observed the whole inside of the roof, which was of thatch, and every + crevice of the wall, stuck with the implements of her trade, consisting of + rags, feathers, bones of cats, and a thousand other articles.—The + house was instantly pulled down; and, with the whole of its contents, + committed to the flames, amidst the general acclamations of all his other + negroes.—From the moment of her departure, his negroes seemed all to + be animated with new spirits; and the malady spread no farther among them. + The total of his losses, in the course of about fifteen years preceding + the discovery, and imputable solely to the <i>Obeah practice</i>, he + estimates at least, at one hundred negroes.” + </p> + <p> + Esther, an old Koromantyn negress, had obtained by her skill in poisonous + herbs, and her knowledge of venomous reptiles, a high reputation amongst + her countrymen. She soon taught them to believe her to be possessed of + supernatural powers; and she then worked their imagination to what pitch + and purpose she pleased. + </p> + <p> + She was the chief instigator of this intended rebellion. It was she who + had stimulated the revengeful temper of Hector almost to frenzy. She now + promised him that her arts should be exerted over his friend; and it was + not long before he felt their influence. Caesar soon perceived an + extraordinary change in the countenance and manner of his beloved Clara. A + melancholy hung over her, and she refused to impart to him the cause of + her dejection. Caesar was indefatigable in his exertions to cultivate and + embellish the ground near his cottage, in hopes of making it an agreeable + habitation for her; but she seemed to take no interest in any thing. She + would stand beside him immoveable, in a deep reverie; but when he inquired + whether she was ill, she would answer no, and endeavour to assume an air + of gaiety: but this cheerfulness was transient; she soon relapsed into + despondency. At length, she endeavoured to avoid her lover, as if she + feared his farther inquiries. + </p> + <p> + Unable to endure this state of suspense, he one evening resolved to bring + her to an explanation. “Clara,” said he, “you once loved me: I have done + nothing, have I, to forfeit your confidence?” + </p> + <p> + “I once loved you!” said she, raising her languid eyes, and looking at him + with reproachful tenderness; “and can you doubt my constancy? Oh, Caesar, + you little know what is passing in my heart! You are the cause of my + melancholy!” + </p> + <p> + She paused and hesitated, as if afraid that she had said too much; but + Caesar urged her with so much vehemence, and so much tenderness, to open + to him her whole soul, that, at last, she could not resist his eloquence. + She reluctantly revealed to him that secret of which she could not think + without horror. She informed him, that unless he complied with what was + required of him by the sorceress Esther, he was devoted to die. What it + was that Esther required of him, Clara knew not: she knew nothing of the + conspiracy. The timidity of her character was ill suited to such a + project; and every thing relating to it had been concealed from her with + the utmost care. + </p> + <p> + When she explained to Caesar the cause of her dejection, his natural + courage resisted these superstitious fears; and he endeavoured to raise + Clara’s spirits. He endeavoured in vain: she fell at his feet; and with + tears, and the most tender supplications, conjured him to avert the wrath + of the sorceress, by obeying her commands, whatever they might be! + </p> + <p> + “Clara,” replied he, “you know not what you ask!” + </p> + <p> + “I ask you to save your life!” said she. “I ask you, for my sake, to save + your life, while yet it is in your power!” + </p> + <p> + “But would you, to save my life, Clara, make me the worst of criminals? + Would you make me the murderer of my benefactor?” + </p> + <p> + Clara started with horror. + </p> + <p> + “Do you recollect the day, the moment, when we were on the point of being + separated for ever, Clara? Do you remember the white man’s coming to my + cottage? Do you remember his look of benevolence—his voice of + compassion? Do you remember his generosity? Oh! Clara, would you make me + the murderer of this man?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid!” said Clara. “This cannot be the will of the sorceress!” + </p> + <p> + “It is,” said Caesar. “But she shall not succeed, even though she speaks + with the voice of Clara. Urge me no further; my resolution is fixed. I + should be unworthy of your love if I were capable of treachery and + ingratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “But is there no means of averting the wrath of Esther?” said Clara. “Your + life—” + </p> + <p> + “Think, first, of my honour,” interrupted Caesar. “Your fears deprive you + of reason. Return to this sorceress, and tell her that I dread not her + wrath. My hands shall never be imbrued in the blood of my benefactor. + Clara! can you forget his look when he told us that we should never more + be separated?” + </p> + <p> + “It went to my heart,” said Clara, bursting into tears “Cruel, cruel + Esther! Why do you command us to destroy such a generous master?” + </p> + <p> + The conch sounded to summon the negroes to their morning’s work. It + happened this day, that Mr. Edwards, who was continually intent upon + increasing the comforts and happiness of his slaves, sent his carpenter, + while Caesar was absent, to fit up the inside of his cottage; and when + Caesar returned from work, he found his master pruning the branches of a + tamarind tree that over-hung the thatch. “How comes it, Caesar,” said he, + “that you have not pruned these branches?” + </p> + <p> + Caesar had no knife. “Here is mine for you,” said Mr. Edwards. “It is very + sharp,” added he, smiling; “but I am not one of those masters who are + afraid to trust their negroes with sharp knives.” + </p> + <p> + These words were spoken with perfect simplicity: Mr. Edwards had no + suspicion, at this time, of what was passing in the negro’s mind. Caesar + received the knife without uttering a syllable; but no sooner was Mr. + Edwards out of sight than he knelt down, and, in a transport of gratitude, + swore that, with this knife, he would stab himself to the heart sooner + than betray his master! + </p> + <p> + The principle of gratitude conquered every other sensation. The mind of + Caesar was not insensible to the charms of freedom: he knew the negro + conspirators had so taken their measures that there was the greatest + probability of their success. His heart beat high at the idea of + recovering his liberty: but he was not to be seduced from his duty, not + even by this delightful hope; nor was he to be intimidated by the dreadful + certainty that his former friends and countrymen, considering him as a + deserter from their cause, would become his bitterest enemies. The loss of + Hector’s esteem and affection was deeply felt by Caesar. Since the night + that the decisive conversation relative to Mr. Edwards passed, Hector and + he had never exchanged a syllable. + </p> + <p> + This visit proved the cause of much suffering to Hector, and to several of + the slaves on Jefferies’ plantation. We mentioned that Durant had been + awakened by the raised voice of Hector. Though he could not find any one + in the cottage, yet his suspicions were not dissipated; and an accident + nearly brought the whole conspiracy to light. Durant had ordered one of + the negroes to watch a boiler of sugar: the slave was overcome by the + heat, and fainted. He had scarcely recovered his senses when the overseer + came up, and found that the sugar had fermented, by having remained a few + minutes too long in the boiler. He flew into a violent passion, and + ordered that the negro should receive fifty lashes. His victim bore them + without uttering a groan; but, when his punishment was over, and when he + thought the overseer was gone, he exclaimed, “It will soon be our turn!” + </p> + <p> + Durant was not out of hearing. He turned suddenly, and observed that the + negro looked at Hector when he pronounced these words, and this confirmed + the suspicion that Hector was carrying on some conspiracy. He immediately + had recourse to that brutality which he considered as the only means of + governing black men: Hector and three other negroes were lashed + unmercifully; but no confessions could be extorted. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jefferies might perhaps have forbidden such violence to be used, if he + had not been at the time carousing with a party of jovial West Indians, + who thought of nothing but indulging their appetites in all the luxuries + that art and nature could supply. The sufferings which had been endured by + many of the wretched negroes to furnish out this magnificent entertainment + were never once thought of by these selfish epicures. Yet so false are the + general estimates of character, that all these gentlemen passed for men of + great feeling and generosity! The human mind, in certain situations, + becomes so accustomed to ideas of tyranny and cruelty, that they no longer + appear extraordinary or detestable: they rather seem part of the necessary + and immutable order of things. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jefferies was stopped, as he passed from his dining-room into his + drawing-room, by a little negro child, of about five years old, who was + crying bitterly. He was the son of one of the slaves who were at this + moment under the torturer’s hand. “Poor little devil!” said Mr. Jefferies, + who was more than half intoxicated. “Take him away; and tell Durant, some + of ye, to pardon his father—if he can.” + </p> + <p> + The child ran, eagerly, to announce his father’s pardon; but he soon + returned, crying more violently than before. Durant would not hear the + boy; and it was now no longer possible to appeal to Mr. Jefferies, for he + was in the midst of an assembly of fair ladies, and no servant belonging + to the house dared to interrupt the festivities of the evening. The three + men, who were so severely flogged to extort from them confessions, were + perfectly innocent: they knew nothing of the confederacy; but the rebels + seized the moment when their minds were exasperated by this cruelty and + injustice, and they easily persuaded them to join the league. The hope of + revenging themselves upon the overseer was a motive sufficient to make + them brave death in any shape. + </p> + <p> + Another incident, which happened a few days before the time destined for + the revolt of the slaves, determined numbers who had been undecided. Mrs. + Jefferies was a languid beauty, or rather a languid fine lady who had been + a beauty, and who spent all that part of the day which was not devoted to + the pleasures of the table, or to reclining on a couch, in dress. She was + one day extended on a sofa, fanned by four slaves, two at her head and two + at her feet, when news was brought that a large chest, directed to her, + was just arrived from London. + </p> + <p> + This chest contained various articles of dress of the newest fashions. The + Jamaica ladies carry their ideas of magnificence to a high pitch: they + willingly give a hundred guineas for a gown, which they perhaps wear but + once or twice. In the elegance and variety of her ornaments, Mrs. + Jefferies was not exceeded by any lady in the island, except by one who + had lately received a cargo from England. She now expected to outshine her + competitor, and desired that the chest should be unpacked in her presence. + </p> + <p> + In taking out one of the gowns, it caught on a nail in the lid, and was + torn. The lady, roused from her natural indolence by this disappointment + to her vanity, instantly ordered that the unfortunate female slave should + be severely chastised. The woman was the wife of Hector; and this fresh + injury worked up his temper, naturally vindictive, to the highest point. + He ardently longed for the moment when he might satiate his vengeance. + </p> + <p> + The plan the negroes had laid was to set fire to the canes, at one and the + same time, on every plantation; and when the white inhabitants of the + island should run to put out the fire, the blacks were to seize this + moment of confusion and consternation to fall upon them, and make a + general massacre. The time when this scheme was to be carried into + execution was not known to Caesar; for the conspirators had changed their + day, as soon as Hector told them that his friend was no longer one of the + confederacy. They dreaded he should betray them; and it was determined + that he and Clara should both be destroyed, unless they could be prevailed + upon to join the conspiracy. + </p> + <p> + Hector wished to save his friend, but the desire of vengeance overcame + every other feeling. He resolved, however, to make an attempt, for the + last time, to change Caesar’s resolution. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose, Esther was the person he employed: she was to work upon + his mind by means of Clara. On returning to her cottage one night, she + found suspended from the thatch one of those strange fantastic charms with + which the Indian sorceresses terrify those whom they have proscribed. + Clara, unable to conquer her terror, repaired again to Esther, who + received her first in mysterious silence; but, after she had implored her + forgiveness for the past, and with all possible humility conjured her to + grant her future protection, the sorceress deigned to speak. Her commands + were that Clara should prevail upon her lover to meet her, on this awful + spot, the ensuing night. + </p> + <p> + Little suspecting what was going forward on the plantation of Jefferies, + Mr. Edwards that evening gave his slaves a holiday. He and his family came + out at sunset, when the fresh breeze had sprung up, and seated themselves + under a spreading palm-tree, to enjoy the pleasing spectacle of this negro + festival. His negroes were all well clad, and in the gayest colours, and + their merry countenances suited the gaiety of their dress. While some were + dancing, and some playing on the tambourine, others appeared amongst the + distant trees, bringing baskets of avocado pears, grapes, and pine-apples, + the produce of their own provision-grounds; and others were employed in + spreading their clean trenchers, or the calabashes, which served for + plates and dishes. The negroes continued to dance and divert themselves + till late in, the evening. When they separated and retired to rest, + Caesar, recollecting his promise to Clara, repaired secretly to the + habitation of this sorceress. It was situated in the recess of a thick + wood. When he arrived there, he found the door fastened; and he was + obliged to wait some time before it was opened by Esther. + </p> + <p> + The first object he beheld was his beloved Clara, stretched on the ground, + apparently a corpse! The sorceress had thrown her into a trance by a + preparation of deadly nightshade. The hag burst into an infernal laugh, + when she beheld the despair that was painted in Caesar’s countenance. + “Wretch!” cried she, “you have defied my power: behold its victim!” + </p> + <p> + Caesar, in a transport of rage, seized her by the throat: but his fury was + soon checked. + </p> + <p> + “Destroy me,” said the fiend, “and you destroy your Clara. She is not + dead: but she lies in the sleep of death, into which she has been thrown + by magic art, and from which no power but mine can restore her to the + light of life. Yes! look at her, pale and motionless! Never will she rise + from the earth, unless, within one hour, you obey my commands. I have + administered to Hector and his companions the solemn fetish oath, at the + sound of which every negro in Africa trembles! You know my object.” + </p> + <p> + “Fiend, I do!” replied Caesar, eyeing her sternly; “but, while I have + life, it shall never be accomplished.” + </p> + <p> + “Look yonder!” cried she, pointing to the moon; “in a few minutes that + moon will set: at that hour Hector and his friends will appear. They come + armed—armed with weapons which I shall steep in poison for their + enemies. Themselves I will render invulnerable. Look again!” continued + she; “if my dim eyes mistake not, yonder they come. Rash man, you die if + they cross my threshold.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish for death,” said Caesar. “Clara is dead!” + </p> + <p> + “But you can restore her to life by a single word.” Caesar, at this + moment, seemed to hesitate. “Consider! Your heroism is vain,” continued + Esther. “You will have the knives of fifty of the conspirators in your + bosom, if you do not join them; and, after you have fallen, the death of + your master is inevitable. Here is the bowl of poison, in which the negro + knives are to be steeped. Your friends, your former friends, your + countrymen, will be in arms in a few minutes; and they will bear down + every thing before them—Victory, Wealth, Freedom, and Revenge, will + be theirs.” + </p> + <p> + Caesar appeared to be more and more agitated. His eyes were fixed upon + Clara. The conflict in his mind was violent: but his sense of gratitude + and duty could not be shaken by hope, fear, or ambition; nor could it be + vanquished by love. He determined, however, to appear to yield. As if + struck with panic, at the approach of the confederate negroes, he suddenly + turned to the sorceress, and said, in a tone of feigned submission, “It is + in vain to struggle with fate. Let my knife, too, be dipped in your magic + poison.” + </p> + <p> + The sorceress clapped her hands with infernal joy in her countenance. She + bade him instantly give her his knife, that she might plunge it to the + hilt in the bowl of poison, to which she turned with savage impatience. + His knife was left in his cottage, and, under pretence of going in search + of it, he escaped. Esther promised to prepare Hector and all his + companions to receive him with their ancient cordiality on his return. + Caesar ran with the utmost speed along a bye-path out of the wood, met + none of the rebels, reached his master’s house, scaled the wall of his + bedchamber, got in at the window, and wakened him, exclaiming, “Arm—arm + yourself, my dear master! Arm all your slaves! They will fight for you, + and die for you; as I will the first. The Koromantyn yell of war will be + heard in Jefferies plantation this night! Arm—arm yourself, my dear + master, and let us surround the rebel leaders while it is yet time. I will + lead you to the place where they are all assembled, on condition that + their chief, who is my friend, shall be pardoned.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edwards armed himself and the negroes on his plantation, as well as + the whites; they were all equally attached to him. He followed Caesar into + the recesses of the wood. + </p> + <p> + They proceeded with all possible rapidity, but in perfect silence, till + they reached Esther’s habitation: which they surrounded completely, before + they were perceived by the conspirators. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edwards looked through a hole in the wall; and, by the blue flame of a + cauldron, over which the sorceress was stretching her shrivelled hands, he + saw Hector and five stout negroes standing, intent upon her incantations. + These negroes held their knives in their hands, ready to dip them into the + bowl of poison. It was proposed, by one of the whites, to set fire + immediately to the hut, and thus to force the rebels to surrender. The + advice was followed; but Mr. Edwards charged his people to spare their + prisoners. The moment the rebels saw that the thatch of the hut was in + flames, they set up the Koromantyn yell of war, and rushed out with + frantic desperation. + </p> + <p> + “Yield! You are pardoned, Hector,” cried Mr. Edwards, in a loud voice. + </p> + <p> + “You are pardoned, my friend!” repeated Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + Hector, incapable at this instant of listening to anything but revenge, + sprang forwards, and plunged his knife into the bosom of Cæsar. The + faithful servant staggered back a few paces: his master caught him in his + arms. “I die content,” said he. “Bury me with Clara.” + </p> + <p> + He swooned from loss of blood as they were carrying him home; but when his + wound was examined, it was found not to be mortal. As he recovered from + his swoon, he stared wildly round him, trying to recollect where he was, + and what had happened. He thought that he was still in a dream, when he + saw his beloved Clara standing beside him. The opiate, which the pretended + sorceress had administered to her, had ceased to operate; she wakened from + her trance just at the time the Koromantyn yell commenced. Cæsar’s joy!—we + must leave that to the imagination. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, what became of the rebel negroes, and Mr. Edwards? + </p> + <p> + The taking the chief conspirators prisoners did not prevent the negroes + upon Jefferies’ plantation from insurrection. The moment they heard the + war-whoop, the signal agreed upon, they rose in a body; and, before they + could be prevented, either by the whites on the estate, or by Mr. Edwards’ + adherents, they had set fire to the overseer’s house, and to the canes. + The overseer was the principal object of their vengeance—he died in + tortures, inflicted by the hands of those who had suffered most by his + cruelties. Mr. Edwards, however, quelled the insurgents before rebellion + spread to any other estates in the island. The influence of his character, + and the effect of his eloquence upon the minds of the people, were + astonishing: nothing but his interference could have prevented the total + destruction of Mr. Jefferies and his family, who, as it was computed, lost + this night upwards of fifty thousand pounds. He was never afterwards able + to recover his losses, or to shake off his constant fear of a fresh + insurrection among his slaves. At length, he and his lady returned to + England, where they were obliged to live in obscurity and indigence. They + had no consolation in their misfortunes but that of railing at the + treachery of the whole race of slaves. Our readers, we hope, will think + that at least one exception may be made, in favour of THE GRATEFUL NEGRO. + {Empty page} + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TO-MORROW + </h2> + <p> + “Oh this detestable <i>To-morrow!</i>—a thing always expected, yet + never found.”—JOHNSON. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + It has long been my intention to write my own history, and I am determined + to begin it to-day; for half the good intentions of my life have been + frustrated by my unfortunate habit of putting things off till to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + When I was a young man, I used to be told that this was my only fault; I + believed it, and my vanity or laziness persuaded me that this fault was + but small, and that I should easily cure myself of it in time. + </p> + <p> + That time, however, has not yet arrived, and at my advanced age I must + give up all thoughts of amendment, hoping, however, that sincere + repentance may stand instead of reformation. + </p> + <p> + My father was an eminent London bookseller: he happened to be looking over + a new biographical dictionary on the day when I was brought into the + world; and at the moment when my birth was announced to him, he had his + finger upon the name <i>Basil</i>; he read aloud—“<i>Basil</i>, + canonized bishop of Caesarea, a theological, controversial, and moral + writer.” + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” continued my father, “shall be named after this great man, and I + hope and believe that I shall live to see him either a celebrated + theological, controversial, and moral author, or a bishop. I am not so + sanguine as to expect that he should be both these good things.” + </p> + <p> + I was christened Basil according to my father’s wishes, and his hopes of + my future celebrity and fortune were confirmed, during my childhood, by + instances of wit and memory, which were not perhaps greater than what + could have been found in my little contemporaries, but which appeared to + the vanity of parental fondness extraordinary, if not supernatural. My + father declared that it would be a sin not to give me a learned education, + and he went even beyond his means to procure for me all the advantages of + the best modes of instruction. I was stimulated, even when a boy, by the + idea that I should become a great man, and my masters had for some time + reason to be satisfied; but what they called the <i>quickness of my parts</i> + continually retarded my progress. The facility with which I learned my + lessons encouraged me to put off learning them till the last moment; and + this habit of procrastinating, which was begun in presumption, ended in + disgrace. + </p> + <p> + When I was sent to a public school, I found among my companions so many + temptations to idleness, that notwithstanding the quickness of my parts, I + was generally flogged twice a week. As I grew older, my reason might + perhaps have taught me to correct myself, but my vanity was excited to + persist in idleness by certain imprudent sayings or whisperings of my + father. + </p> + <p> + When I came home from school at the holidays, and when complaints were + preferred against me in letters from my school-master, my father, even + while he affected to scold me for my negligence, flattered me in the most + dangerous manner by adding—<i>aside</i> to some friend of the family—“My + Basil is a strange fellow!—can do any thing he pleases—all his + masters say so—but he is a sad idle dog—all your men of genius + are so—puts off business always to the last moment—all your + men of genius do so. For instance, there is ——, whose third + edition of odes I have just published—what an idle dog he is! Yet + who makes such a noise in the world as he does?—put every thing off + till <i>to-morrow</i>, like my Basil—but can do more at the last + moment than any man in England—that is, if the fit seizes him—for + he does nothing but by fits—has no application—none—says + it would ‘petrify him to a dunce.’ I never knew a man of genius who was + not an idle dog.” + </p> + <p> + Not a syllable of such speeches was lost upon me: the idea of a man of + genius and of an idle dog were soon so firmly joined together in my + imagination, that it was impossible to separate them, either by my own + reason or by that of my preceptors. I gloried in the very habits which my + tutors laboured to correct; and I never was seriously mortified by the + consequences of my own folly till, at a public examination at Eton, I lost + a premium by putting off till it was too late the finishing a copy of + verses. The lines which I had written were said by all my young and old + friends to be beautiful. The prize was gained by one Johnson, a heavy lad, + of no sort of genius, but of great perseverance. His verses were finished, + however, at the stated time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “For dulness ever must be regular!” + </pre> + <p> + My fragment, charming as it was, was useless, except to hand about + afterward among my friends, to prove what I might have done if I had + thought it worth while. + </p> + <p> + My father was extremely vexed by my missing an opportunity of + distinguishing myself at this public exhibition, especially as the king + had honoured the assembly with his presence; and as those who had gained + premiums were presented to his majesty, it was supposed that their being + thus early <i>marked</i> as lads of talents would be highly advantageous + to their advancement in life. All this my father felt, and, blaming + himself for having encouraged me in <i>the indolence of genius</i>, he + determined to counteract his former imprudence, and was resolved, he said, + to cure me at once of my habit of procrastination. For this purpose he + took down from his shelves Young’s Night Thoughts; from which he + remembered a line, which has become a <i>stock</i> line among + writing-masters’ copies: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “<i>Procrastination</i> is the thief of time.” + </pre> + <p> + He hunted the book for the words <i>Procrastination, Time, To-day,</i> and + <i>To-morrow</i>, and made an extract of seven long pages on the dangers + of delay. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my dear Basil,” said he, “this is what will cure you for life, and + this you must get perfectly by heart, before I give you one shilling more + pocket-money.” + </p> + <p> + The motive was all powerful, and with pains, iteration, and curses, I + fixed the heterogeneous quotations so well in my memory that some of them + have remained there to this day. For instance— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “<i>Time</i> destroyed + Is <i>suicide</i>, where more than blood is spilt. + <i>Time</i> flies, death urges, knells call, Heav’n invites, + Hell threatens. + + We push <i>Time</i> from us, and we wish him back. + + Man flies from <i>Time</i>, and Time from man too soon; + In sad divorce this double flight must end; + And then where are we? + + Be wise <i>to-day</i>, ‘tis madness to defer, &c. + Next day the fatal precedent will plead, &c. + + Lorenzo—O for <i>yesterdays</i> to come! + <i>To-day</i> is <i>yesterday</i> return’d; return’d, + Full powered to cancel, expiate, raise, adorn, + And reinstate us on the rock of peace. + Let it not share its predecessor’s fate, + Nor, like its elder sisters, die a fool. + + Where shall I find him? Angels! tell me where: + <i>You</i> know him; he is near you; point him out; + Shall I see glories beaming from his brow? + Or trace his footsteps by the rising flow’rs? + Your golden wings <i>now</i> hov’ring o’er him shed + Protection: now are wav’ring in applause + To that blest son of foresight! Lord of fate! + That awful independent on <i>to-morrow!</i> + Whose <i>work is done</i>; who triumphs in the past; + Whose <i>yesterdays</i> look backward with a smile.” + </pre> + <p> + I spare you the rest of my task, and I earnestly hope, my dear reader, + that these citations may have a better effect upon you than they had upon + me. With shame I confess, that even with the addition of Shakspeare’s + eloquent + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,” &c. +</pre> + <p> + which I learnt by heart gratis, not a bit the better was I for all this + poetical morality. What I wanted was, not conviction of my folly, but + resolution to amend. + </p> + <p> + When I say that I was not a bit the better for these documentings, I must + not omit to observe to you that I was very near four hundred pounds a year + the better for them. + </p> + <p> + Being obliged to learn so much of Young’s Night Thoughts by rote, I was + rather disgusted, and my attention was roused to criticise the lines which + had been forced upon my admiration. Afterward, when I went to college, I + delighted to maintain, in opposition to some of my companions, who were + enthusiastic admirers of Young, that he was no poet. The more I was + ridiculed, the more I persisted. I talked my self into notice; I became + acquainted with several of the literary men at Cambridge; I wrote in + defence of my opinion, or, as some called it, my heresy. I maintained that + what all the world had mistaken for sublimity was bombast; that the Night + Thoughts were fuller of witty conceits than of poetical images: I drew a + parallel between Young and Cowley; and I finished by pronouncing Young to + be the Cowley of the eighteenth century. To do myself justice, there was + much ingenuity and some truth in my essay, but it was the declamation of a + partisan, who can think only on one side of a question, and who, in the + heat of controversy, says more than he thinks, and more than he originally + intended. + </p> + <p> + It is often the fortune of literary partisans to obtain a share of + temporary celebrity far beyond their deserts, especially if they attack + any writer of established reputation. The success of my essay exceeded my + most sanguine expectations, and I began to think that my father was right; + that I was born to be a great genius, and a great man. The notice taken of + me by a learned prelate, who piqued himself upon being considered as the + patron of young men of talents, confirmed me at once in my self-conceit + and my hopes of preferment. + </p> + <p> + I mentioned to you that my father, in honour of my namesake Basil, bishop + of Caesarea, and to verify his own <i>presentiments</i>, had educated me + for the Church. My present patron, who seemed to like me the better the + oftener I dined with him, gave me reason to hope that he would provide for + me handsomely. I was not yet ordained, when a living of four hundred per + annum fell into his gift: he held it over for some months, as it was + thought, on purpose for me. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time he employed me to write a charity sermon for him, which + he was to preach, as it was expected, to a crowded congregation. None but + those who are themselves slaves to the habit of procrastination will + believe that I could be so foolish as to put off writing this sermon till + the Saturday evening before it was wanted. Some of my young companions + came unexpectedly to sup with me; we sat late: in the vanity of a young + author, who glories in the rapidity of composition, I said to myself that + I could finish my sermon in an hour’s notice. But, alas! when my + companions at length departed, they left me in no condition to complete a + sermon. I fell fast asleep, and was wakened in the morning by the bishop’s + servant. The dismay I felt is indescribable; I started up—it was + nine o’clock: I began to write; but my hand and my mind trembled, and my + ideas were in such confusion, that I could not, great genius as I was, + produce a beginning sentence in a quarter of an hour. + </p> + <p> + I kept the bishop’s servant forty minutes by his watch; wrote and re-wrote + two pages, and walked up and down the room; tore my two pages; and at + last, when the footman said he could wait no longer, was obliged to let + him go with an awkward note, pleading sudden sickness for my apology. It + was true that I was sufficiently sick at the time when I penned this note: + my head ached terribly; and I kept my room, reflecting upon my own folly, + the whole of the day. I foresaw the consequences: the living was given + away by my patron the next morning, and all hopes of future favour were + absolutely at an end. + </p> + <p> + My father overwhelmed me with reproaches; and I might perhaps have been + reformed by this disappointment, but an unexpected piece of good fortune, + or what I then thought good fortune, was my ruin. + </p> + <p> + Among the multitude of my college-friends was a young gentleman, whose + father was just appointed to go out upon the <i>famous</i> embassy to + China; he came to our shop to buy Du Halde; and upon hearing me express an + enthusiastic desire to visit China, he undertook to apply to his father to + take me in the ambassador’s suite. His representation of me as a young man + of talents and literature, and the view of some botanical drawings, which + I executed upon the spur of the occasion with tolerable neatness, procured + me the favour which I so ardently desired. + </p> + <p> + My father objected to my making this voyage. He was vexed to see me quit + the profession for which I had been educated; and he could not, without a + severe struggle, relinquish his hopes of seeing me a bishop. But I argued + that, as I had not yet been ordained, there could be no disgrace or + impropriety in my avoiding a mode of life which was not suited to my <i>genius</i>. + This word genius had now, as upon all other occasions, a mighty effect + upon my father; and, observing this, I declared farther, in a high tone of + voice, that from the experience I had already had, I was perfectly certain + that the drudgery of sermon-writing would <i>paralyze my genius</i>; and + that, to expand and invigorate my intellectual powers, it was absolutely + necessary I should, to use a great author’s expression, “view in foreign + countries varied modes of existence.” + </p> + <p> + My father’s hopes that one half of his prophecy would at least be + accomplished, and that I should become a great author, revived; and he + consented to my going to China, upon condition that I should promise to + write a history of my voyage and journey, in two volumes octavo, or one + quarto, with a folio of plates. The promise was readily made; for in the + plenitude of confidence in my own powers, octavos and quartos shrunk + before me, and a folio appeared too small for the various information, and + the useful reflections, which a voyage to China must supply. + </p> + <p> + Full of expectations and projects, I talked from morning till night of my + journey: but notwithstanding my father’s hourly remonstrances, I deferred + my preparations till the last week. Then all was hurry and confusion; + tailors and sempstresses, portmanteaus and trunks, portfolios and + drawing-boxes, water-colours, crayons, and note-books, wet from the + stationer’s, crowded my room. I had a dozen small note-books, and a huge + commonplace-book, which was to be divided and kept in the manner + recommended by the judicious and immortal Locke. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the last day’s bustle, I sat down at the corner of a table + with compass, ruler, and red ink, to divide and rule my best of all + possible commonplace-books; but the red ink was too thin, and the paper + was not well sized, and it blotted continually, because I was obliged to + turn over the pages rapidly; and ink will not dry, nor blotting-paper suck + it up, more quickly for <i>a genius</i> than for any other man. Besides, + my attention was much distracted by the fear that the sempstress would not + send home my dozen of new shirts, and that a vile <i>procrastinating</i> + boot-maker would never come with my boots. Every rap at the door I started + up to inquire whether <i>that</i> was the shirts, or the boots: thrice I + overturned the red, and twice the black ink bottles by these starts; and + the execrations which I bestowed upon those tradespeople, who will put off + every thing to the last moment, were innumerable. I had orders to set off + in the mail-coach for Portsmouth, to join the rest of the ambassador’s + suite. + </p> + <p> + The provoking watchman cried “past eleven o’clock” before I had + half-finished ruling my commonplace-book; my shirts and my boots were not + come: the mail-coach, as you may guess, set off without me. My poor father + was in a terrible tremor, and walked from room to room, reproaching me and + himself; but I persisted in repeating that Lord M. would not set out the + day he had intended: that nobody, since the creation of the world, ever + set out upon a long journey the day he first appointed: besides, there + were at least a hundred chances in my favour that his lordship would break + down on his way to Portsmouth; that the wind would not be fair when he + arrived there; that half the people in his suite would not be more + punctual than myself, &c. + </p> + <p> + By these arguments, or by mere dint of assertion, I quieted my father’s + apprehensions and my own, and we agreed that, as it was now impossible to + go to-day, it was best to stay till to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + Upon my arrival at Portsmouth, the first thing I heard was that the Lion + and Hindostan had sailed some hours before, with the embassy for China. + Despair deprived me of utterance. A charitable waiter at the inn, however, + seeing my consternation and absolute inability to think or act for myself, + ran to make farther inquiries, and brought me back the joyful tidings that + the Jackal brig, which was to carry out the remainder of the ambassador’s + suite, was not yet under weigh; that a gentleman, who was to go in the + Jackal, had dined at an hotel in the next street, and that he had gone to + the water-side but ten minutes ago. + </p> + <p> + I hurried after him: the boat was gone. I paid another exorbitantly to + take me and my goods to the brig, and reached the Jackal just as she was + weighing anchor. Bad education for me! The moment I felt myself safe on + board, having recovered breath to speak, I exclaimed, “Here am I, safe and + sound! just as well as if I had been here yesterday; better indeed. Oh, + after this, I shall always trust to my own good fortune! I knew I should + not be too late.” When I came to reflect coolly, however, I was rather + sorry that I had missed my passage in the Lion, with my friend and + protector, and with most of the learned and ingenious men of the + ambassador’s suite, to whom I had been introduced, and who had seemed + favourably disposed towards me. All the advantage I might have derived + from their conversation, during this long voyage, was lost by my own + negligence. The Jackal lost company of the Lion and Hindostan in the + Channel. As my friends afterwards told me, they waited for us five days in + Praya Bay; but as no Jackal appeared, they sailed again without her. At + length, to our great joy, we descried on the beach of Sumatra a board + nailed to a post, which our friends had set up there, with a written + notice to inform us that the Lion and Hindostan had touched on this shore + on such a day, and to point out to us the course that we should keep in + order to join them. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of this writing my spirits revived: the wind favoured us; + but, alas! in passing the Straits of Banka, we were damaged so that we + were obliged to return to port to refit, and to take in fresh provision. + Not a soul on board but wished it had been their fate to have had a berth + in the other ships; and I more loudly than any one else expressed this + wish twenty times a-day. When my companions heard that I was to have + sailed in the ambassador’s ship, if I had been time enough at Spithead, + some pitied and some rallied me: but most said I deserved to be punished + for my negligence. At length we joined the Lion and Hindostan at North + Island. Our friends had quite given up all hopes of ever seeing us again, + and had actually bought at Batavia a French brig, to supply the place of + the Jackal. To my great satisfaction, I was now received on board the + Lion, and had an opportunity of conversing with the men of literature and + science, from whom I had been so unluckily separated during the former + part of the voyage. Their conversation soon revived and increased my + regret, when they told me of all that I had missed seeing at the various + places where they had touched: they talked to me with provoking fluency of + the culture of manioc; of the root of cassada, of which tapioca is made; + of the shrub called the cactus, on which the cochineal insect swarms and + feeds; and of the ipecacuanha-plant; all which they had seen at Rio + Janeiro, besides eight paintings representing the manner in which the + diamond and gold mines in the Brazils are worked. Indeed, upon + cross-examination, I found that these pictures were miserably executed, + and scarcely worth seeing. + </p> + <p> + I regretted more the fine pine-apples, which my companions assured me were + in such abundance that they cleaned their swords in them, as being the + cheapest acid that could be there procured. But, far beyond these vulgar + objects of curiosity, I regretted not having learned any thing concerning + the celebrated upas-tree. I was persuaded that, if I had been at Batavia, + I should have extracted some information more precise than these gentlemen + obtained from the keepers of the medical garden. + </p> + <p> + I confess that my mortification at this disappointment did not arise + solely from the pure love of natural history: the upas-tree would have + made a conspicuous figure in my quarto volume. I consoled myself, however, + by the determination to omit nothing that the vast empire of China could + afford to render my work entertaining, instructive, interesting, and + sublime. I anticipated the pride with which I should receive the + compliments of my friends and the public upon my <i>valuable and + incomparable work</i>; I anticipated the pleasure with which my father + would exult in the celebrity of his son, and in the accomplishment of his + own prophecies; and, with these thoughts full in my mind, we landed at + Mettow, in China. + </p> + <p> + I sat up late at night writing a sketch of my preface and notes for the + heads of chapters. I was tired, fell into a profound sleep, dreamed I was + teaching the emperor of China to pronounce ‘chrononhotonthologos,’ and in + the morning was wakened by the sound of the gong; the signal that the + accommodation junks were ready to sail with the embassy to Pekin. I + hurried on my clothes, and was in the junk before the gong had done + beating. I gloried in my celerity; but before we had gone two leagues up + the country, I found reason to repent of my precipitation: I wanted to + note down my first impressions on entering the Chinese territories; but, + alas! I felt in vain in my pocket for my pencil and note-book: I had left + them both behind me on my bed. Not only one note-book, but my whole dozen; + which, on leaving London, I had stuffed into a bag with my night-gown. + Bag, night-gown, note-books, all were forgotten! However trifling it may + appear, this loss of the little note-books was of material consequence. To + be sure, it was easy to procure paper and make others; but, because it was + so easy, it was delayed from hour to hour, and from day to day; and I went + on writing my most important remarks on scraps of paper, which were always + to be copied to-morrow into a note-book that was then to be made. + </p> + <p> + We arrived at Pekin, and were magnificently lodged in a palace in that + city; but here we were so strictly guarded, that we could not stir beyond + the courts of the palace. You will say that in this confinement I had + leisure sufficient to make a note-book, and to copy my notes: so I had, + and it was my firm intention so to have done; but I put it off because I + thought it would take up but a few hours’ time, and it could be done any + day. Besides, the weather was so excessively hot, that for the first week, + I could do nothing but unbutton my waistcoat and drink sherbet. Visits of + ceremony from mandarins took up much of our time: they spoke and moved + like machines; and it was with much difficulty that our interpreter made + us understand the meaning of their formal sentences, which were seldom + worth the trouble of deciphering. We saw them fan themselves, drink tea, + eat sweetmeats and rice, and chew betel; but it was scarcely worth while + to come all the way from Europe to see this, especially as any common + Chinese paper or screen would give an adequate idea of these figures in + their accustomed attitudes. + </p> + <p> + I spent another week in railing at these abominably stupid or + unnecessarily cautious creatures of ceremony, and made memorandums for an + eloquent chapter in my work. + </p> + <p> + One morning we were agreeably surprised by a visit from a mandarin of a + very different description. We were astonished to hear a person in the + habit of a Chinese, and bearing the title of a mandarin, address us in + French: he informed us that he was originally a French Jesuit, and came + over to China with several missionaries from Paris; but as they were + prohibited from promulgating their doctrines in this country, most of them + had returned to France; a few remained, assumed the dress and manners of + the country, and had been elevated to the rank of mandarins as a reward + for their learning. The conversation of our Chinese Jesuit was extremely + entertaining and instructive; he was delighted to hear news from Europe, + and we were eager to obtain from him information respecting China. I paid + particular attention to him, and I was so fortunate as to win his + confidence, as far as the confidence of a Jesuit can be won. He came + frequently to visit me, and did me the honour to spend some hours in my + apartment. + </p> + <p> + As he made it understood that these were literary visits, and as his + character for propriety was well established with the government, he + excited no suspicion, and we spent our time most delightfully between + books and conversation. He gave me, by his anecdotes and descriptions, an + insight into the characters and domestic lives of the inhabitants of + Pekin, which I could not otherwise have obtained: his talent for + description was admirable, and his characters were so new to me that I was + in continual ecstasy. I called him the Chinese La Bruyere; and, + anticipating the figure which his portraits would make in my future work, + thought that I could never sufficiently applaud his eloquence. He was glad + to lay aside the solemn gravity of a Chinese mandarin, and to indulge the + vivacity of a Frenchman; his vanity was gratified by my praises, and he + exerted himself to the utmost to enhance my opinion of his talents. + </p> + <p> + At length we had notice that it was the emperor’s pleasure to receive the + embassy at his imperial residence in Tartary, at Jehol; <i>the seat of + grateful coolness, the garden of innumerable trees.</i> From the very name + of this place I augured that it would prove favourable to the inspirations + of genius, and determined to date at least one of the chapters or letters + of my future work from this delightful retreat, the <i>Sans Souci</i> of + China. Full of this intention, I set out upon our expedition into Tartary. + </p> + <p> + My good friend, the Jesuit, who had a petition to present to the emperor + relative to some Chinese manuscripts, determined, to my infinite + satisfaction, to accompany us to Jehol; and our conducting mandarin, + Van-Tadge, arranged things so upon our journey that I enjoyed as much of + my friend’s conversation as possible. Never European travelling in these + countries had such advantages as mine; I had a companion who was able and + willing to instruct me in every minute particular of the manners, and + every general principle of the government and policy, of the people. I was + in no danger of falling into the ridiculous mistakes of travellers, who, + having but a partial view of things and persons, argue absurdly, and + grossly misrepresent, while they intend to be accurate. Many people, as my + French mandarin observed, reason like Voltaire’s famous traveller, who + happening to have a drunken landlord and a red-haired landlady at the + first inn where he stopped in Alsace, wrote down among his memorandums—“All + the men of Alsace drunkards: all the women red-haired.” + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at Jehol, the hurry of preparing for our presentation to + the emperor, the want of a convenient writing-table, and perhaps my habit + of procrastination, prevented my writing the chapter for my future work, + or noting down any of the remarks which the Jesuit had made upon our + journey. One morning when I collected my papers and the scraps of + memorandums with which the pockets of all my clothes were stuffed, I was + quite terrified at the heap of confusion, and thrust all these materials + for my quarto into a canvas bag, purposing to lay them smooth in a + portfolio the next day. But the next day I could do nothing of this sort, + for we had the British presents to unpack, which had arrived from Pekin; + the day after was taken up with our presentation to the emperor, and the + day after that I had a new scheme in my head. The emperor, with much + solemnity, presented with his own hand to our ambassador a casket, which + he said was the most valuable present he could make to the king of + England: it contained the miniature pictures of the emperor’s ancestors, + with a few lines of poetry annexed to each, describing the character, and + recording the principal events, of each monarch’s reign. It occurred to me + that a set of similar portraits and poetical histories of the kings of + England would be a proper and agreeable offering to the emperor of China: + I consulted my friend the French mandarin, and he encouraged me by + assurances that, as far as he could pretend to judge, it would be at + present peculiarly suited to the emperor’s taste; and that in all + probability I should be distinguished by some mark of his approbation, or + some munificent reward. My friend promised to have the miniatures + varnished for me in the Chinese taste; and he undertook to present the + work to the emperor when it should be finished. As it was supposed that + the embassy would spend the whole winter in Pekin, I thought that I should + have time enough to complete the whole series of British sovereigns. It + was not necessary to be very scrupulous as to the resemblance of my + portraits, as the emperor of China could not easily detect any errors of + this nature: fortunately, I had brought from London with me striking + likenesses of all the kings of England, with the principal events of their + reign, in one large sheet of paper, which belonged to a joining-map of one + of my little cousins. In the confusion of my packing up, I had put it into + my trunk instead of a sheet almanack, which lay on the same table. In the + course of my life, many lucky accidents have happened to me, even in + consequence of my own carelessness; yet that carelessness has afterward + prevented my reaping any permanent advantage from my good fortune. + </p> + <p> + Upon this occasion I was, however, determined that no laziness of mine + should deprive me of an opportunity of making my fortune: I set to work + immediately, and astonished my friend by the facility with which I made + verses. It was my custom to retire from the noisy apartments of our palace + to a sort of alcove, at the end of a long gallery, in one of the outer + courts, where our corps of artillery used to parade. After their parade + was over, the place was perfectly quiet and solitary for the remainder of + the day and night. I used to sit up late, writing; and one fine moonlight + night, I went out of my alcove to walk in the gallery, while I composed + some lines on our great queen Elizabeth. I could not finish the last + couplet to my fancy: I sat down upon an artificial rock, which was in the + middle of the court, leaned my head upon my hand, and as I was searching + for an appropriate rhyme to <i>glory</i>, fell fast asleep. A noise like + that of a most violent clap of thunder awakened me; I was thrown with my + face flat upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + When I recovered my senses, the court was filled with persons, some + European, some Chinese, seemingly just risen from their beds, with + lanterns and torches in their hands; all of them with faces of + consternation, asking one another what had happened. The ground was + covered with scattered fragments of wooden pillars, mats, and bamboo + cane-work; I looked and saw that one end of the gallery in which I had + been walking, and the alcove, were in ruins. There was a strong smell of + gunpowder. I now recollected that I had borrowed a powder-horn from one of + the soldiers in the morning; and that I had intended to load my pistols, + but I delayed doing so. The horn, full of gunpowder, lay upon the table in + the alcove all day, and the pistols, out of which I had shaken the old + priming. When I went out to walk in the gallery, I left the candle + burning; and I suppose during my sleep a spark fell upon the loose + gunpowder, set fire to that in the horn, and blew up the alcove. It was + built of light wood and cane, and communicated only with a cane-work + gallery; otherwise the mischief would have been more serious. As it was, + the explosion had alarmed not only all the ambassador’s suite, who lodged + in the palace, but many of the Chinese in the neighbourhood, who could not + be made to comprehend how the accident had happened. + </p> + <p> + Reproaches from all our own people were poured upon me without mercy; and, + in the midst of my contrition, I had not for some time leisure to lament + the loss of all my kings of England: no vestige of them remained; and all + the labour that I had bestowed upon their portraits and their poetical + histories was lost to the emperor of China and to myself. What was still + worse, I could not even utter a syllable of complaint, for nobody would + sympathize with me, all my companions were so much provoked by my + negligence, and so apprehensive of the bad consequences which might ensue + from this accident. The Chinese, who had been alarmed, and who departed + evidently dissatisfied, would certainly mention what had happened to the + mandarins of the city, and they would report it to the emperor. + </p> + <p> + I resolved to apply for advice to my friend, the Jesuit; but he increased + instead of diminished our apprehensions; he said that the affair was much + talked of and misrepresented at Jehol; and that the Chinese, naturally + timid, and suspicious of strangers, could not believe that no injury was + intended to them, and that the explosion was accidental. A child had been + wounded by the fall of some of the ruins of the alcove, which were thrown + with great violence into a neighbouring house: the butt end of one of my + pistols was found in the street, and had been carried to the magistrate by + the enraged populace, as evidence of our evil designs. My Jesuit observed + to me that there was no possibility of reasoning with the prejudices of + any nation; and he confessed he expected that this unlucky accident would + have the most serious consequences. He had told me in confidence a + circumstance that tended much to confirm this opinion: a few days before, + when the emperor went to examine the British presents of artillery, and + when the brass mortars were tried, though he admired the ingenuity of + these instruments of destruction, yet he said that he deprecated the + spirit of the people who employed them, and could not reconcile their + improvements in the arts of war with the mild precepts of the religion + which they professed. + </p> + <p> + My friend, the mandarin, promised he would do all in his power to make the + exact truth known to the emperor; and to prevent the evil impressions, + which the prejudices of the populace, and perhaps the designing + misrepresentations of the city mandarins, might tend to create. I must + suppose that the good offices of my Jesuit were ineffectual, and that he + either received a positive order to interfere no more in our affairs, or + that he was afraid of being implicated in our disgrace if he continued his + intimacy with me, for this was the last visit I ever received from him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + In a few days the embassy had orders to return to Pekin. The ambassador’s + palace was fitted up for his winter’s residence; and, after our arrival, + he was arranging his establishment, when, by a fresh mandate from the + emperor, we were required to prepare with all possible expedition for our + departure from the Chinese dominions. On Monday we received an order to + leave Pekin the ensuing Wednesday; and all our remonstrances could procure + only a delay of two days. Various causes were assigned for this peremptory + order, and, among the rest, my unlucky accident was mentioned. However + improbable it might seem that such a trifle could have had so great an + effect, the idea was credited by many of my companions; and I saw that I + was looked upon with an evil eye. + </p> + <p> + I suffered extremely. I have often observed, that even remorse for my past + negligence has tended to increase the original defect of my character. + During our whole journey from Pekin to Canton, my sorrow for the late + accident was an excuse to myself for neglecting to make either notes or + observations. When we arrived at Canton, my time was taken up with certain + commissions for my friends at home, which I had delayed to execute while + at Pekin, from the idea that we should spend the whole winter there. The + trunks were on board before all my commissions were ready, and I was + obliged to pack up several toys and other articles in a basket. As to my + papers, they still remained in the canvass bag into which I had stuffed + them at Jehol: but I was certain of having leisure, during our voyage + home, to arrange them, and to post my notes into Locke’s commonplace-book. + </p> + <p> + At the beginning of the voyage, however, I suffered much from + sea-sickness: toward the middle of the time I grew better, and indulged + myself in the amusement of fishing while the weather was fine; when the + weather was not inviting, in idleness. Innumerable other petty causes of + delay occurred: there was so much eating and drinking, so much singing and + laughing, and such frequent card-playing in the cabin, that, though I + produced my canvass bag above a hundred times, I never could accomplish + sorting its contents: indeed, I seldom proceeded farther than to untie the + strings. + </p> + <p> + One day I had the state cabin fairly to myself, and had really begun my + work, when the steward came to let me know that my Chinese basket was just + washed overboard. In this basket were all the presents and commissions + which I had bought at Canton for my friends at home. I ran to the cabin + window, and had the mortification to see all my beautiful scarlet calibash + boxes, the fan for my cousin, Lucy, and the variety of toys, which I had + bought for my little cousins, all floating on the sea far out of my reach. + I had been warned before that the basket would be washed overboard, and + had intended to put it into a safe place; but unluckily I delayed to do + so. + </p> + <p> + I was so much vexed with this accident, that I could not go on with my + writing: if it had not been for this interruption, I do believe I should + that day have accomplished my long postponed task. I will not, indeed I + cannot, record all the minute causes which afterwards prevented my + executing my intentions. The papers were still in the same disorder, + stuffed into the canvass bag, when I arrived in England. I promised myself + that I would sort them the very day after I got home; but visits of + congratulation from my friends upon my return, induced me to delay doing + any thing for the first week. The succeeding week I had a multiplicity of + engagements: all my acquaintance, curious to hear a man converse who was + fresh from China, invited me to dinner and tea parties; and I could not + possibly refuse these kind invitations, and shut myself up in my room, + like a hackney author, to write. My father often urged me to begin my + quarto; for he knew that other gentlemen, who went out with the embassy, + designed to write the history of the voyage; and he, being a bookseller, + and used to the ways of authors, foresaw what would happen. A fortnight + after we came home, the following advertisement appeared in the papers: + “Now in the press, and speedily will be published, a Narrative of the + British Embassy to China, containing the various Circumstances of the + Embassy; with Accounts of the Customs and Manners of the Chinese; and a + Description of the Country, Towns, Cities, &c.” + </p> + <p> + I never saw my poor father turn so pale or look so angry as when he saw + this advertisement: he handed it across the breakfast table to me. + </p> + <p> + “There, Basil,” cried he, “I told you what would happen, and you would not + believe me. But this is the way you have served me all your life, and this + is the way you will go on to the day of your death, putting things off + till to-morrow. This is the way you have lost every opportunity of + distinguishing yourself; every chance, and you have had many, of advancing + yourself in the world! What signifies all I have done for you, or all you + can do for yourself? Your genius and education are of no manner of use! + Why, there is that heavy dog, as you used to call him at Eton, Johnson: + look how he is getting on in the world, by mere dint of application and + sticking steadily to his profession. He will beat you at every thing, as + he beat you at Eton in writing verses.” + </p> + <p> + “Only in copying them, sir. My verses, every body said, were far better + than his; only, unluckily, I had not mine finished and copied out in + time.” “Well, sir, and that is the very thing I complain of. I suppose you + will tell me that your voyage to China will be far better than this which + is advertised this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure it will, father; for I have had opportunities, and collected + materials, which this man, whoever he is, cannot possibly have obtained. I + have had such assistance, such information from my friend the missionary—” + </p> + <p> + “But, what signifies your missionary, your information, your abilities, + and your materials?” cried my father, raising his voice. “Your book is not + out, your book will never be finished; or it will be done too late, and + nobody will read it; and then you may throw it into the fire. Here you + have an opportunity of establishing your fame, and making yourself a great + author at once; and if you throw it away, Basil, I give you fair notice, I + never will pardon you.” + </p> + <p> + I promised my father that I would set about my work <i>to-morrow</i>; and + pacified him by repeating that this hasty publication, which had just been + advertised, must be a catchpenny, and that it would serve only to + stimulate instead of satisfying the public curiosity. My quarto, I said, + would appear afterwards with a much better grace, and would be sought for + by every person of science, taste, and literature. + </p> + <p> + Soothed by these assurances, my father recovered his good-humour, and + trusted to my promise that I would commence my great work the ensuing day. + I was fully in earnest. I went to my canvass bag to prepare my materials. + Alas! I found them in a terrible condition. The sea-water, somehow or + other, had got to them during the voyage; and many of my most precious + documents were absolutely illegible. The notes, written in pencil, were + almost effaced, and when I had smoothed the crumpled scraps, I could make + nothing of them. It was with the utmost difficulty I could read even those + that were written in ink; they were so villainously scrawled and so + terribly blotted. When I had made out the words, I was often at a loss for + the sense; because I had trusted so much to the excellence of my memory, + that my notes were never either sufficiently full or accurate. Ideas which + I had thought could never be effaced from my mind were now totally + forgotten, and I could not comprehend my own mysterious elliptical hints + and memorandums. I remember spending two hours in trying to make out what + the following words could mean: <i>Hoy—alla—hoya;—hoya, + hoya—hoy—waudihoya</i>. + </p> + <p> + At last, I recollected that they were merely the sounds of the words used + by the Chinese sailors, in towing the junks, and I was much provoked at + having wasted my time in trying to remember what was not worth recording. + Another day I was puzzled by the following memorandum: “W: C: 30. f. h.—24 + b.—120 m—1—mandarin—C. tradition—2000—200 + before J. C.—” which, after three quarters of an hour’s study, I + discovered to mean that the wall of China is 30 feet high, 24 feet broad, + and 120 miles long; and that a mandarin told me, that, according to + Chinese tradition, this wall had been built above 2000 years, that is, 200 + before the birth of our Saviour. + </p> + <p> + On another scrap of paper, at the very bottom of the bag, I found the + words, “Wheazou—Chanchin—Cuaboocow—Caungcimmfoa—Callachottueng, + Quanshanglin—Callachotre shansu,” &c.; all which I found to be a + list of towns and villages through which we had passed, or palaces that we + had seen; but how to distinguish these asunder I knew not, for all + recollection of them was obliterated from my mind, and no farther notes + respecting them were to be found. + </p> + <p> + After many days’ tiresome attempts, I was obliged to give up all hopes of + deciphering the most important of my notes, those which I had made from + the information of the French missionary. Most of what I had trusted so + securely to my memory was defective in some slight circumstances, which + rendered the whole useless. My materials for my quarto shrunk into a very + small compass. I flattered myself, however, that the elegance of my + composition, and the moral and political reflections with which I intended + to intersperse the work, would compensate for the paucity of facts in my + narrative. That I might devote my whole attention to the business of + writing, I determined to leave London, where I met with so many + temptations to idleness, and set off to pay a visit to my uncle Lowe, who + lived in the country, in a retired part of England. He was a farmer, a + plain, sensible, affectionate man; and as he had often invited me to come + and see him, I made no doubt that I should be an agreeable guest. I had + intended to have written a few lines the week before I set out, to say + that I was coming; but I put it off till at last I thought that it would + be useless, because I should get there as soon as my letter. + </p> + <p> + I had soon reason to regret that I had been so negligent; for my + appearance at my uncle’s, instead of creating that general joy which I had + expected, threw the whole house into confusion. It happened that there was + company in the house, and all the beds were occupied: while I was taking + off my boots, I had the mortification to hear my aunt Lowe say, in a voice + of mingled distress and reproach, “Come! is he?—My goodness! What + shall we do for a bed?—How could he think of coming without writing + a line beforehand? My goodness! I wish he was a hundred miles off, I’m + sure.” + </p> + <p> + My uncle shook hands with me, and welcomed me to old England again, and to + his house; which, he said, should always be open to all his relations. I + saw that he was not pleased; and, as he was a man who, according to the + English phrase, scorned <i>to keep a thing long upon his mind</i>, he let + me know, before he had finished his first glass of ale to my good health, + that he was <i>inclinable to take it very unkind indeed</i> that, after + all he had said about my writing a letter now and then, just to say how I + did, and how I was going on, I had never put pen to paper to answer one of + his letters since the day I first promised to write, which was the day I + went to Eton school, till this present time of speaking. I had no good + apology to make for myself, but I attempted all manner of excuses; that I + had put off writing from day to day, and from year to year, till I was + ashamed to write at all; that it was not from want of affection, &c. + </p> + <p> + My uncle took up his pipe and puffed away, while I spoke: and when I had + said all that I could devise, I sat silent; for I saw by the looks of all + present that I had not mended the matter. My aunt pursed up her mouth, and + “wondered, if she must tell the plain truth, that so great a scholar as + Mr. Basil could not, when it must give him so little trouble to indite a + letter, write a few lines to an uncle who had begged it so often, and who + had ever been a good friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Say nothing of that,” said my uncle: “I scorn to have that put into + account. I loved the boy, and all I could do was done, of course: that’s + nothing to the purpose; but the longest day I have to live I’ll never + trouble him with begging a letter from him no more. For now I see he does + not care a fig for me; and of course I do not care a fig for he. Lucy, + hold up your head, girl; and don’t look as if you were going to be + hanged.” + </p> + <p> + My cousin Lucy was the only person present who seemed to have any + compassion for me; and, as I lifted up my eyes to look at her when her + father spoke, she appeared to me quite beautiful. I had always thought her + a pretty girl, but she never struck me as any thing very extraordinary + till this moment. I was very sorry that I had offended my uncle: I saw he + was seriously displeased, and that his pride, of which he had a large + portion, had conquered his affection for me. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis easier to lose a friend than gain one, young man,” said he; “and + take my word for it, as this world goes, ‘tis a foolish thing to lose a + friend for want of writing a letter or so. Here’s seven years I have been + begging a letter now and then, and could not get one. Never wrote a line + to me before you went to China; should not have known a word about it but + for my wife, who met you by mere chance in London, and gave you some + little commission for the children, which it seems you forgot till it was + too late. Then, after you came back, never wrote to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And even not to write a line to give one notice of his coming here + to-night,” added my aunt. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, as to that,” replied my uncle, “he can never find our larder at a + nonplus; we have no dishes for him dressed Chinese fashion; but as to + roast beef of old England, which, I take it, is worth all the foreign + meats in the world, he is welcome to it, and to as much of it as he + pleases. I shall always be glad to see him as a relation and so forth, as + a good Christian ought, but not as the favourite he used to be—that + is out of the question; for things cannot be both done and undone, and + time that’s past cannot come back again, that is clear; and cold water + thrown on a warm heart puts it out; and there’s an end of the matter. + Lucy, bring me my nightcap.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy, I think, sighed once; and I am sure I sighed above a dozen times; + but my uncle put on his red nightcap, and heeded us not. I was in hopes + that the next morning he would have been better disposed towards me after + having slept off his anger. The moment that I appeared in the morning, the + children, who had been in bed when I arrived the preceding night, crowded + round me, and one cried, “Cousin Basil, have you brought me the tumbler + you promised me from China?” + </p> + <p> + “Cousin Basil, where’s my boat?” + </p> + <p> + “O Basil, did you bring me the calibash box that you promised me?” + </p> + <p> + “And pray,” cried my aunt, “did you bring my Lucy the fan that she + commissioned you to get?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ll warrant,” said my uncle. “He that cannot bring himself to write + a letter in the course of seven years to his friends, will not be apt to + trouble his head about their foolish commissions, when he is in foreign + parts.” + </p> + <p> + Though I was abashed and vexed, I summoned sufficient courage to reply + that I had not neglected to execute the commissions of any of my friends; + but that, by an unlucky accident, the basket into which I had packed all + their things was washed overboard. + </p> + <p> + “Hum!” said my uncle. + </p> + <p> + “And pray,” said my aunt, “why were they all packed in a basket? Why were + not they put into your trunks, where they might have been safe?” + </p> + <p> + I was obliged to confess that I had delayed to purchase them till after we + left Pekin; and that the trunks were put on board before they were all + procured at Canton. My vile habit of procrastination! How did I suffer for + it at this moment! Lucy began to make excuses for me, which made me blame + myself the more: she said that, as to her fan, it would have been of + little or no use to her; that she was sure she should have broken it + before it had been a week in her possession; and that, therefore, she was + glad that she had it not. The children were clamorous in their grief for + the loss of the boat, the tumbler, and the calibash boxes; but Lucy + contrived to quiet them in time, and to make my peace with all the younger + part of the family. To reinstate me in my uncle’s good graces was + impossible; he would only repeat to her—“The young man has lost my + good opinion; he will never do any good. From a child upward he has always + put off doing every thing he ought to do. He will never do any good; he + will never be any thing.” My aunt was not my friend, because she suspected + that Lucy liked me; and she thought her daughter might do much better than + marry a man who had quitted the profession to which he was bred, and was, + as it seemed, little likely to settle to any other. My pretensions to + genius and my literary qualifications were of no advantage to me, either + with my uncle or my aunt; the one being <i>only</i> a good farmer, and the + other <i>only</i> a good housewife. They contented themselves with asking + me, coolly, what I had ever made by being an author? And when I was forced + to answer <i>nothing</i>, they smiled upon me in scorn. My pride was + roused, and I boasted that I expected to receive at least 600<i>l</i>. for + my “Voyage to China,” which I hoped to complete in a few weeks. My aunt + looked at me with astonishment; and, to prove to her that I was not + passing the bounds of truth, I added, that one of my travelling companions + had, as I was credibly informed, received 1000<i>l</i>. for his narrative, + to which mine would certainly be far superior. + </p> + <p> + “When it is done, and when you have the money in your hand to show us, I + shall believe you,” said my aunt; “and then, and not till then, you may + begin to think of my Lucy.” + </p> + <p> + “He shall never have her,” said my uncle; “he will never come to good. He + shall never have her.” + </p> + <p> + The time which I ought to have spent in composing my quarto I now wasted + in fruitless endeavours to recover the good graces of my uncle. Love, + assisted as usual by the spirit of opposition, took possession of my + heart; and how can a man in love write quartos? I became more indolent + than ever, for I persuaded myself that no exertions could overcome my + uncle’s prejudice against me; and, without his approbation, I despaired of + ever obtaining Lucy’s hand. + </p> + <p> + During my stay at my uncle’s, I received several letters from my father, + inquiring how my work went on, and urging me to proceed as rapidly as + possible, lest another “Voyage to China,” which it was reported a + gentleman of high reputation was now composing, should come out, and + preclude mine for ever. I cannot account for my folly: the power of habit + is imperceptible to those who submit passively to its tyranny. From day to + day I continued procrastinating and sighing, till at last the fatal news + came that Sir George Staunton’s History of the Embassy to China, in two + volumes quarto, was actually published. + </p> + <p> + There was an end of all my hopes. I left my uncle’s house in despair; I + dreaded to see my father. He overwhelmed me with well-merited reproaches. + All his expectations of my success in life were disappointed; he was now + convinced that I should never make my talents useful to myself or to my + family. A settled melancholy appeared in his countenance; he soon ceased + to urge me to any exertion, and I idled away my time, deploring that I + could not marry my Lucy, and resolving upon a thousand schemes for + advancing myself, but always delaying their execution till to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Two years passed away in this manner, about the end of which time my poor + father died. I cannot describe the mixed sensations of grief and + self-reproach which I felt at his death. I knew that I had never fulfilled + his sanguine prophecies, and that disappointment had long preyed upon his + spirits. This was a severe shock to me: I was roused from a state of + stupefaction by the necessity of acting as my father’s executor. + </p> + <p> + Among his bequests was one which touched me particularly, because I was + sensible that it was made from kindness to me. “I give and bequeath the + full-length picture of my son Basil, taken when a boy (a very promising + boy) at Eton school, to my brother Lowe—I should say to my sweet + niece, Lucy Lowe, but am afraid of giving offence.” + </p> + <p> + I sent the picture to my uncle Lowe, with a copy of the words of the will, + and a letter written in the bitterness of grief. My uncle, who was of an + affectionate though positive temper, returned me the following answer: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR NEPHEW BASIL, + </p> + <p> + “Taking it for granted you feel as much as I do, it being natural you + should, and even more, I shall not refuse to let my Lucy have the picture + bequeathed to me by my good brother, who could not offend me dying, never + having done so living. As to you, Basil, this is no time for reproaches, + which would be cruel; but, without meaning to look back to the past, I + must add that I mean nothing by giving the picture to Lucy but respect for + my poor brother’s memory. My opinions remaining as heretofore, I think it + a duty to my girl to be steady in my determination; convinced that no man + (not meaning you in particular) of what I call a <i>putting off</i> temper + could make her happy, she being too mild to scold and bustle, and do the + man’s business in a family. This is the whole of my mind without malice; + for how could I, if I were malicious, which I am not, bear malice, and at + such a time as this, against my own nephew? and as to anger, that is soon + over with me; and though I said I never would forgive you, Basil, for not + writing to me for seven years, I do now forgive you with all my heart. So + let that be off your conscience. And now I hope we shall be very good + friends all the rest of our lives; that is to say, putting Lucy out of the + question; for, in my opinion, it is a disagreeable thing to have any + bickerings between near relations. So, my dear nephew, wishing you all + health and happiness, I hope you will now settle to business. My wife + tells me she hears you are left in a good way by my poor brother’s care + and industry; and she sends her love to you, in which all the family + unite; and hoping you will write from time to time, I remain, + </p> + <p> + “My dear nephew Basil, + </p> + <p> + “Your affectionate uncle, + </p> + <p> + “THOMAS LOWE.” + </p> + <p> + My aunt Lowe added a postscript, inquiring more particularly into the + state of my affairs. I answered, by return of post, that my good father + had left me much richer than I either expected or deserved: his credit in + the booksellers’ line was extensive and well established; his shop was + well furnished, and he had a considerable sum of money in bank; beside + many <i>good</i> debts due from authors, to whom he had advanced cash. + </p> + <p> + My aunt Lowe was governed by her interest, as decidedly as my uncle was + swayed by his humour and affection; and, of course, became more favourable + toward me, when she found that my fortune was better than she had + expected. She wrote to exhort me to attend to my business, and to prove to + my uncle that I could cure myself of my negligent habits. She promised to + befriend me, and to do every thing to obtain my uncle’s consent to my + union with Lucy, upon condition that I would for six months steadily + persevere, or, as she expressed herself, <i>show that I could come to good</i>. + </p> + <p> + The motive was powerful, sufficiently powerful to conquer the force of + inveterate habit. I applied resolutely to business, and supported the + credit which my father’s punctuality had obtained from his customers. + During the course of six entire months, I am not conscious of having + neglected or delayed to do anything of consequence that I ought to have + done except whetting my razor. My aunt Lowe faithfully kept her word with + me, and took every opportunity of representing, in the most favourable + manner to my uncle, the reformation that love had wrought in my character. + </p> + <p> + I went to the country, full of hope, at the end of my six probationary + months. My uncle, however, with a mixture of obstinacy and good sense, + replied to my aunt in my presence: “This reformation that you talk of, + wife, won’t last. ‘Twas begun by love, as <i>you</i> say; and will end + with love, as <i>I</i> say. You and I know, my dear, love lasts little + longer than the honeymoon; and Lucy is not, or ought not to be, such a + simpleton as to look only to what a husband will be for one short month of + his life, when she is to live with him for twenty, thirty, may be forty + long years; and no help for it, let him turn out what he will. I beg your + pardon, nephew Basil; but where my Lucy’s happiness is at stake, I must + speak my mind as a father should. My opinion, Lucy, is, that he is not a + whit changed; and so I now let you understand, if you marry the man, it + must be without my consent.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy turned exceedingly pale, and I grew extremely angry. My uncle had, as + usual, recourse to his pipe; and to all the eloquence which love and + indignation could inspire, he would only answer; between the whiffs of his + smoking, “If my girl marries you, nephew Basil, I say she must do so + without my consent.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy’s affection for me struggled for some time with her sense of duty to + her father; her mother supported my cause with much warmth; having once + declared in my favour, she considered herself as bound to maintain her + side of the question. It became a trial of power between my uncle and + aunt; and their passions rose so high in the conflict, that Lucy trembled + for the consequences. + </p> + <p> + One day she took an opportunity of speaking to me in private. “My dear + Basil,” said she, “we must part. You see that I can never be yours with my + father’s consent; and without it I could never be happy, even in being + united to you. I will not be the cause of misery to all those whom I love + best in the world. I will not set my father and mother at variance. I + cannot bear to hear the altercations, which rise higher and higher between + them every day. Let us part, and all will be right again.” + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that I combated her resolution: I alternately resented and + deplored the weakness which induced Lucy to sacrifice her own happiness + and mine to the obstinate prejudices of a father; yet I could not avoid + respecting her the more for her adhering to what she believed to be her + duty. The sweetness of temper, gentleness of disposition, and filial + piety, which she showed on this trying occasion, endeared her to me beyond + expression. + </p> + <p> + Her father, notwithstanding his determination to be as immoveable as a + rock, began to manifest symptoms of internal agitation; and one night, + after breaking his pipe, and throwing down the tongs and poker twice, + which Lucy twice replaced, he exclaimed, “Lucy, girl, you are a fool! and, + what is worse, you are grown into a mere shadow. You are breaking my heart + Why, I know this man, this Basil, this cursed nephew of mine, will never + come to good. But cannot you marry him without my consent?” + </p> + <p> + Upon this hint, Lucy’s scruples vanished; and, a few days afterward, we + were married. Prudence, virtue, pride, love, every strong motive which can + act upon the human mind, stimulated me to exert myself to prove that I was + worthy of this most amiable woman. A year passed away, and my Lucy said + that she had no reason to repent of her choice. She took the most + affectionate pains to convince her father that she was perfectly happy, + and that he had judged of me too harshly. His delight at seeing his + daughter happy, vanquished his reluctance to acknowledge that he had + changed his opinion. I never shall forget the pleasure I felt at hearing + him confess that he had been too positive, and that his Lucy had made a + good match for herself. + </p> + <p> + Alas! when I had obtained this testimony in my favour, when I had + established a character for exertion and punctuality, I began to relax in + my efforts to deserve it: I indulged myself in my old habits of + procrastination. My customers and country correspondents began to complain + that their letters were unanswered, and that their orders were neglected. + Their remonstrances became more and more urgent in process of time, and + nothing but actually seeing the dates of their letters could convince me + that they were in the right, and that I was in the wrong. An old friend of + my father’s, a rich gentleman, who loved books, and bought all that were + worth buying, sent me, in March, an order for books to a considerable + amount. In April, he wrote to remind me of his first letter. + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR SIR, April 3. + </p> + <p> + “Last month I wrote to request that you would send me the following books:—I + have been much disappointed by not receiving them; and I request you will + be so good as to forward them <i>immediately</i>. + </p> + <p> + “I am, my dear sir, + </p> + <p> + “Yours sincerely, + </p> + <p> + “J. C.” + </p> + <p> + In May he wrote to me again: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR SIR, + </p> + <p> + “I am much surprised at not having yet received the books I wrote for last + March—beg to know the cause of this delay; and am, + </p> + <p> + “Dear sir, + </p> + <p> + “Yours, &c. + </p> + <p> + “J. C.” + </p> + <p> + A fortnight afterward, as I was packing up the books for this gentleman, I + received the following: + </p> + <p> + “SIR, + </p> + <p> + “As it is now above a quarter of a year since I wrote to you for books, + which you have not yet sent to me, I have been obliged to apply to another + bookseller. + </p> + <p> + “I am much concerned at being compelled to this: I had a great regard for + your father, and would not willingly break off my connexion with his son; + but really you have tried my patience too far. Last year I never had from + you any one new publication, until it was in the hands of all my + neighbours; and I have often been under the necessity of borrowing books + which I had bespoken from you months before. I hope you will take this as + a warning, and that you will not use any of your other friends as you have + used, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, + </p> + <p> + “Your humble servant, + </p> + <p> + “J. C.” + </p> + <p> + This reprimand had little effect upon me, because, at the time when I + received it, I was intent upon an object, in comparison with which the + trade of a bookseller appeared absolutely below my consideration. I was + inventing a set of new taxes for the minister, for which I expected to be + liberally rewarded. I was ever searching for some <i>short cut</i> to the + temple of Fame, instead of following the beaten road. + </p> + <p> + I was much encouraged by persons intimately connected with those high in + power to hope that my new taxes would be adopted; and I spent my time in + attendance upon my patrons, leaving the care of my business to my foreman, + a young man whose head the whole week was intent upon riding out on + Sunday. With such a master and such a foreman affairs could not go on + well. + </p> + <p> + My Lucy, notwithstanding her great respect for my abilities, and her + confidence in my promises, often hinted that she feared ministers might + not at last make me amends for the time I devoted to my system of + taxation; but I persisted. The file of unanswered letters was filled even + to the top of the wire; the drawer of unsettled accounts made me sigh + profoundly, whenever it was accidentally opened. I soon acquired a horror + of business, and practised all the arts of apology, evasion, and + invisibility, to which procrastinators must sooner or later be reduced. My + conscience gradually became callous; and I could, without compunction, + promise, with a face of truth, to settle an account <i>to-morrow</i>, + without having the slightest hope of keeping my word. + </p> + <p> + I was a publisher as well as a bookseller, and was assailed by a tribe of + rich and poor authors. The rich complained continually of delays that + affected their fame; the poor of delays that concerned their interest, and + sometimes their very existence. I was cursed with a compassionate as well + as with a procrastinating temper; and I frequently advanced money to my + poor authors, to compensate for my neglect to settle their accounts, and + to free myself from the torment of their reproaches. + </p> + <p> + They soon learned to take a double advantage of my virtues and my vices. + The list of my poor authors increased, for I was an encourager of genius. + I trusted to my own judgment concerning every performance that was offered + to me; and I was often obliged to pay for having neglected to read, or to + send to press, these multifarious manuscripts. After having kept a poor + devil of an author upon the tenterhooks of expectation for an + unconscionable time, I could not say to him, “Sir, I have never opened + your manuscript; there it is, in that heap of rubbish: take it away, for + Heaven’s sake.” No, hardened as I was, I never failed to make some + compliment, or some retribution; and my compliments were often in the end + the most expensive species of retribution. + </p> + <p> + My rich authors soon deserted me, and hurt my credit in the circles of + literary fashion by their clamours. I had ample experience, yet I have + never been able to decide whether I would rather meet the “desperate + misery” of a famishing pamphleteer, or the exasperated vanity of a rich <i>amateur</i>. + Every one of my authors seemed convinced that the fate of Europe or the + salvation of the world depended upon the publication of their book on some + particular day; while I all the time was equally persuaded that their + works were mere trash, in comparison with my new system of taxation; + consequently I postponed their business, and pursued my favourite tax + scheme. + </p> + <p> + I have the pride and pleasure to say that all my taxes were approved and + adopted, and brought in an immense increase of revenue to the state; but I + have the mortification to be obliged to add, that I never, directly or + indirectly, received the slightest pecuniary reward; and the credit of all + I had proposed was snatched from me by a rogue, who had no other merit + than that of being shaved sooner than I was one frosty morning. If I had + not put off whetting my razor the preceding day, this would not have + happened. To such a trifling instance of my unfortunate habit of + procrastination, must I attribute one of the most severe disappointments + of my life. A rival financier, who laid claim to the prior invention and + suggestion of my principal taxes, was appointed to meet me at the house of + my great man at ten o’clock in the morning. My opponent was punctual; I + was half an hour too late: his claims were established; mine were + rejected, because I was not present to produce my proofs. When I arrived + at my patron’s, the insolent porter shut the door in my face; and so ended + all hopes from my grand system of taxation. + </p> + <p> + I went home and shut myself up in my room, to give vent to my grief at + leisure; but I was not permitted to indulge my sorrow long in peace. I was + summoned by my foreman to come down stairs to one of my enraged authors, + who positively refused to quit the shop without seeing me. Of the whole + irritable race, the man who was now waiting to see me was the most + violent. He was a man of some genius and learning, with great pretensions, + and a vindictive spirit. He was poor, yet lived among the rich; and his + arrogance could be equalled only by his susceptibility. He was known in + our house by the name of <i>Thaumaturgos, the retailer of wonders</i>, + because he had sent me a manuscript with this title; and once or twice a + week we received a letter or message from him, to inquire when it would be + published. I had unfortunately mislaid this precious manuscript. Under + this circumstance, to meet the author was almost as dreadful as to stand + the shot of a pistol. Down stairs I went, unprovided with any apology. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” cried my angry man, suppressing his passion, “as you do not find it + worth your while to publish <i>Thaumaturges</i>, you will be so obliging + as to let me have my manuscript.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, my dear sir,” interrupted I; “it shall certainly appear this + spring.” “Spring! Zounds, sir, don’t talk to me of spring. Why, you told + me it should be out at Christmas; you said it should be out last June; you + promised to send it to press before last Easter. Is this the way I am to + be treated?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, my dear sir. I confess I have used you and the world very ill; + but the pressure of business must plead my apology.” + </p> + <p> + “Look you, Mr. Basil Lowe, I am not come here to listen to commonplace + excuses. I have been ill used, and know it; and the world shall know it. I + am not ignorant of the designs of my enemies; but no cabal shall succeed + against me. Thaumaturgos shall not be suppressed! Thaumaturgos shall see + the light! Thaumaturgos shall have justice, in spite of all the + machinations of malice. Sir, I demand my manuscript.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, it shall be sent to you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, sir, will not do for me. I have heard of to-morrow from you + this twelvemonth past. I will have my manuscript to-day. I do not leave + this spot without Thaumaturgos.” + </p> + <p> + Thus driven to extremities, I was compelled to confess that I could not + immediately lay my hand upon it; but I added that the whole house should + be searched for it instantly. It is impossible to describe the indignation + which my author expressed. I ran away to search the house. He followed me, + and stood by while I rummaged in drawers and boxes full of papers, and + tossed over heaps of manuscripts. No Thaumaturges could be found. The + author declared that he had no copy of the manuscript; that he had been + offered 500<i>l</i>. for it by another bookseller; and that, for his own + part, he would not lose it for twice that sum. Lost, however, it evidently + was. He stalked out of my house, bidding me prepare to abide by the + consequences. I racked my memory in vain, to discover what I had done with + this bundle of wonders. I could recollect only that I carried it a week in + my great-coat pocket, resolving every day to lock it up; and that I went + to the Mount Coffee-house in this coat several times. These recollections + were of little use. + </p> + <p> + A suit was instituted against me for the value of Thaumaturgos; and the + damages were modestly laid by the author at eight hundred guineas. The + cause was highly interesting to all the tribe of London booksellers and + authors. The court was crowded at an early hour; several people of + fashion, who were partisans of the plaintiff, appeared in the gallery; + many more, who were his enemies, attended on purpose to hear my counsel + ridicule and abuse the pompous <i>Thaumaturgos</i>. I had great hopes, + myself, that we might win the day, especially as the lawyer on the + opposite side was my old competitor at Eton, that Johnson, whom I had + always considered as a mere laborious drudge, and a very heavy fellow. How + this heavy fellow got up in the world, and how he contrived to supply, by + dint of study, the want of natural talents, I cannot tell; but this I + know, to my cost, that he managed his client’s cause so ably, and made a + speech so full of sound law and clear sense, as effectually to decide the + cause against me. I was condemned to pay 500<i>l</i>. damages, and costs + of suit. Five hundred pounds lost, by delaying to lock up a bundle of + papers! Every body pitied me, because the punishment seemed so + disproportioned to the offence. The pity of every body, however, did not + console me for the loss of my money. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + The trial was published in the papers: my uncle Lowe read it, and all my + credit with him was lost for ever. Lucy did not utter a syllable of + reproach or complaint; but she used all her gentle influence to prevail + upon me to lay aside the various schemes which I had formed for making a + rapid fortune, and urged me to devote my whole attention to my business. + </p> + <p> + The loss which I had sustained, though great, was not irremediable. I was + moved more by my wife’s kindness than I could have been by the most + outrageous invective. But what is kindness, what is affection, what are + the best resolutions, opposed to all-powerful habit? I put off settling my + affairs till I had finished a pamphlet against government, which my + friends and the critics assured me would make my fortune, by attaching to + my shop all the opposition members. + </p> + <p> + My pamphlet succeeded, was highly praised, and loudly abused: answers + appeared, and I was called upon to provide rejoinders. Time thus passed + away, and while I was gaining fame, I every hour lost money. I was + threatened with bankruptcy. I threw aside my pamphlets, and in the utmost + terror and confusion, began, too late, to look into my affairs. I now + attempted too much: I expected to repair by bustle the effects of + procrastination. The nervous anxiety of my mind prevented me from doing + any thing well; whatever I was employed about appeared to me of less + consequence than a hundred other things which ought to be done. The letter + that I was writing, or the account that I was settling, was but one of a + multitude, which had all equal claims to be expedited immediately. My + courage failed; I abandoned my business in despair. A commission of + bankruptcy was taken out against me; all my goods were seized, and I + became a prisoner in the King’s Bench. + </p> + <p> + My wife’s relations refused to give me any assistance; but her father + offered to receive her and her little boy, on condition that she would + part from me, and spend the remainder of her days with them. This she + positively refused; and I never shall forget the manner of her refusal. + Her character rose in adversity. With the utmost feminine gentleness and + delicacy, she had a degree of courage and fortitude which I have seldom + seen equalled in any of my own sex. She followed me to prison, and + supported my spirits by a thousand daily instances of kindness. During + eighteen months that she passed with me in a prison, which we then thought + must be my abode for life, she never, by word or look, reminded me that I + was the cause of our misfortunes: on the contrary, she drove this idea + from my thoughts with all the address of female affection. I cannot even, + at this distance of time, recall these things to memory without tears. + </p> + <p> + What a woman, what a wife had I reduced to distress! I never saw her, even + in the first months of our marriage, so cheerful and so tender as at this + period. She seemed to have no existence but in me and in our little boy, + of whom she was dotingly fond. He was at this time just able to run about + and talk; his playful caresses, his thoughtless gaiety, and at times a + certain tone of compassion for <i>poor papa</i>, were very touching. Alas! + he little foresaw.... But let me go on with my history, if I can, without + anticipation. + </p> + <p> + Among my creditors was a Mr. Nun, a paper-maker, who, from his frequent + dealings with me, had occasion to see something of my character and of my + wife’s; he admired her, and pitied me. He was in easy circumstances, and + delighted in doing all the good in his power. One morning my Lucy came + into my room with a face radiant with joy. + </p> + <p> + “My love,” said she, “here is Mr. Nun below, waiting to see you; but he + says he will not see you till I have told you the good news. He has got + all our creditors to enter into a compromise, and to set you at liberty.” + </p> + <p> + I was transported with joy and gratitude; our benevolent friend was + waiting in a hackney-coach to carry us away from prison. When I began to + thank him, he stopped me with a blunt declaration that I was not a bit + obliged to him; for that, if I had been a man of straw, he would have done + just the same for the sake of my wife, whom he looked upon to be one or + other the best woman he had ever seen, Mrs. Nun always excepted. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded to inform me how he had settled my affairs, and how he had + obtained from my creditors a small allowance for the immediate support of + myself and family. He had given up the third part of a considerable sum + due to himself. As my own house was shut up, he insisted upon taking us + home with him: “Mrs. Nun,” he said, “had provided a good dinner; and he + must not have her ducks and green peas upon the table, and no friends to + eat them.” + </p> + <p> + Never were ducks and green peas more acceptable; never was a dinner eaten + with more appetite, or given with more good-will. I have often thought of + this dinner, and compared the hospitality of this simple-hearted man with + the ostentation of great folks, who give splendid entertainments to those + who do not want them. In trifles and in matters of consequence this Mr. + Nun was one of the most liberal and unaffectedly generous men I ever knew; + but the generous actions of men in middle life are lost in obscurity. No + matter: they do not act from a love of fame; they act from a better + motive, and they have their reward in their own hearts. + </p> + <p> + As I was passing through Mr. Nun’s warehouse, I was thinking of writing + something on this subject; but whether it should be a poetic effusion, in + the form of “An Ode to him who least expects it,” or a prose work, under + the title of “Modern Parallels,” in the manner of Plutarch, I had not + decided, when I was roused from my reverie by my wife, who, pointing to a + large bale of paper that was directed to “Ezekiel Croft, merchant, + Philadelphia,” asked me if I knew that this gentleman was a very near + relation of her mother? “Is he, indeed?” said Mr. Nun. “Then I can assure + you that you have a relation of whom you have no occasion to be ashamed: + he is one of the most respectable merchants in Philadelphia.” + </p> + <p> + “He was not very rich when he left this country about six years ago,” said + Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “He has a very good fortune now,” answered Mr. Nun. + </p> + <p> + “And has he made this very good fortune in six years?” cried I. “My dear + Lucy, I did not know that you had any relations in America. I have a great + mind to go over there myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Away from all our friends!” said Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be ashamed,” replied I, “to see them after all that has happened. + A bankrupt cannot have many friends. The best thing that I can possibly do + is to go over to a new world, where I may establish a new character, and + make a new fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “But we must not forget,” said Mr. Nun, “that in the new world, as in the + old one, a character and a fortune must be made by much the same means; + and forgive me if I add, the same bad habits that are against a man in one + country will be as much against him in another.” + </p> + <p> + True, thought I, as I recollected at this instant my unfortunate voyage to + China. But now that the idea of going to America had come into my mind, I + saw so many chances of success in my favour, and I felt so much convinced + I should not relapse into my former faults, that I could not abandon the + scheme. My Lucy consented to accompany me. She spent a week in the country + with her father and friends, by my particular desire; and they did all + they could to prevail upon her to stay with them, promising to take the + best possible care of her and her little boy during my absence; but she + steadily persisted in her determination to accompany her husband. I was + not too late in going on ship-board this time; and, during the whole + voyage, I did not lose any of my goods; for, in the first place, I had + very few goods to lose, and, in the next, my wife took the entire charge + of those few. + </p> + <p> + And now behold me safely landed at Philadelphia, with one hundred pounds + in my pocket—a small sum of money; but many, from yet more trifling + beginnings, had grown rich in America. My wife’s relation, Mr. Croft, had + not so much, as I was told, when he left England. Many passengers, who + came over in the same ship with me, had not half so much. Several of them + were, indeed, wretchedly poor. + </p> + <p> + Among others, there was an Irishman who was known by the name of Barny, a + contraction, I believe, for Barnaby. As to his surname he could not + undertake to spell it; but he assured me there was no better. This man, + with many of his relatives, had come to England, according to their + custom, during harvest-time, to assist in reaping, because they gain + higher wages than in their own country. Barny heard that he should get + still higher wages for labour in America, and accordingly he and his two + sons, lads of eighteen and twenty, took their passage for Philadelphia. A + merrier mortal I never saw. We used to hear him upon deck, continually + singing or whistling his Irish tunes; and I should never have guessed that + this man’s life had been a series of hardships and misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + When we were leaving the ship, I saw him, to my great surprise, crying + bitterly; and upon inquiring what was the matter, he answered that it was + not for himself, but for his sons, he was grieving, because they were to + be made <i>redemption-men</i>, that is, they were to be bound to work, + during a certain time, for the captain, or for whomever he pleased, till + the money due for their passage should be paid. Though I was somewhat + surprised at any one’s thinking of coming on board a vessel without having + one farthing in his pocket, yet I could not forbear paying the money for + this poor fellow. He dropped down on the deck upon both his knees as + suddenly as if he had been shot, and, holding up his hands to heaven, + prayed, first in Irish, and then in English, with fervent fluency, that “I + and mine might never want; that I might live long to reign over him; that + success might attend my honour wherever I went; and that I might enjoy for + evermore all sorts of blessings and crowns of glory.” + </p> + <p> + As I had an English prejudice in favour of silent gratitude, I was rather + disgusted by all this eloquence; I turned away abruptly, and got into the + boat which waited to carry me to shore. + </p> + <p> + As we rowed away I looked at my wife and child, and reproached myself with + having indulged in the luxury of generosity, perhaps at their expense. + </p> + <p> + My wife’s relation, Mr. Croft, received us better than she expected, and + worse than I hoped. He had the face of an acute money-making man; his + manners were methodical; caution was in his eye, and prudence in all his + motions. In our first half hour’s conversation he convinced me that he + deserved the character he had obtained, of being upright and exact in all + his dealings. His ideas were just and clear, but confined to the objects + immediately relating to his business; as to his heart, he seemed to have + no notion of general philanthropy, but to have perfectly learned by rote + his duty to his neighbour. He appeared disposed to do charitable and + good-natured actions from reason, and not from feeling; because they were + proper, not merely because they were agreeable. I felt that I should + respect, but never love him; and that he would never either love or + respect me, because the virtue which he held in the highest veneration was + that in which I was most deficient—punctuality. But I will give, as + nearly as I can, my first conversation with him; and from that a better + idea of his character may be formed than I can afford by any description. + </p> + <p> + I presented to him Mr. Nun’s letter of introduction, and mentioned that my + wife had the honour of being related to him. He perused Mr. Nun’s letter + very slowly. I was determined not to leave him in any doubt, respecting + who and what I was; and I briefly told him the particulars of my history. + He listened with immoveable attention: and when I had finished, he said, + “You have not yet told me what your views are in coming to America.” + </p> + <p> + I replied, “that my plans were not yet fixed.” + </p> + <p> + “But of course,” said he, “you cannot have left home without forming some + plan for the future. May I ask what line of life you mean to pursue?” + </p> + <p> + I answered, “that I was undetermined, and meant to be guided by + circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “Circumstances!” said he. “May I request you to explain yourself more + fully? for I do not precisely understand to what circumstances you + allude.” + </p> + <p> + I was provoked with the man for being so slow of apprehension; but, when + driven to the necessity of explaining, I found that I did not myself + understand what I meant. + </p> + <p> + I changed my ground; and, lowering my tone of confidence, said, that as I + was totally ignorant of the country, I should wish to be guided by the + advice of better informed persons; and that I begged leave to address + myself to him, as having had the most successful experience. + </p> + <p> + After a considerable pause, he replied, it was a hazardous thing to give + advice; but that, as my wife was his relation, and as he held it a duty to + assist his relations, he should not decline giving me—all the advice + in his power. + </p> + <p> + I bowed, and felt chilled all over by his manner. + </p> + <p> + “And not only my advice,” continued he, “but my assistance—in + reason.” + </p> + <p> + I said, “I was much obliged to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least, young man; you are not in the least obliged to me yet, + for I have done nothing for you.” + </p> + <p> + This was true, and not knowing what to say, I was silent. + </p> + <p> + “And that which I may be able to do for you in future must depend as much + upon yourself as upon me. In the first place, before I can give any + advice, I must know what you are worth in the world?” + </p> + <p> + My worth in money, I told him, with a forced smile, was but very trifling + indeed. With some hesitation, I named the sum. + </p> + <p> + “And you have a wife and child to support!” said he, shaking his head. + “And your child is too young and your wife too delicate to work. They will + be sad burdens upon your hands; these are not the things for America. Why + did you bring them with you? But, as that is done, and cannot be mended,” + continued he, “we must make the best of it, and support them. You say you + are ignorant of the country. I must explain to you then how money is to be + made here, and by whom. The class of labourers make money readily, if they + are industrious, because they have high wages and constant employment; + artificers and mechanics, carpenters, shipwrights, wheelwrights, smiths, + brick-layers, masons, get rich here, without difficulty, from the same + causes; but all these things are out of the question for you. You have + head, not hands, I perceive. Now mere head, in the line of bookmaking or + bookselling, brings in but poor profit in this country. The sale for + imported books is extensive; and our printers are doing something by + subscription here, in Philadelphia, and in New York, they tell me. But + London is the place for a good bookseller to thrive; and you come from + London, where you tell me you were a bankrupt. I would not advise you to + have any thing more to do with bookselling or bookmaking. Then, as to + becoming a planter: our planters, if they are skilful and laborious, + thrive well; but you have not capital sufficient to clear land and build a + house; or hire servants to do the work, for which you are not yourself + sufficiently robust. Besides, I do not imagine you know much of + agricultural concerns, or country business; and even to oversee and guide + others, experience is necessary. The life of a back settler I do not + advise, because you and your wife are not equal to it. You are not + accustomed to live in a log-house, or to feed upon racoons and squirrels: + not to omit the constant dread, if not imminent danger, of being burnt in + your beds, or scalped, by the Indians with whom you would be surrounded. + Upon the whole, I see no line of life that promises well for you but that + of a merchant; and I see no means of your getting into this line without + property and without credit, except by going into some established house + as a clerk. You are a good penman, and ready accountant, I think you tell + me; and I presume you have a sufficient knowledge of book-keeping. With + sobriety, diligence, and honesty, you may do well in this way; and may + look forward to being a partner, and in a lucrative situation, some years + hence. This is the way I managed, and I raised myself by degrees to what + you see. It is true, I was not at first encumbered with a wife and young + child. In due time I married my master’s daughter, which was a great + furtherance to me; but then, on the other hand, your wife is my relation; + and to be married to the relation of a rich merchant is next best to not + being married at all in your situation. I told you I thought it my duty to + proffer assistance as well as advice: so take up your abode with me for a + fortnight; in that time I shall be able to judge whether you are capable + of being a clerk; and, if you and I should suit, we will talk farther. You + understand that I enter into no engagement, and make no promise; but shall + be glad to lodge you, and your wife, and little boy, for a fortnight; and + it will be your own fault, and must be your own loss, if the visit turns + out waste of time.—I cannot stay to talk to you any longer at + present,” added he, pulling out his watch, “for I have business, and + business waits for no man. Go back to your inn for my relation, and her + little one. We dine at two precisely.” + </p> + <p> + I left Mr. Croft’s house with a vague indescribable feeling of + dissatisfaction and disappointment; but when I arrived at my inn, and + repeated all that had passed to my wife, she seemed quite surprised and + delighted by the civil and friendly manner in which this gentleman had + behaved. She tried to reason the matter with me; but there is no reasoning + with imagination. + </p> + <p> + The fact was, Mr. Croft had destroyed certain vague and visionary ideas, + that I had indulged, of making, by some unknown means, a rapid fortune in + America; and to be reduced to real life, and sink into a clerk in a + merchant’s counting-house, was mortification and misery. Lucy in vain + dwelt upon the advantage of having found, immediately upon my arrival in + Philadelphia, a certain mode of employment, and a probability of rising to + be a partner in one of the first mercantile houses, if I went on steadily + for a few years. I was forced to acknowledge that her relation was very + good; that I was certainly very fortunate; and that I ought to think + myself very much obliged to Mr. Croft. But, after avowing all this, I + walked up and down the room in melancholy reverie for a considerable + length of time. My wife reminded me repeatedly that Mr. Croft said he + dined precisely at two o’clock; that he was a very punctual man; that it + was a long walk, as I had found it, from the inn to his house; that I had + better dress myself for dinner; and that my clean shirt and cravat were + ready for me. I still walked up and down the room in reverie till my wife + was completely ready, had dressed the child, and held up my watch before + my eyes to show me that it wanted but ten minutes of two. I then began to + dress in the greatest hurry imaginable: and, unluckily, as I was pulling + on my silk stocking, I tore a hole in the leg, or as my wife expressed it, + a stitch dropped, and I was forced to wait while she repaired the evil. + Certainly this operation of <i>taking up a stitch</i>, as I am instructed + to call it, is one of the slowest operations in nature; or, rather, one of + the most tedious and teazing manoeuvres of art. Though the most willing + and the most dexterous fingers that ever touched a needle were employed in + my service, I thought the work would never be finished. + </p> + <p> + At last, I was <i>hosed</i> and shod, and out we set. It struck a quarter + past two as we left the house; we came to Mr. Croft’s in the middle of + dinner. He had a large company at table; every body was disturbed; my Lucy + was a stranger to Mrs. Croft, and was to be introduced; and nothing could + be more awkward and embarrassing than our <i>entrée</i> and introduction. + There were such compliments and apologies, such changing of places, such + shuffling of chairs, and running about of servants, that I thought we + should never be seated. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the bustle my little chap began to roar most horribly, and + to struggle to get away from a black servant, who was helping him up on + his chair. The child’s terror at the sudden approach of the negro could + not be conquered, nor could he by any means be quieted. Mrs. Croft, at + last, ordered the negro out of the room, the roaring ceased, and nothing + but the child’s sobs were heard for some instants. + </p> + <p> + The guests were all silent, and had ceased eating; Mrs. Croft was vexed + because <i>every thing was cold</i>; Mr. Croft was much discomfited, and + said not a syllable more than was absolutely necessary, as master of the + house. I never ate, or rather I was never at a more disagreeable dinner. I + was in pain for Lucy, as well as for myself; her colour rose up to her + temples. I cursed myself a hundred times for not having gone to dress in + time. + </p> + <p> + At length, to my great relief, the cloth was taken away; but even when we + came to the wine after dinner, the cold formality of my host continued + unabated, and I began to fear that he had taken an insurmountable dislike + to me, and that I should lose all the advantages of his protection and + assistance: advantages which rose considerably in my estimation, when I + apprehended I was upon the point of losing them. + </p> + <p> + Soon after dinner, a young gentleman of the name of Hudson joined the + company; his manners and appearance were prepossessing; he was frank and + well-bred; and the effect of his politeness was soon felt, as if by magic, + for every body became at their ease; his countenance was full of life and + fire; and though he said nothing that showed remarkable abilities, + everything he said pleased. As soon as he found that I was a stranger, he + addressed his conversation principally to me. I recovered my spirits, + exerted myself to entertain him, and succeeded. He was delighted to hear + news from England, and especially from London; a city which he said he had + an ardent desire to visit. When he took leave of me in the evening, he + expressed very warmly the wish to cultivate my acquaintance, and I was the + more flattered and obliged by this civility, because I was certain that he + knew exactly my situation and circumstances, Mrs. Croft having explained + them to him very fully even in my hearing. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + In the course of the ensuing week, young Mr. Hudson and I saw one another + almost every day, and our mutual liking for each other’s company + increased. He introduced me to his father, who had been a planter; and, + having made a large fortune, came to reside at Philadelphia, to enjoy + himself, as he said, for the remainder of his days. He lived in what the + sober Americans called a most luxurious and magnificent style. The best + company in Philadelphia met at his house: and he delighted particularly in + seeing those who had convivial talents, and who would supply him with wit + and gaiety, in which he was naturally rather deficient. + </p> + <p> + On my first visit, I perceived that his son had boasted of me as one of + the best companions in the world; and I determined to support the + character that had been given of me; I told two or three good stories, and + sang two or three good songs. The company were charmed with me; old Mr. + Hudson was particularly delighted; he gave me a pressing general + invitation to his house, and most of the principal guests followed his + example. I was not a little elated with this success. Mr. Croft was with + me at this entertainment; and I own I was peculiarly gratified by feeling + that I at once became conspicuous, by my talents, in a company where he + was apparently of no consequence, notwithstanding all his wealth and + prudence. + </p> + <p> + As we went home together, he said to me very gravely, “I would not advise + you, Mr. Basil Lowe, to accept of all these invitations, nor to connect + yourself intimately with young Hudson. The society at Mr. Hudson’s is very + well for those who have made a fortune, and want to spend it; but for + those who have a fortune to make, in my opinion, it is not only useless + but dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + I was in no humour, at this moment, to profit by this sober advice; + especially as I fancied it might be dictated, in some degree, by envy of + my superior talents and accomplishments. My wife, however, supported his + advice by many excellent and kind arguments. She observed that these + people, who invited me to their houses as a good companion, followed + merely their own pleasure, and would never be of any real advantage to me; + that Mr. Croft, on the contrary, showed, from the first hour when I + applied to him, a desire to serve me; that he had pointed out the means of + establishing myself; and that, in the advice he gave me, he could be + actuated only by a wish to be of use to me; that it was more reasonable to + suspect him of despising than of envying talents which were not directed + to the grand object of gaining money. + </p> + <p> + Good sense, from the lips of a woman whom a man loves, has a mighty effect + upon his understanding, especially if he sincerely believe that the woman + has no desire to rule. This was my singular case. I promised Lucy I would + refuse all invitations for the ensuing fortnight, and devote myself to + whatever business Mr. Croft might devise. No one could be more assiduous + than I was for ten days; and I perceived that Mr. Croft, though it was not + his custom to praise, was well satisfied with my diligence. Unluckily, on + the eleventh day I put off in the morning making out an invoice, which he + left for me to do, and I was persuaded in the evening to go out with young + Mr. Hudson. I had expressed, in conversation with him, some curiosity + about the American <i>frog-concerts</i>, of which I had read, in modern + books of travels, extraordinary accounts. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hudson persuaded me to accompany him to a swamp, at some miles’ + distance from Philadelphia, to hear one of these concerts. The performance + lasted some time, and it was late before we returned to town: I went to + bed tired, and waked in the morning with a cold, which I had caught by + standing so long in the swamp. I lay an hour after I was called, in hopes + of getting rid of my cold: when I was at last up and dressed, I + recollected my invoice, and resolved to do it the first thing after + breakfast; but, unluckily, I put it off till I had looked for some lines + in Homer’s “Battle of the Frogs and Mice.” There was no Homer, as you may + guess, in Mr. Croft’s house, and I went to a bookseller’s to borrow one: + he had Pope’s Iliad and Odyssey, but no Battle of the Frogs and Mice. I + walked over half the town in search of it; at length I found it, and was + returning in triumph, with Homer in each pocket, when at the door of Mr. + Croft’s house I found half a dozen porters, with heavy loads upon their + backs. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going, my good fellows?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “To the quay, sir, with the cargo for the Betsy.” + </p> + <p> + “My God!” cried I. “Stop. Can’t you stop a minute? I thought the Betsy was + not to sail till to-morrow. Stop one minute.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said they, “that we can’t; for the captain bade us make what + haste we could to the quay to load her.” + </p> + <p> + I ran into the house; the captain of the Betsy was bawling in the hall, + with his hat on the back of his head; Mr. Croft on the landing-place of + the warehouse-stairs with open letters in his hand, and two or three of + the under-clerks were running different ways with pens in their mouths. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Basil! the invoice!” exclaimed all the clerks at once, the moment I + made my appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Basil Lowe, the invoice and the copy, if you please,” repeated Mr. + Croft. “We have sent three messengers after you. Very extraordinary to go + out at this time of day, and not even to leave word where you were to be + found. Here’s the captain of the Betsy has been waiting this half hour for + the invoice. Well, sir! Will you go for it now? And at the same time bring + me the copy, to enclose in this letter to our correspondent by post.” + </p> + <p> + I stood petrified. “Sir, the invoice, sir!—Good Heavens! I forgot it + entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “You remember it now, sir, I suppose. Keep your apologies till we have + leisure. The invoices, if you please.” + </p> + <p> + “The invoices! My God, sir! I beg ten thousand pardons! They are not drawn + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Not drawn out. Impossible!” said Mr. Croft. + </p> + <p> + “Then I’m off,” cried the captain, with a tremendous oath. “I can’t wait + another tide for any clerk breathing.” + </p> + <p> + “Send back the porters, captain, if you please,” said Mr. Croft, coolly. + “The whole cargo must be unpacked. I took it for granted, Mr. Basil, that + you had drawn the invoice, according to order, yesterday morning; and of + course the goods were packed in the evening. I was certainly wrong in + taking it for granted that you would be punctual. A man of business should + take nothing for granted. This is a thing that will not occur to me again + as long as I live.” + </p> + <p> + I poured forth expressions of contrition; but apparently unmoved by them, + and without anger or impatience in his manner, he turned from me as soon + as the porters came back with the goods, and ordered them all to be + unpacked and replaced in the warehouse. I was truly concerned. + </p> + <p> + “I believe you spent your evening yesterday with young Mr. Hudson?” said + he, turning to me. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,—I am sincerely sorry———” + </p> + <p> + “Sorrow, in these cases, does no good, sir,” interrupted he. “I thought I + had sufficiently warned you of the danger of forming that intimacy. + Midnight carousing will not do for men of business.” + </p> + <p> + “Carousing, sir!” said I. “Give me leave to assure you that we were not + carousing. We were only at a <i>frog-concert</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Croft, who had at least suppressed his displeasure till now, looked + absolutely angry; he thought I was making a joke of him. When I convinced + him that I was in earnest, he changed from anger to astonishment, with a + large mixture of contempt in his nasal muscles. + </p> + <p> + “A frog-concert!” repeated he. “And is it possible that any man could + neglect an invoice merely to go to hear a parcel of frogs croaking in a + swamp? Sir, you will never do in a mercantile house.” He walked off to the + warehouse, and left me half mortified and half provoked. + </p> + <p> + From this time forward all hopes from Mr. Croft’s friendship were at an + end. He was coldly civil to me during the few remaining days of the + fortnight that we stayed at his house, He took the trouble, however, of + looking out for a cheap and tolerably comfortable lodging for my wife and + boy; the rent of which he desired to pay for his relation, he said, as + long as I should remain in Philadelphia, or till I should find myself in + some eligible situation. He seemed pleased with Lucy, and said she was a + very properly conducted, well disposed, prudent young woman, whom he was + not ashamed to own for a cousin. He repeated, at parting, that he should + be happy to afford me every assistance <i>in reason</i>, towards pursuing + any feasible plan of advancing myself; but it was his decided opinion that + I could never succeed in a mercantile line. + </p> + <p> + I never liked Mr. Croft; he was much too <i>punctual</i>, too much of an + automaton, for me; but I should have felt more regret at leaving him, and + losing his friendship, and should have expressed more gratitude for his + kindness to Lucy and my boy, if my head had not at the time been full of + young Hudson. He professed the warmest regard for me, congratulated me on + getting free from old Croft’s mercantile clutches, and assured me that + such a man as I was could not fail to succeed in the world by my own + talents and the assistance of friends and good connexions. + </p> + <p> + I was now almost every day at his father’s house in company with numbers + of rich and gay people, who were all <i>my friends</i>. I was the life of + society, was invited every where, and accepted every invitation, because I + could not offend Mr. Hudson’s intimate acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + From day to day, from week to week, from month to month, I went on in this + style. I was old Hudson’s grand favourite, and every body told me he could + do any thing he pleased for me. I had formed a scheme, a bold scheme, of + obtaining from government a large tract of territory in the ceded lands of + Louisiana, and of collecting a subscription in Philadelphia among <i>my + friends</i>, to make a settlement there: the subscribers to be paid by + instalments, so much the first year, so much the second, and so onward, + till the whole should be liquidated. I was to collect hands from the next + ships, which were expected to be full of emigrants from Ireland and + Scotland. I had soon a long list of subscribers, who gave me their names + always after dinner, or after supper. Old Hudson wrote his name at the + head of the list, with an ostentatiously large sum opposite to it. + </p> + <p> + As nothing could be done until the ensuing spring, when the ships were + expected, I spent my time in the same convivial manner. The spring came, + but there was no answer obtained from government respecting the ceded + territory; and a delay of a few months was necessary. Mr. Hudson, the + father, was the person who had undertaken to apply for the grant; and he + spoke always of the scheme, and of his own powers of carrying it into + effect, in the most confident manner. From his conversation any body would + have supposed that the mines of Peru were upon his plantation; and that in + comparison with his the influence of the President of the United States + was nothing. I was a full twelvemonth before I was convinced that he was a + boaster and a <i>fabulist</i>; and I was another twelvemonth before I + could persuade myself that he was one of the most selfish, indolent, and + obstinate of human beings. He was delighted to have me always at his table + to entertain him and his guests, but he had not the slightest real regard + for me, or care for my interests. He would talk to me as long as I pleased + of his possessions, and his improvements, and his wonderful crops; but the + moment I touched upon any of my own affairs, he would begin to yawn, throw + himself on a sofa, and seem going to sleep. Whenever I mentioned his + subscription, he would say with a frown—“We will talk of that, + Basil, <i>to-morrow</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Of my whole list of subscribers, not above four ever paid a shilling into + my hands: their excuse always was, “When government has given an answer + about the ceded territory, we will pay the subscriptions;” and the answer + of government always was—“When the subscriptions are paid, we will + make out a grant of the land.” I was disgusted, and out of spirits; but I + thought all my chance was to persevere, and to keep <i>my friends</i> in + good-humour: so that I was continually under the necessity of appearing + the same jovial companion, laughing, singing, and drinking, when, Heaven + knows, my heart was heavy enough. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the second year of promises, delays, and disappointments, my + Lucy, who had always foretold how things would turn out, urged me to + withdraw myself from this idle society, to give up my scheme, and to take + the management of a small plantation in conjunction with the brother of + Mr. Croft. His regard for my wife, who had won much upon this family by + her excellent conduct, induced him to make me this offer; but I considered + so long, and hesitated so much, whether I should accept of this proposal, + that the time for accepting it passed away. + </p> + <p> + I had still hopes that my friend, young Hudson, would enable me to carry + my grand project into execution; he had a considerable plantation in + Jamaica, left to him by his grandfather on the mother’s side; he was to be + of age, and to take possession of it the ensuing year, and he proposed to + sell it, and to apply some of the purchase-money to our scheme, of the + success of which he had as sanguine expectations as I had myself. He was + of a most enthusiastic, generous temper. I had obtained the greatest + influence over him, and I am convinced, at this time, there was nothing in + the world he would not have sacrificed for my sake. All that he required + from me was to be his constant companion. He was extravagantly fond of + field sports; and, though a Londoner, I was a good shot, and a good + angler; for, during the time I was courting Lucy, I found it necessary to + make myself a sportsman to win the favour of her brothers. With these + accomplishments, my hold upon the esteem and affections of my friend was + all-powerful. Every day in the season we went out shooting or fishing + together: then, in the winter-time, we had various employments, I mean, + various excuses for idleness. Hudson was a great skaiter, and he had + infinite diversion in teaching me to skait at the hazard of my skull. He + was also to initiate me in the American pastime of <i>sleighing</i>, or + sledging. Many a desperately cold winter’s day I have submitted to be + driven in his sledge, when I would much rather, I own, have been safe and + snug by my own fireside, with my wife. + </p> + <p> + Poor Lucy spent her time in a disagreeable and melancholy way during these + three years: for, while I was out almost every day and all day long, she + was alone in her lodging for numberless hours. She never repined, but + always received me with a good-humoured countenance when I came home, even + after sitting up half the night to wait for my return from Hudson’s + suppers. It grieved me to the heart to see her thus seemingly deserted, + but I comforted myself with the reflection that this way of life would + last but for a short time; that my friend would soon be of age, and able + to fulfil all his promises; and that we should then all live together in + happiness. I assured Lucy that the present idle, if not dissipated, manner + in which I spent my days was not agreeable to my taste; that I was often + extremely melancholy, even when I was forced to appear in the highest + spirits; and that I often longed to be quietly with her, when I was + obliged to sacrifice my time to friendship. + </p> + <p> + It would have been impossible that she and my child could have subsisted + all this time independently, but for her steadiness and exertions. She + would not accept of any pecuniary assistance except from her relation, Mr. + Croft, who regularly paid the rent of her lodgings. She undertook to teach + some young ladies, whom Mrs. Croft introduced to her, various kinds of + fine needlework, in which she excelled; and for this she was well paid. I + know that she never cost me one farthing, during the three years and three + months that we lived in Philadelphia. But even for this I do not give her + so much credit as for her sweet temper during these trials, and her great + forbearance in never reproaching or disputing with me. Many wives, who are + called excellent managers, make their husbands pay tenfold in suffering + what they save in money. This was not my Lucy’s way; and, therefore, with + my esteem and respect, she ever had my fondest affections. I was in hopes + that the hour was just coming when I should be able to prove this to her, + and when we should no longer be doomed to spend our days asunder. But, + alas! her judgment was better than mine. + </p> + <p> + My friend Hudson was now within six weeks of being of age, when, + unfortunately, there arrived in Philadelphia a company of players from + England. Hudson, who was eager for every thing that had the name of + pleasure, insisted upon my going with him to their first representation. + Among the actresses there was a girl of the name of Marion, who seemed to + be ordinary enough, just fit for a company of strolling players, but she + danced passably well, and danced a great deal between the acts that night. + Hudson clapped his hands till I was quite out of patience. He was in + raptures, and the more I depreciated, the more he extolled the girl. I + wished her in Nova Zembla, for I saw he was falling in love with her, and + had a kind of presentiment of all that was to follow. To tell the matter + briefly, (for what signifies dwelling upon past misfortunes?) the more + young Hudson’s passion increased for this dancing girl, the more his + friendship for me declined; for I had frequent arguments with him upon the + subject, and did all I could to open his eyes. I saw that the damsel had + art, that she knew the extent of her power, and that she would draw her + infatuated lover in to marry her. He was headstrong and violent in all his + passions; he quarrelled with me, carried the girl off to Jamaica, married + her the day he was of age, and settled upon his plantation. There was an + end of all my hopes about the ceded territory. + </p> + <p> + Lucy, who was always my resource in misfortune, comforted me by saying I + had done my duty in combating my friend’s folly at the expense of my own + interest; and that, though he had quarrelled with me, she loved me the + better for it. + </p> + <p> + Reflecting upon my own history and character, I have often thought it a + pity that, with certain good qualities, and I will add talents, which + deserved a better fate, I should have never succeeded in any thing I + attempted, because I could not conquer one seemingly slight defect in my + disposition, which had grown into a habit. Thoroughly determined by Lucy’s + advice to write to Mr. Croft, to request he would give me another trial, I + put off sending the letter till the next day; and that very morning Mr. + Croft set off on a journey to a distant part of the country, to see a + daughter who was newly married. + </p> + <p> + I was vexed, and from a want of something better to do, went out + a-shooting, to get rid of disagreeable thoughts. I shot several pheasants, + and when I came home, carried them, as was my custom, to old Mr. Hudson’s + kitchen, and gave them to the cook. I happened to stay in the kitchen to + feed a favourite dog, while the cook was <i>preparing</i> the birds I had + brought. I observed, in the crop of one of the pheasants, some bright + green leaves, and some buds, which I suspected to be the leaves and buds + of the <i>kalmia latifolia</i>, a poisonous shrub. I was not quite + certain, for I had almost forgotten the little botany which I knew before + I went to China. I took the leaves home with me, to examine them at + leisure, and to compare them with the botanical description; and I begged + that the cook would not dress the birds till she saw or heard from me + again. I promised to see her, or send to her the next day. But the next + day, when I went to the library, to look into a book of botany, my + attention was caught by some new reviews, which were just arrived from + London. I put off the examination of the <i>kalmia latifolia</i> till the + day after. To-morrow, said I, will do just as well, for I know the cook + will not dress the pheasants to-day: old Hudson does not like them till + they have been kept <i>a day or two</i>. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow came, and the leaves were forgotten till evening, when I saw + them lying on my table, and put them out of the way; lest my little boy + should find and eat them. I was sorry that I had not examined them this + day, but I satisfied myself in the same way as I had done before: + to-morrow will do as well; the cook will not dress the pheasants to-day; + old Hudson thinks them the better for being kept <i>two or three days</i>. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow came; but, as the leaves of the <i>kalmia latifolia</i> were out + of my sight, they went out of my mind. I was invited to an entertainment + this day at the mayor’s: there was a large company, and after dinner I was + called upon, as usual, for a song; the favourite song of + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dance and sing, Time’s on the wing, + Life never knows return of spring;” + </pre> + <p> + when a gentleman came in, pale and breathless, to tell us that Mr. Hudson + and three gentlemen, who had been dining with him, were suddenly seized + with convulsions after eating of a pheasant, and that they were not + expected to live. My blood ran cold: I exclaimed, “My God! I am answerable + for this.” On my making this exclamation, there was immediate silence in + the room; and every eye turned upon me with astonishment and horror. I + fell back in my chair, and what passed afterward I know not; but when I + came to myself, I found two men in the room with me, who were set to guard + me. The bottles and glasses were still upon the table, but the company + were all dispersed; and the mayor, as my guards informed me, was gone to + Mr. Hudson’s to take his dying deposition. + </p> + <p> + In this instance, as in all cases of sudden alarm, report had exaggerated + the evil: Mr. Hudson, though extremely ill, was not dying; his three + guests, after some hours’ illness, were perfectly recovered. Mr. Hudson, + who had eaten the most plentifully of the pheasant, was not <i>himself</i>, + as he said, for two days; the third day he was able to see company at + dinner as usual, and my mind was relieved from an insupportable state of + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Upon examination, the mayor was convinced that I was perfectly innocent: + the cook told the exact truth, blamed herself for not sending to me before + she dressed the birds; but said that she concluded I had found the leaves + I took home were harmless, as I never came to tell her the contrary. + </p> + <p> + I was liberated, and went home to my wife. She clasped me in her arms, but + could not articulate a syllable. By her joy at seeing me again, she left + me to judge of what she must have suffered during this terrible interval. + </p> + <p> + For some time after this unfortunate accident happened, it continued to be + the subject of general conversation in Philadelphia. The story was told a + thousand different ways, and the comments upon it were in various ways + injurious to me. Some blamed me, for what indeed I deserved to be most + severely blamed, my delaying one hour to examine the leaves found in the + crop of the pheasant; others affected to think it absolutely impossible + that any human being could be so dilatory and negligent, where the lives + of fellow-creatures and <i>friends</i>, and friends by whom I had been + treated with the utmost hospitality for years, were concerned. Others, + still more malicious, hinted that, though I had been favoured by the + mayor, and perhaps by the goodness of poor Mr. Hudson, there must be + something more than had come to light in the business; and some boldly + pronounced that the story of the leaves of the <i>kalmia latifolia</i> was + a mere blind, for that the pheasant could not have been rendered poisonous + by such means. {Footnote: “In the severe winter of the years 1790 and + 1791, there appeared to be such unequivocal reasons for believing that + several persons in Philadelphia had died in consequence of their eating + pheasants, in whose crops the leaves and buds of the <i>kalmia latifolia</i> + were found, that the mayor of the city thought it prudent and his duty to + warn the people against the use of this bird, by a public proclamation. I + know that by many persons, especially by some lovers of pheasants’ flesh, + the circumstance just mentioned was supposed to be destitute of + foundation: but the foundation was a solid one.” + </p> + <p> + <i>Vide</i> a paper by B. Smith Barton, M.D., American Transactions, vol. + li.} + </p> + <p> + That a motive might not be wanting for the crime, it was whispered that + old Mr. Hudson had talked of leaving me a considerable legacy, which I was + impatient to touch, that I might carry my adventuring schemes into + execution. I was astonished as much as shocked at the sudden alteration in + the manners of all my acquaintances. The tide of popularity changed, and I + was deserted. That those who had lived with me so long in convivial + intimacy, that those who had courted, admired, flattered me, those who had + so often professed themselves my friends, could suddenly, without the + slightest probability, believe me capable of the most horrible crime, + appeared to me scarcely credible. In reality, many would not give + themselves the trouble to <i>think</i> about the matter, but were glad of + a pretence to shake off the acquaintance of a man of whose stories and + songs they began to be weary, and who had put their names to a + subscription, which they did not wish to be called upon to pay. Such is + the world! Such is the fate of all <i>good fellows</i>, and excellent + bottle companions! Certain to be deserted, by their dear friends, at the + least reverse of fortune. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + My situation in Philadelphia was now so disagreeable, and my disgust and + indignation were so great, that I determined to quit the country. My real + friend, Mr. Croft, was absent all this time from town. I am sure, if he + had been at home, he would have done me justice; for, though he never + liked me, he was a just, slow-judging man, who would not have been run + away with by the hurry of popular prejudice: I had other reasons for + regretting his absence: I could not conveniently quit America without + money, and he was the only person to whom I could or would apply for + assistance. We had not many debts, for which I must thank my excellent + wife; but, when every thing to the last farthing was paid, I was obliged + to sell my watch and some trinkets, to get money for our voyage. I was not + accustomed to such things, and I was ashamed to go to the pawnbroker’s, + lest I should be met and recognized by some of my friends. I wrapped + myself up in an old surtout, and slouched my hat over my face. + </p> + <p> + As I was crossing the quay, I met a party of gentlemen walking arm in arm. + I squeezed past them, but one stopped to look after me; and, though I + turned down another street to escape him, he dogged me unperceived. Just + as I came out of the pawnbroker’s shop, I saw him posted opposite to me: I + brushed by; I could with pleasure have knocked him down for his + impertinence. By the time that I had reached the corner of the street, I + heard a child calling after me. I stopped, and a little boy put into my + hands my watch, saying, “Sir, the gentleman says you left your watch and + these thingumbobs by mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “What gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, but he was one that said I looked like an honest chap, and + he’d trust me to run and give you the watch. He is dressed in a blue coat. + He went toward the quay. That’s all I know.” + </p> + <p> + On opening the paper of trinkets I found a card with these words: “<i>Barny</i>—with + kind thanks.” + </p> + <p> + Barny! Poor Barny! The Irishman whose passage I paid coming to America + three years ago. Is it possible? + </p> + <p> + I ran after him the way which the child directed, and was so fortunate as + just to catch a glimpse of the skirt of his coat, as he went into a neat, + good-looking house. I walked up and down some time, expecting him to come + out again; for I could not suppose that it belonged to Barny. I asked a + grocer, who was leaning over his hatch door, if he knew who lived in the + next house? + </p> + <p> + “An Irish gentleman, of the name of O’Grady.” + </p> + <p> + “And his Christian name?” + </p> + <p> + “Here it is in my books, sir—Barnaby O’Grady.” + </p> + <p> + I knocked at Mr. O’Grady’s door, and made my way into the parlour; where I + found him, his two sons and his wife, sitting very sociably at tea. He and + the two young men rose immediately to set me a chair. + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome, kindly welcome, sir,” said he. “This is an honour I + never expected any way. Be pleased to take the seat near the fire. ‘Twould + be hard indeed if you <i>would</i> {Footnote: Should.} not have the best + seat that’s to be had in this house, where we none of us never should have + sat, nor had seats to sit upon, but for you.” + </p> + <p> + The sons pulled off my shabby great coat, and took away my hat, and the + wife made up the fire. There was something in their manner altogether + which touched me so much, that it was with difficulty I could keep myself + from bursting into tears. They saw this, and Barny, (for I shall never + call him any thing else,) as he thought that I should like better to hear + of public affairs than to speak of my own, began to ask his sons if they + had <i>seen the day’s</i> papers, and what news there were? + </p> + <p> + As soon as I could command my voice, I congratulated his family upon the + happy situation in which I found them; and asked by what lucky accidents + they had succeeded so well? + </p> + <p> + “The luckiest accident ever <i>happened me</i> before or since I came to + America,” said Barny, “was being on board the same vessel with such a man + as you. If you had not given me the first lift, I had been down for good + and all, and trampled under foot long and long ago. But after that first + lift, all was as easy as life. My two sons here were not taken from me—God + bless you! for I never can bless you enough for that. The lads were left + to work for me and with me; and we never parted, hand or heart, but just + kept working on together, and put all our earnings as fast as we got them, + into the hands of that good woman, and lived hard at first, as we were + bred and born to do, thanks be to Heaven! Then we swore against drink of + all sorts entirely. And, as I had occasionally served the masons, when I + lived a labouring man in the county of Dublin, and knew something of that + business, why, whatever I knew I made the most of, and a trowel felt no + ways strange to me; so I went to work, and had higher wages at first than + I deserved. The same with the two boys: one was as much of a blacksmith as + would shoe a horse; and t’other a bit of a carpenter; and the one got + plenty of work in the forges, and t’other in the dockyards, as a ship + carpenter. So early and late, morning and evening, we were all at the + work, and just went this way struggling on even for a twelvemonth, and + found, with the high wages and constant employ we had met, that we were + getting greatly better in the world. Besides, the wife was not idle. When + a girl, she had seen baking, and had always a good notion of it, and just + tried her hand upon it now, and found the loaves went down with the + customers, and the customers coming faster and faster for them; and this + was a great help. Then I grew master mason, and had my men under me, and + took a house to build by the job, and that did; and then on to another and + another; and after building many for the neighbours, ‘twas fit and my + turn, I thought, to build one for myself, which I did out of theirs, + without wronging them of a penny. And the boys grew master-men in their + line; and when they got good coats, nobody could say against them, for + they had come fairly by them, and became them well perhaps for that + reason. So, not to be tiring you too much, we went on from good to better, + and better to best; and if it pleased God to question me how it was we got + on so well in the world, I should answer, Upon my conscience, myself does + not know; except it be that we never made Saint Monday, {Footnote: <i>Saint + Monday</i>, or Saint Crispin. It is a custom in Ireland, among shoemakers, + if they intoxicate themselves on Sunday, to do no work on Monday; and this + they call making a Saint Monday, or keeping Saint Crispin’s day. Many have + adopted this good custom from the example of the shoemakers.} nor never + put off till the morrow what we could do the day.” I believe I sighed + deeply at this observation, notwithstanding the comic phraseology in which + it was expressed. + </p> + <p> + “But all this is no rule for a gentleman born,” pursued the good-natured + Barny, in answer, I suppose, to the sigh which I uttered; “nor is it any + disparagement to him if he has not done as well in a place like America, + where he had not the means; not being used to bricklaying and slaving with + his hands, and striving as we did. Would it be too much liberty to ask you + to drink a cup of tea, and to taste a slice of my good woman’s bread and + butter? And happy the day we see you eating it, and only wish we could + serve you in any way whatsoever.” + </p> + <p> + I verily believe the generous fellow forgot, at this instant, that he had + redeemed my watch and wife’s trinkets. He would not let me thank him as + much as I wished, but kept pressing upon me fresh offers of service. When + he found I was going to leave America, he asked what vessel we should go + in? I was really afraid to tell him, lest he should attempt to pay for my + passage. But for this he had, as I afterwards found, too much delicacy of + sentiment. He discovered, by questioning the captains, in what ship we + were to sail; and, when we went on board, we found him and his sons there + to take leave of us, which they did in the most affectionate manner; and, + after they were gone, we found in the state cabin, directed to me, every + thing that could be useful or agreeable to us, as sea-stores, for a long + voyage. + </p> + <p> + How I wronged this man, when I thought his expressions of gratitude were + not sincere, because they were not made exactly in the mode and with the + accent of my own countrymen! I little thought that Barny and his sons + would be the only persons who would bid us a friendly adieu when we were + to leave America. + </p> + <p> + We had not exhausted our bountiful provision of sea-stores when we were + set ashore in England. We landed at Liverpool; and I cannot describe the + melancholy feelings with which I sat down, in the little back parlour of + the inn, to count my money, and to calculate whether we had enough to + carry us to London. Is this, thought I, as I looked at the few guineas and + shillings spread on the table, is this all I have in this world? I, my + wife, and child! And is this the end of three years’ absence from my + native country? As the negroes say of a fool who takes a voyage in vain, I + am come back “<i>with little more than the hair upon my head</i>.” Is this + the end of all my hopes, and all my talents? What will become of my wife + and child? I ought to insist upon her going home to her friends, that she + may at least have the necessaries and comforts of life, till I am able to + maintain her. + </p> + <p> + The tears started from my eyes; they fell upon an old newspaper, which lay + upon the table under my elbow. I took it up to hide my face from Lucy and + my child, who just then came into the room: and, as I read without well + knowing what, I came among the advertisements to my own name. + </p> + <p> + “If Mr. Basil Lowe, or his heir, will apply to Mr. Gregory, attorney, No. + 34, Cecil-street, he will hear of something to his advantage.” + </p> + <p> + I started up with an exclamation of joy, wiped my tears from the + newspaper, put it into Lucy’s hand, pointed to the advertisement, and ran + to take places in the London coach for the next morning. Upon this + occasion I certainly did not delay. Nor did I, when we arrived in London, + put off one moment going to Mr. Gregory’s, No. 34, Cecil-street. + </p> + <p> + Upon application to him I was informed that a very distant relation of + mine, a rich miser, had just died, and had left his accumulated treasures + to me, “because I was the only one of his relations who had never cost him + a single farthing.” Other men have to complain of their ill fortune, + perhaps with justice; and this is a great satisfaction, which I have never + enjoyed; for I must acknowledge that all my disasters have arisen from my + own folly. Fortune has been uncommonly favourable to me. Without any merit + of my own, or rather, as it appeared, in consequence of my negligent + habits, which prevented me from visiting a rich relation, I was suddenly + raised from the lowest state of pecuniary distress to the height of + affluent prosperity. + </p> + <p> + I took possession of a handsome house in an agreeable part of the town, + and enjoyed the delight of sharing all the comforts and luxuries which + wealth could procure, with the excellent woman who had been my support in + adversity. I must do myself the justice to observe that I did not become + dissipated or extravagant; affection and gratitude to my Lucy filled my + whole mind, and preserved me from the faults incident to those who rise + suddenly from poverty to wealth. I did not forget my good friend, Mr. Nun, + who had relieved me formerly from prison; of course I paid the debt which + he had forgiven, and lost no opportunity of showing him kindness and + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + I was now placed in a situation where the best parts of my character + appeared to advantage, and where the grand defect of my disposition was + not apparently of any consequence. I was not now obliged, like a man of + business, to be punctual; and delay, in mere engagements of pleasure, was + a trifling offence, and a matter of raillery among my acquaintance. My + talents in conversation were admired, and, if I postponed letter-writing, + my correspondents only tormented me a little with polite remonstrances. I + was conscious that I was not cured of my faults; but I rejoiced that I was + not now obliged to reform, or in any danger of involving those I loved in + distress, by my negligence. + </p> + <p> + For one year I was happy, and flattered myself that I did not waste my + time; for, at my leisure, I read with attention all the ancient and modern + works upon education. I resolved to select from them what appeared most + judicious and practicable; and so to form, from the beauties of each, a + perfect system for the advantage of my son. He was my only child; he had + lived with me eighteen months in prison: he was the darling of his mother, + whom I adored, and he was thought to be in mind and person a striking + resemblance of myself. How many reasons had I to love him!—I doted + upon the child. He certainly showed great quickness of intellect, and gave + as fair a promise of talents as could be expected at his age. I formed + hopes of his future excellence and success in the world, as sanguine as + those which my poor father had early formed of mine. I determined to watch + carefully over his temper, and to guard him particularly against that + habit of procrastination which had been the bane of my life. + </p> + <p> + One day, while I was alone in my study, leaning on my elbow, and + meditating upon the system of education which I designed for my son, my + wife came to me and said, “My dear, I have just heard from our friend, Mr. + Nun, a circumstance that alarms me a good deal. You know little Harry Nun + was inoculated at the same time with our Basil, and by the same person. + Mrs. Nun, and all the family, thought he had several spots, just as much + as our boy had, and that that was enough; but two years afterwards, while + we were in America, Harry Nun caught the small-pox in the natural way, and + died. Now it seems the man who inoculated him was quite ignorant; for two + or three other children, whom he attended, have caught the disease since, + though he was positive that they were safe. Don’t you think we had better + have our boy inoculated again immediately, by some proper person?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly, my dear; undoubtedly. But I think we had better have him + vaccined. I am not sure, however; but I will ask Dr. ———‘s + opinion this day, and be guided by that; I shall see him at dinner: he has + promised to dine with us.” + </p> + <p> + Some accident prevented him from coming, and I thought of writing to him + the next day, but afterward put it off. Lucy came again into my study, + where she was sure to find me in the morning. “My dear,” said she, “do you + recollect that you desired me to defer inoculating our little boy till you + could decide whether it be best to inoculate him in the common way or the + vaccine?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear, I recollect it perfectly well. I am much inclined to the + vaccine. My friend, Mr. L———, has had all his children + vaccined, and I just wait to see the effect.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my love!” said Lucy, “do not wait any longer; for you know we run a + terrible risk of his catching the small-pox, every day, every hour.” + </p> + <p> + “We have run that risk, and escaped for these three years past,” said I; + “and, in my opinion, the boy has had the small-pox.” + </p> + <p> + “So Mr. and Mrs. Nun thought, and you see what has happened. Remember our + boy was inoculated by the same man. I am sure, ever since Mr. Nun + mentioned this, I never take little Basil out to walk, I never see him in + a shop, I never have him in the carriage with me, without being in terror. + Yesterday a woman came to the coach-door with a child in her arms, who had + a breaking out on his face. I thought it was the small-pox, and was so + terrified that I had scarcely strength or presence of mind enough to draw + up the glass. Our little boy was leaning out of the door to give a + halfpenny to the child. My God! if that child had the small-pox!” + </p> + <p> + “My love,” said I, “do not alarm yourself so terribly; the boy shall be + inoculated to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow! Oh, my dearest love, do not put it off till to-morrow,” said + Lucy; “let him be inoculated to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear, only keep your mind easy, and he shall be inoculated + to-day, if possible; surely you must know I love the boy as well as you + do, and am as anxious about him as you can be.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it, my love,” said Lucy; “I meant no reproach. But since you + have decided that the boy shall be vaccined, let us send directly for the + surgeon, and have it done, and then he will be safe.” + </p> + <p> + She caught hold of the bell-cord to ring for a servant: I stopped her. + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear, don’t ring,” said I; “for the men are both out. I have sent + one to the library for the new Letters on Education, and the other to the + rational toy-shop for some things I want for the child.” + </p> + <p> + “Then if the servants are out, I had better walk to the surgeon’s, and + bring him back with me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear,” said I; “I must see Mr. L———‘s children + first. I am going out immediately; I will call upon them: they are healthy + children; we can have the vaccine infection from them, and I will + inoculate the boy myself.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy submitted. I take a melancholy pleasure in doing her justice, by + recording every argument that she used, and every persuasive word that she + said to me, upon this occasion. I am anxious to show that she was not in + the least to blame. I alone am guilty! I alone ought to have been the + sufferer! It will scarcely be believed—I can hardly believe it + myself, that, after all Lucy said to me, I delayed two hours, and stayed + to finish making an extract from Rousseau’s Emilius before I set out. When + I arrived at Mr. L———‘s, the children were just gone out + to take an airing, and I could not see them. A few hours may sometimes + make all the difference between health and sickness, happiness and misery: + I put off till the next day the inoculation of my child. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time a coachman came to me to be hired: my boy was playing + about the room, and, as I afterward collected, went close up to the man, + and, while I was talking, stood examining a greyhound upon his buttons. I + asked the coachman many questions, and kept him for some time in the room. + Just as I agreed to take him into my service, he said he could not come to + live with me till the next week, because <i>one of his children was ill of + the small-pox</i>. + </p> + <p> + These words struck me to the heart. I had a dreadful presentiment of what + was to follow. I remember starting from my seat, and driving the man out + of the house with violent menaces. My boy, poor innocent victim! followed, + trying to pacify me, and holding me back by the skirts of my coat. I + caught him up in my arms. I could not kiss him; I felt as if I was his + murderer. I set him down again; indeed I trembled so violently that I + could not hold him. The child ran for his mother. + </p> + <p> + I cannot dwell on these things. Our boy sickened the next week; and the + week afterward died in his mother’s arms! Her health had suffered much by + the trials which she had gone through since our marriage. The + disapprobation of her father, the separation from all her friends, who + were at variance with me, my imprisonment, and then the death of her only + child, were too much for her fortitude. She endeavoured to conceal this + from me; but I saw that her health was rapidly declining. She was always + fond of the country; and, as my sole object now in life was to do + whatsoever I could to console and please her, I proposed to sell our house + in town, and to settle somewhere in the country. In the neighbourhood of + her father and mother there was a pretty place to be let, which I had + often heard her mention with delight; I determined to take it: I had + secret hopes that her friends would be gratified by this measure, and that + they would live upon good terms with us. Her mother had seemed, by her + letters, to be better disposed towards me since my rich relation had left + me his fortune. Lucy expressed great pleasure at the idea of going to live + in the country, near her parents; and I was rejoiced to see her smile once + more. Being naturally of a sanguine disposition, hope revived in my heart; + I flattered myself that we might yet be happy, that my Lucy would recover + her peace of mind and her health, and that perhaps Heaven might bless us + with another child. + </p> + <p> + I lost no time in entering into treaty for the estate in the country, and + I soon found a purchaser for my excellent house in town. But my evil + genius prevailed. I had neglected to renew the insurance of my house; the + policy was out but nine days, {Footnote: Founded on fact.} when a fire + broke out in one of my servants’ rooms at midnight, and, in spite of all + the assistance we could procure, the house was burnt to the ground. I + carried my wife out senseless in my arms; and, when I had deposited her in + a place of safety, returned to search for a portfolio, in which was the + purchase-money of the country estate, all in bank-notes. But whether this + portfolio was carried off by some of the crowd, which had assembled round + the ruins of my house, or whether it was consumed in the flames, I cannot + determine. A more miserable wretch than I was could now scarcely be found + in the world; and, to complete my misfortunes, I felt the consciousness + that they were all occasioned by my own folly. + </p> + <p> + I am now coming to the most extraordinary and the most interesting part of + my history. A new and surprising accident happened. + </p> + <p> + {<i>Note by the Editor</i>.—What this accident was can never now be + known; for Basil put off finishing his history till TO-MORROW. + </p> + <p> + This fragment was found in an old escritoir, in an obscure lodging in + Swallow-street. + </p> + <p> + <i>August</i>, 1803.} + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales And Novels, Volume 2 (of 10), by +Maria Edgeworth + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES AND NOVELS, VOLUME 2 (OF 10) *** + +***** This file should be named 8720-h.htm or 8720-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/7/2/8720/ + + +Text file produced by Jonathan Ingram, David Widger, Charles Franks +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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